My first visit was by myself in 1984 when I was 23. I traveled by Japan Rail Pass and stayed mostly in youth hostels. I distinctly recall being Ohayo gozaimasu-ed each morning over the hostel's loudspeaker. I remember having to travel to Ōmiya Station to catch the Tōhoku Shinkansen and I recall having to catch the all blue trains to do that. I also recall being something of a curiosity to the school kids in smaller towns. I recall my departure from Yokohama as I sailed on the Soviet ferry to Nakohdka. I also recall the Japanese man who paid for first class on the Trans Siberian, but was unfortunate to get a Russian fisherman who had Styrofoam containers of fish all over the room who drank a bottle of vodka every day. Poor Japanese guy was miserable. I also recall showing up by random chance at one of the festivals in Takayama where the big floats are carried trough town. I was even asked to join in and help carry one for a very short time. I recall staying in a temple youth hostel in Nakatsu. I was the only one there. I remember taking the train to Shingu and visiting the temple there. I recall visiting the Sony building in Ginza where they showed Thriller (Michael Jackson) on their big projection TV. Strangely I do not remember much of anything about the food I ate. I guess back then I ate to stay alive, not as recreation. I remember all the vending machines.