This is our third time to Japan as a family. (Jem and I have been here six times, including our Honeymoon, Babymoon, and a random Lil’s 43rd Birthday Trip in 2013.) We were most recently here 6 months ago in November 2018, with Grandma Rise and Papa. Of course we had a stop at Disney then as well.
We do not speak Japanese beyond a few essential words and phrases (we are trying to improve on that!), but we just enjoy the country so much. Friendly. Organized. Clean. Everything works the way it is supposed to. That just makes the country instantly relaxing. The trains will run on time, the bus will be where you need it to be. And most basic things are in English and most people speak basic English, or are graciously willing to work with our gesturing and pointing and abundant thank you’s, so we get by.
Last year when we were here in November 2018 neither Jem nor I wanted to go back home. We said to each other “if we were different people we just wouldn’t get on that plane home.” Of course we did get on the plane (no doubt to the great pleasure of Japan’s immigration authorities! [-Jem]) but a couple of months later when the opportunity to come to Japan for the summer came up we jumped at the chance. That said, there are of course sacrifices that come along with such a choice, like leaving my job of 10 years and moving back into private practice.
Still, this seemed like a perfect way to mark a major life change. After all, we love Japan! And, as anyone who knows us will quickly guess, our first stop in Japan would inevitably be Disney amazing park(s) there!
But there is a lot more to Japan than just Disney. Here is an example of what I love about Japan. Even the dogs are clean, organized and treated with respect.
