A guide to visiting Japan

Tokyo is a magical place.  Here are my most memorable thoughts:

• It is incredibly safe from theft.  The air bnb we stayed with did not lock their doors because it is considered so disrespectful to steal here, that it almost never happens.  What a great place to be a tourist and not have to worry about your purse!  
• Traditional garb is super hot to wear and the women take tiny steps because you can't take long strides in them.  As you see women in these lovely outfits around town,  keep in mind that they are likely sweating like crazy underneath.  I was.
• Another surprise in terms of safety is that the easy to ride subway system often have  7 year olds riding on their own -- to school , soccer.... talk about easy to use!  Do not be swayed to cab around- if a 7 year old can use the subway - so can you.  If you buy a penguin/suica card they can be used on busses, trains and even 7-11!  Also they have times when women can ride in female only cars- this was implemented mainly during the hours of rushing to work.
• You can survive without knowing any Japanese.  Restaurants tend to have images of their meals and most people can understand English when you are ordering out.
• Shopping around for the best price is easy.  With 3 grocery shops on our street we were able to identify the one with cheapest milk, water, eggs, ect...stopping at all 3 is worth the savings!
• Order and Rules are very important to the culture, so it is important to keep your eyes open and try to stay respectful of them.  Little things like standing on one side of the escalators,  standing behind designated waiting spots in lines at the grocer, not jay-walking, and ensuring to stay aware of priority seating (and women only cars) on the subway so that seats are available to those in most need.  Luckily there is often signage to explain the rules.
• Signage is hilarious.  Cartoons are often used to explain rules and the imagery is always comical to ensure you understand repercussions.
• Be prepared for old school temples and homes hidden behind new high rises.   Along with parks that are sprouted throughout the city landscape. Beauty and culture is everywhere.
• Must try dishes are Manju and Shuba Shuba.  These traditional meals are cooked on your own table, are great for social interactions as you will giggle lots while cooking and they are absolutely delicious.
• On my must see list:  Asakusa- Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping, (for jdo fanatics) the Kodokan , Toyko Tower, Meiji Temple, YoYogi Park, Imperial Palace, Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku St, Roppongi at night, views from Tokyo Met Government building (Shinjuku) & Tokyo City View (Roppongi Hills),
• Judo is bigger in Japan that I could have fathomed-  with a minimum of 40 people at ANY dojo on any day. I was grateful for the 100's of training partners that I had the pleasure to work with, all of whom aided with my growth in the sport: Waseda University, Keio University, Nittaidai University, Chyudo Commmunity Center, Kodokan, Tuskuba University. Taio HS & University.
• Outdoor festivals are a must!  The city in the summer has weekly food festivals at YoYogi park, I attended a wrestling match in my neighborhood, there are beer fests, we enjoyed a hulu dancing event...  Get outside, get lost and don't fear wandering into one of these food filled events!
• Kids are in school like crazy. 7am-5pm. then after school programs that are usually education based from 6-9pm.  eat sleep repeat.
• Leave your anime at home- because you can get it everywhere here! From 7-11, to bookstores (yes these still exist despite technology), to complete neighborhoods (like Akihabara) dedicated to it.  My personal favorite were the cafes and restaurants that offered a library for you to borrow from while feasting!  A true heaven for anyone who loves anime!
• Be sure to check out one of the random very Japanese-esque boutiques.  We went to an owl cafe - coffee and owl petting!  There are rabbit and cat cafes, robot & ninja restaurants, ...embrace the wonderful bizarre-ness of it.

Tokyo is one of the most enjoyable cities that I have visited- highly recommend!

Because SIGNAGE deserves its own photo gallery....