[Sangetsu]

Hmm, the Caribbean, warm weather, fresh air, sandy beaches, only the sounds of waves and sea gulls. Fresh food and fruit, blue skies....

Hmm, Japan, hot and humid weather, no beaches, frantically busy and incredibly crowded, the smell of sewage, the sounds of trucks, trains, and planes. Fresh food and fruit (at outrageous prices), cloudy and rainy skies (if you are coming in June or July).

Still, I love Japan (enough to be living here), and I think it is a wonderful place for tourists to visit. The energy and busyness of the cities, the numerous parks, temples and shrines, and the variety of shops and restaurants is wonderful.

The countryside is better, in my opinion. The mountains and valleys are quiet, beautiful, and generally free of people. I love coming across small shrines and markers in the most remote and hard-to-reach places.

The culture is unique, very appealing to visitors, and no one I know who has visited Japan on vacation has regretted the time they've spent here.