Japan – Why I Was Spellbound

Written on the journey back

Introduction

I wouldn’t normally advise taking an impulsive, expensive, and risky trip to Japan as a way of shaking up your daily routine—but in this case, it was a massive win for me and a memory I’ll keep for life.

Two months ago, the nerdy me was telling (some would say boring) someone about a National Geographic program on how the new Osaka airport was built on a sea prone to typhoons and earthquakes. Today, I found myself departing from there after a few days in Japan.

Under different circumstances, the nerd in me would go on about the unbelievable engineering involved in the airport (and indeed, in the queue for the plane today, I discussed this with another passenger who had also watched the program). I am, however, reflecting on a bigger question—how was the trip?

It was simply awesome and, thankfully, well worth the risk, cost, and distance.

The Ups and Downs

There were moments when I overdid it and had to rest—where I sat out one tour and opted for a gin and tonic in a bar (I will make that choice again). I had one fall and one bad flight (the last) because the pump was giving me terrible pain, and I had to turn it off for the first time, relying on backup pills. It all, however, pales into insignificance compared to the upside.

Highlights of the Trip

Time with My Son

He’s only been away for a few weeks, but as I did with my two daughters, traveling one-on-one is uniquely special—and this was magical. We talked, cooked, played chess (he won 4–2, although I won the last game and made it clear that was the one that counted!), laughed, toured, and also just enjoyed being in the same space, comfortable with each other’s silence (we are both male, after all 😊).

Precision and Attention to Detail

The Bullet Train, Whisky Bar, and Bread Shop
So smooth, so fast, so punctual, so modest in its styling—just a metaphor for the Japanese culture I witnessed (which I wrote about on LinkedIn). It felt like being on another planet.

The refined whisky bar we visited on Saturday night had no menu and no photos allowed. After each guest left, they shone a torch on the table to check for anything left behind—from a phone to a crumb. This wasn’t about company policy—it’s just what they do: a complete focus on perfection.

On Sunday morning, we passed a tiny bread shop with a queue outside. One master baker was crafting bread like it was fine art, with people waiting in line and taking photos of the creations. It looked amazing—and apparently smelled amazing too (although I can’t testify to that).

Hiroshima and the Schoolchildren

We visited Hiroshima. Beyond the sadness of the site, we saw group after group of Japanese schoolchildren. In Israel, kids the same age would be animated, arguing, and dressed randomly. Here, they were incredibly disciplined. I’m not advocating one over the other—just observing the cultural contrast was like music to my ears.

Warm Welcome

English levels aren’t great (though they’ve improved), but people find a way to be friendly. Our Airbnb host was gracious and kind beyond words.

That said, the warm welcome and very genuine hospitality are challenged by a discomfort with acting out of accordance with procedure—such as stepping into the wrong queue, disabled or not. I tried to fit in, but the standards are so high, it’s not always possible.

In Europe and other parts of the world, it is not comfortable to be an out-and-out religious Jew. Japan is simply not so—or at least the Japan I saw. It was simply ignored, and this was a relief compared to other places.

The Food

I eat strictly kosher, so I can’t comment on the food itself. The way it’s sold and presented, however, is so fundamentally different. I’ve been in supermarkets all over the world and usually get the lay of the land. Not in Japan. I probably recognized only a very few products in a store of tens of thousands.

Everything—the food, packaging, portion sizes, presentation—was different. We got what we needed, but the cultural contrast was striking. Even the greetings and farewells are incredibly unique.

A Different Kind of Travel

The trip dynamics were different for me than most of my previous travels. I don’t mean the cane, pump, walker, or wheelchair. It was because I was not on the clock and not focused on a meeting or presentation or pitch.

Usually, I fly in and out with a mission, rarely taking time to see anything. This time, I had no schedule. It was freer, calmer, and much more enjoyable. I need to take this more thoughtful approach into my daily life.

Traveling with a Disability

I planned it in detail, flew business class, and used an airline where I have top status. Still, it was hard and didn’t go totally according to plan. The walker was put in the hold at times, and I had to rely on wheelchair assistance in two airports. On the return to Tel Aviv, there was a little confusion—which is hard after hours of flying. Still, overall pretty good and absolutely manageable.

Travelling in a wheelchair is great for skipping queues but not a pleasant experience for anyone self-conscious. I’ll have to get used to it—or maybe not. Still, it got me there and back.

In Bangkok, I had an amusing moment with the guy pushing me. It’s customary to tip, but I had given all my leftover cash to my son in Kobe. After a Google Translate chat, we popped into a convenience store and I asked him to choose something. He picked a large box of biscuits—he was happy. As we passed other staff, they joked to each other “LY, LY” (El Al). Clearly not their favourite route—not because of Israel, but because it’s stuck on the other side of the airport.

So Was Taking the Risk Worth It?

Of course, there is a balance—I can’t go mountain climbing or on long treks. But I do believe we need to set ourselves challenges that stretch us physically and mentally. It’s part of maintaining our spirit and strength.

A disability is not a prison sentence, and just because I am not allowed to work doesn’t mean I have to give up and wither away. Quality of life is key, and whether or not a person has a mental, physical, or other challenge, life is very much still worth living.

I am pleased I got this one seemingly spot on. Thanks to all those who helped me along the way.

I have to continue to push myself—but I’ll have to find ways that don’t involve the cost or the effort of going to Japan… Stay tuned.