I Think I’m Turning Japanese … No. Wait. I Really Am.

Japan and I share the same personality type—Introverrted Classic Freedom (ISFJ). Duty bound, traditional, friendly, often quiet—although I think I lost my quiet nature having spent most of my life in the States. In short, the Japanese are like me—which explains why I always get along so well with the Japanese. It’s rather ironic that I ended up marrying into a Chinese family. And if you don’t get the irony, let’s just the Chinese have a longer memory about Japan’s WWII history than the average American.

What’s interesting about Japan is I instantly knew that they were an introverted culture without having had to look it up in Brent Massey’s book “Where in the World Do I Belong”. On of my best friend’s—who is possibly also one of the most extroverted people I’ve ever known and I’ve known a few since I almost always befriend extroverts, they make my life easier by introducing me to people!—lived in Japan for two years teaching English. She loved it but eventually grew tired of the culture and I think part of that might be that it would be draining to be a mega extrovert in an introverted culture. Especially coming from the States where extroversion is such a celebrated personality preference.

Joe’s Smart Travel Tips: Japan

Japan

Although Tokyo is interesting and a must-see, it’s also as important to get outside to feel better connected and immersed in the Japanese culture [Kelly: Like spending time to get to know the real ME!]. A great idea is to hit the traditional Japanese inns known as Ryokan—tatami mats, feather mattresses, no beds, etc.  One idea is to stay at a Ryokan in one of the onsen towns—hot spring resort town. I visited Atami which is very convenient because it’s easily accessible from Tokyo via Shinkansen—bullet train—and another plus is it is only 20 miles from Mt. Fuji—we ice skated below the peak. Mt. Fuji is easily accessible by bus and taxi—though the latter is likely pricey. When you arrive you are provided with traditional Japanese robes and sandals which you are expected to wear inside AND outside in the town. Each inn has its distinctive robe and you meander through the town like this—It feels very foreign and very fun.  When I was there, we seemed to be the only round-eyes [Kelly: Wait is that PC??] in the town and it made it better. One note on the hot springs in Atami is the springs have no sulfurous odor, which is great. 

I stayed at a place called Kameya Ean which was very comfortable. It had large stone outdoor baths and offered views of Fuji. We were there in the winter and loved it—sitting outside in the baths surrounded by snow and views of Fuji…great. Also, meals are included and can be taken in the main dining area or in your room [Kelly: Gotta love an introverted culture. I LOVE eating in my room]. I recall mostly seafood, but very well done with beautiful presentation—many courses of smaller dishes. Not a lot of action in this area, but great for slowing down and relaxing.  Although, I’ve not done it, I would suggest also checking out a ryokan in Kyoto where you can stay in more historic venues—Kameya Ean is considered a “modern” ryokan—and also get a better glimpse of traditional Japan. I’ll do this next time in Japan.  I’m sure there are likely other great ryokan around Fuji and elsewhere. My assistant in Japan put my trip together, so we just went with it.

Note that my stay was many years ago, so I can’t be sure the ryokan is the same quality—if so, I’d definitely go back.