Andrej Samardžić

It is very difficult to single out one place as special because, as a first-time visitor to Japan, I was "bombarded" from the moment I arrived with an incredible amount of visual stimuli that ranged from the urban hives of Tokyo and Osaka to the soothing and fascinating vistas of ancient samurai castles and gardens in Himeji and Kyoto. If I had to single out a place, however, it would be Kyoto because it was there that I felt the traditional spirit of Japan the most. Perhaps "culture shock" is putting it too strongly, but it is fascinating and surprising to see orderliness and how people abide by the rules in the midst of urban bustle and incredible traffic jams. It is extraordinary how friendly and kind the local people are, how they are always willing to help and take the time to show you the way or explain how, for example, to buy transport tickets or order food. Interestingly, the Japanese hosts warned us that, as per their etiquette, it is rude to talk loudly or shout at each other in public transport vehicles. I'd be lying if I said we didn't deserve a few reproachful looks. In Japan, I definitely liked the peace that reigns in their beautiful parks, and especially in the gardens of ancient castles, where gardeners with incredible calmness and devotion precisely arrange flowers, trees, and especially fruit trees (cherries and plums) that had just started to bloom when we visited.