Motivation 3: Land of the Rising Sun

While most of us are familiar with Japanese cars and food, very few of us ever get the opportunity to experience true Japanese culture. Fortunately, I was given a wonderful gift, inside access to some of the best food, entertainment, sights, and culture of Japan, and let me tell you, it is SO worth a visit. So for motivation number three, I thought I would share another passion of mine, TRAVEL!

Without a doubt, the most amazing aspect of Japan is the selflessness of their people. The culture is a stark contrast to our own. The politeness, courtesy towards others, and willingness to give of themselves is amazing. For example, I was eating in a McDonald's (I know, pathetic, but I missed the cheeseburgers!) and I spilled my drink. Immediately, an army of workers came over with an arsenal of napkins, towels, and mops. Within mere seconds, the mess was cleaned up and I had been bowed to more times than the Queen of England. It was mind boggling. While driving, road rage is nearly nonexistent. The maze of traffic flows smoothly because of their willingness to give up the right of way so easily. They truly go above and beyond the golden rule in everything that they do.

After the initial (and amazing!) culture shock is over, the sheer beauty of the land will overwhelm you. Due to the high population density, every square inch of land is used, and used wisely. Somehow, this overpopulation doesn't feel crowded and hectic, but more like a small and close-knit community. The architecture is breathtaking. One thousand year old buildings are intertwined with the most modern skyscrapers in the world. On top of this, the beauty of the religious shrines, Mount Fuji, and the endless coast line will quickly make you realize just how special this land is. In order to appreciate it, you really need to make sure that you escape the typical Tokyo tourist traps and wander on to some of the more remote regions, all of which are easily accessibly by high speed rail.

As you will quickly learn, cars are one of my key motivations, and the cars you will see here will blow your mind. For one, the F-150's and Suburbans are replaced with Japanese "kei" cars. Tiny cars that make your Ford Escort look like a 1970's Cadillac. These cars are high quality, nimble and efficient. We are just now beginning to see the slightly larger variations of these cars trickle across the ocean in wonderful forms such as the Honda Fit. For those not interested in cars, the public transportation options are a true breath of fresh air. Trains, busses, and subways render cars almost unnecessary. They are efficient and reasonably priced. It was a real eye opener.

And of course, what discussion of Japan would be complete without discussing the food. Most Americans have our preconceived notions of Japanese food, and many of these are true. Most foods are served raw or extremely undercooked by our standards. While it can be a bit unnerving at first, the quality of food is top notch. Fish is fresh, meat is lean, and fruits are flavorful. While not all the food will suit your pallet, you will find some specialties that really stay with you and make you wish for a return visit.

In the end, Japan can provide an eye opening peak into a culture so utterly different from our own. The people, land, architecture, food, and cars will have you in awe for the entirety of your trip. Maybe, if enough Americans visit this ancient land, that culture of selflessness will begin to trickle across to our shores. The trip is expensive, but well worth it as you progress onto your Upward Lifestyle!