Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul11
Living in Japan was great. I don't live there now because I wanted to find something more meaningfull than being an English teacher. I love teaching, but English in Japan is irrelevant. Once I returned home I realised how much I love my country. I went to Japan as someone who wanted to see the world after earning an Anthropology degree. I returned just prior to
sept. 11. I love my country and have found rewarding work. However, my family visits Japan every year and I return every year or two.
I didn't enjoy Tokyo because it was just another big city. I can see that in san francisco or LA. I lived in a rural area in the states prior to Japan and lived in the countryside in Japan, so I was used to a slower more genuine environment. Tokyo was big, loud and messy. I have no need to see a bunch of kids dressed like hippies in harajuku.
In the countryside I could learn more about traditional culture and history. I also could visit more beautiful natural and historical places.
Hokkaido was beautifull, but more similar to the geography of northern America. I went to learn about the Ainu, so I stayed in a fantastic hot springs resort, visited the spa twice a day, hiked among the treed with their fall colors and talked to Ainu.
What did you see that interested you in Japan?
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Initially, I went with places like Akihabara in mind, but found myself searching out the older parts of Japan around Kyoto. The (surprisingly clean) Shinjuku was amazing as I'm not used to cities on that scale, but searching out the 'real', historical parts of Japan is ultimately more rewarding. However I saw very little countryside, besides a brief visit to Shigaraki hence why I'd like to visit Hokkaido perhaps. Did you travel by yourself?
Have you read
Looking for the Lost, or
The Roads to Sata by English writer Alan Booth? Well written books, by an author who shares your views I think.