Yokoso

I prefer to spend my vacation in only one place, even though I've been there again and again:  my favorite country in the world, Japan.  The big cities I love, Tokyo and Osaka, stand untouched by the tragic earthquakes that struck the northern region, and they thrive as vibrantly as ever, a magnet for an urban princess like me.  The word “Megalopolis” truly describes Tokyo, a massive conglomerate of cities, each in possession of its own atmosphere and pace, from sleepy Sugamo and serene Ueno to manic Shibuya and cutting-edge Akihabara.  While Osaka commands a less impressive population than its competitor on the east coast, gourmands the world over will attest to the magnificence of the southern region's food and the down-to-earth good times vibe eschewed by its more metropolitan cousin.  The irresistible lure of these fast-paced urban zones has kept me out of the countryside, even though every time I plan another trip, I vow to slow down and savor Japan's gorgeous mountains and natural parks.