I have been in Japan for three days now. Anyone with half a brain has of course heard of Japan. Whether it was through movies or word of mouth, the underlying truth is that we, as the cliche saying would say, "know nothing" until of course we actually get here.

I will try as much as I can to explain Japan but the combination of beauty, efficiency, industry and the overall notion of being in a completely different land has left me astonished and speechless.

Japan, obviously, is an island nation, close to the size of California and with that, you begin to realize how dense it can be when trying to fit 130 million people within it. From every possible square foot of a city being used for something to the people being packed in the trains like sardines, the placement is done with impressive efficiency, leaving nothing to waste, as it should be. Because of the lack of space, less focus is on the homes and rather the utilization of parks and public spaces.

While traveling one can note the combination of heavy industry such as refineries and factories that blanket an area of land while at the same time you will come across, soon after, pristine and quite peaceful locations.

Such as this...

Or this...

Or come across the Great Buddha of Kamakura...

By the way, this is over 750-years-old and weighs about 93 tons. You can even go inside for a small fee.

Let's talk about the food now. I've only begun to dive into the cuisine that Japan has to offer and let me tell you how amazing this is.

THIS is undeniable one of the best things I've ever tasted in my life. THIS is a bowl of pork ramen. I almost felt bad after eating this dish because I realized all of the crap instant ramen that I've had over my college career did not even compare to it. For about 1000 yen, around $8.50 you get this dish. It is rather simple but so good you become a foodie for a minute or two.

There is, of course, the ever prominent sushi that makes you wonder why you ever ate a California roll in the first place.

Let's not forget about the much more strange and different foods that we probably wouldn't be used to here in the states. Fish eggs, sea urchin, crab brain and probably my favorite based on what it is...

Octopus cracker!

Actually tasted pretty good, just needed some salt.

A number of different foods you can find in one town, let alone one street is simply overwhelming. You certainly need an appetite when you come here.

Another thing I personally like is the amount of small vending machines in Japan. They are on almost every street, many of which seem to be in random places. Whether you get a canned coffee or a green tea, they are quick, easy and rather cheap.

My adventure so far has only begun and I will certainly come back with final conclusions on my trip for next week. For now, though, I can only sit back and take it all in.