[ozkai]

I am finding on this forum that may users simply cannot feel what Japan is really like.

Many posters think it is all hairstyles, fashion, anime and cosplay.

It just does not happen like that unless you are near the right train station.

I arrived at Kansai airport in shorts from Sydney at 12am in winter. The first thing I noticed was that it was bloody freezing!

I couldn't see anything on the train back to Kyoto so the next day was very exciting.

Once I had my scooter, the streets entertained me.

But, I was already well travelled, I had a wife in Japan plus all living aparatus, so I guess it was easy for me and would be different to the average "Alien" dropping in for the first time.

I was interested inc ulture, and was lucky to have free tickets for a Kabuki theater in Kyoto and a Maiko dancing in Gion followed be a Geisha tea serving ceremony. These tickets were wedding gifts from friends of my wife.

I worked in very country areas in Nara so that also opened the door for me learning about culture.

I'm not sure what people experience in Tokyo, as I've had nothing to do with it. Kyoto was my home turf and I enjoyed every momebt of it.