Welcome to Dear Japan, Love Scotland!

 Hello and welcome to Dear Japan, Love Scotland!

This is a space where I share my experiences navigating Japan—sometimes with ease, sometimes with complete bewilderment, and often with a mild concussion from walking into yet another low-hanging sign. As someone who lives in Scotland and stands at a lofty 6’4”, I’ve always been considered tall. But in Japan? I might as well be a kaiju.

Why This Blog?

Japan has fascinated me for years—the blend of tradition and modernity, the meticulous food culture, the breathtaking landscapes, and the sheer joy of a vending machine that sells both hot coffee and corn soup. It’s a place that constantly surprises, delights, and occasionally knocks me out (literally) with an ill-placed noren curtain or a deceptively low doorway.

As a Scot, I’ve had my fair share of cultural adjustments. I’ve had to slow my speech so people can actually understand me, learn the intricate art of chopsticks (still a work in progress), and accept that deep-fried Mars bars are not, in fact, a globally recognized delicacy. But every challenge makes the experience more interesting, and I want to share it all with you—whether you’re planning your own trip or just enjoy reading about someone else’s misadventures.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog isn’t just another travel guide. Here, you’ll get:

✅ Stories & Experiences – The wins, the fails, and the “I can’t believe that just happened” moments.
✅ Travel Tips  – From avoiding tourist traps to surviving Tokyo rush hour.
✅ Cultural Comparisons – Where Japan and Scotland connect, and where they absolutely do not.
✅ Food Adventures – Which Japanese dishes you will love, and which will challenged me.
✅ Hidden Gems & Must-See Spots – Going beyond the usual tourist haunts.
✅ Reviews & Recommendations – From whisky bars to weird and wonderful cafés.

Why Read This Blog?

If you want to explore Japan without feeling completely lost, this blog is for you. If you appreciate cultural mishaps, love a good travel story, or just want to know where to find a decent cup of tea in Tokyo, then stick around—I think we’re going to get along.

So, whether you're planning your first trip, reminiscing about past travels, or just here for the entertainment value of watching a very tall man navigate a very not-tall country, I hope you find something here that makes you smile.

Let’s explore Japan together—one adventure, one cultural surprise, and one head injury at a time.

Dear Japan, Love Scotland.