I had been dreaming of the moment I stepped outside from the first train station to find absolutely nothing familiar. I knew that moment would be like landing on a different planet and should savor that moment of pure, unadulterated exoticism. I told myself to lean into the panic.

Instead, I powered through the intersections vainly trying to follow directions to a hostel that included phrases like "after the building marked OiOi walk 100 yards and turn right at the giant crab". It didn't help that I had emerged from one of two different train stations with the same exact name. Also, lets note that the city is packed with neon signs all fighting for your attention. How on earth would I see OiOi?!

After finding the crab with relative ease I stopped myself on the street for that moment of awe I forgot to enjoy once I stepped out of the station. Here I was in Japan, as far from American culture as it can possibly get and I was already impressed at how easily I had found my way. The key is common sense. It doesn't matter where you are, left, right, north, south, male toilet, female toilet are all the norm and people all need the same things to survive.

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