Vacations have a different meaning to everyone. For most, they're relaxing getaways to tropical locations. For me, they're opportunities to go to foreign lands and and bring back ideas. In 2016, I went to western Japan for a week. Everything about Japan was new and exciting to me, but there were several things in particular we could implement in Steubenville that stood out to me.
1.
Gardens 
Garden design is an important Japanese art form that has been refined for more than 1000 years. Every empty space in every city is filled with beautiful green spaces. The silence, peace, and tranquility of these places directly corresponds to the joy found in their communities. And how do they keep up all these gardens? They have a program that hires retired elderly to take care of green spaces and streetscapes. The elderly feel that they are still contributing members of society and other citizens benefit from the beauty that surrounds them. Everyone wins.
2. Hanging Bridges
3. Flower Lamp Posts
Japanese take almost everything functional and make it pretty. Isn't that rad?
4. Red Brick Warehouses
Formerly the Customs Inspection House for Yokohama Bay’s shipping activities in the early 1920’s, these handsome red brick buildings have been converted into one of Yokohama’s most popular family or date spots. Inside the buildings there are many unique shops and restaurants. Outside, throughout the year, numerous events take place: October Beer Fest in autumn, a skating rink in winter, and concerts during the summer.
5.
Ground Murals
6.
Giant Boats
7. Fish Markets
Japan is surrounded by bountiful waters and supports a thriving seafood industry. Areas near fishing ports often have fish markets where local produce is available for great prices. There are booths that cook up food for you to eat on the spot and many fish markets have dining facilities attached, serving up delicious seafood caught early that morning. They can be a little gross, but fascinating nonetheless.
8. Turquoise Roofs
I'm not entirely sure how this would improve anything about Steubenville in general, but I think they're awesome.
9. More Gardens
I was serious when I said they're absolutely everywhere.
10.
Rowing Teams
We have the Ohio River practically begging to be used – we really ought to start rowing teams. It's recreational AND healthy!
11. The Crafthouse
The
Crafthouse is a learning center that specializes in teaching
tourists specific trades. Guests could make jewelry, pressed flower
art, pottery, and even blown glass! Whatever you made, you could
take home. This amazing hands-on experience did more than just teach
visitors how to make a prized souvenir; the knowledgeable trainers
showed the importance of carrying on dying traditions and preserving
the culture of handmade items. A center like this in Steubenville
would be an excellent way to teach citizens and visitors alike what
some of the trades are that built this city.
12.
French Rose Garden
As if Japanese gardens weren't enough, there are many gardens influenced by European tradition. The Japanese love other cultures and make astounding efforts to share those cultures with the members of their communities by building replicas. This particular French Rose Garden was located at the top of a mountain in a region that mimicked the rolling hills and valleys of Jefferson County.
13. Marine
Walks
Granted, Japan has the ocean, we only have a river. But that doesn't mean we can't absolutely own the waterside and build walkways and gardens that will entice visitors and locals alike to appreciate the beauty of nature.
