Uber Connection; Exploring Japan
Noodle house with Yoshihiro in Boso No Mura.
I knew working a 7 day trip would mean long flights and jet lag, But I didn’t know it would lead to such a memorable adventure!
February 21, 2019
Flying Atlanta-Tokyo-Manilla-Tokyo-Atlanta in 7 days
Boso No Mura is located in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Modeled after a traditional Japanese Edo-period village, (1603-1867) it offers a glimpse in to merchant shops, tea ceremonies and other amazing interactive experiences.
I enjoy exploring the world and am accustomed to solo adventuring abroad. Ordering an Uber in a foreign country is something I have done on many occasions. But retelling this story to a friend today, I realized just how many people would have missed out on the fantastic experiences I have enjoyed. Here is a loopback on my most memorable Japanese adventure…
Narita, Japan. February 24, 2019
I hopped into the sleek Mercedes with my smartly dressed Uber driver for a 17km. drive to Boso No Mura village. I attempted to repeat the phrase I had been practicing all morning “Good morning! I do not know how to speak Japanese” I watched through the rearview as my driver’s face went from blank business-like gaze to a slightly crooked smile. He glanced at me in the rearview and I gave him a toothy grin and attempted my next phrase “I am excited to explore the village today”. This was met by a puzzled look then a slight laugh and a smile. “You are an American?”, he asked in English that was much better than my Japanese. I nodded and scrambled to re-open my Google Translate app.
For the next thirty minutes we conversed utilizing the conversation mode in the app. I learned a great deal about Yoshihiro, he had learned some English from his daughter who was away at school in California. She had not been home in over 2 years and he was anxious to see her again. He also told me that his wife disapproved of their daughter’s new boyfriend and he hoped that wouldn’t prevent his daughter from coming home to visit. I felt for this father as I watched his facial expressions change while speaking about his family. I explained I was a flight attendant and had exactly 3½ hours to be back in my hotel. I was scheduled to fly back to Atlanta that evening and I needed to nap and pack before work.
As we neared our destination Yoshihiro looked at me with concern and tried to explain that this was a remote area and that Uber drivers may not be as available here. I must have looked very worried as this news hit me – how could I not have considered that at all? The village was a museum but it is indeed a remote area of the Chiba Prefecture and there were no train stations nearby, hence my ordering the Uber. This is when Yoshihiro made a gesture I will never forget, he said he needed to take his lunch break anyway and would be happy to tour the museum and village with me for the afternoon. He explained he had taken his daughter to this village many years ago when she was a child. He made a quick phone call and I kindly accepted his gracious offer.
What ensued for the next 2½ hours was a delightful melding of language and culture. We explored the interactive village, observing a traditional tea ceremony, a samurai sword demonstration and had lunch in an authentic Edo-era noodle house. Of course, I also jumped at the opportunity to try on the traditional Geisha kimono and even enjoyed the way the dresser, Chiyo and Yoshihiro spoke to each other and giggled, presumably at my expense. Chiyo watched as I attempted to maneuver a few steps to have my photos taken and then skillfully spun me about, disrobing me with deft hands. What a relief it was to remove all that gorgeous silk bondage, my God how did those Geisha manage?!
After exploring, we hit the gift shop, where I purchased a tall candle that had the word “friendship” printed on it in both Japanese and English characters. This was the perfect gift for my new friend. When we arrived back at his car, I began to punch in the hotel address for the Uber app but Yoshihiro stopped me saying, “No, you do not pay now we are friends”. I tried to refuse, saying it was a far drive, but he insisted.
The car drive back was a little frantic, traffic was thick as we neared the city and Yoshihiro is a very safe, yet not a speedy driver. After a slight detour, we finally arrived at the hotel. I exited the car and handed him the candle I had purchased. He refused but I insisted until he finally took it and bowed his head. I then gave this kind man the shock of his life by wrapping my arms around him and giving him a quick, tight bear hug. “Arrigato!” I said, kissing him on the cheek. I backed away and bowed my head slightly as Yoshihiro stood there unsure how to react. I waved, then turned and sprinted into the hotel and upstairs to my room. I had exactly 23 minutes to shower and ready for my 14 hour flight home to the States.
Now as I retell this story to a dear friend and she gives me a horrified look, saying something about how I’m too trusting or that I should never get in an Uber without being charged, I just smile at her. Yes, I am always aware of my surroundings, and listen to my gut. But I am drawn to adventure like a moth to a flame and making real connections with people from differing cultures, makes life more meaningful. I’ve learned so much from backpacking through Italy, taking the local buses through Greece and even spending an afternoon exploring with my Uber driver..
