I’ve been pondering a lot lately on all of the reasons that I am looking forward to my return to Japan. I’ve been having a hard time nailing down my thoughts so I created a top ten list….

The ability to continue the journey that I started in 1994 and revisit my favorite places. I have already told you about the beautiful iris garden at Meiji Jingu Shrine. I am also looking forward to having fresh warm sembe in Asakusa again (pictured below from Gaijinphoto Magazine) and I want to see the cherry blossoms, feed the birds in Ueno Park, buy cooking gadgets and check gout the plastic food replicas in Kapabashi and so much more!

Japan is an amazing country that somehow manages to be very modern while still honoring it’s ancient past and traditions. This time I want to explore more of the country, it’s culture and history. I want to visit an onsen and climb Mount Fuji, go to Hiroshima, see more matsuri (festivals), visit more gardens and shrines and take a ton of photos.

The 100 Yen store - this is an awesome store and I can hardly wait to go shopping. It puts the US Dollar stores to shame!

See a Sumo tournament or basho in person.

Watch a lot of Japanese Professional Baseball in person and on TV, enjoy the fanatic cheering sections and their version of the 7th inning stretch where balloons are released instead of singing “Take me out to the Ballpark” . Click the photo from Japan Ball to see more Japanese baseball photos.

Japanese television - the food shows make you hungry and the variety shows are hilarious even if you can’t understand the language!

The food – Contrary to popular belief you can get really good food at reasonable prices in Japan. The bakeries offer very tasty treats (probably because most Japanese homes don’t have ovens) and the Japanese konbini or convenience stores have a lot of great food and offer far better quality that their US counterparts (I would bring home zaru soba or sushi in the summer that would rival some good Japanese restaurants at home!). Here is a link to a blog on konbini life which will show you some of the products offered. We also enjoyed sampling from the various food courts in departments stores where there was always a variety of delicious offerings from various world cuisines.

Enjoy and learn more about the arts & crafts of Japan. I love the fabric, the dolls, ikebana, kimono and the pottery just to name a few.

Finding items that the Japanese use in daily life at the local stores. I picked up some items last time that I am still using.

Not driving - I love the walking, taking the train and this time I am getting a bike!