"Complex Japan" Japan by giampiero6

Japan Travel Guide: 22,704 reviews and 48,192 photos

I made documentaries for NHK (Japans' Main TV Broadcaster) for 5 years, and so was a little familiar with Japanese culture even though I was based in Los Angeles. During my work time, I have never gone to Japan, but was immersed in the expat culture here. While I respected the work ethic, and group dynamics I witnessed, I didn't feel I had a great affinity for things Japanese. When I had the opportunity to visit Japan, I wasn't sure if it would be fun and interesting, or somewhat staid and stifling. I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised by things things we saw and did.

Etsu at Kiyomizu-dera

I visited Japan to attend the wedding of my good friend. Beside attending the wedding, I also visited Kyoto, Hakone hot springs, and Tokyo.

I recommend my local customs tips for Japan and also my Kyoto , Tokyo and Hakone pages.

The thing I love best about Japan, is that while I am only a fair dancer in the US, I am the greatest dancer in all of Japan !

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:A pleasant surprise!

Last visit to Japan: Oct 2003
Intro Updated Jul 21, 2011
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Reviews (18)

Visiting Temples Local Customs (14)

Everyone brings their own spiritual and aesthetic notions to the temple so everyone's experience will be different. One... more travel advice

Lucky Charms Local Customs (14)

When visiting Temples in Japan, you will often have the option of buying little paper fortunes. They might be good or... more travel advice

Somebody Always Asks Local Customs (14)

Well because somebody always asks, here are the facts. 20 years old to buy Alcohol and Tobacco. I'm not sure how much... more travel advice

A Japanese Cemetary at Shin-nyo-Do - Japan

Japanese Cemetary Local Customs (14)

Each of the monuments belongs to a particular family. Each of the long poles refers to a specific family member who has... more travel advice

What to Pack (1)
Bring A Hanky
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Travelogues (1)

Written Jul 21, 2011

6 photos

My View of Japan

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Comments (59)

aznaphrodite Sep 27, 2011 at 11:11 AM Report Abuse

I'm hoping to visit here in a few years.
nixca316 Apr 14, 2011 at 10:20 AM Report Abuse

anyone can get beer & cigarettes in vending machines til the y2K yet now rule is no liquor or tobacco if you're not 20 yet & you can't buy those stuff in "proper" establishments, but you can still buy beer anywhere, but they are strict about D.U.I.
Florida999 Mar 24, 2011 at 10:44 AM Report Abuse

Great tips! I will remember to pack socks without holes and tell son to not stick the chop sticks into his food (he likes to do that) :-)
marvelous_girl Feb 2, 2010 at 8:51 AM Report Abuse

loved ur Japan traveloge. :->
we2364 Jan 27, 2010 at 3:23 PM Report Abuse

GM, do you also know that many Japanese male dancers whom come to US become one of the best as well? It's probably different way of appreciation. I like the new site, but I have one question...
lynnehamman Oct 15, 2008 at 6:07 AM Report Abuse

Lovely pages on Japan. I have not yet been there( too involved with India) but would love to visit there, especially in cherry-blossom time. Thanks.(Great tips,but a little"too much info" regarding the earwax!!)
longhairedguy Apr 20, 2008 at 9:40 PM Report Abuse

I miss the Royal milk tea! If in Tokyo area, check out the ones in Shinjuku area, near the stations and bar areas! there are thousands of em! I heard there is one vending machine for every 11 persons in Tokyo! LOL
chachalady Apr 18, 2008 at 8:35 PM Report Abuse

Reminded me of Horn & Hardart's in Philly and New York, except those were "automats" and all indoors, not on the street. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horn_&_Hardart
unaS Mar 26, 2008 at 6:23 AM Report Abuse

Enjoyed my Japan trip very much and found much as you did that they do appreciate and accept one's attempts to be polite in their own manner as well as in our own ways. Loved the toilet note. Didn't have the courage to do the same :-)
carenrich Jan 17, 2008 at 10:41 AM Report Abuse

I love Japan! My son studied Japanese in Tokyo and got me hooked on the culture. My Canadian friend owns a geisha bar in Kyoto. I took students to Japan last year. Know anything about Sacramento (convention-Feb.28) or Kauai ( Wedding-June 22,2008)?