What is it like to visit Japan? I realize this is a big topic, but I perceive Japan (in a favorable light) in the following ways:
1. A “convenience” nation
I believe the Japanese have worked hard to make their daily lives easier. “Convenience stores” are a good example. There are three primary brands available (Lawson, Family Mart, and Seven Eleven). These shops are open 24 hours a day and offer anything from essentials like food and drink to books, clothing, cosmetics, and other items. There are also copy machines and delivery services. Japanese goods and services are of satisfactory quality, and a single product includes many versions. Public transportation is another illustration of Japan’s convenience. Shinkansen bullet trains, subways, and buses, especially in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, arrive on time (nearly always) and cover large regions.
2. A “service”-oriented nation
Japan’s stores and restaurants are, on the whole, very customer-oriented. “Customers are Gods,” we remark in Japanese occasionally. (Please note that this is a literal translation.) Does that make sense?) Staff workers and servers take their jobs seriously and, in the words of my foreign friends, “politely.” They gently place your purchases in a bag or provide your supper promptly. When you leave a business or restaurant, they bow and say “Goraiten Arigatou gozaimashita” (which means “Thank you for visiting our store today.”) and sometimes “Mata no goraiten wo omachi shite orimasu” (which means “We look forward to your next visit.”)
3. A mash-up of “uniquely Japanese” and “foreign (mostly Asian and Western)” cultures
Japan, being an island country, has established its customs while also introducing other cultures. Japan has had both international isolation and international relations throughout its history. Through connections with East Asia and the West, it has expanded its culinary traditions and produced superior technology from ancient times. During the Edo period in the 1800s, Japan practiced seclusion and established a distinct culture. During this time, it created its art forms, including ukiyoe. In today’s Japan, there are several temples and shrines. Temples are influenced by Chinese culture, whereas shrines are based on the ancient Japanese religion “Shinto.” Karaoke, anime/manga, cosplay, and other “contemporary” examples of distinctly Japanese traditions are well known.
Japanese Translation [日本語訳]
日本はどんな国でしょうか？この質問は抽象的であることは分かっていますが、（日本の良い面について）私なら以下のように答えます。
1.「便利さ」を追求する国
日本人は日常生活を便利にするためにエネルギーを注いでいると思います。その典型例が「コンビニエンスストア」、すなわち日本語で言うところの「コンビニ」です。日本には3つの主要ブランド（ローソン、ファミリーマート[ファミマ]、セブンイレブン[セブイレ]）があります。これらのコンビニは24時間開いていて、食べ物・飲み物のような日常必須品から本、福、化粧品等のものまでほぼ何でも売っています。また、コピー機や配達サービスも利用できます。一般的に言って、日本の製品やサービスの質は満足できる高さであり、一つの商品の種類はたくさんあることが多いです。日本での便利さのもう一つの例は公共交通機関です。新幹線や地下鉄やバスは目的地に（ほとんどいつも）時間通りに到着し、多くのエリアをカバーしています。特に、東京や大阪のような主要都市ではそうです。
2. 「サービス」の国
全体的に、日本では小売店やレストランは非常に顧客優先です。日本語では、「お客様は神様」だと言うことさえあります。（これは直訳なので意味が通じないかもしれませんね。）従業員やウェイターの方達は真面目に、僕の外国人の友達が言うには、「礼儀正しく」働きます。購入した商品を優しく袋に入れたり、注文した食べ物を良い感じで持ってきてくれます。そして、店やレストランを出る時には感謝を示すためにお辞儀をし、「（ご来店）ありがとうございました。」、そして時には「またのお越しをお待ちしております。」とも言ってくれるのです。