5 Things We Have Learned This Week… #1
Fuji to Fiji is more than just an adventure of a lifetime, it’s a deep dive into the cultures, traditions, and everyday lives of the people in the 17 countries we’ll call home this year. It’s not just about ticking off sights or trying new foods (though there will be plenty of that!). It’s about fully embracing each place, learning from the people we meet, and experiencing what life is really like beyond the tourist trail.
In this series, each week, we’ll document the five things we’ve learned, whether about a place, our experiences, or even each other — as we navigate this adventure together.
So, in the series opener, we are talking about our first week in Japan and it truly it feels like every day brings new discoveries. From the smallest details in daily life to the cultural intricacies woven into the fabric of this country, we’ve been in awe of how much there is to learn.
Here are five fascinating things we’ve uncovered this week:
1. The Story Behind Japanese Stamps at Train Stations
If you’ve travelled around Japan, you might have spotted small stamping stations tucked away in train stations, temples, and tourist spots. These aren’t just for decoration, they’re part of a long-standing tradition that dates to the 1930s, originally introduced to encourage people to explore different areas. Each ‘eki’ (station) stamp is beautifully designed, capturing the essence of its location, whether it’s a historic landmark, a cultural icon, or a scenic view unique to that spot.
Last year, on his birthday, Ash received a thoughtful gift; a small notebook specifically for collecting these stamps. What started as a simple souvenir idea has turned into a fun ritual for us. As we’ve made our way through Tokyo and beyond, hunting down these stamping stations has added an extra layer of excitement to our travels. Each stamp feels like a tiny time capsule, a tangible memory of where we’ve been. And the best part? It’s completely free! With every page we fill, our notebook becomes a visual diary of our journey through Japan, one stamp at a time.
2. Goshuin: A Temple Stamp Like No Other
One of the most beautiful surprises of visiting Tokyo’s temples was discovering goshuin. These are far more than just stamps, they are intricate pieces of calligraphy, carefully brushed by temple monks or staff. Each one is a blend of elegant ink strokes and striking red seals, unique to the temple and imbued with deep spiritual meaning.
Unlike the fun eki stamps found at train stations, goshuin feel sacred, like a tangible connection to the temple’s history and purpose. Receiving one isn’t just a transaction (they are around 500 yen each) it’s an experience. Watching a monk expertly ink the characters onto the page of Ash’s goshuincho (the stamp book) felt almost meditative, a quiet moment of reflection amid our travels. It’s a reminder of the stories of each temple we visit and a beautiful way to mark our journey through Japan’s sacred spaces.
3. The Melodies of Tokyo’s Trains: A Hidden Charm
Last year, we watched “James May: Our Man in Japan” (if you haven’t watched this docuseries and enjoy British humour then we recommend!) and were fascinated by one of his discoveries, Tokyo’s unique train melodies. At the time, we thought it was just a quirky detail, but now that we have been to Tokyo and experienced it firsthand, we realise there’s so much more to it.
Every train station in Tokyo has its own hassha melody (発車メロディ), a short tune that plays when trains arrive and depart. At first, we assumed it was just a fun touch of personality, but it turns out these melodies serve a purpose beyond aesthetics. Designed to subtly influence commuter behaviour, they help regulate passenger flow, especially during peak hours. The idea being that by the time the melody has ended, all passengers should have disembarked or embarked. The familiar, pleasant tunes create a calming effect, encouraging people to move efficiently without feeling rushed or stressed.
What’s even more intriguing is that some of these melodies are composed by well-known Japanese musicians, transforming an everyday experience into a small moment of artistry. Standing on a platform and hearing these charming jingles play as a train pulls away adds a surprising layer of warmth to Tokyo’s otherwise fast-paced transit system. It’s a tiny detail, but one that makes navigating the city feel just a little more magical.
4. Japanese Table Etiquette: Subtle but Meaningful
Eating out in Japan has been an adventure, delicious, of course, but also a lesson in cultural quirks we hadn’t fully appreciated until we arrived. Sure, we knew Japan had dining etiquette but experiencing it firsthand has made it even more fascinating (and occasionally nerve-wracking!).
Take slurping noodles, for example. Back home, it’s something you’d do by accident and immediately apologise for, but here? It’s practically encouraged! That loud, unapologetic slurp isn’t just acceptable, it’s a compliment to the chef, signalling that you’re truly enjoying your meal. It felt a little odd at first, but now we’re embracing it like pros (or at least trying).
Then there’s the big no-no: sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. Turns out, it resembles a funeral ritual and is considered seriously bad luck. We’re avoiding that faux pas!
And of course, there’s the ritual of gratitude — saying itadakimasu before digging in and gochisousama deshita after finishing. More than just words, these expressions acknowledge the effort behind the meal, from the farmers to the chefs. It’s a small but meaningful habit that makes each meal feel a little more special.
We have said it before but every meal in Japan is an experience, a little cultural exchange, and, if we’re honest, a test of our chopstick skills. But that’s all part of the fun!
5. Why Convenience Stores Are So Popular
Since we’re on the topic of food, we have to be honest, eating Japanese cuisine every single day has been an adjustment, especially for Scott. So, we’ve fully embraced Japan’s legendary konbini (convenience stores), and honestly, they’ve been absolute lifesavers this week.
We knew 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart were a big deal here, but we didn’t realise just how essential they are to daily life. They’re not just for snacks, they’re fully stocked mini-markets selling everything from fresh meals and desserts to toiletries, train tickets, and even hot drinks. And the best part? The food is actually good. Like, shockingly good.
There have been far too many lunches now spent eating a perfectly seasoned onigiri (rice ball) to save us from the classic “too-hungry-to-make-decisions” struggle. It’s wild how easy, affordable, and genuinely tasty everything is.
At this point, we’re not just using konbini out of convenience, we genuinely love them. Japan really has mastered the art of making life easier, one perfectly wrapped snack at a time.
In summary, this week has reminded us that our adventure is about slowing down and appreciating the details. Japan’s culture is rich, layered, and full of surprises. From collecting stamps at train stations to learning the right way to hold chopsticks, every day here has been a lesson and we can’t wait to see what next week will bring.
Have you experienced any of these during your time in Japan? Let us know in the comments what surprised or inspired you the most!
