We initially wanted to start this blog/site as a guide for people wanting to move or visit Japan after discovering for ourselves that online there was basically no useful information on the subject. I guess you could think of us as your trailblazers discovering your paths for you here in Japan. Unfortunately, for both Michael and I, this is all very new and we virtually know nothing about getting around in Japan. Going from destination to destination here has absolutely been a challenge. But things have just gotten A LOT easier. Meet Toshi-san.
This Bad-Ass of a man is your neighborhood Tokyo police officer. Due to the extremely low crime rate here in Tokyo, more often than not, you’ll find these officers pointing out routes on a map for a befuddled tourist…like ourselves. These officers are stationed in what are called “Kobans” or police stations. These Kobans are almost on every street corner, it’s like looking for a Starbucks back home…not hard. It’s likely that you’ll see one on every exit of any major Tokyo subway station. The best part of all this? They’re free! Make sure you start every questions with “sumi-mah-sen” (excuse me) and end it with “kyo-ro-ku arigato go-zah-ee-mas!” (thank you very very much).
When I was in Japan I always saw those police stations but never went up to one because i was too nervous. I would rather trying to find my way around using my thick head but soon found out i should of just asked the police station. But you realize it’s to late when your going the opposite way you need to go….ON A TRAIN!!! Now i know how to approach them!!!