Tokyo - Initial Impressions I
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EFFICIENCY
After I basically slept through the 7-hour flight from Singapore to Tokyo, trying to ensure that my body would continue to retain much-needed fluids, I somehow made it through a 45-minute wait at Immigration. Once I collected my bag (the very last one remaining next to the baggage carousel), I found my way to the Japan Rail office where I activated my 14-day rail pass. (This amazing deal is only available to tourists, allowing unlimited national rail travel at an insanely discounted price.)
Now how to obtain a train ticket to Shinagawa Station, where T would be waiting to meet me? No worries, the helpful agent at the JR office offers to reserve a seat for me. It's now 16.40 - would I be able to make the 16.43 train? No, sorry, it's too late for that one, but would I like to take the 17.13 train to Tokyo Station and make an easy transfer to Shinagawa? You bet! Ticket is soon in hand, with departure and arrival times and platform numbers written directly on to the ticket by the agent so I don't forget.
Now, how to make a phone call to T, letting her know when I would be arriving? I go to Starbucks and ask to make some change. Oh, so sorry, says a genuinely aggrieved coffee agent, you must buy something first. She looks like she really feels bad for having to make such a request, but so genuinely relieved when I say it's no problem and purchase some macaroons. She carefully counts out my change, making sure to give me lots of 100 yen coins for the payphone, and tells me that 100 yen should give me enough time to make a call.
Interesting cultural note: Japanese cashiers will always count your change very carefully in front of you, in many cases twice. It is up to you to pay attention while they are counting it, because it is considered rude to count it yourself - it means that you do not trust them.
I was very touched by the Starbucks girl's concern. I was thinking that back home, I probably would have gotten some kind of attitude: "Listen, we don't make change. You gotta buy something first, 'kay? Gawd!"
After boarding the train and promptly falling asleep for the 1-hour journey, I arrive at Tokyo Station where T is waiting. We take a short but very expensive ride to her place, and then leave to meet her friend for dinner. I'm not in good form because of my splitting headache but I want to be around people who live here so I can observe how things are done, like navigating train stations filled with throngs of people, or ordering meals at "fast-food" joints. See below:
After I basically slept through the 7-hour flight from Singapore to Tokyo, trying to ensure that my body would continue to retain much-needed fluids, I somehow made it through a 45-minute wait at Immigration. Once I collected my bag (the very last one remaining next to the baggage carousel), I found my way to the Japan Rail office where I activated my 14-day rail pass. (This amazing deal is only available to tourists, allowing unlimited national rail travel at an insanely discounted price.)
Now how to obtain a train ticket to Shinagawa Station, where T would be waiting to meet me? No worries, the helpful agent at the JR office offers to reserve a seat for me. It's now 16.40 - would I be able to make the 16.43 train? No, sorry, it's too late for that one, but would I like to take the 17.13 train to Tokyo Station and make an easy transfer to Shinagawa? You bet! Ticket is soon in hand, with departure and arrival times and platform numbers written directly on to the ticket by the agent so I don't forget.
Now, how to make a phone call to T, letting her know when I would be arriving? I go to Starbucks and ask to make some change. Oh, so sorry, says a genuinely aggrieved coffee agent, you must buy something first. She looks like she really feels bad for having to make such a request, but so genuinely relieved when I say it's no problem and purchase some macaroons. She carefully counts out my change, making sure to give me lots of 100 yen coins for the payphone, and tells me that 100 yen should give me enough time to make a call.
Interesting cultural note: Japanese cashiers will always count your change very carefully in front of you, in many cases twice. It is up to you to pay attention while they are counting it, because it is considered rude to count it yourself - it means that you do not trust them.
I was very touched by the Starbucks girl's concern. I was thinking that back home, I probably would have gotten some kind of attitude: "Listen, we don't make change. You gotta buy something first, 'kay? Gawd!"
After boarding the train and promptly falling asleep for the 1-hour journey, I arrive at Tokyo Station where T is waiting. We take a short but very expensive ride to her place, and then leave to meet her friend for dinner. I'm not in good form because of my splitting headache but I want to be around people who live here so I can observe how things are done, like navigating train stations filled with throngs of people, or ordering meals at "fast-food" joints. See below:
Step 1: Make your selection from the menu board outside restaurant, displaying the various choices.
Step 2: Pay for your meal at the "Food Ticket" machine.
If you can't figure out which button to press for your meal (as only the characters are written on the buttons), you can look at the pictures helpfully posted above and match up the symbols.
Note: The machine does not get offended if you count your change in front of it, but also note that the machine never makes mistakes.
Your food appears within 2-5 minutes. Here, a meal of vegetables on rice, with fish stock "tea", tofu, and pickled vegetables. You pour the tea onto the rice, and it becomes all soupy.
That's really cool.
ReplyDeleteWhat if you pressed all the buttons AT THE SAME TIME?
Buck the system!
:)
That cashier sounded cute. I think you're right about the reaction you'd get at home.
Ottawa is full of jerks. :)
Except for you and Dave, Sarah and Mrs J's dad.