In March 2019, my husband, son, and I had the remarkable opportunity to visit Tokyo, Japan, and some of its surrounding areas. To date, this has been our favorite trip. We spent time in Tokyo, explored DisneySea, traveled outside the city to see the Snow Monkey Park, admired Mount Fuji, roamed the Shinjuku district, and visited the Senso-ji Temple. We still talk about going back and wanting to see more. I can’t recommend it enough. Here are my ten reasons for wanting to return, along with ten fascinating differences between Japan and the US.

1. Safety in Tokyo

Tokyo consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world. During our trip, we noticed people sleeping on trains with their cell phones on their laps, unbothered. Despite being the largest city on Earth, with a population of 67.4 million, Tokyo's low crime rate and respectful culture make it incredibly safe. While you should always be aware of your surroundings and protect your belongings, the sense of security in Tokyo is unparalleled.

2. Tokyo's Politeness

Everyone in Tokyo was polite—not in an overly friendly Midwest way, but in a respectful and considerate manner. Even if someone didn’t speak English, they would try to help via translation tools. Politeness and respect are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, making interactions smooth and pleasant.

3. Vast and Diverse City

Tokyo is expansive, with something for everyone. Although we only saw a small portion in detail, any train ride through the city shows its vastness. The blend of modern skyscrapers, traditional temples, and vibrant neighborhoods offers endless exploration opportunities.

4. Snow Monkey Park

The Snow Monkey Park, officially known as Jigokudani Monkey Park, is located in Nagano Prefecture, about 1.5 to 2 hours away by train. This park is famous for its wild Japanese macaques, which are known for bathing in hot springs during winter. The snowy mountainous backdrop made the sight of these monkeys in steamy hot springs even more magical.

5. Cultural Richness: Senso-ji Temple

Visiting Senso-ji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, was mind-blowing. This iconic and oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, founded in 645 AD, is a major cultural landmark. Walking through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and Nakamise Shopping Street to the main hall, we experienced a blend of history, spirituality, and vibrant local life.

6. Family-Friendly Attractions

Tokyo offers numerous family-friendly attractions. We enjoyed DisneySea, a unique park with a nautical theme and various exciting rides and shows. The city's numerous parks, museums, and interactive exhibits make it an excellent family destination.

7. Delicious Cuisine

Tokyo is a food lover's paradise. From street food in markets like Ameya-Yokocho and Tsukiji Outer Market to dining in Michelin-starred restaurants, the culinary experiences are diverse and delectable. We savored everything from sushi and ramen to unique local snacks.

8. Efficient and Safe Public Transport

Tokyo's public transport system is not only efficient but also very safe. The extensive train and subway network makes it easy to navigate the city. The orderly, clean stations and punctual trains provide a stress-free travel experience.

9. Beautiful Gardens and Parks

The city boasts beautiful gardens and parks like Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens. These green spaces provide a serene escape from the bustling city and are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.

10. Unique Cultural Experiences

Tokyo offers unique cultural experiences, from traditional tea ceremonies and kabuki theater performances to sumo wrestling matches. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and traditions, enriching the travel experience.

10 Fascinating Differences Between Japan and the US

1. Public Transportation: Japan’s public transportation is incredibly efficient, punctual, and clean, unlike many US cities, where it can be unreliable.

2. Politeness and Respect: Japanese society values politeness and respect, reflected in its communication, public behavior, and customer service. In contrast, the US can have a more casual and direct interaction style.

3. Safety: Japan is renowned for its low crime rates and overall sense of safety. In many US cities, higher crime rates necessitate more vigilance.

4. Cleanliness: Japanese streets and public areas are immaculate, and there is a strong cultural emphasis on not littering. The US varies widely, with some regions being clean and others less so.

5. Queueing Etiquette: People in Japan queue patiently and orderly for everything from trains to escalators. In the US, while people form lines, the adherence to queueing etiquette can be less stringent.

6. Technology Integration: Japan often integrates technology into daily life through advanced public toilets, vending machines, and digital payments. The US also uses technology but in different areas and less pervasively.

7. Work Culture: Japan has a reputation for its intense work culture, long hours, and robust group orientation, contrasting with the more individualistic and varied work culture in the US.

8. Healthcare System: Japan offers a high-quality, universal healthcare system. The US has a mix of private and public healthcare, often criticized for its high costs and accessibility issues.

9. Educational Approach: Japan’s education system emphasizes discipline, respect, and rigorous academic standards, whereas the US system is more diverse and offers various educational philosophies and approaches.

10. Cash-Based Society: Japan is predominantly a cash-based society. Many places, including smaller shops and restaurants, prefer cash payments over credit cards. This contrasts with the US, where electronic payments and credit card usage are more common.

Conclusion

Our trip to Tokyo was an unforgettable adventure filled with safety, politeness, diverse attractions, and cultural richness. Tokyo's vast array of experiences ensures visitors of all ages and interests can find something enjoyable. Whether you are interested in history, culture, technology, nature, food, or entertainment, Tokyo has it all, making it a city that truly offers something for everyone.
We look forward to returning and discovering what this incredible city offers.