Japan!?
I was going to Japan!? OMG! I couldn't have been happier. I was seriously wigging out about the trip.
My grandma has had Japanese students at her house for years (not now, she stopped in 2010 I think). College students. We always liked to talk with them and keep in touch but one stuck around a long time. Reiko, she lived at my Gma's house for College for about five years! FIVE years! Yeah, she is totally part of the family now and we still talk to her. Let's just say she is my Japanese cousin.
Reiko knew I LOVED Japan, I wouldn't shut up about it with her and always asked her stuff. (read more about me on the home page) So! In 2007 she asked me if I wanted to go back with her to Japan on her school break. At first we planned for spring or summer but it ended up being winter...New Years. Which is why I put 2007/2008.
Either way, you guessed it...I SAID YES! Why would I want to miss that!?
My parents didn't want me to miss it either, a lot of my family has lived in Japan so it was my turn to enjoy a bit of the culture! I had already been around it so much but nothing is like actually going there yourself. I WAS SO EXCITED!
My grandma has had Japanese students at her house for years (not now, she stopped in 2010 I think). College students. We always liked to talk with them and keep in touch but one stuck around a long time. Reiko, she lived at my Gma's house for College for about five years! FIVE years! Yeah, she is totally part of the family now and we still talk to her. Let's just say she is my Japanese cousin.
Reiko knew I LOVED Japan, I wouldn't shut up about it with her and always asked her stuff. (read more about me on the home page) So! In 2007 she asked me if I wanted to go back with her to Japan on her school break. At first we planned for spring or summer but it ended up being winter...New Years. Which is why I put 2007/2008.
Either way, you guessed it...I SAID YES! Why would I want to miss that!?
My parents didn't want me to miss it either, a lot of my family has lived in Japan so it was my turn to enjoy a bit of the culture! I had already been around it so much but nothing is like actually going there yourself. I WAS SO EXCITED!
Your flights departs at...
I packed, drove with my parents to my Gma's house (which takes 7 hours), and then waited. I believe we celebrated Christmas there, I know I remember going around and seeing the Christmas lights.
Then the time came, we were going...going to JAPAN. We went to the little local airport which would be flying us to the bigger airport and then off to Narita airport in Tokyo. There is my daddy sending us off at the dinky airport.
So we go on the plane...it was sooo small, freaked me out. At least this was just a shirt flight. We got up into the air...and then....complications. WHAT!? Crap. Only up for five minutes and had to land again because the landing gear wouldn't go up. Poo. So much for that.
So we get out luggage back and try to get new tickets or figure out what to do. After lots of scrambling and figuring stuff out we decided we would DRIVE to the big airport (about 3 hours) and then go from there. Well, problem was we couldn't get new tickets until the next day. GUH, one more day I had to wait! NOOOO!
So my parents and our dog, drove Reiko and I to a hotel were we could stay and get up the next morning to get on the plane. So we chilled in the hotel room, watched Star Wars and I giggled at Reiko for walking around in her moister paper mask. We got some dinner and then sleep...and in the morning we were on our way! Got on the airport bus, got dropped off and then checked in.
From there things were normal. Turned in luggage, went through security, got some food and exchanged some bills for Yen. That was exciting too, making things more real. I wasn't dreaming right? Then we looked around and I ended up buying some WAY to expensive perfume but I had totally forgotten to pack any type of body spray. I should have just waited to buy some IN Japan. Silly me. Of course, now every time I wear that perfume I think of Japan because that is what I always smelled! Haha
Then we FINALLY got on the plane! YEAH! I WAS READY! No I wasn't...I knew the flight would be long but OMG, it was sooo long. I also learned that when I am excited...I can't sleep. Not in a car or on a plane. OH, I also was CRAZY and carried around a bag with video camera stuff and other random things I thought would get stolen. Way to heavy and way to much crap to always have. I LEARNED MY LESSON! Anyways, so I didn't sleep...for 10 hours. I watched the four in flight movies, listened to the radio, music and ate the crappy food. Reiko was asleep almost the whole time along with the other Japanese girl sitting next to me. It was a HUGE plane and we were stuck in large middle isle. Made for watching the movie easier but I would have loved to sit at a window. Oh well, maybe next time?
Then the time came, we were going...going to JAPAN. We went to the little local airport which would be flying us to the bigger airport and then off to Narita airport in Tokyo. There is my daddy sending us off at the dinky airport.
So we go on the plane...it was sooo small, freaked me out. At least this was just a shirt flight. We got up into the air...and then....complications. WHAT!? Crap. Only up for five minutes and had to land again because the landing gear wouldn't go up. Poo. So much for that.
So we get out luggage back and try to get new tickets or figure out what to do. After lots of scrambling and figuring stuff out we decided we would DRIVE to the big airport (about 3 hours) and then go from there. Well, problem was we couldn't get new tickets until the next day. GUH, one more day I had to wait! NOOOO!
So my parents and our dog, drove Reiko and I to a hotel were we could stay and get up the next morning to get on the plane. So we chilled in the hotel room, watched Star Wars and I giggled at Reiko for walking around in her moister paper mask. We got some dinner and then sleep...and in the morning we were on our way! Got on the airport bus, got dropped off and then checked in.
From there things were normal. Turned in luggage, went through security, got some food and exchanged some bills for Yen. That was exciting too, making things more real. I wasn't dreaming right? Then we looked around and I ended up buying some WAY to expensive perfume but I had totally forgotten to pack any type of body spray. I should have just waited to buy some IN Japan. Silly me. Of course, now every time I wear that perfume I think of Japan because that is what I always smelled! Haha
Then we FINALLY got on the plane! YEAH! I WAS READY! No I wasn't...I knew the flight would be long but OMG, it was sooo long. I also learned that when I am excited...I can't sleep. Not in a car or on a plane. OH, I also was CRAZY and carried around a bag with video camera stuff and other random things I thought would get stolen. Way to heavy and way to much crap to always have. I LEARNED MY LESSON! Anyways, so I didn't sleep...for 10 hours. I watched the four in flight movies, listened to the radio, music and ate the crappy food. Reiko was asleep almost the whole time along with the other Japanese girl sitting next to me. It was a HUGE plane and we were stuck in large middle isle. Made for watching the movie easier but I would have loved to sit at a window. Oh well, maybe next time?
Arriving at Narita Airport
Shopping already?
So the plane lands and our Australian pilot speaks over the speaker. He certainly had a nice voice.
We all pile out and already I feel lost. Signs all in Japanese and no one speaking English. Sure all the signs have English on the bottoms but still, its confusing. I always get lost in airports, even in the US!
So I have to go through customs and get my passport stamped. Wasn't to hard. Then met up with Reiko and headed out into the main part of the airport. I was in awe and it was only the AIRPORT.
It was like a giant mall. Narita airport is a MALL. It had the best Stuido Ghibli store I have ever seen and I bought 3 Totoro dolls. Ya know, Totoro and then the two littler ones. I was already buying stuff I didn't need! Gaining more luggage in the airport kinda sucks, I wouldn't suggest it but it is very tempting. They even had a nail salon in there to get your nails done! It was fun just to walk around. We had put our luggage in a paid holding room so we didn't have to lug it around. We had time to spare while we waited for the bus.
Soon enough we sleepily wondered onto the bus, well I was tired...I dunno about Reiko, she got sleep on the plane. Oh! When we arrived I also had no idea what time it was or what day it was, it totally throws you all off. Luckily we arrived in the evening so when I got to her house I could just sleep.
So we toodled down the road on the bus. I was looking allllll around! I saw part of the Castle at Disney Tokyo! That was cool. Also a hotel called "Rainbow Hotel" and I got shushed for saying it out loud...oops...not a normal hotel. Stupid Gaijin.
The bus ride was long too, three to four hours if I remember correctly?? All the way to Yamanashi. I'm not going to tell you exactly where I was since honestly, I don't remember. I'm so horrible and to lazy to go look up my friends address. You don't need to know anyways! :P
We arrived in her town and got off the bus where her brother picked us up. Their car was soooo tiny! Man, I felt to big for that thing and I had to sit in the back. It looked like a tiny SUV/Jeep. Now on our way to her house! IKIMASU!
We all pile out and already I feel lost. Signs all in Japanese and no one speaking English. Sure all the signs have English on the bottoms but still, its confusing. I always get lost in airports, even in the US!
So I have to go through customs and get my passport stamped. Wasn't to hard. Then met up with Reiko and headed out into the main part of the airport. I was in awe and it was only the AIRPORT.
It was like a giant mall. Narita airport is a MALL. It had the best Stuido Ghibli store I have ever seen and I bought 3 Totoro dolls. Ya know, Totoro and then the two littler ones. I was already buying stuff I didn't need! Gaining more luggage in the airport kinda sucks, I wouldn't suggest it but it is very tempting. They even had a nail salon in there to get your nails done! It was fun just to walk around. We had put our luggage in a paid holding room so we didn't have to lug it around. We had time to spare while we waited for the bus.
Soon enough we sleepily wondered onto the bus, well I was tired...I dunno about Reiko, she got sleep on the plane. Oh! When we arrived I also had no idea what time it was or what day it was, it totally throws you all off. Luckily we arrived in the evening so when I got to her house I could just sleep.
So we toodled down the road on the bus. I was looking allllll around! I saw part of the Castle at Disney Tokyo! That was cool. Also a hotel called "Rainbow Hotel" and I got shushed for saying it out loud...oops...not a normal hotel. Stupid Gaijin.
The bus ride was long too, three to four hours if I remember correctly?? All the way to Yamanashi. I'm not going to tell you exactly where I was since honestly, I don't remember. I'm so horrible and to lazy to go look up my friends address. You don't need to know anyways! :P
We arrived in her town and got off the bus where her brother picked us up. Their car was soooo tiny! Man, I felt to big for that thing and I had to sit in the back. It looked like a tiny SUV/Jeep. Now on our way to her house! IKIMASU!
You can see what from your house!?
Now I can't remember if we arrived at night or early morning...I just remember it being dark but then again, I don't remember her house being in the dark. Confusing right? Aw well, I suppose it doesn't matter WHAT time I arrived.
I was so nervous but very excited, I just didn't want to do anything to offend them. When we went into the house we took off our shoes and they told me they had slippers for me! That was very sweet of them! Japanese people are VERY good hosts by the way and you are suppose to bring them a present as well. It's polite. So I used the slippers (eventually I put on my own that I brought, they were hello kitty) and all our luggage was put into our rooms. Their house was actually rather big, all wood floors and two stories. I was put in the guest room, which actually had two twin beds and a computer. I was excited and told I could even use the computer! Yay! I was able to send email!
The room was very large but there were no bathrooms upstairs. It was also REALLY cold, especially up in the top floor. They don't heat the whole house, only the living room where everyone gathers to watch tv and eat. Electricity is to expensive and I even remember the power going out when Reiko and I turned on the heater upstairs. Oops.
So I believe I went right to sleep and my bed had about seven layers of blankets and one of them was heated. Nice and toasty! Of course once I actually tried to sleep I had a freak crying moment and had Reiko some sleep in the other bed in my room. Embarrassing right? I guess my body was more nervous than I was, being so far from home. Cause really I was still excited! Reiko ended up staying in my room every night I was there...even though my tears had stopped, I should have told her she could go back to her room.
In the morning (yeah...we must have arrived at night?? Gosh, I don't know) I got up and looked out all the windows in my room. I took pictures too. I noticed a big mountain out of one of the windows.
I was so nervous but very excited, I just didn't want to do anything to offend them. When we went into the house we took off our shoes and they told me they had slippers for me! That was very sweet of them! Japanese people are VERY good hosts by the way and you are suppose to bring them a present as well. It's polite. So I used the slippers (eventually I put on my own that I brought, they were hello kitty) and all our luggage was put into our rooms. Their house was actually rather big, all wood floors and two stories. I was put in the guest room, which actually had two twin beds and a computer. I was excited and told I could even use the computer! Yay! I was able to send email!
The room was very large but there were no bathrooms upstairs. It was also REALLY cold, especially up in the top floor. They don't heat the whole house, only the living room where everyone gathers to watch tv and eat. Electricity is to expensive and I even remember the power going out when Reiko and I turned on the heater upstairs. Oops.
So I believe I went right to sleep and my bed had about seven layers of blankets and one of them was heated. Nice and toasty! Of course once I actually tried to sleep I had a freak crying moment and had Reiko some sleep in the other bed in my room. Embarrassing right? I guess my body was more nervous than I was, being so far from home. Cause really I was still excited! Reiko ended up staying in my room every night I was there...even though my tears had stopped, I should have told her she could go back to her room.
In the morning (yeah...we must have arrived at night?? Gosh, I don't know) I got up and looked out all the windows in my room. I took pictures too. I noticed a big mountain out of one of the windows.
The top was all covered in clouds but the rest of the sky was pretty clear. I asked Reiko about it and she told me it was Mt. Fuji. Wait...they could see Mt. Fuji from their house!? That was amazing!! They told me that a lot of the time you couldn't see it because of the clouds and haze, it was almost always covered but today was a good day.
Was still awesome and I looked at it all the time, I later did notice days when you couldn't see it at all.
Was still awesome and I looked at it all the time, I later did notice days when you couldn't see it at all.
Life in the house
Now, I can't remember the exact order of everything. I will try to go by the pictures I took. For now I want to talk about being in the house and just living there for the week and a half.
Oh! Before I forget, back to the presents. I brought them a little round red clay pottery bowl with a lid. Native American made. I know I brought something else, maybe chocolate? Or did Reiko bring her parents chocolate? I really just remember the bowl and it had candy in it eventually. They liked the gifts, since Native American is certainly unique and rare over there.
So, my first morning I walked downstairs. (Almost fell mind you, and I did actually slide down once.) The stairs were narrow, steep and wood so slippers were pretty slippery. The steps also weren't big, only fit half your foot. Maybe I just have big American feet? Haha. Once down the stairs you walk into a closed door (door closed to keep the heat in) and you are in the living room. They had a big dining table, some sitting chairs and a coffee table. A large tv, an attached kitchen cut off by a half wall and then a little shrine that was in his little nook. The shrine was up high, you would have to stand on a chair to dust it, which I believe her father was doing just so. It was new years soon so it had to be nice!
So that was the main living space, another thing I was curious about was the bathroom. I would need to go potty and shower after all! Well, the toilet was separate from the sink and washroom. Something neat about the toilet, it was HEATED.They actually had a heated toilet in their house! How cool is that!? I remembered my parents telling me their toilet in Japan use to freeze over! This potty however was warm and you never wanted to get off of it because if you did...you would be cold. The shower was the same, freezing until you got in the warm water! It was like a race, clothes off, in the water, wash, sit in the water forever because you are to scared to get out of it, turn it off, RUN OUT TO THE SINK AREA, huddle by the little heater, and put on clothes. I'm amazed I never caught a cold!
Now for food. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and any time your cup was empty you were given green tea. At least I was. I used the same little cup the whole time I was there and it always magically had hot REAL green tea in it thanks to Rekio's mom. Breakfast was simple, they just asked what I might like. I normally had toast (best toast ever I might add) and yogurt (also the best yogurt). Toast would get butter and some jam and then that was it. Sometimes we just had left overs. I believe I ate lunch out almost every day, if it was at home I think I remember it being left overs as well. Dinner was....interesting. This is where the left overs came from of course. I can honestly say that most of the time I had NO idea what I was eating. I avoided anything odd looking but did manage to taste some things. Some I liked, some I would never eat again. They have a different taste pallet, they tend to like more tart or sour things. They also used a lot of mayo. I love mayo but I had never seen it put on broccoli and ham! Was actually pretty tasty! Since it was New Years we actually got some really good special meals too but I will talk about that more when I get more into New Years.
As for her family they are the sweetest people you will ever meet! They wanted to practice their English but honestly, they were really good! They knew everything I said and I could understand them. Rather amazed me. The only one that didn't know any english was her grandmother, the cutest little Japanese lady! Her parents took care of grandma and Reiko's brother was also there visiting on break. He went to school in Japan. Her two uncles came to visit one night and they were pretty entertaining and loud when drunk.
Loud drunk people? Yeah, you could hear them all the way upstairs. You could hear EVERYTHING up stairs. The walls were very thin. I could hear her dad clapping every morning, it was a part of praying to the shrine.
Hmm, what else about the house. Oh! I know her mother grew some of her own vegetables and there were always lovely flowers.
They were all kind to me and I can only hope I never did anything wrong!
Oh! Before I forget, back to the presents. I brought them a little round red clay pottery bowl with a lid. Native American made. I know I brought something else, maybe chocolate? Or did Reiko bring her parents chocolate? I really just remember the bowl and it had candy in it eventually. They liked the gifts, since Native American is certainly unique and rare over there.
So, my first morning I walked downstairs. (Almost fell mind you, and I did actually slide down once.) The stairs were narrow, steep and wood so slippers were pretty slippery. The steps also weren't big, only fit half your foot. Maybe I just have big American feet? Haha. Once down the stairs you walk into a closed door (door closed to keep the heat in) and you are in the living room. They had a big dining table, some sitting chairs and a coffee table. A large tv, an attached kitchen cut off by a half wall and then a little shrine that was in his little nook. The shrine was up high, you would have to stand on a chair to dust it, which I believe her father was doing just so. It was new years soon so it had to be nice!
So that was the main living space, another thing I was curious about was the bathroom. I would need to go potty and shower after all! Well, the toilet was separate from the sink and washroom. Something neat about the toilet, it was HEATED.They actually had a heated toilet in their house! How cool is that!? I remembered my parents telling me their toilet in Japan use to freeze over! This potty however was warm and you never wanted to get off of it because if you did...you would be cold. The shower was the same, freezing until you got in the warm water! It was like a race, clothes off, in the water, wash, sit in the water forever because you are to scared to get out of it, turn it off, RUN OUT TO THE SINK AREA, huddle by the little heater, and put on clothes. I'm amazed I never caught a cold!
Now for food. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and any time your cup was empty you were given green tea. At least I was. I used the same little cup the whole time I was there and it always magically had hot REAL green tea in it thanks to Rekio's mom. Breakfast was simple, they just asked what I might like. I normally had toast (best toast ever I might add) and yogurt (also the best yogurt). Toast would get butter and some jam and then that was it. Sometimes we just had left overs. I believe I ate lunch out almost every day, if it was at home I think I remember it being left overs as well. Dinner was....interesting. This is where the left overs came from of course. I can honestly say that most of the time I had NO idea what I was eating. I avoided anything odd looking but did manage to taste some things. Some I liked, some I would never eat again. They have a different taste pallet, they tend to like more tart or sour things. They also used a lot of mayo. I love mayo but I had never seen it put on broccoli and ham! Was actually pretty tasty! Since it was New Years we actually got some really good special meals too but I will talk about that more when I get more into New Years.
As for her family they are the sweetest people you will ever meet! They wanted to practice their English but honestly, they were really good! They knew everything I said and I could understand them. Rather amazed me. The only one that didn't know any english was her grandmother, the cutest little Japanese lady! Her parents took care of grandma and Reiko's brother was also there visiting on break. He went to school in Japan. Her two uncles came to visit one night and they were pretty entertaining and loud when drunk.
Loud drunk people? Yeah, you could hear them all the way upstairs. You could hear EVERYTHING up stairs. The walls were very thin. I could hear her dad clapping every morning, it was a part of praying to the shrine.
Hmm, what else about the house. Oh! I know her mother grew some of her own vegetables and there were always lovely flowers.
They were all kind to me and I can only hope I never did anything wrong!
Let's get into the fun stuff...
Let's move on to things I actually went and did on my trip. I will try to get the time line accurate buuuut I don't really remember! Oh no!
First off I would like to say thank you to Reiko's father who took us out one day just to do some shopping and stop by the video store. The video rental stores are AMAZING! They have cell phones, manga and even music CD's to rent! Dang! I think they even had a reading section or internet in there, I will have to go back and review my video of it. Pretttttty cool!
On to a shrine! Being New Years it was a time everyone flocked to go pray at the shrines and buy new years goodies. Don't forget the charms too! Again, I am sorry I don't remember exactly what shrine we went to but I know it took a train and a bus ride to get there. Wasn't to long though.
Let's start out with the train station. We made it to the train station and what did we find? MORE SHOPPING! Seems like everything is a mini mall. It had good shopping too! A girls accessory shop (kinda like Icing), clothes, books, music, shoes....every type of shop was there. I did buy some earrings and things, they were super cute! None were identical but they matched, so you had different types of earrings in each ear. Really cute! I also bought some Studio Ghibli cd's. Lucky for me I had my bag to stuff it all into but AGAIN I wasn't even to my destination and buying stuff. Sheesh.
What REALLY caught my eye was the beauty supply store. They had a little nail booth with a TON of nails on display. 3D nail art? WHAAAT? This was the first time I had heard of this! You could get it done too! Oooooh, I wanted it! Sadly I couldn't afford and didn't have the time for false nails but she did do my natural nails all pretty!
First off I would like to say thank you to Reiko's father who took us out one day just to do some shopping and stop by the video store. The video rental stores are AMAZING! They have cell phones, manga and even music CD's to rent! Dang! I think they even had a reading section or internet in there, I will have to go back and review my video of it. Pretttttty cool!
On to a shrine! Being New Years it was a time everyone flocked to go pray at the shrines and buy new years goodies. Don't forget the charms too! Again, I am sorry I don't remember exactly what shrine we went to but I know it took a train and a bus ride to get there. Wasn't to long though.
Let's start out with the train station. We made it to the train station and what did we find? MORE SHOPPING! Seems like everything is a mini mall. It had good shopping too! A girls accessory shop (kinda like Icing), clothes, books, music, shoes....every type of shop was there. I did buy some earrings and things, they were super cute! None were identical but they matched, so you had different types of earrings in each ear. Really cute! I also bought some Studio Ghibli cd's. Lucky for me I had my bag to stuff it all into but AGAIN I wasn't even to my destination and buying stuff. Sheesh.
What REALLY caught my eye was the beauty supply store. They had a little nail booth with a TON of nails on display. 3D nail art? WHAAAT? This was the first time I had heard of this! You could get it done too! Oooooh, I wanted it! Sadly I couldn't afford and didn't have the time for false nails but she did do my natural nails all pretty!
Wish I had a better camera with me. Go to facebook for some more pictures of this event! NAILS! Haha. Reiko took some better shots. The nail art fascinated me. She made those white blossom flowers! MADE them! With the acrylic! Was pretty cool, made little beads and then shaped them, putting abother layer on top. Was cool. They lasted a long time too! My whole trip. I continued to put a top coat on to keep them there. I loved them, now if only I could get false ones like that. (I do but they are just glue on ones, only for one night types.)
After some shopping and my nails were done, the train finally arrived! We got on, and strangely I don't remember much of the ride. A train ride is a train ride right? However, I do remember the bus ride. Oooh man I hated it.
So we go on the bus with a million other people and we got stuck standing in the middle. We went up the steepest hills and turns, kinda like San Fran. I am not use to standing on a moving bus so of course I was trying to keep my balance, stumbling back and forth and ALL OVER THE PLACE! I was the only one doing this. The Japanese were just pro at perfect balance. I kept almost stumbling backwards into a stroller and I really didn't want to squish the baby or kid!
Once that embarrassment was over we stepped off. Had to walk a little ways but once we hit the main strip to the shrine I was totally cool with the walk. It was a mini festival! Well, there were booths everywhere. There was a store too that sold trinkets with the shrine and area's name. Seemed like they were famous for peaches? I know I have a charm from there that is Hello Kitty and she is a peach. It's cute!
After some shopping and my nails were done, the train finally arrived! We got on, and strangely I don't remember much of the ride. A train ride is a train ride right? However, I do remember the bus ride. Oooh man I hated it.
So we go on the bus with a million other people and we got stuck standing in the middle. We went up the steepest hills and turns, kinda like San Fran. I am not use to standing on a moving bus so of course I was trying to keep my balance, stumbling back and forth and ALL OVER THE PLACE! I was the only one doing this. The Japanese were just pro at perfect balance. I kept almost stumbling backwards into a stroller and I really didn't want to squish the baby or kid!
Once that embarrassment was over we stepped off. Had to walk a little ways but once we hit the main strip to the shrine I was totally cool with the walk. It was a mini festival! Well, there were booths everywhere. There was a store too that sold trinkets with the shrine and area's name. Seemed like they were famous for peaches? I know I have a charm from there that is Hello Kitty and she is a peach. It's cute!
So we stopped in the shop, I bought a cell phone charm or two and then we walked back out. The booths sold everything from food to Wii game consoles! Crazy right!? Just a bunch of Wii's sitting there. They also had the toys and silly masks. One thing that caught my eye was this booth with Daruma Dolls! Daruma's are for wishes. The ones that come without eyes you paint in yourself. You make a wish and draw in one eye and when it comes true you draw in the other. Cool right? This booth had....so..many of them...
Pick a size, any size! I didn't buy one but now I kinda want one. Maybe next time? Of course then my wish would have some true by then, just being in Japan again.
Now did we eat lunch before or after the shrine? I don't know but I want to talk about YAKISOBA! This was also at one of the vendors! Yay! Yakisoba is one of my favorite Japanese dishes. It's soba noodles, cabbage, special seasoning and anything else you want to throw in there. I like mine with chicken.
Now did we eat lunch before or after the shrine? I don't know but I want to talk about YAKISOBA! This was also at one of the vendors! Yay! Yakisoba is one of my favorite Japanese dishes. It's soba noodles, cabbage, special seasoning and anything else you want to throw in there. I like mine with chicken.
Walking over to the shrine the line came into view. Oh wow. So many people! The line didn't take toooo long, not like a ride at Disney but it certainly was long. I saw some other ladies that obviously weren't from Japan so I wasn't the only one! They actually did everything too, I didn't. They washed their hands and I think they even went to pray. Was cool.
Now, Reiko's town has a lot of rice fields and since it was winter everything looked rather...dead. So it was nice to see some greenery! The trees were pretty and even with all the people it felt rather peaceful and quiet. You could hear the crows cawing in the trees even, it was relaxing. A lot was going on inside though, there were people talking with microphones and the girl was wearing a beautiful kimono with fur around her neck to keep warm. The temple girls were selling good luck charms and other trinkets and then a booth had New Years things for sale. So we walked around a bit and took pictures.
Leaving the temple was almost the best part. You had to take a little path in the woods and walk over a small bridge over a stream. I believe there was a swan swimming around. It was mossy and pretty! I would certainly suggest going to any shrine if you visit! I know I loved it.
Happy New Year!!!
Woooo! It is now 2008! (well, not really but it did just turn 2013 in real time :P )
Japanese people have more than just a day or two off, they pretty much have the whole week off. They stay home and enjoy New Years with their families. Maybe not all Japanese people do these but from what I learned that is kinda how it rolls.
On tv they had a big music special and they only people I knew were Ayumi Hamasaki and Gackt. I love Gackt <3
It was pretty fun to watch! That was in the evening, I can't remember if it was New Years Eve or Day. Also, I guess Yakisoba is something special they make for New Years? That is what we had and boy was I excited! More Yakisoba! YAY! Also there is a special fish for New Years but I don't remember what it was and I sure didn't eat it...I am not very fond of most fish.
Japanese people have more than just a day or two off, they pretty much have the whole week off. They stay home and enjoy New Years with their families. Maybe not all Japanese people do these but from what I learned that is kinda how it rolls.
On tv they had a big music special and they only people I knew were Ayumi Hamasaki and Gackt. I love Gackt <3
It was pretty fun to watch! That was in the evening, I can't remember if it was New Years Eve or Day. Also, I guess Yakisoba is something special they make for New Years? That is what we had and boy was I excited! More Yakisoba! YAY! Also there is a special fish for New Years but I don't remember what it was and I sure didn't eat it...I am not very fond of most fish.
As you can see there are plenty of pictures of that meal! Yum!
On New Years day, Reiko's sister and her husband came over as well. So it was Reiko, her parents, brother, sister, brother in law and grandma! Oh, and me of course. Her sister even brought me presents! I was amazed! Next time I will come prepared with much more gifts to give people! She gave me a Hello Kitty bag and it was FULL of Hello Kitty goodies! Reiko had told her that I very much Hello Kitty things. I still have a lot of it and love it so much. Thank you! |
Her parents then passed little envelopes. I was very much confused. I ended up with three of them. One from her parents, one from her sister and then...uh..from her Grandma? I can't exactly remember, my biggest apologies. Inside was money. WHAT!? I got money!? Oh, now I am just feeling very spoiled. Of course Reiko and her siblings also got some as well. I was told that children (we are the kids in this case even though we were all older) are given money from their elders. Another New Years tradition. I suppose it is for luck? To give the kids a boost into their own lives? Or just for fun? I will have to look into it someday.
Then of course the men drank and I'm sure some of the girls did. I didn't and I wasn't of age yet either, even for Japan. Drinking age is 20. Her dad told a great story though! When he was younger he went to Mt. Fuji for new years and tried to climb to the top! He only made it half way because they drink the whole time so you are basically going up and up all drunk. Another thing they do if they want on New Years. Get drunk and climb a big mountain! YEAH! Haha, not my cup of tea but sounds pretty funny.
Then her Brother in Law started to play guitar and he sang a bit. It was just a really nice family gathering and I was honored to be a part of it.
Then of course the men drank and I'm sure some of the girls did. I didn't and I wasn't of age yet either, even for Japan. Drinking age is 20. Her dad told a great story though! When he was younger he went to Mt. Fuji for new years and tried to climb to the top! He only made it half way because they drink the whole time so you are basically going up and up all drunk. Another thing they do if they want on New Years. Get drunk and climb a big mountain! YEAH! Haha, not my cup of tea but sounds pretty funny.
Then her Brother in Law started to play guitar and he sang a bit. It was just a really nice family gathering and I was honored to be a part of it.
Over the mountains and through the woods...
We needed things to do with our free days and I certainly wanted to see Mt. Fuji. Sadly I didn't get up close and personal with it but we traveled around it and saw some really good sites!
Reiko's father was kind enough to drive Reiko and I up to the lakes that surround the mountain! We saw two of them. I only know one name, the first one was Lake Motosu. It was prettier than the second one anyways.
The ride to the first lake was fun as well! We hopped into the tiny SUV and her dad drove. We went up into more country. Passed some farms with cows. A bunch of people were stopped and taking pictures of them! Haha. I suppose Japanese people don't see cows as often as I do. We past little tiny towns and houses, forests all around. The forest in that area are certainly different from here. Thin tall trees and very thick. Could barely see into them. It also got really cold, we were certainly higher up.
At least I dressed really warm! I was prepared! So we stopped at Lake Motosu. Wondered around, took pictures, looked at the view. There was even an event center. Where people have weddings and things I think.
Reiko's father was kind enough to drive Reiko and I up to the lakes that surround the mountain! We saw two of them. I only know one name, the first one was Lake Motosu. It was prettier than the second one anyways.
The ride to the first lake was fun as well! We hopped into the tiny SUV and her dad drove. We went up into more country. Passed some farms with cows. A bunch of people were stopped and taking pictures of them! Haha. I suppose Japanese people don't see cows as often as I do. We past little tiny towns and houses, forests all around. The forest in that area are certainly different from here. Thin tall trees and very thick. Could barely see into them. It also got really cold, we were certainly higher up.
At least I dressed really warm! I was prepared! So we stopped at Lake Motosu. Wondered around, took pictures, looked at the view. There was even an event center. Where people have weddings and things I think.
Next was luuuuunch! Or was lunch before the second lake? I don't remember the order of the day exactly...like everything else. Sorry. We stopped in a little town that was basically empty. We were the only one in the little ramen shop! We got some soup to warm up with. Yum Yum!
Sometime during out little outing, while driving around in the woods, we came across and interesting place. Surrounded by woods and mountain was this flat field filled with ice sculptures. Kinda. Also a REALLY old style Japanese house.
We had NO idea this was up here and just passed it. It seemed cool so we found a spot and stopped. There were plenty of people here too! Cool! Walking over we discovered that is was bunch of wooden sculptures and designs. Then water had been dripped onto them and it was cold enough to freeze, creating the ice sculpture. It was pretty cool and even walked out onto the ice and slid around. Heehee! |
Last stop for the day was an open field for a quick photo shoot and then on to a park! Yes, a park. Like, a little kid park with toys. Haha. It had other stuff too! Like ice cream and a gift shop! I bought some stuff of course but this time I tried to find things to bring home for family and friends. Most of it Mt. Fuji themed.
That big slide up there. That was was SCARY! We kept seeing it from all around the park and finally we made out way to it. It was a really tall slide and we wanted to go down it. Well we found the giant trojan horse jungle gym and just stared. It was huge. We also couldn't figure out how to get to the slide. Hmm, could climb up the back. So we did. We went to the very top, his back and head. No way down. Great. The slide was below us. It was freaky high and I couldn't believe parents let their kids on this thing!
So we made out way back down the way we came up, kinda freaked me out a little. Once down we found that it had a rope net thing that went up into it's belly and that was probably the slide. We decided to just not even try and moved on. T
Lastly we began to leave the park. We stopped at the vending machines and got some drinks for the ride home. You will find vending machines everywhere in Japan. Quite handy! Then we headed back home for dinner and some much needed warmth and rest!
Shopping and Singing ♪
I will talk a bit about the shopping. Reiko me to some stores in her town and I must say...it was very...different. I suppose it was just a store like Kmart or something but it was about four or so stories high!
This confused me since our malls only get to about two stories or three and those are the REALLY big ones. I suppose in bigger cities in the US it might be different? I dunno.
So we go inside and first floor is...something. I think there was a McDonald's and clothes? Haha, it was funny seeing a Japanese McDonald's. It looked the same besides all the writing and they had some didn't items on the menu. We didn't eat there.
The other floors were all different. Home Supplies, Clothes...I remember one had a bunch of stationary and things like that. I'm sure another floor was movies and books or something. It was like everything in one, kinda like a Kmart but with multiple stories. It was huge too! I bought some stickers, pretty bowls, chopsticks and things like that. Always tried to get extra for people when I got home yet I still feel like I failed and buying things for my friends. Oops.
We also went into a grocery store. It was like ours, big and full of food. To bad I couldn't tell what ANY of the food was, besides the sweets. I bough some special KitKat's that were strawberry flavored I think. I have the wrapper still somewhere. I'm sure I bought some other random sweets as well. They also had a large fish section, much better than what you would find in one of our Albertsons.
I'm pretty positive it was the same day we went to meet her friend at Karaoke. Her friends name was Kaoru? I remember how to say it but now how to spell it, I think that is right. So we met up with her at the Karaoke place! I was so nervous...
This confused me since our malls only get to about two stories or three and those are the REALLY big ones. I suppose in bigger cities in the US it might be different? I dunno.
So we go inside and first floor is...something. I think there was a McDonald's and clothes? Haha, it was funny seeing a Japanese McDonald's. It looked the same besides all the writing and they had some didn't items on the menu. We didn't eat there.
The other floors were all different. Home Supplies, Clothes...I remember one had a bunch of stationary and things like that. I'm sure another floor was movies and books or something. It was like everything in one, kinda like a Kmart but with multiple stories. It was huge too! I bought some stickers, pretty bowls, chopsticks and things like that. Always tried to get extra for people when I got home yet I still feel like I failed and buying things for my friends. Oops.
We also went into a grocery store. It was like ours, big and full of food. To bad I couldn't tell what ANY of the food was, besides the sweets. I bough some special KitKat's that were strawberry flavored I think. I have the wrapper still somewhere. I'm sure I bought some other random sweets as well. They also had a large fish section, much better than what you would find in one of our Albertsons.
I'm pretty positive it was the same day we went to meet her friend at Karaoke. Her friends name was Kaoru? I remember how to say it but now how to spell it, I think that is right. So we met up with her at the Karaoke place! I was so nervous...
I had to SING in front of people? Or...just Reiko and Kaoru? It was weird to me how this worked since we don't really have this type of karaoke in the states. All ours are bars where you sing in front of everything. Embarrassing!
Oh, well this was different. You pay by the hour for a room all to yourself? Cool! This wouldn't be to bad and I think I'm an ok singer. I was in choir in high school that really doesn't mean anything! Haha.
Plus I discovered we could order food! Nice! So we got some soda and french fries, served with none other than...Mayo to dip them in! HAHA! I think there was ketchup too. They even gave up chopsticks so I was a dork and used them to pick up a french fry. Kaoru seems so surprised I knew how to use them! I found that entertaining and a bit silly, it was cute.
Oh, well this was different. You pay by the hour for a room all to yourself? Cool! This wouldn't be to bad and I think I'm an ok singer. I was in choir in high school that really doesn't mean anything! Haha.
Plus I discovered we could order food! Nice! So we got some soda and french fries, served with none other than...Mayo to dip them in! HAHA! I think there was ketchup too. They even gave up chopsticks so I was a dork and used them to pick up a french fry. Kaoru seems so surprised I knew how to use them! I found that entertaining and a bit silly, it was cute.
So inside the room there was seating, a table, a tv and the system, and then big books. We asked for one with English songs in it for me, yay! That was pretty cool, they had songs I would be able to sing! So I got to looking for the songs and I think Reiko started. She was pretty dang good!
I was then lured into singing a Japanese song I kinda knew. The opening to Cardcaptor Sakura..not that I knew any of the words for real, I just made up the sounds to get close to the Japanese words. |
So I sang it...making up as I went. They seemed pretty impressed but I think they were just being nice! Oh well, all in good fun! We sang lots of stuff and at the end Reiko and I sand a duet of 'A Whole New World' from Aladdin. I actually have a lot of video from this but luckily none of you will hear my bad singing! At least you could change the key of the song to match your own, that was helpful.
Some of our songs:
I can't remember the songs Kaoru sang on her own, I think I was to busy looking through the song books. I also didn't know the music most likely. Maybe she had picked Totoro? I dunno. Was SUPER fun though! I would suggest it to everyone! It is only you and your friends, no one else can hear you! Unless they hear you through the door but then they can't see you. Japanese love Karaoke, weather you stink or not! It's just a ton of fun and a good stress killer.
Some of our songs:
- A song from Princess Mononoke (Reiko)
- Tonari No Totoro (Pretty much all of us)
- I Wanna Be a Pop Star (Reiko)
- Crazy Train (me)
- Catch Me Catch You (me)
- Country Roads (All of us)
- A Whole New World (Reiko and I)
I can't remember the songs Kaoru sang on her own, I think I was to busy looking through the song books. I also didn't know the music most likely. Maybe she had picked Totoro? I dunno. Was SUPER fun though! I would suggest it to everyone! It is only you and your friends, no one else can hear you! Unless they hear you through the door but then they can't see you. Japanese love Karaoke, weather you stink or not! It's just a ton of fun and a good stress killer.
PURIKURA
After singing our little hearts out we went off to another "mall". We stopped and got donuts to eat on the bottom floor and then headed to the arcade! Which was a whole floor. It had all sorts of stuff but we went straight for the purikura machines! I LOVE THESE THINGS!
At first I was a little shy to get my pictures taken but I loosened up. You pick a machine, all have different styles. You go into the booth, which is huge, and you stand with your friends and it suggests a pose to you and you do so. It had GREAT lighting so everyone ends up looking amazing. You do dorky poses with silly backgrounds and then you walk out to another attached machine and wait.
When your pictures come up you pick your favorites and then do whatever you want to them. Basically it let's you decorate them and write on them. When it prints them out they are stickers! So you can just keep them or stick them to things. You can print a LOT out too! Good quality! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
At first I was a little shy to get my pictures taken but I loosened up. You pick a machine, all have different styles. You go into the booth, which is huge, and you stand with your friends and it suggests a pose to you and you do so. It had GREAT lighting so everyone ends up looking amazing. You do dorky poses with silly backgrounds and then you walk out to another attached machine and wait.
When your pictures come up you pick your favorites and then do whatever you want to them. Basically it let's you decorate them and write on them. When it prints them out they are stickers! So you can just keep them or stick them to things. You can print a LOT out too! Good quality! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
Wasabi is not something I like...
So while I was in Reiko's town I did eat out several times. I will tell you about the times that actually stuck in my mind and were rather eventful.
The least amusing would be the ramen shop. Yum! We walked in and went over to this machine. You put your money in and pick which food you want and it spits out a ticket. Then you take the ticket and give it to a worker and then when it's done they bring it to you. Was very different but simple enough. Also very tasty!
Now the FIRST place I went out to with her whole family was a Sushi Bar. I was nervous about this because I actually don't like sushi, or the raw kind anyways. I'm totally fine with anything cooked. Still, I had Reiko order some Ebi for me because I figured you couldn't go wrong with Ebi. Ebi is cooked shrimp (I think) on the top of rice. It is sushi. Of course in the states they give it to you without wasabi unless you ask for it. I found out the hard way that they DON'T do that in Japan. They love wasabi and just don't think someone won't eat it. So I got my ebi and couldn't see the wasabi hidden under the shrimp. I took a bike and to my surprise it was spicy! AHH! I ate it but my eyes were watering and that stuff will also make your nose run. That was unpleasant but Reiko got a good chuckle out of it.
The last place I want to talk about was an Italian restaurant we went to. That's right. Italian. Certainly seemed weird for being in Japan. Reiko even use to work in the restaurant when she was younger. We ordered several different kinds of pizza and I must say, they were all pretty dang good! Good job little restaurant!! The fun part was one of the waiters who was a young man, about my age. I think he was eighteen? Maybe seventeen. He was a senior in high school and he told us not to tell his teachers because he wasn't actually allowed to work! Haha! He better be doing his homework! He was so cute too!
The least amusing would be the ramen shop. Yum! We walked in and went over to this machine. You put your money in and pick which food you want and it spits out a ticket. Then you take the ticket and give it to a worker and then when it's done they bring it to you. Was very different but simple enough. Also very tasty!
Now the FIRST place I went out to with her whole family was a Sushi Bar. I was nervous about this because I actually don't like sushi, or the raw kind anyways. I'm totally fine with anything cooked. Still, I had Reiko order some Ebi for me because I figured you couldn't go wrong with Ebi. Ebi is cooked shrimp (I think) on the top of rice. It is sushi. Of course in the states they give it to you without wasabi unless you ask for it. I found out the hard way that they DON'T do that in Japan. They love wasabi and just don't think someone won't eat it. So I got my ebi and couldn't see the wasabi hidden under the shrimp. I took a bike and to my surprise it was spicy! AHH! I ate it but my eyes were watering and that stuff will also make your nose run. That was unpleasant but Reiko got a good chuckle out of it.
The last place I want to talk about was an Italian restaurant we went to. That's right. Italian. Certainly seemed weird for being in Japan. Reiko even use to work in the restaurant when she was younger. We ordered several different kinds of pizza and I must say, they were all pretty dang good! Good job little restaurant!! The fun part was one of the waiters who was a young man, about my age. I think he was eighteen? Maybe seventeen. He was a senior in high school and he told us not to tell his teachers because he wasn't actually allowed to work! Haha! He better be doing his homework! He was so cute too!
Last Stooopp..
TOKYO! It was coming to the last few days of my trip. We were to stay two nights in Tokyo! How exciting! Might as well since my plane would be leaving from there.
Reiko and I were driven quite a ways to a bus station. Then waited and waited and got on a bus and that bus ride took foreeeeeever. We made it to Tokyo in several hours! Once at the stop we took a Taxi to our hotel. I don't remember looking around to much until we reached the hotel. I will tell you a little trick about the taxi...the door open automatically. The driver has control of them. I didn't know this and tried to close the door. It wouldn't close. He closed it. It was a little embarrassing. Learn from me!
From first impressions this hotel was snazzy! Very...VERY...tall. It had two towers I believe. The hotel, in the picture there, is the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku. We walk in and it took Reiko awhile to check in. So I enjoyed the New Years decorations and just watched the people. Lots and lots of foreigners, so for once I didn't feel to out of place. There was also a group of pilots and and stewardesses but they were all speaking Italian I believe. Then I saw a girl with a family, kinda looked like an american going to or leaving a foreign exchange program.
Soon enough a older man met us and he was pretty much a bellhop. He took our luggage and lead us up and up to our room. The room was nice, had two beds. He explained EVERYTHING in the room which was a bit strange to me. Once he was gone I discovered another heated toilet! Yay! The view was ok as well. Of course I had to turn on the tv, I can't get enough of Japanese television.
It was still pretty early in the day though so we wondered out.
Reiko and I were driven quite a ways to a bus station. Then waited and waited and got on a bus and that bus ride took foreeeeeever. We made it to Tokyo in several hours! Once at the stop we took a Taxi to our hotel. I don't remember looking around to much until we reached the hotel. I will tell you a little trick about the taxi...the door open automatically. The driver has control of them. I didn't know this and tried to close the door. It wouldn't close. He closed it. It was a little embarrassing. Learn from me!
From first impressions this hotel was snazzy! Very...VERY...tall. It had two towers I believe. The hotel, in the picture there, is the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku. We walk in and it took Reiko awhile to check in. So I enjoyed the New Years decorations and just watched the people. Lots and lots of foreigners, so for once I didn't feel to out of place. There was also a group of pilots and and stewardesses but they were all speaking Italian I believe. Then I saw a girl with a family, kinda looked like an american going to or leaving a foreign exchange program.
Soon enough a older man met us and he was pretty much a bellhop. He took our luggage and lead us up and up to our room. The room was nice, had two beds. He explained EVERYTHING in the room which was a bit strange to me. Once he was gone I discovered another heated toilet! Yay! The view was ok as well. Of course I had to turn on the tv, I can't get enough of Japanese television.
It was still pretty early in the day though so we wondered out.
Look! I figured out how to put more pictures together! Yay me! Anyways, we went to the subway. This was my first time in a subway! This one was oddly empty at this time of day. Like, really empty. We were going to Ropponi! I know we went to Shibuya as well but I don't know where some of these pictures were took! Maybe we had dinner in Shibuya, sounds right.
Our first stop was getting a snack and then we headed to shopping! Or at least looking. We wondered around giant skyscraper malls and just looked at the pretty things. There were adds everywhere and lots of talking. Outside was certainly noisy!
At one place they had pretty water walls and that giant spider.....thing. Is it a light? I don't know because it wasn't dark. It was creepy yet very cool looking at the same time. Are you all surprised I didn't buy anything!? ME TOO! It was fun just wondering around. On to things I remember...
Now remember, I could have the order of things totally off like normal.
Our first stop was getting a snack and then we headed to shopping! Or at least looking. We wondered around giant skyscraper malls and just looked at the pretty things. There were adds everywhere and lots of talking. Outside was certainly noisy!
At one place they had pretty water walls and that giant spider.....thing. Is it a light? I don't know because it wasn't dark. It was creepy yet very cool looking at the same time. Are you all surprised I didn't buy anything!? ME TOO! It was fun just wondering around. On to things I remember...
Now remember, I could have the order of things totally off like normal.
Harajuku!
I remember getting on the subway more for this one. Because there were SO many people. It was cramped. You start to see some oddly fashioned people as well but of course I loved them! Fun to watch!
Harajuku is the fashion district of Tokyo. This was is the place I wanted to visit most! I was so excited! Of course the major crowd made me a bit nervous.
Getting off wasn't any fun either, once we were out of the station it spread out a little bit. Thank goodness!
The people that stood out to me were the ones dressed in punk or goth fashion. I really liked it at the time and plus it was cool to see how other countries styled it. So we walked down the street...looked a bit like this...
Harajuku is the fashion district of Tokyo. This was is the place I wanted to visit most! I was so excited! Of course the major crowd made me a bit nervous.
Getting off wasn't any fun either, once we were out of the station it spread out a little bit. Thank goodness!
The people that stood out to me were the ones dressed in punk or goth fashion. I really liked it at the time and plus it was cool to see how other countries styled it. So we walked down the street...looked a bit like this...
Intersections and crosswalks looked like this...
Hundreds of people and hundreds of people crossing the streets all at once. It was just..amazing to see. I had NEVER seen anything like this. I have never been such a large city. I have been to LA but never seen anything like this. I suppose maybe New York could get this way but I have never been there. I wouldn't want to go there...let me explain something about Tokyo. It is SPOTLESS. It is clean as a whistle. You know how many hobo's I saw? One. Just one. It was weird. You know how many people creeped me out or looked at me? One and he was BRITISH! HE wasn't even Japanese! You feel completely safe here. Totally safe. No one is going to bother you or take your money. Within all the chaos of people it feels...relaxing?
So, Harajuku. I felt flattered because as I walked with Reiko I noticed two girls look at me and instantly say, "Kawaii!" Now I know that word, almost everyone know's that word now. Kawaii means cute. THANK YOU GIRLS! I was dressed like an idiot and I will certainly not do that again but thank you so much for thinking I was cute.
So we pick a store. Another store with his many layers and floors. We wondered around and I kept my eyes peels for some cute outfits to take pictures off. Now I don't know if I was out of luck but I only saw a few. I was trying SO hard to get a picture of this one couple...this is all I got..
So, Harajuku. I felt flattered because as I walked with Reiko I noticed two girls look at me and instantly say, "Kawaii!" Now I know that word, almost everyone know's that word now. Kawaii means cute. THANK YOU GIRLS! I was dressed like an idiot and I will certainly not do that again but thank you so much for thinking I was cute.
So we pick a store. Another store with his many layers and floors. We wondered around and I kept my eyes peels for some cute outfits to take pictures off. Now I don't know if I was out of luck but I only saw a few. I was trying SO hard to get a picture of this one couple...this is all I got..
I know, it was totally a fail picture. They were cute. She was all pink and lolita and he was just dark and goth. It was cute. We wondered around and I still didn't bye anything but I was getting to the point where I figured I should buy something I really like and money shouldn't matter. It was the end of my trip and might as well spend my spending money.
We ended up going down to the basement. An underground level and wow..that was different. You go down and instantly it is ALL goth and punk clothes! ALL OF IT! Oh it was so cool! Almost all of it was hand made by little personally owned shops. They wouldn't even let me record any video down there because they were scared of competition.
We ended up going down to the basement. An underground level and wow..that was different. You go down and instantly it is ALL goth and punk clothes! ALL OF IT! Oh it was so cool! Almost all of it was hand made by little personally owned shops. They wouldn't even let me record any video down there because they were scared of competition.
We wondered around and I ended up in one shop that had a really nice worker. Then I found this skirt...it was sooooo cute. It was black and grey and very ruffly! It even had two layers! The top and the under petticoat. It cost sooooo much though! Welp, that was my splurge. Paying WAY to much for a skirt. It was hand made at least! Last big buy of the trip! Oh! The store was called Algon Quins.
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On to Dinner!
So that night we met up with another one of Reiko's friends. I can't remember her name and she was very shy and quiet. I do remember she gave me a Stitch bookmark. Thank you!
So while with her friend we went out to dinner. I couldn't even tell what were places to eat and I would have NEVER found this place on my own. Of course, not being able to read anything was probably why.
We went into a door and then down some stairs. It was dark and kinda creepy but the door at the bottom opened up to this little tiny restaurant.
It was a bar that could fit about fifteen people and that was it. They cooked and had all their ingredients right there. It was pretty cool! We were lucky to get seats! We hung up our coats and sat on the stools. I always got nervous in restaurants because I hoped there was something I would like to eat. Guess what they had? Yup! Yakisoba! YAY! So that is what I ordered. Reiko ordered this thing, I....I don't even know what it is. There was SO MUCH IN IT!
So while with her friend we went out to dinner. I couldn't even tell what were places to eat and I would have NEVER found this place on my own. Of course, not being able to read anything was probably why.
We went into a door and then down some stairs. It was dark and kinda creepy but the door at the bottom opened up to this little tiny restaurant.
It was a bar that could fit about fifteen people and that was it. They cooked and had all their ingredients right there. It was pretty cool! We were lucky to get seats! We hung up our coats and sat on the stools. I always got nervous in restaurants because I hoped there was something I would like to eat. Guess what they had? Yup! Yakisoba! YAY! So that is what I ordered. Reiko ordered this thing, I....I don't even know what it is. There was SO MUCH IN IT!
After dinner we headed out for some karaoke! I was pretty sleep but it was fun! This one had more of a light show in the room. Haha, so fun. Once all that was over we said good bye to her friend and headed back to our hotel. I, of course, watched more awesome TV and checked my email on Reiko's laptop. Then we got some much needed rest! We had a big day coming up!
A...silent bus tour...
Once morning came around I got ready for the day. It would be a busy one but I wasn't exactly what to expect. We decided on a bus tour but I didn't know everything that would be on it.
Before we went we got some snacks and coffee. I think that was probably breakfast, cause I don't remember eating before that.
I also noticed how quiet it was. In this part of Tokyo around seven o'clock, there was NO ONE. It seemed like a ghost town. A cool thing was seeing the bikes. Soooo many in a never ending row.
Before we went we got some snacks and coffee. I think that was probably breakfast, cause I don't remember eating before that.
I also noticed how quiet it was. In this part of Tokyo around seven o'clock, there was NO ONE. It seemed like a ghost town. A cool thing was seeing the bikes. Soooo many in a never ending row.
Once to the meeting place for the bus, we waited. It was Hato Bus tours! The bus came and we got on. I noticed that I was the only foreign looking person on this tour. From what I remember. I asked Reiko if this would have any English. Nope. Today was a Japanese only tour, so to me it was a silent tour. Reiko repeated things when I asked or she felt it necessary.
Above are pictures that I took in the bus and looking out the window. Just things I saw as we drove around. Wasn't the tour guides uniform cute!? I can tell you that a lot of Japanese companies made their workers wear very distinct uniforms. She spoke perfect too. Sure, I didn't understand her but she sounded like a Japanese recording. At first I thought it WAS a recording!! Then I noticed her talking.
We drove pretty far and was told the first stop was the emperors palace! Pretty cool right? We drove by some cool buildings and every time I thought we were coming up on the palace I was wrong. It was a long ride! Seemed like we passed his sons house? Something like that, another big place surrounded by fences and bushes. We didn't stop there.
Finally we pulled in to the parking for the palace. Then it was a LONG was to the gate. We couldn't actually go inside but we could see it. The closest part was the old palace and then far off was either the actual palace or the part the grandmother lived in. It was confusing. Either way it was really cool and we even got to see some police on horses! Those horses were HUGE! Really long legs and very tall. At least that is what it looked like to me.
We drove pretty far and was told the first stop was the emperors palace! Pretty cool right? We drove by some cool buildings and every time I thought we were coming up on the palace I was wrong. It was a long ride! Seemed like we passed his sons house? Something like that, another big place surrounded by fences and bushes. We didn't stop there.
Finally we pulled in to the parking for the palace. Then it was a LONG was to the gate. We couldn't actually go inside but we could see it. The closest part was the old palace and then far off was either the actual palace or the part the grandmother lived in. It was confusing. Either way it was really cool and we even got to see some police on horses! Those horses were HUGE! Really long legs and very tall. At least that is what it looked like to me.
ONWARD!
The palace was just the start. There were places we visited that we could actually see better and get closer too. Such as the statue we went to see.
Since I didn't understand anything the guide said I can't tell you anything about it. It looked cool though!
This statue was our next stop and we spent a lot of time looking at it, a little to much time. Oh well.
Since I didn't understand anything the guide said I can't tell you anything about it. It looked cool though!
This statue was our next stop and we spent a lot of time looking at it, a little to much time. Oh well.
I remember getting a coke in a vending machine and then heading to our next stop. I have no idea what this place was and Reiko didn't seem to know either. It was a large convention center. Nothing really inside. Of course on the bottom floor they were having this HUGE sale...thing. It was just a bunch of booths and things selling stuff. I didn't buy anything but there were some pretty cute shoes! Not that I could fit into any of them with my big American feet. Haha!
We also had lunch there. It was a bento box. I wasn't very fond of what was inside. From what I could tell. I did eat some meat ball...things and the rice. I know I just kinda picked at it.
We also had lunch there. It was a bento box. I wasn't very fond of what was inside. From what I could tell. I did eat some meat ball...things and the rice. I know I just kinda picked at it.
Neeeeext up!
TOKYO TOWER! YEAH! I was excited about this one! One of the best parts of the tour for sure! We couldn't go all the way to the top but that was ok. It was still really fun, besides the long line wait and tons of people. Once on the viewing level we took some pics and I couldn't help but buy some souvenirs! Again, they had a WALL of Hello Kitty cell phone charms. YAY! I got a Non-Hello Kitty one that had a little tower on it. I had that on my phone for the longest time until it started to break so I put it away. It kinda reminds me of Sailor Moon for some reason... |
Then we found an outside area, I can't remember if it was on the ground or up in the tower somewhere but it was like a kid area. It had little kid ride and games. There was a GIANT PIKACHU!!! It was fun! :D Oh oh! And on an upper floor, inside, there was this closed exhibit that we noticed that was for world records? Worlds tallest man and stuff. Seems like I saw something about Godzilla too....
I didn't know we were in New York...
Once we were done with Tokyo tower we got back on the bus.
Our next stop was, eh...ok. We were going to an area were we basically could do as we please. We could go visit this tv station or go to a shopping area.
Reiko and I decided to visit the station first. Of course I didn't know any of the shows but it was still kinda neat to just wonder around and visit the gift shop.
It was a really large fancy building too and lots of people were there. They had some cute stuff for little kid shows as well.
Our next stop was, eh...ok. We were going to an area were we basically could do as we please. We could go visit this tv station or go to a shopping area.
Reiko and I decided to visit the station first. Of course I didn't know any of the shows but it was still kinda neat to just wonder around and visit the gift shop.
It was a really large fancy building too and lots of people were there. They had some cute stuff for little kid shows as well.
After the station we headed back to the shopping center while we waited for this part of the tour to end.
From this area you could see a smaller version, WAYsmaller version, of the Statue of Liberty. I have NO idea why it was there but it was pretty funny. There was also a dog clothing store that I loved! I bought something for the dachshund I had at the time but now I can't find the little sweater anywhere! Oh well. I noticed they had long hair dachshunds on a lot a advertisements. They are soo cute and I can understand why Japanese people would like them. They are small enough to be comfortable in an apartment. Of course, I will always remember my parents telling me that when they had their dachshund there in the 80's that no one knew what kind of dog it was, even the vets found her interesting so maybe my parents left a doggy impression! Hehe. |
Final Stop...
I really wish I remembered names of things. Our last stop was at this AMAZING shrine...or..temple..place, in Tokyo.
Again, it was still New Years to them so it was FILLED to the brim with people, decorated and had lots of booths selling items and food. There was even a girl with a monkey, trying to get him to do tricks!
I had a really awkward moment while I was filming when this older Japanese gentleman walked up to me and held up a camera. I think he was trying to tell me to smile but I was busy filming and slightly freaked out so I ignored him. Sorry man! Reiko didn't seem to know what he wanted either but it was hard to hear over the people and the drums.
Again, it was still New Years to them so it was FILLED to the brim with people, decorated and had lots of booths selling items and food. There was even a girl with a monkey, trying to get him to do tricks!
I had a really awkward moment while I was filming when this older Japanese gentleman walked up to me and held up a camera. I think he was trying to tell me to smile but I was busy filming and slightly freaked out so I ignored him. Sorry man! Reiko didn't seem to know what he wanted either but it was hard to hear over the people and the drums.
Another thing, I LOVE Japanese drums! Taiko Drums! Sadly, I could only hear them and couldn't figure out where they were coming from.
I was getting a little hungry again so once I found the Yakisoba stand we stopped and ate. Yes, I know..I had that food a lot but I'm not very adventurous with foods. This Yakisoba had tiny little shrimp in it. Still very tasty!
I was getting a little hungry again so once I found the Yakisoba stand we stopped and ate. Yes, I know..I had that food a lot but I'm not very adventurous with foods. This Yakisoba had tiny little shrimp in it. Still very tasty!
This little kid was the cutest thing. Her parents didn't mind us taking pictures of her, in fact they insisted and wanted us to pose with her. She was so cute and very spunky!
Whatever she was eating looked tasty too! There is a picture of her making the peace sign with her fingers and then another of her pulling down her eyelid which is kinda like taunting someone or sticking out your tongue. She was cute! Her baby brother was also in a stroller, also cute. |
By the time we reached this guy, a pretty cool statue I might add, my camera decided to break. Really, it was the disc I was using to film. The disc had a defect and EVERYTHING I filmed of the shrine was gone. I was really sad but at least I have pictures!
That was our last stop before heading back to the hotel. The next day I would be getting on the plane and heading home by myself. Reiko was going back to her parents house for a few days and coming back later.
I was really sad to be leaving, Japan felt like home. The people are so kind and you feel very safe. I was nervous to be dealing with the airport all by myself but I managed to get on my plane ok. I noticed one girl sitting at a window seat, around my age or older and she was just balling. Totally crying and the gut sitting beside her ignored her. I kept looking at her and I know she noticed but it was hard to start up a conversation across an aisle. I'm sorry girl! I would have chatted with you instead of just creeping you out. I will always remember her, I could tell she was an exchange student going back home and she REALLY didn't want to leave. She knew Japanese as well since she was reading a Japanese manga. I felt bad for her but I hope she got to go back, just like I will get to go back!
I also noticed something when I went home. I hated being able to understand people again. A very loud American family started blabbering in line once off the plane. They were kinda rude and it instantly made me miss peaceful Japan! Still, I was happy to be home with family!
The End.
That was our last stop before heading back to the hotel. The next day I would be getting on the plane and heading home by myself. Reiko was going back to her parents house for a few days and coming back later.
I was really sad to be leaving, Japan felt like home. The people are so kind and you feel very safe. I was nervous to be dealing with the airport all by myself but I managed to get on my plane ok. I noticed one girl sitting at a window seat, around my age or older and she was just balling. Totally crying and the gut sitting beside her ignored her. I kept looking at her and I know she noticed but it was hard to start up a conversation across an aisle. I'm sorry girl! I would have chatted with you instead of just creeping you out. I will always remember her, I could tell she was an exchange student going back home and she REALLY didn't want to leave. She knew Japanese as well since she was reading a Japanese manga. I felt bad for her but I hope she got to go back, just like I will get to go back!
I also noticed something when I went home. I hated being able to understand people again. A very loud American family started blabbering in line once off the plane. They were kinda rude and it instantly made me miss peaceful Japan! Still, I was happy to be home with family!
The End.
EXTRA'S
Thing's that didn't make it up above because I forgot to put them in.
FIRST! UCHI! Reiko's families cat! He was amazing! REALLY giant awesome squirrel cheeks and he was very chill. He curled up in my lap because I was in his sunny spot. Hehe. I loved him!
Sadly, a few years later he was hit by a car.
R.I.P
<3
FIRST! UCHI! Reiko's families cat! He was amazing! REALLY giant awesome squirrel cheeks and he was very chill. He curled up in my lap because I was in his sunny spot. Hehe. I loved him!
Sadly, a few years later he was hit by a car.
R.I.P
<3
Second, the ONE creepy guy. I think I might have mentioned a British man bothered me up above somewhere. I think he was British. He sounded like it. Anyways, this was in Tokyo. I was waiting outside a Starbucks waiting for Reiko who was inside. This man walks by, probably in his 30's. He stares at me... the WHOLE time. Then he walks by again...and again...always staring at me. I ignore him and kinda look at him weird. Finally he spoke, "Want to have coffee with me?"
He wasn't close to me at least and I shook my head no, not saying a word. He nodded and then just walked off and left me alone. Still, very creepy. If you want to talk to someone don't walk around STARING at them! Sheesh....so if you are gonna look out for creepers in Japan, look out for the foreigners!
PS. REMEMBER, there are extra pictures on my facebook so feel free to check it out! I also post about updates.
He wasn't close to me at least and I shook my head no, not saying a word. He nodded and then just walked off and left me alone. Still, very creepy. If you want to talk to someone don't walk around STARING at them! Sheesh....so if you are gonna look out for creepers in Japan, look out for the foreigners!
PS. REMEMBER, there are extra pictures on my facebook so feel free to check it out! I also post about updates.
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