Day 10- Gifu

It's my 9th day in Gifu now and I must say this small prefecture has amazed me quite a lot. It's not big in terms of population (only 420,000) but it's big in its hospitality and culture. I suspect that excellent service culture is more or less consistent throughout Japan, but this is my first time to Japan and to experience first-hand the kind of service that will touch your heart is incredible.

For example yesterday we took the wrong bus. Although the bus driver didn't speak English, after we communicated to him that we wanted to go to Takashimaya, he apologetically informed us that that was the wrong bus and pointed out the bus stop opposite the road and told us to take Bus K. He also waive the bus fare for all 5 of us. And as if that was not enough, he turned off the engine, got out of his seat and walked us down the bus, pointed us to the correct bus stop and reminded us to take Bus K. How can you not be impressed? Even though you know you took the wrong bus and got loss, you feel good about it! Yesterday at the SME Symposium, I was exposed to the concept of "experience industry" as opposed to "manufacturing industry" and "services industry". I think the bus ride we had meant exactly this. The Japanese do not see themselves as providers of 'bus service' or 'a means of transport'. They're in the business of getting you to your destination safely, comfortable and on time.

It's an equally touching experience when it comes to the food here. The cost of living is extremely high here, especially food and transport. But you have to admit that the food quality and packaging way better than any part of the world. You take a stroll along the supermarket aisle and you feel like trying every single drink there is on the shelves. This trip has been especially fulfilling since I managed to try different types of exquisite food like sea urchin sushi, grilled Ayu fish, Hida beef, juicy abalone, blue cheese, foie gras, caviar, the sweetest honeydew in the world, melt in your mouth scallop, and waffles with delicious whipped cream & maple syrup etc. (some of them for the first time).

to be continued....