Three nipponese observations
1) Politeness is a virtue
Even when you walk into a fast food restaurant and order a burger you get a formal bow, a greeting, an extra polite ‘aragato gozaimas’, and another bow in acknowledgement of your thanks. An not just from the member of staff serving you but from all of the members of staff. Nothing is better for the self esteem and feeling of importance.
2) The Japanese have a sense of humour
They have a coffee house chain called Excelsio Cafe. The logo is circular and pretty familiar, the colours are blue and green like a somewhat famous international competitor, and even the font is a direct copy of starbucks. The best bit is everything is a bit cheaper and a bit better than starbucks.
3) Conveyor belt sushi is cool
I discovered that this evening by getting far too excited and eating far too much. It was still pretty cheap and good value though. Not quite gormet sushi, but tasty, fast paced, competitive and fun.
4) One bonus observation
The Japanese are very bad at cycling. Watch out if you are walking down the cycle path!
