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 Not
everyone comes to Tokyo to gaze upon pagodas, ascend Mt.
Fuji and experience tea ceremonies. Traveling in Japan is
expensive, the language is baffling and the customs offer
thousands of cross-cultural traps, enabling even the most
diplomatic visitor to make a fool of himself. Most of us
here are working, attending school, serving in the
military or spreading a variety of gospels. There's not
enough time to experience all Japan has to offer.
Some
people go screaming back to their home lands with their
bellies full of culture shock, but even more stay and
persevere. It doesn't take any kind of special person to
survive Tokyo, just someone with patience and a
willingness to adapt. Despite all the hassles involved,
the money is good, the opportunities plenty, and everyday
experiences in one's native land become thrilling
adventures in Japan.
But
even for those worn down by such adventures, there are
many ways to survive and even have fun. Some folks visit
shrines and museums on weekends while others go to
Disneyland, watch movies, shop, raise hell at baseball
games, go bar-hopping through Tokyo's many adult
playgrounds, or camp out in the few remaining square feet
of Japanese wilderness.
Surviving
often means meeting Japan half-way. What did you enjoy
doing in your native country? Chances are you'll find it
in or around Tokyo.
Though
Japan's capital and largest city, Tokyo remains an
international community with several hundred thousand
foreigners who have been working and living here for
years. Not surprisingly, it's easy to find supermarkets,
restaurants, bookstores and other shops that cater to
those from out of town. Most subway and train signs are
printed in both Japanese and English, so it's easy to get
around. Though loneliness can often present problems,
there are hundreds of clubs, groups and organizations
that anyone, particularly English-speaking foreigners,
can join.
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