Japan. We found that there were very few Caucasian tourists most places
that we went. We asked the staff everywhere we stayed how business was and
it was way down for all of them. They have had almost all their
reservations from the US canceled.
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| Tokyo Tower |
be one of depression and sadness. I did not find that at all. People in
Japan were gracious and welcoming as usual. We found marketplaces and
stores were bustling and vibrant, the temples and shrines were full of
visiting Japanese students and their teachers who were giggling and looked
like kids anywhere out on a field trip. Restaurants may not have been as
crowded as usual, I wouldn't know, but many that we went to were full of
Japanese patrons.
We did experience some of the electricity savings measures: some places did
not have air conditioning on and we were there during a hot spell . . .
temperatures in 20's C some days and it was a little bit uncomfortable in
some locations. The hotels and hostels we stayed at had individual room A/C
that we could turn on and set the temperature as we wished. Also many, but
not all of the escalators in the train stations were turned off. But if you
needed an elevator they were running.
I personally would urge Americans who were considering visiting Japan to go
now or soon. Other than where the devastation has occurred it remains an
incredibly beautiful country in every way. The Japanese people are happy to
see us and by spending our money in Japan we are helping their economy, and
the people whose livelihood depends on tourism.
I lived in Japan for several years as a child and this is the first time I
returned, many years later. Much has changed in Japan since then, but I
found that it overwhelming retains the unique cultural and physical
characteristics that make it so interesting and enjoyable to visit.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my impressions.
Sincerely,
Diane Saulter
