Getting There

As in the United States, there are lots of different ways to get from Point A to Point B in Japan. The fascinating part is that while there are many similarities (We both have subways, cars, taxis and trains) each of these means of transportation is slightly different here. For example, people in both countries board the subway by waiting on a platform until the doors open. However, in Japan helpful lines are painted onto the platforms, and everybody waits their turn as they stand on them. Taxis line up for customers, too-- and they will not allow you to enter their cab unless it's their turn. Further, when you do prepare to enter-beware!-taxi doors in japan open automatically. Noticing all these differences is fun.

Technological advances make for efficiency in lots of areas. Subway tokens are dispensed by machine in such a visual way that you don't have to speak Japanese to use them. Vending machines supply snacks of all shapes and sizes. Fun fact: there is one vending machine for every 23 people in Japan. The English words and phrases on the machines and in the subways also make me smile. Check out the slideshow I attached and I think you'll see why.