Hi Patrick, I admire your "in your face stance. But suggesting Japan is a monoculture says much more about your current relationship with Japan than the folks living there. Check out Speedtribes for an ancient look at Tokyo pre-internet culture.
A phone is the worst way to navigate the train system, unless you use Hyperdia (an app!). Take your time, learn about the different train lines. They've got history.
Tokyo is a country in terms of size and culture. And within Tokyo there are lots of different cultures. Many folks in other parts of Japan regard Tokyo inhabitants the same way many Americans think of people in New York, or LA., regional people in France think of Paris, or those in north, south, and east England think of London. People in some parts of Japan can't understand the Japanese spoken by their fellow-citizens from different prefectures. Experience the diversity. It's real. And Japan is a great place as a base for further explorations in Asia. Relax, explore, and enjoy! Best wishes.
Hi Patrick, I admire your "in your face stance. But suggesting Japan is a monoculture says much more about your current relationship with Japan than the folks living there. Check out Speedtribes for an ancient look at Tokyo pre-internet culture.
A phone is the worst way to navigate the train system, unless you use Hyperdia (an app!). Take your time, learn about the different train lines. They've got history.
Tokyo is a country in terms of size and culture. And within Tokyo there are lots of different cultures. Many folks in other parts of Japan regard Tokyo inhabitants the same way many Americans think of people in New York, or LA., regional people in France think of Paris, or those in north, south, and east England think of London. People in some parts of Japan can't understand the Japanese spoken by their fellow-citizens from different prefectures. Experience the diversity. It's real. And Japan is a great place as a base for further explorations in Asia. Relax, explore, and enjoy! Best wishes.