I’ve noticed something lately that’s beginning to trouble me. When I tell someone that I am moving to Japan they immediately tell me how lucky I am and that they wish they could do it too. Often, if they have been to Japan, they tell me about how great their visit was and all about the highlights of their trip. This is great as I love to get advice about what to do and see!
But, here’s the kicker, the next part of the conversation inevitably moves to all of the things that I will miss at home and all of the American stores and restaurants that are in Japan.
Now don’t get me wrong I know that I am going to want to go to an American restaurant while I’m over there and that there will be a number of things that I will miss about home but I don’t want to spend all of my time before I leave planning on how to “Americanize” my stay.
This article from Japundit confirms what I already knew…if it’s American the Japanese love it, right down to the toilet paper.
Here are some tips that I have already received about foreign amenities in Mihama-ku:
Outback Steakhouse has a restaurant by the train station.
Tony Roma’s Ribs & Seafood is in the neighborhood.
So is Subway.
Kentucky Fried Chicken is there.
So is McDonalds, but where aren’t they?
The same can be said for Starbucks with seven stores in Mihama!
If I want ice-cream there is always Baskin Robbins
For shopping I could go to Costco or Ikea.
Now what is it that I will miss when I am in Japan? I know - Jamba Juice and my family!
3 responses so far ↓
1 Harvey // Dec 18, 2007 at 8:53 pm
I miss driving in the US. And mashed potatoes.
And breakfast cereals with so much sugar that you can drink the milk afterwards like it’s a dessert.
That’s about it though. Ah. Maybe breakfast oatmeal.
Loud movie theaters with people cheering at the end and laughing at the funny parts.
Road trips, on big wide roads, while blasting music on suped up car stereos.
Otherwise though… that’s about it. Recently I have been thinking how staying in Japan forever might be a really good thing. I mean… hot springs man. Hot. Springs.
2 Shane // Dec 18, 2007 at 9:29 pm
So funny! I saw your article on things you want to do in Japan that you haven’t done yet and I had just started to write a post on my top ten reasons that I am looking forward to going to Japan and one of the things that I won’t miss is driving…I really enjoy taking the train, walking etc. I think that you see more that way.
My top ten list will be up on my (U.S.) Thursday, your Friday.
3 Tori // Dec 20, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Hi Shane,
Thanks for the great suggestion you gave me about putting a Japan blog list on DailyJ. There is one now (might not be exactly what you meant though).
I’m torn when it comes to driving vs. the train. The train systems in Japan are amazing and if you live in a major city you can travel absolutely anywhere by train. On top of that you do not have to maintain it or pay for it if it breaks down.
On the other hand, they are crowded. Sometimes I like that, it is kind of an adventure and you see all kinds of people. Also you cannot carry a lot of stuff on the train whereas you could put it in your trunk in a car. But if you “play your ‘gaijin card’” you can get away with a bit of extra luggage.
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