The six-month stint I did in Japan was one of the best times I've had. With the weekends to myself, I was free to travel around one of the most exciting cities in the world: Tokyo. In reality, Tokyo is more like the result of taking 10 amazing cities and smashing them together (more emphasis on the together, less on the smash). There was always something to do and new places to see. You could go clubbing till 5AM, hop on a train for three stations, and find yourself napping in the peaceful Imperial Gardens, looking up at the Imperial Palace. If you went in the other direction, you'd wind up looking over the city from 80 floors up, with a view to Mt. Fuji on a beautiful day. If sightseeing isn't your thing (5 hours in car can kill the mood quickly), there is always shopping and dining, usually in the same building. The service you receive is what you'd expect at a five star hotel. Outside of some stores are rows of men bowing to the ground as you pass to invite you into the store. Once after looking at cars and having a seat to discuss, we were met with freshly brewed tea and hot towels. Upon leaving, a police officer stopped traffic in the middle of the city to allow us to exit. The most impressive display of hospitality I witnessed was at an okonomiyaki restaurant where you cook your own food. Waitresses do not receive tips, but ours still agreed to take the time to cook my friend's food for him to spare him some embarrassment. I can't imagine the response I'd get if I made a similar request in the States.