japan - conclusions

So what will we remember about this whistlestop tour of Japan?  Admittedly we only skimmed the surface but we saw a lot in two sun-filled weeks, in which we travelled 1600 miles by train, over 100 miles on foot, and visited any number of shrines, castles and gardens, including parts of six world heritage sites.  Ian and I sat down and listed the things we will likely remember about this trip.

[there are more pictures via this link]

• the sheer number of biscuit shops
• boxy cars
• extreme politeness: the world's most orderly queues, no talking in cinemas (and no leaving until the very end of the credits)
• the vast city stations
• the fantastic shinkansen - spacious, smooth, comfortable and on time - and easy reservation system
• signs, signs, signs, on every surface - but making it very easy to get around
• complete lack of planning controls
• the narrow backstreets full of electric wires and tiny businesses and houses
• great food (Isetan food hall makes Harrods' look like a 7-11)
• bento boxes
• sushi made before your eyes
• good pillows, good baths, bizarre toilets
• the onsen and lobby (with 3 hour free drinks) at the Hyatt Regency, Hakone
• elaborate wrapping of everything you buy
• people doing jobs with no apparent function
• cleanliness (street sweepers actually scrubbing the road)
• small businesses that don't seem to make economic sense (restaurants and bars that seat 10 people)