It’s hard to know where to even start a post about this trip to Japan. We have been here a week, here for one more, but even as early as this morning we are feeling sad that we leave so soon. I’ve never had a trip as great, as meaningful, as eventful as this one. If it was easy, Johan and I would move here in a second.

Tokyo is such a COOL city. There’s no other word to adequately describe it. You walk down a street, or a small alley that looks like the back of many apartment buildings, but then you happen upon an amazing shop, some beautiful Japanese brand of clothing, or home goods or something even more special, and you can’t help wonder how the shop is in business, or how people know about it. But the most incredible thing is, this happens on EVERY tiny back street. There’s stuff to blow your mind around every single corner. It never stops. But that really only scratches the surface of the coolness here. People are amazing also. The girls dress really sexy, they walk, bike, shlep through the rain in high, high heels. They wear tons of makeup, even the girls who aren’t into the harajuku scene. The young business men wear nicely cut suits, very slim. They carry cell phones with tons of charms on them. Johan and I wondered if the older, stern and serious businessmen think they are crazy. Everyone sleeps on trains, no problem. Personal space is always respected. The efficiency is astounding. The trains run quietly, always on time. We’ve never waited more than a few minutes for one. You can use your train card at the vending machines. The vending machines deserve a post of their own! Everywhere and super clean, always working. We’ve even got one outside our hotel room door. Water, coffee, beer, always available. The city is so clean, there are no trash cans anywhere but when you do find one, good luck trying to decipher which part to throw your garbage in. Recycling is at a new level here. The packaging of everything is beautiful. Every great store is usually 8 stories. People are also incredibly kind and helpful. Cuteness is serious business here. Cartoon things are everywhere. And the food! I can’t say enough about it. It’s like works of art, even the simplest bowl of ramen. Next week we’ll have sashimi at the Tsukiji fish market in the morning, I can only imagine that it will be a highlight of the trip.

I could go on and on, but I feel like it’s so impossible to describe. It’s hard to believe that Danish people are the happiest people in the world. Being here makes me think that Japanese people must follow close behind.

As an addendum, all our most special experiences have been FAR away from the very touristy areas. Roppongi and Shibuya were the least exciting and interesting things on our trip so far. And both places were filled with gaijin. Even the shrine in Asakusa was a touristy nightmare. See once, then avoid!