Exactly a month back (12th aug) on the same day my journey began to totally new country Japan, a rising sun nation. Before deciding on whether to go to Japan, I contacted many people, I read many articles, news, blogs, FB etc. as it was totally new journey for me. Lot of different feedback received both + ve and -ve. But I prepared my mind to move and was just listening. My entire family came to airport to see off and I went in for check in. First hurdle was to clear check in luggage as I was having 4 Kgs extra. Singapore airlines staff suggested me to shuffle my luggage to take it without any charge and I did the same. My first flight was from Mumbai to Singapore by Singapore airlines. I must say Singapore airlines is one of the best airlines in world. Such a great service I received. Flight took off at 11:45 and landed Singapore at 19:50. Changi airport was itself a luxury hotel with many facilities and amenities for passengers. I had a layover of 4hours and it was well spent by watching movie in theatre, dinner, butterfly garden, waterfall etc. (don’t get amazed, yes this everything I did on airport itself). 23:50 my next flight was there to Narita airport Japan. Again, splendid service my SA. And a land of rising sun here I landed.. Narita one of the biggest airport in Japan very well equipped, clean. I had seen a map of airport before leaving to Japan so for me it was easy to locate things.. Of course thing to mention I know a bit of Japanese and hence could understand boards as well. People with no Japanese background also can manage as allover English is write besides Japanese. First I went to immigration counter and within 4 mins I got my residence card printed. My luggage was ready as 2 ladies just offloaded my luggage from belt and were waiting for me to collect. I collected my luggage and went out to arrival hall. One best facility this airport has is to go to your designated hotel/room without hassle by submitting your luggage to airport and they will deliver it to destination. So I was just having cabin bag and laptop bag along with me. Immediately next to that you will find 2-3 SIM cards centers where you can get temporary sim card. And immediately to the next there are airport limousine counters. These buses drop you to center of Tokyo and some main areas. And surprise to this is my Japanese friend Hiromi from Symbiosis came just to receive me at airport. She gave me train card free along with water bottle. This was such a warm welcome and unexpected. I just felt very relaxed when I met her. First quality seen here of Japanese people helpfulness. I got a bus and got down at Futako-tamagawa (my office place) just below my office.. a fantastic office location, beautiful scenic views on my way. Reached Miyazakidai a place where I booked my shared house. (a house where room is independent but kitchen/washrooms/living rooms are common) Shared house person as committed came on time to pick me up and took me to destination. I signed a contract with them (everything in Japanese) and occupied my room. Room is good equipped with refrigerator, sofa, table, cupboard. He showed me couple of convenience stores (called konbini) from where I can get daily need items. I just relaxed in the room for couple of hours and then moved out to check Konbini. Finally, day ended with satisfaction. Few Japanese specialties noticed during a month of stay in japan
Land of rising sun
People very helpful go out of the way to help you even though they don’t know English.
lot of Food varieties but for pure vegetarian need to search restaurants before going for outing. (vegan/vegetarian people also survive here easily if you explore)
Very clean
Beautiful
Time followers. I haven’t seen trains being late by single minute.
Very strict in rules especially garbage rules
Much more things to explore (which I am going to do in coming months) Olympics changed Tokyo a lot. City started changing due to Olympics Phones not used in train
Phones not used in companies
Bow many a times
Respect every single object in the world
Wash hands before eating
Praying method similar to Indians with 2 claps
Vending machines every 5-10 mins distance
Tap water used as drinking water
Automated toilet
Automated restaurants
Small houses
Bath only in the evening
Typhoons quite dangerous
Government offices very systematic and process oriented
Japan post works 7 days a week from 8:00 – 21:00 for convenience of people
Still use cash at many places
Tokyo Marathi mandal
Very polite
Workaholic
Will continue my exploration and provide information to you all.
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