Tottori, Japan
We arrived in Tottori early Friday afternoon. First glances out on the street from the train station and things look the same as they did 26 years ago. Another real feel day of in the 40s, but the hotel is walkable from the train station. Since we arrived before the 3:00 PM check in time, and it would be un-Japanese to do anything out of order, like check us in early, we were able to store our bags and walk around town. The once posh Daimaru department store is now lacking lustre. The shopping arcade is all but closed up. So few people out on the street make it seem like Tottori is losing life.
English is very sparse around here. Not that it is widely spoken anywhere in Japan, but particularly little here. It makes me wonder if the JET program that I came here on to teach English and has been running for 30 years, is really working. Maybe the government sees revenue from the tourism the JETs bring and validate it that way rather than in the payoffs of its population learning English.
Some elderly ladies took an interest in us when we stopped for an ice cream at McDonalds. They asked questions about us, which I was happy I could answer and I could overhear their conversation of curiosity as to what these foreign giants would eat at McDonalds. I am not sure if they were disappointed that we only had ice cream.
When we did check in to the hotel we were offered a Japanese and a western room. The Japanese room has been a good cultural lesson in bathroom etiquette for footwear and bathing practice. Not to mention futons, and sitting on the floor.
The boys stayed in at night while Jack and I roamed to see the city at night. We found the active Friday night spots and we were assured Tottori is not dying.
