Day 349: September 12, 2025 – Ishigaki Island, Japan
After 35 days in Japan (plus two in South Korea), we bid farewell and headed south to Taiwan/Philippines/Indonesia.
Other than the fact that I spent a week in the hospital, I actually loved this country. Just a few reasons:
Absolutely loved the people. Kind, gracious, respectful, helpful. No one ever seemed frazzled or impatient. Very few spoke English, but all were very patient with using Google Translate (or pantomime, if needed) to communicate.
Cleanest streets I’ve ever seen. I almost never saw trash or litter on the streets. Oddly enough, I also never saw any trash bins on the streets either. The expectation seems to be that you take you trash home with you.
Dog poop does not exist in Japan, at least not on public streets. In fact, I think I only saw a couple dogs, and both were on a leash. Almost reason enough to move to Japan!
But the reason why I can’t move there: oh the brutal heat. August is their hottest month, and most days, the temperature was in the high 80s to 90s and muggy. After a 15-minute walk I was drenched with sweat. Appropriately enough, “Sweat” is the name of a popular sports drink here (similar to Gatorade). I always had at least a couple in my backpack while out walking.
Fortunately, scattered throughout the city streets were vending machines with any liquid libation you could possibly want: water, sports drinks, coffee or tea with or without milk, soy milk, soda, juice. Some of the machines had 30+ options to choose from.
Some of our warmest sail-away performances were in Japanese ports. Usually, performances feature traditional native dance, drumming, and singing. But in Naha, a band of middle schoolers took it one step further and went straight for American pop culture, with a rousing rendition of YMCA, including spelling out the letters exactly the way it’s supposed to be done. I was so busy enjoying the performance and dancing the letters with them (along with everyone else on the ship), I forgot to get a picture of that delightful scene.
So sayonara, Japan! Or, since I learned sayonara implies finality, I’ll say, mata ne, which translates to see you later. I hope to return someday.
10 responses to “Sayonara, Japan”
So glad to hear that you enjoyed all things Japanese. For many years, it was my dream visit. When I was at SIT/VT, I even tried to get an internship there. I sent a letter inquiring about internship positions and got a very polite response that Japan is considered a developed country already. Later, I had a Japanese homestay exchange student stay with me for about 3 weeks. It’s a land that has filled my imagination, so I enjoyed your love reports on the ground immensely.
It’s not too late to make your dream come true! Japan still has a lot of magic left.
It may be true that the magic of Japan is still there, but I think my magic has moved on to a a more accommodating and welcoming soul than mine is these days.
Japan in the spring is magnificent. Mark that in your journal for timing your return visit 🩷
Yes! I’ve heard so much about the blooms in Hitachi State Park in the spring. I was disappointed that we wouldn’t be there in the spring. Next time.
I am fascinated with Japan too Watch a lot of youtube vlogs. Love their creativity .
I’ve heard nothing but good about Japan…. Fantastic journey.. sorry you were sick.. but hey . Now you know what the hospitals in Japan are like…
It seems to be one of the most popular travel destinations these days, and I can see why.
Clean and respectful!
It’s a lovely, interesting country.