Kindness & Thoughtfulness

Kindness and thoughtfulness were the first things that struck me upon arriving in Japan.

Navigating from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station was a breeze on the Narita Express—what a relief!

With my hotel just 1.7 kilometers (about a mile) from the station, I decided to walk. After a long 10-hour flight, I was eager to stretch my legs.

I set off with my 15 kg (33 lb) carry-on backpack, braving the balmy 29°C (84°F) heat and high humidity. By the time I reached my hotel, I was completely drenched.

A refreshing cold shower was just what I needed, but I soon discovered that my room lacked air conditioning. As I sifted through the extensive information provided, I learned that the A/C couldn’t be adjusted from the room.

So, I called the receptionist. He acknowledged my discomfort and assured me he would turn on the A/C. With a touch of concern, he warned me it might be quite chilly and advised me to be cautious not to catch a cold. This small but thoughtful gesture perfectly encapsulated the kindness I was beginning to experience in Japan.

The next day, this theme continued when I met Junko, my TOKYO FREE GUIDE.

The concept of this free guide service is already impressive, but Junko’s kindness and thoughtfulness were truly exceptional. She met me at my hotel, promptly arranged an umbrella for me to borrow, and provided a wealth of useful information. The included metro map proved invaluable, helping me navigate Tokyo without getting lost after Junko left me in the afternoon. If you’ve been following along, you know how easily I get lost—so this was a godsend and answered prayer!

Not only did Junko dedicate an entire day to showing me the city's beautiful sights through her eyes, but she also made a special pouch filled with snacks and a towel, anticipating the need for both in the heat and humidity. I couldn’t agree more with her foresight—how kind and thoughtful!

Thoughtfulness seems to be a recurring theme in this amazing country. For example, many places offer umbrella lockers for convenience!

I learned so much from Junko—far too much to recount here. Did you know there are 80 temples in Yanaka alone? You can see a few in my Tokyo Photo Album, which includes everything from the smallest shrine to the impressive Sensō-ji temple and everything in between.

A fun fact for my German friends: At the International Library of Children's Literature, I found Erich Kästner’s works in both Japanese and German—such a nostalgic find.

The evening views were breathtaking as well. Check out my Tokyo Photo Album for stunning view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

It’s been a long, fun, and exhausting day in this wonderful city. One more day in Tokyo before I head to Kyoto.

With gratitude,

Renate