Japan, I missed you!

I doubt there is a better way to arrive in Japan than on a boat. Seeing the first small islands in the distance made my heart flutter and slowly making our way through the archipelago with cities passing one by one on both sides of the ship is such a mellow way to enter a new destination. Nothing abrupt, no hurrying for bags and running through busy airport only to be met by crowds and eager taxi drivers as your first introduction to a city.
As soon as we dropped the bags and ventured outside, I knew why I had fallen in love with Japan 3 years ago.
This visit will leave quite a big hole in our budget, but so worth it.
The best way to end our first day in Japan?
Sushi of course!
Sitting at the sushi train restaurant, listening to the loud welcomes and ….a-mas Japanese language around me, and watching the beautiful hand movements and delicate ways people handle their food and chopsticks…
…. slurping my seaweed udon noodle soup and purring at the perfect melt of the salmon in my mouth..
…I am back in loveland.
I only have eyes for you, Japan.
I missed you so much.
Oh, you lucky ones… I absolutely understand your reverie – and am just turning a deep shade of green with envy ;-)
Itadakimasu!
It looks wonderful ;-) We are having sushi tonight!
Does it feel like there are less tourists now because of the tsunami?
Jenny, I can understand fully, because that is how I have always felt reading traveling stories to Japan myself. And food is a big reason for it. Itadakimasu!
Nina, Japan never felt touristy to me, even the popular sights. They just manage to keep their identity through all the capitalist and foreign invasion. It is the other big reason why I love it.
Japan is one of the most culturally rich countries in the world! Visiting a Geisha house has been on top of my bucket list forever