Mark Twain once called travel a cure for prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. If that’s the case, it’s a prescription from which many could benefit. I believe international travel is less about leisure and more about learning. One of the most eye-opening side effects of visiting a foreign land and immersing yourself in someone else’s culture is that, through comparison, you understand so much more about your own. Nowhere has that been truer for me than in my recent travels in Japan.
During my decades at McKinsey and in corporate executive roles, we were limited to one “big trip” a year that fit the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Now that I’ve reached the portfolio phase of my career and my husband and I are “empty nesters,” we can visit more dream destinations throughout the year. In May, we embarked on a long-anticipated sojourn to Japan to celebrate our anniversary.
Traveling with 20 fellow tourists, two local guides, and a meticulously curated itinerary from concierge travel agency Tauck, we spent two weeks traversing central Japan via rail, road, and water. I cannot overstate how impressed we were by the places we visited, from the scale of Tokyo to the gravitas of Hiroshima to the heritage of Kyoto. But as memorable as the nation’s landmarks were, my most lasting impressions of Japan are of three distinctive attributes of its culture: its orderliness, cleanliness, and respectfulness.
While I had heard tales of Japanese otomenashi (loosely translated as “hospitality”), I was repeatedly overwhelmed by its people’s deeply rooted tendency to think beyond one’s personal needs and prioritize the public good. Although a capitalist nation, Japan’s commitment to collective well-being was refreshing. I found it hard not to ask myself, “What learnings could we bring back home to make the U.S. a better place?”
Egalitarian orderliness and efficiency
A glimpse from the airplane window while approaching Haneda Airport drove home the sheer size of Tokyo, the world’s most populous city. Home to more than 37 million people, Tokyo is more than four times the size of New York City. Within hours, I would ask myself how such a massive city could operate so smoothly. Upon reflection, I should have asked, “How could a city become this large and successful by doing otherwise?” One might attribute this public efficiency and orderliness to Japan’s massive investment in public transit infrastructure. But how much more could we get out of what the U.S. already has by emulating the willingness of Japanese commuters to queue patiently and take turns?
Setting the gold standard for subways. Before our organized tour itinerary began, we had a day to explore Tokyo. We traveled via its world-renowned subway system, armed only with Google Maps and Google Translate and nothing in the way of language skills. Accustomed to the shoving on the NYC subway, we were pleasantly surprised by the orderly behavior of Tokyo’s commuters. Passengers queued at the door, patiently waiting for everyone to disembark before boarding. Subway staff managed this orderly process at the busiest points, ensuring a smooth and efficient boarding process.
Bullet trains, a team sport. The bullet trains were equally impressive. During our travels in Japan, we experienced two Shinkansen routes—Tokyo to Odawara (near Mt. Fuji) and Hiroshima to Kyoto. Unlike U.S. airlines, these trains arrived and departed precisely at their ticketed times, and staff apologized profusely when an inbound train arrived just one minute late! Traveling at nearly 200 mph, the trains paused for only 1-2 minutes at intermediate stations to allow passengers to get on and off. Yet despite the incredibly brief boarding window, passengers worked together with a team spirit, ensuring that everyone and their bags were aboard before the doors closed.
The Shibuya Scramble, chaos like clockwork. During our visit to Tokyo, we also experienced the bustling Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crosswalk in the world. As impressive as its webcam views are, it’s even more spectacular in person. Located at the intersection of two major downtown streets, the traffic lights alternate between roads but add a third pedestrian cycle, allowing pedestrians to cross at once in all directions, including diagonally—at a rate of up to 3,000 people in 2 minutes. Could a Shibuya Crossing approach alleviate the gridlock in places like New York’s Times Square?
Cleanliness, a shared commitment
Traveling through Japan is an eye-opening experience regarding cleanliness and the etiquette that fosters it. Japan maintains impeccably clean public spaces, from spotless streets to immaculate restrooms. This isn’t just about hygiene; it reflects a deep, collective respect for shared environments. In Japan, cleanliness is more than a habit—it’s a cultural cornerstone that signifies respect for others.
Next-gen restroom tech. Public restrooms in Japan are not just clean; they are often equipped with advanced features that enhance hygiene and comfort. When I traveled to China a decade earlier, I encountered squat toilets that were quite challenging. This made me somewhat apprehensive about what to expect in Japan. However, my concerns were quickly dispelled upon discovering the Toto Washlet. These electronic marvels offer sounds for discretion, multiple washing and drying options, and energy-efficient flush mechanisms. Even more impressive, they are standard in most public restrooms across Japan.
Pristine streets and transit stations. It seems almost paradoxical that such a densely populated country has the cleanest public spaces and no visible trash cans. In Japan, trash disposal is an individual responsibility. Many people carry small reusable bags to collect and transport their garbage home for disposal. This practice ensures that public spaces remain pristine and free of litter. Even on our motorcoach, we removed our own trash when we reached our destination.
Napkins—nowhere to be found. Another intriguing aspect of Japanese culture is the absence of standard napkins in mainstream dining places. Nearly all restaurants provide an oshibori (wet towelette) for cleansing hands before a meal. Diners are otherwise expected to bring their own cloth napkin or handkerchief. Though initially surprising to an outsider, this practice is part of Japan’s deep commitment to cleanliness and waste reduction. Japan’s approach to cleanliness is not just about keeping spaces tidy; it’s about fostering a shared culture of respect and responsibility to enhance everyone’s quality of life.
Respectfulness, deeply ingrained
Traveling through Japan, one quickly notices individuals’ immense pride in their roles and the superlative service that results. This commitment to service is deeply rooted in the Japanese concepts of ikigai and omotenashi. Ikigai is a Japanese term meaning “a reason for being.” It represents finding joy and purpose in life’s activities—especially work. Omotenashi, the Japanese concept of selfless hospitality, traces its roots to traditional tea ceremonies and emphasizes meticulous attention to detail and anticipating guests’ needs to deliver a delightful experience. Embracing these principles elevates service standards and creates more meaningful, memorable experiences. The difference is hard to miss for an American tourist used to understaffed big-box stores and self-checkout stations.
Greetings and farewells. Whether arriving at a hotel or visiting a local roadside venue, the warmth and respect of Japanese service are immediately evident. Staff members often line up to greet guests with welcoming bows and heartfelt smiles. This tradition of showing respect continues beyond the greeting; as guests depart, the staff waves until they are out of sight. Even the craftsman, forging a knife from hot steel, stepped away from his kiln to give us a memorable farewell wave.
Packaging and presentation of purchases. In Japan, presentation matters. Retail staff, whether in large department stores or small shops, wrap items with almost ceremonial precision. They often walk around the counter and stand directly before the customer to present their purchases with two hands, bow respectfully, and offer a heartfelt thank you, underscoring the personal touch and respect inherent in Japanese service. While luxury purchases in the U.S. may provide a similar service experience, my small tchotchkes were equally revered.
Helpfulness and pleasantries underpin everyday interactions. Respect and helpfulness extend beyond commercial transactions. Locals often greet you on the street with a cheerful “Ohayou Gozaimasu!” (good morning). Passengers on crowded Tokyo subways willingly offer their seats to those who need them more. On our first ride, a gentleman not only gave me his seat but welcomed my husband and me to his country. These small but significant gestures are one of many testaments to Japan’s pervasive culture of respect and consideration for others.
In today’s era of social media-driven overtourism, tourists often forget that travel offers an enriching experience beyond mere sightseeing and selfies. It’s an opportunity to temporarily step outside our personal experience to appreciate and learn from others. No nation is without its problems, past or present. Japan is no exception. But its commitment to the collective good—reflected in its egalitarian orderliness, meticulous cleanliness, and respectfulness for others—gave me hope. We do many things well in America. Imagine what we could achieve with slightly less “me first” and a stronger commitment to “us.”
As a bonus to my followers, check out my private Japan photo gallery. The photos are courtesy of my anniversary traveling companion, Peter W. Flur.