When I first met my husband what I was not looking for, but found, was someone who shared my love of Japan. His best friend lived there and he’d been visiting Japan for decades. I had lived in Japan twice as a military dependent, and also visited many times. We both had a strong connection with Japan.
Due to pandemic restrictions and our lack of business or family status, Japan had been off limits for us until reopening in October, 2022. We happily planned a two week trip that would put us there in cherry blossom season. We knew it would be crazy with tourists and we found more than we’d ever seen before. Even though the mask mandate had been lifted, most Japanese citizens continued to wear them in public places. We found a high correlation between “maskless-ness” and obvious tourists. It made sense, but it was unexpected. We discovered several other things we weren’t expecting as we wandered the cities of Yokohama, Osaka and Nagasaki.
Quiet moments while sight seeing, in spite of nearby crowds: a monk praying at the monument in Hypocenter Park, Nagasaki; school children waiting for instructions from their teacher in Yokohama; and a business man admiring a plum free in full bloom in Kaiko Hiroba Park(Yokohama.)
Clever use of the English language: On the left, a ramen shop named “The Most Desarted Ramen Bar in the World…” in Osaka and actually quite crowded! We never figured out whether the “typo” was intentional. Their signage was consistent and drawing in crowds. On the right, a promotional sign leveraging the weak yen to sell toys to English speaking tourists in Yodobashi Camera (this store has everything, as you will later see.)
Stuff we thought we’d left behind: First, Lancers’ Rose. I don’t remember the last time I saw a bottle (California in 1982?), yet here it was available at Yodobashi Camera. We skipped the Lancers’ and invested in a bottle of Drambuie at half the cost we last paid in the U.S. Second, Seattle’s Best coffee shops. We didn’t fly from Seattle to Tokyo to see you, but thanks for being open so early.
Non-traditional Japanese art forms: On the left, the giant “Ship’s Cat” (Muse, 2021) by Kenji Yanobe at Nakanoshimi Museum of Art in Osaka. To the right, one of many gold fish “bowls”at the Ginza Art Aquarium Museum in Tokyo. Cats and goldfish have long had positive symbolism in Japanese art. It was fun to see these contemporary twists.
Things We Couldn’t “Un-see”: Left, The Hotel Little Chapel, located in Nambanaka, Osaka. Such a romantic spot for a “love hotel.” Center, one of many large gaudy signs in Dotonbori, Osaka. This one was for takoyaki (octopus balls), which we tried and I can’t “un-taste.” Right, a Baskin Robbins vending machine at the Nishinakajima train station in Osaka. Brilliant color and brilliant idea.
We fully expected to have some wonderfully delicious meals, so the food photos we took will have to star in a future post.
Have you been catching up with your travels this year? What unexpected surprises have you experienced?
ARTISTIC PENSION 
Hi, Tracey – I’ve only been to Japan once (unless you count a brief airport stay there — then I’ve been twice). I absolutely loved it. I am so glad that you were able to get back there and have such a wonderful trip.
In terms of travel, Richard and I have been making up for lost time. So far in 2023, we’ve been to Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Seattle, Cranbrook, Kelowna (3x) and several small side trips. This autumn we will be off for our 5th Camino — this time in Portugual. It feels absolutely wonderful to travel again.
LikeLike
Hi Donna, It’s great to get away! Japan is a favorite. We also love Hong Kong (enjoyed posts from your recent) and Indonesia. Looking forward to reading your posts on the upcoming Camino in Portugal! Tracey
LikeLike
Ugh. Octopus balls? Even the name seems designed for shudders! Seems like an amazing time. Glad you got the revisit a favourite place. We went to Europe this spring and hope to do a short eastern Canada trip this fall. Bernie
LikeLike
Haha, yes! I did a double take on the name. But they are dumplings or “hush puppies” with a chunk of octopus in the middle. Too much batter and sauce for me. Your trip to Europe looked amazing. We are going in 2024.
LikeLike
Your photos look like you had fun. I’ve never been to Japan but it looks inviting– in spite of the hellacious plane flight to get there. Glad you finally got back on track with your travels. We have yet to go anywhere outside of the state.
LikeLike
Ally, it’s definitely a long flight. I don’t sleep well, so usually use the time to catch up on movies or reading. Where ever you go on your travels, have a good time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Tracey, we have not visited Japan, but the kids keep talking it up to us. I think they are going next year whether we sign on or not. Since Covid we have traveled quite a bit, mostly in the states, but last year to Italy (the wedding), and this year to France. We have also taken a couple of cruises (Caribbean). Next up is Canada in November.
I can imagine how comforting it would be to stumble into Seattle’s Best on an early morning run for coffee. Leave it to Japan to be progressive and humorous – Octopus Balls!
LikeLike
Japan is also clean, safe and everyone is polite and helpful. I recommend it. Suzanne, I continue to follow your journey’s. You do such a great job of photographing and capturing travel moments. After reading about Jekyll Island on your blog, I recommended it to a close friend. She went recently and loved it! We’ve just booked a trip to BC for Canadian Thanksgiving. Safe travels!
LikeLike
I’m glad your friend liked Jekyll Island. It remains my favorite destination in February. Have fun in BC.
LikeLike
How wonderful! I dream of visiting Japan someday and I would plan after seeing all the wonderful cultural, historical and artful sights, to spend some serious time in one of their amazing fabric shops – I love Japanese fabrics especially those cotton linen blend fabrics with cool graphics!
LikeLike
Yes, they have wonderful fabrics there. I have a quilting friend that integrates various Japanese fabrics with batik. So interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so wonderful! I have a nephew who travels constantly to Japan, so I’m used to his Instagram pictures of all things mass transit (he’s a train freak), sumo wresting, and all the food. But it’s so great to see another person’s take on the country. Lancer’s wine! lol. That is funny — I don’t think I’ve seen it since the early eighties either! What an amazing adventure. Travel with grace…. – Marty
LikeLike
Thank you Marty. I had no plan for these random pictures, but it was fun putting it together. If my husband was on ANY form of social media, he would be posting about trains. It would be great to have the train system Japan has. I’d never drive again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Tracy! For some reason I’ve been missing your last several posts so I’m making up for lost time… and I re-subscribed to your blog just in case.
I’ve never been to Japan and can’t say it’s on my radar but I really love seeing the art, food and creativity so who knows? I saw your response to Marty about the train system in Japan. After experiencing what they have in Spain, Portugal, and France, I agree – we are way behind the curve here in the U.S.
LikeLike
Janis, welcome back and thanks for commenting. I didn’t get a subscriber confirmation, so my bet is you’ve been busy having fun this year! Yes, trains. I know California and Washington have been talking about this forever….I hope you did ok with the storms. Tracey
LikeLiked by 1 person