I remember one afternoon in particular. I’d ducked into a tiny café somewhere in Kyoto. It had maybe just a few seats, a handwritten menu, and soft late-afternoon light coming through the window. I ordered an iced matcha and a soft red bean paste sweet with cinnamon, wrapped in mist-warabi dough. They went together better than I expected.

I just sat there for a while.

There was no reason to rush. The person behind the counter took their time preparing drinks, and the café had a quiet hum of music and conversation. I don’t remember doing anything special while I was there. I just sat there with my husband and his brother, enjoyed my drink and took in my surroundings. I think I stayed quite a while, and it felt completely fine to do that.

I’ve thought about that afternoon quite a few times since coming home. It wasn’t anything extraordinary, but I remember how comfortable I felt just sitting there with nowhere else to be. I have noticed that feeling in other parts of Japan, too. It wasn’t just the places I visited or the food I ate. It was how people went about their day and how I felt being around them.

I kept noticing little things. People being mindful of those around them, the quietness on public transportation, the care put into preparing and presenting food. Even in busy areas, I often felt less overwhelmed than I do in crowded places at home.

I found myself wondering why everything felt so different.

Part of it may have been the change of scenery. When you’re travelling, you’re away from your usual responsibilities and routines, and you naturally pay attention to things you might otherwise miss. But I also noticed how much I appreciated the everyday moments. Meals felt thoughtfully put together, and even the convenience store food surprised me with its variety and presentation. There were so many options beyond the usual fast-food meal. I enjoyed seeing the different seasonal foods, too. It made me think about how much variety there is in everyday Japanese cooking and how food can be both convenient and carefully prepared.

The thing that stayed with me most, though, was how people treated the spaces and people around them.

Tokyo is enormous. The trains can be packed, and the streets are busy, yet there were many times when I didn’t feel the same tension I sometimes notice in crowded places back home. People generally seemed conscious of those around them, whether they were waiting in line, moving through a station or sharing a small space with strangers.

Of course, not every experience was the same, and I know I was seeing Japan as a visitor. I wasn’t dealing with the everyday pressures of living and working there. Still, I noticed how much more relaxed I felt in certain situations, and it made me think about how our surroundings affect us.

I don’t always realize how tense I am during an ordinary day at home. There’s usually something to do, somewhere to go or something on my mind. Even when I’m sitting down, I might be checking my phone, thinking about dinner or mentally going through everything I need to get done.

In Japan, I found myself enjoying simple things without thinking so much about what came next. Walking to get a drink, sitting down for a meal or wandering through a neighbourhood without a particular destination felt different when I wasn’t trying to fit something else into the day, and honestly, I miss that feeling.

I know Japan has its own pressures and expectations, and living there is very different from visiting. I’m not suggesting that life there is somehow easier or that everyone lives at a slower pace. But I came home thinking about the things I appreciated while I was there, especially the care I noticed in everyday interactions and how good it felt to be less rushed.

I’ve been thinking about how much of that feeling I can bring into my own life here. Not by trying to recreate Japan, but by noticing the parts of my day that I tend to rush through without really enjoying them. Sometimes I think I need to get away from my usual routine to realize how much I miss being present for the ordinary parts of life. That afternoon in Kyoto was a good reminder of that.

Simply Salt & Soul

The Salt (The Science): Our surroundings can affect how stressed or relaxed we feel. Constant noise, interruptions and feeling rushed can leave us mentally drained, while quieter moments and time to enjoy a meal without distractions may help us unwind. Stress can also affect digestion. When we’re tense or anxious, some people notice more bloating, abdominal discomfort or changes in bowel habits. The gut and brain communicate with each other, which is one reason stress can influence how our digestive system feels and functions.

I noticed how different I felt in Japan, although I’m sure part of that was simply being away from my usual routine. It got me thinking about how often I move through my day without stopping to notice how I feel, even when I’m not particularly busy. We can’t always change our surroundings, and daily responsibilities don’t disappear just because we’d like a quieter life. But the environment we spend time in can affect our mood and stress levels, and it’s something we can be more aware of.

The Soul (The Wellness): Since coming home, I’ve been thinking about the little things I enjoyed while I was away. Sitting down with a drink instead of carrying it around while doing something else. Taking my time over a meal. Going for a walk without feeling that I need to be productive the whole time.

I still think about that afternoon in Kyoto sometimes. I remember how nice it felt to sit in that little café and not think about what I needed to do next. It’s funny how a simple moment like that can stay with you long after a trip is over. It made me think about how often I rush through my days at home, even when I don’t really need to.

Is there a place that has ever made you feel this way? I’d love to know. Drop in the comments below.