Reflections on life in Japan on World Tourism Day

Today is World Tourism Day, and it's made me pause to think about what it means to live in a country that so many people dream of visiting. For lots of people, it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but for myself (and the rest of the City-Cost community!) it's the setting of everyday life.

That's something I try not to take for granted. The same streets that tourists marvel at on their first visit are the ones I walk along to buy groceries or catch a train. Landmarks that fill travel itineraries are often the setting to day-to-day errands -- for instance, when I lived in Tokyo, my medical clinic was across the street from Tokyo Tower.

When I lived in Tokyo before moving out to Niigata, I loved getting to kill time at places like Zojoji Temple before medical appointments nearby!

I think it's important to note that everyday life isn't just a highlight reel, and there have been (and continue to be!) plenty of frustrations, cultural adjustments, and moments of feeling out of place. In saying that, there's also something really special about learning the rhythm of a place that most people only get to see for a week or two.