Monday, December 27, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
S.A.C.
Ok everyone, this will be my last post on this blog, although I'm thinking about throwing a selection of photos on here for completeness. I encourage Matt and Warren to post up a summary or reflection, but as I feel now, for them it might be hard to reflect. Should I start a new blog called matt matt and warren's super sad time Seattle?
Actually, I'm finding it easy now. My thanks go to Liz, Warren's mom, for enabling our travels in the first place. Without her help and continual involvement in the plane ticket process, we would never have thought of Japan. She escorted us through lines on the day of our departure. She handled our PNR and addressed our many questions. The financial benefit.. Thank you, Liz.
I should also note that we flew Business Class to and from Japan. WOW. On both flights we were kings, especially since the flight crew knew that we were friends of Liz. Thanks again, Liz! I will leave it to Warren and Matt elaborate more on the flights!
My thanks also go to my family, who always support me.
To Aleena, our beloved housemate!
To everyone who gave me ideas for travelling in Japan, and especially Megan and Shiho! Thank you. Not only were ideas given, but enthusiasm, excitement, and guides were translated. I feel that most of my appreciation (the small things and perhaps a personal overtone) of our small trip was enabled by your friendship. Thank you, all.
As I feel, everyone who has pursued some association with Japan, or has simply been enamored by Japanese culture, can list things that can endear our culture here. Perhaps as a more appropriate course of action, I observe that these things are embodied, instead of listed. And through a form of transmission they cause others to pursue and embody them as well. As I feel it has happened to me. Will it happen to you?
Actually, I'm finding it easy now. My thanks go to Liz, Warren's mom, for enabling our travels in the first place. Without her help and continual involvement in the plane ticket process, we would never have thought of Japan. She escorted us through lines on the day of our departure. She handled our PNR and addressed our many questions. The financial benefit.. Thank you, Liz.
I should also note that we flew Business Class to and from Japan. WOW. On both flights we were kings, especially since the flight crew knew that we were friends of Liz. Thanks again, Liz! I will leave it to Warren and Matt elaborate more on the flights!
My thanks also go to my family, who always support me.
To Aleena, our beloved housemate!
To everyone who gave me ideas for travelling in Japan, and especially Megan and Shiho! Thank you. Not only were ideas given, but enthusiasm, excitement, and guides were translated. I feel that most of my appreciation (the small things and perhaps a personal overtone) of our small trip was enabled by your friendship. Thank you, all.
As I feel, everyone who has pursued some association with Japan, or has simply been enamored by Japanese culture, can list things that can endear our culture here. Perhaps as a more appropriate course of action, I observe that these things are embodied, instead of listed. And through a form of transmission they cause others to pursue and embody them as well. As I feel it has happened to me. Will it happen to you?
Friday, December 24, 2010
Found the internet again,
Have 10 minutes. Have to be quick (on a timed machine)
Today.
I was just carded at the Family Mart. When I pulled out the passport, she was surprized at something. Im assuming it was at my nationality. (We spoke some fairly complex (upper level preschool) Japanese before.) I am humbled to be mistaken.
Before this we had a bite at Asakusa (did some shopping before, got a nice gift for my mom (2 actually) and a gift for my cousin). Had Shochu. Drank it too fast and got light headed (I always offer Popesan and Millersan, but they seem uninterested, so the whole bottle is always for me. Asakusa was awesome! I wanted to stay longer. Im sad that tomorrow, we are leaving...
Early today it was Akihabara again because we wanted to get bikini figurines. I didnt find that perfect one, but Warren and Matt got EVERYTHING in sight. Im glad they were having so much fun. I was too. (note - I dont like the patriarchalness of Japanese society. Here women are.. I have to generate a better statement another time.)
Earlier it was hotel waking up, so every was so slow to get started :( I woke up and went to the post office to mail some postcards! This was agreat experience. I found the postoffice. That wasnt hard. Then there were these two very nice ladies at the desk. I had to ask many questions in Japanese, asked the letters to be sent my airplace, etc. It was exillerating, although I admit I had to resort to primal hand gestures on occasion. All in all, without their kindness and patience, I would not have been able to send them. I thanked them "Domo Arigato Gozaimasu" Is that an appropirate situation to use the Domo?
The night before it was a bath for me. WOW. I am going to take baths from now on. (Before I had been practicing showers in the evening. Definitely Baths in the evening is better. Plus I need to add an airly robe into the after bath. It feels so free! Sorry.
Before that it was Crepes at Haraku in the late evening of that day. I thought they were too sweet, but it seems that I think that about all sweets here in Japan. Plus I was sad that I wasnt buying it for a cute date or some nice kid. I hate buying these things for myself. Before that it was Akihabara Tower. Warren and Matt bought a shitload of pokemon. And warren got his annoying watch.
Before that (morning now) it was Ginza. There was some kind of event where the streets were open to foottraffic. The big news is that Matt and Warren got on some Japanese show (we were walking in the street and some Asians! poked in and forgot about me, and then proceeded to bath Warren and Matt in oooos and ahhhs. (This, of course, is just my jealous perspective) Also it was Itoya (nice gifts there, and postcards I got) and the music stores (Did we get something there? Idont remember)
Before that it was Udon and Spiral Building (nice postcard getting again) The Prada Building, Nesu Mueseum, and some clothing store called BathingApe.
The day before that it was Shijuku. I didnt have too good a time there because these strip club sharks kept talking to me and trying to get me to take these two Gaijin behind me into some sketch strip club shit. I kind of wanted to do it (no explaintion needed) but it was really sketch. The sharks were talking about special deals. Asked if I like certain things. Asked where I was from. Offered to sit next to me. Offered me a special room. There were also sharks talking to these girls. I followed one and watched what he was up to, but it just got me mad.
Before that is was really fatty salmon at a sushi bar, (no drink this time - probably what made me in a bad mood) Warren and Matt LOOVEE sushi!! Thats good!
out of time. get back alater
Our flightis tomrrow at 5 pm. I WANT TO STAY! I am meetin Casey agagin in Shibuya! but it will haveto be short. See you all, back in the STATES!
Today.
I was just carded at the Family Mart. When I pulled out the passport, she was surprized at something. Im assuming it was at my nationality. (We spoke some fairly complex (upper level preschool) Japanese before.) I am humbled to be mistaken.
Before this we had a bite at Asakusa (did some shopping before, got a nice gift for my mom (2 actually) and a gift for my cousin). Had Shochu. Drank it too fast and got light headed (I always offer Popesan and Millersan, but they seem uninterested, so the whole bottle is always for me. Asakusa was awesome! I wanted to stay longer. Im sad that tomorrow, we are leaving...
Early today it was Akihabara again because we wanted to get bikini figurines. I didnt find that perfect one, but Warren and Matt got EVERYTHING in sight. Im glad they were having so much fun. I was too. (note - I dont like the patriarchalness of Japanese society. Here women are.. I have to generate a better statement another time.)
Earlier it was hotel waking up, so every was so slow to get started :( I woke up and went to the post office to mail some postcards! This was agreat experience. I found the postoffice. That wasnt hard. Then there were these two very nice ladies at the desk. I had to ask many questions in Japanese, asked the letters to be sent my airplace, etc. It was exillerating, although I admit I had to resort to primal hand gestures on occasion. All in all, without their kindness and patience, I would not have been able to send them. I thanked them "Domo Arigato Gozaimasu" Is that an appropirate situation to use the Domo?
The night before it was a bath for me. WOW. I am going to take baths from now on. (Before I had been practicing showers in the evening. Definitely Baths in the evening is better. Plus I need to add an airly robe into the after bath. It feels so free! Sorry.
Before that it was Crepes at Haraku in the late evening of that day. I thought they were too sweet, but it seems that I think that about all sweets here in Japan. Plus I was sad that I wasnt buying it for a cute date or some nice kid. I hate buying these things for myself. Before that it was Akihabara Tower. Warren and Matt bought a shitload of pokemon. And warren got his annoying watch.
Before that (morning now) it was Ginza. There was some kind of event where the streets were open to foottraffic. The big news is that Matt and Warren got on some Japanese show (we were walking in the street and some Asians! poked in and forgot about me, and then proceeded to bath Warren and Matt in oooos and ahhhs. (This, of course, is just my jealous perspective) Also it was Itoya (nice gifts there, and postcards I got) and the music stores (Did we get something there? Idont remember)
Before that it was Udon and Spiral Building (nice postcard getting again) The Prada Building, Nesu Mueseum, and some clothing store called BathingApe.
The day before that it was Shijuku. I didnt have too good a time there because these strip club sharks kept talking to me and trying to get me to take these two Gaijin behind me into some sketch strip club shit. I kind of wanted to do it (no explaintion needed) but it was really sketch. The sharks were talking about special deals. Asked if I like certain things. Asked where I was from. Offered to sit next to me. Offered me a special room. There were also sharks talking to these girls. I followed one and watched what he was up to, but it just got me mad.
Before that is was really fatty salmon at a sushi bar, (no drink this time - probably what made me in a bad mood) Warren and Matt LOOVEE sushi!! Thats good!
out of time. get back alater
Our flightis tomrrow at 5 pm. I WANT TO STAY! I am meetin Casey agagin in Shibuya! but it will haveto be short. See you all, back in the STATES!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Day four.
We are leaving our favorite hostel. And with it goes our source of Internet. We are consdiering staying at an internet cafe. Please standby!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Day three.
おはいよ ございます。hello!
我々は金曜日の午後6時に会う打ち合わせをした。we are going to meet Casey Goodwin at galleryMA.I hope that it is not hard to find. after that, we are looking forward to fun in roppongi. I myself want To go to 東京タワー.
Sorry there are so few pictures being posted. I don't have the means, but we do have DROID!!!! to do that when we find the Internet.
We will get back to you about today later.
Ok! What a great day! I say that because all three of us had to be dragged back to our apartment, we were so tired. Meeting with Caseysan and Hannasan was great too. They were so relaxing to be with. It was nice to speak English with people other than Matt t and warren no offenses guys but really...I have a better idea of the progam now. I'm ennvious of their freedom. They seemed to be self engaged.Caseysan is a really smart guy. I have a lot to learn from him!
The Japanese architecture school system has it's appeals, the freedom, the working with firms, Japanese culture...our meeting with Casey has stirred my thinking. Thank you, Casey.
I justwantto note that my writing on here is horrible. I normally exercise a rigorous and concise form of writing.It mus be really late.
We went to Tokyo midtown, a massive public space with food vendors, Christmas lights, shopping, and sweet benches! After that it was coffee and for me and Hanna, ハツトドツグ。I remember that I ordered and talked to people in complete, confident Japanese! After that it was Warren saying "my mouth is as hungry for food as my ass is for a chair!!!" (we did a lot of walking). Matt T played some piano for us at this crazy piano store and I picked up nice gift!! We also saw a lot of beautiful people.
We had this debatediscussionconversationtimekiller abouttakingopinions about the dressing up we are witnessing here in japan. My position is that it is sad that everyone in Seattle isn't. Okay really, we were mainly commenting about all the pretty girls we are seeing during our walks. One comment was that they must spend forever to get going. I think that it is cute and that there is little superficiality about it, behind an apparent superficial generalization. I want girls to dress up all the time. Don't misinterpret me...the most beautiful are most commonly the ones who do the least, but in of course a thoughtful way. For us guys, we should also look our best. We will never be in our sa me condition as we are now. We get stronger, but less agile.
Also, just a throw back to yesterday. When we werevin akihabara, we witnessed and did a lot of otaku. Total nerds there. But there was this one moment I'd like to share. We were in some multistory amine character store. Bottom floor main attractions, second floor robots and gun dam wing. Third floor all female figurines, fourth floor science fiction. On the first floor I saw this man maybe late thirties early forties get associate in opening a locked box. He was after a small kit to make a robot bundsm. His demeanor was so kept, personal, polite, light. I did not meet him of course, but if I did and if I could talked to him, I think I would find a deeply passionate and focused person. In short, it's amazing to me that such dedication can be given, simple joy gained from purs using a small passion. I envy this.
我々は金曜日の午後6時に会う打ち合わせをした。we are going to meet Casey Goodwin at galleryMA.I hope that it is not hard to find. after that, we are looking forward to fun in roppongi. I myself want To go to 東京タワー.
Sorry there are so few pictures being posted. I don't have the means, but we do have DROID!!!! to do that when we find the Internet.
We will get back to you about today later.
Ok! What a great day! I say that because all three of us had to be dragged back to our apartment, we were so tired. Meeting with Caseysan and Hannasan was great too. They were so relaxing to be with. It was nice to speak English with people other than Matt t and warren no offenses guys but really...I have a better idea of the progam now. I'm ennvious of their freedom. They seemed to be self engaged.Caseysan is a really smart guy. I have a lot to learn from him!
The Japanese architecture school system has it's appeals, the freedom, the working with firms, Japanese culture...our meeting with Casey has stirred my thinking. Thank you, Casey.
I justwantto note that my writing on here is horrible. I normally exercise a rigorous and concise form of writing.It mus be really late.
We went to Tokyo midtown, a massive public space with food vendors, Christmas lights, shopping, and sweet benches! After that it was coffee and for me and Hanna, ハツトドツグ。I remember that I ordered and talked to people in complete, confident Japanese! After that it was Warren saying "my mouth is as hungry for food as my ass is for a chair!!!" (we did a lot of walking). Matt T played some piano for us at this crazy piano store and I picked up nice gift!! We also saw a lot of beautiful people.
We had this debatediscussionconversationtimekiller abouttakingopinions about the dressing up we are witnessing here in japan. My position is that it is sad that everyone in Seattle isn't. Okay really, we were mainly commenting about all the pretty girls we are seeing during our walks. One comment was that they must spend forever to get going. I think that it is cute and that there is little superficiality about it, behind an apparent superficial generalization. I want girls to dress up all the time. Don't misinterpret me...the most beautiful are most commonly the ones who do the least, but in of course a thoughtful way. For us guys, we should also look our best. We will never be in our sa me condition as we are now. We get stronger, but less agile.
Also, just a throw back to yesterday. When we werevin akihabara, we witnessed and did a lot of otaku. Total nerds there. But there was this one moment I'd like to share. We were in some multistory amine character store. Bottom floor main attractions, second floor robots and gun dam wing. Third floor all female figurines, fourth floor science fiction. On the first floor I saw this man maybe late thirties early forties get associate in opening a locked box. He was after a small kit to make a robot bundsm. His demeanor was so kept, personal, polite, light. I did not meet him of course, but if I did and if I could talked to him, I think I would find a deeply passionate and focused person. In short, it's amazing to me that such dedication can be given, simple joy gained from purs using a small passion. I envy this.
Day two.
So tired today. It was a great day though. After I decided to dress up, it seems people think I am Japanese... It's humbling. When we went to a sushi bar an old man sat next to me. He started saying that this was a good place. (we just randomly ran across it while on a side street). I wouldn't know sushi, but this old man spoke directly to us. I think he was a regular. It gave me the confidence to try speaking to the waitress and others. I think I said things correctly, but I might have mixed-up a few counters.
We also saw a lot more hot chicks.
I work up to a salary mans cough only 30 minutes past six. The day was young and the bitter frost of winter nipped at my nose. I opened my bag and took out my contacts and quietly tip toed through the quiet glow of capsules, emerging into the lounge. The air smelled of smoke and I saw my comrade pope-San walking his way over. "Is Matt awake up yet" he snarled referring to fellow comrade Fuijimoto. Fuijimoto had boasted he would be working up early. This apparently was not the case.
To be continued...
(anyway, caspule hotels ruin my wake up early routine. They'd ruin anyone's. ミルさん and ポプさん woke up way earlier than I. I was way relaxed the rest of the day. Maybe it was the sauna... We just remembered... Warren bought a cake today. I got it on film- when he ordered the cake, he took a picture of what the wanted and showed his camera preview to the girl behind the desk. She blushed. It was romance... We then had the cake. A the starbucks that is above the Shibuya intersection. It was good cake. We also went toakihabara. I almost got this really hot figurine of this bikini girl. Warren got this sweet radio plastic toy. I am jealous. We have to go to sleep now.
We also saw a lot more hot chicks.
I work up to a salary mans cough only 30 minutes past six. The day was young and the bitter frost of winter nipped at my nose. I opened my bag and took out my contacts and quietly tip toed through the quiet glow of capsules, emerging into the lounge. The air smelled of smoke and I saw my comrade pope-San walking his way over. "Is Matt awake up yet" he snarled referring to fellow comrade Fuijimoto. Fuijimoto had boasted he would be working up early. This apparently was not the case.
To be continued...
(anyway, caspule hotels ruin my wake up early routine. They'd ruin anyone's. ミルさん and ポプさん woke up way earlier than I. I was way relaxed the rest of the day. Maybe it was the sauna... We just remembered... Warren bought a cake today. I got it on film- when he ordered the cake, he took a picture of what the wanted and showed his camera preview to the girl behind the desk. She blushed. It was romance... We then had the cake. A the starbucks that is above the Shibuya intersection. It was good cake. We also went toakihabara. I almost got this really hot figurine of this bikini girl. Warren got this sweet radio plastic toy. I am jealous. We have to go to sleep now.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Day two
皆さん、おはいよ！！！
Hello everyone!!! 天気はこの上なくいい。it's so sunny here. What can we say...it has been a super fun time! Last night we were in Shibuya. Thats right アリナさん、sheBooyah! It was so crowded. There we so many hot chicks. We did some clothes shopping. Had ビルand ラメン。we were too uncertain to try pachinko, but I will make sure we do it before we leave. I talked to an old lady. She helped us find Hachiko, the dog. Warren spoke to a guy asking for donations or sorts. It's hard to remember. We went to Yoyogi Park and the national stadium. There we vendors and these guys and a girl in jeans dancing to Elvis and 50s rock and roll. I picked up a gift for my dad. After all that it was pretty unanimous that Tokyo is so cool. So much cooler than Seattle. Japanese culture here is amazing. When we return, we hope to bring some of this excitement back with us! I know Im going to up my dressing game.
For the night we had a drink at this small cafe bar. The waitress was very kind. To end the day we stayed at a capsule hotel. It was so relaxedof an environment. The sauna was great. The capsule put me to sleep instantly. We need some of these in our studio!
Hello everyone!!! 天気はこの上なくいい。it's so sunny here. What can we say...it has been a super fun time! Last night we were in Shibuya. Thats right アリナさん、sheBooyah! It was so crowded. There we so many hot chicks. We did some clothes shopping. Had ビルand ラメン。we were too uncertain to try pachinko, but I will make sure we do it before we leave. I talked to an old lady. She helped us find Hachiko, the dog. Warren spoke to a guy asking for donations or sorts. It's hard to remember. We went to Yoyogi Park and the national stadium. There we vendors and these guys and a girl in jeans dancing to Elvis and 50s rock and roll. I picked up a gift for my dad. After all that it was pretty unanimous that Tokyo is so cool. So much cooler than Seattle. Japanese culture here is amazing. When we return, we hope to bring some of this excitement back with us! I know Im going to up my dressing game.
For the night we had a drink at this small cafe bar. The waitress was very kind. To end the day we stayed at a capsule hotel. It was so relaxedof an environment. The sauna was great. The capsule put me to sleep instantly. We need some of these in our studio!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
We made it.
We made it! I just had the best bowl of noodles of my life. Megan, you were right about Tokyo Station. It wasnt that we couldnt find our way around, but that we didn't and still dont know how to pay for tickets. I tried speaking Japanese many times, though! I'm doing alright at that. I seem to mumble though. Too self conscious..
Shiho! We're going to Akihabara tomorrow!!! That is, if we get on the train and all! You're trip departure is coming up! How exciting! I hope that we can meet up when you return.
Aleena! We miss you!
Shiho! We're going to Akihabara tomorrow!!! That is, if we get on the train and all! You're trip departure is coming up! How exciting! I hope that we can meet up when you return.
Aleena! We miss you!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
nihongo fun!
I really couldn't be more jealous of you guys right now. But since I can't go myself right now, I guess I can share the love;)
Lemme think...
I haven't read through all of the previous posts so if I repeat something already said, I apologize.
Tips I learned from my travels:
1. Exchange your money in the airport. Exchanging your money elsewhere will usually cost more and won't be nearly as convenient. As you probably already know, credit cards aren't used nearly as often as here, so carry lots and lots of cash. Luckily, it's Japan so you shouldn't get mugged;)
2. Use Japanese! Especially you Matt F. But all of you should even if you don't know any. Learn some key phrases on the plane and use them the whole time. You can generally get around alright using English in Tokyo, but people will be a lot friendlier and a lot more apt to help you if you need it. People like to know that you're trying. Some of my favorite memories from traveling there were all of the different people I met either while in bars, on the streets getting lost, or through friends. They're amazing. But they can be very standoffish if you don't try! Start speaking it, and if they can tell your accent, or that you just can't speak it, they will automatically switch over to English (if they know it--don't assume everyone speaks it though.). They love practicing!
3. Ask directions! Learn those phrases especially, because that's how I got around everywhere! I changed hostels or locations anyway, about 8 times last time I went, and that helped a ton!
4. Convenience stores are the cheapest places to buy food! Definitely try to go to restaurants for all your major meals, but for snacks and maybe breakfast, "conbini" are really handy. And they are EVERYWHERE. Feels like every block (Lawson, Family Mart, Circle K, 7-11 and i holdings...). But I found that the best places to eat were Izakayas (in the photo). They're basically bars that serve food. But they are so cheap and the food it AMAZING. All local food and lots of yummy drinks:) Possibly downside is that they are usually smaller restaurants so everything is generally in Japanese. Definitely worth several trips--they are everywhere.
Places to check out:
Tokyo is amazing! The wonderful thing is that everything is easily accessible by train. Most of the main areas that are fun to visit on the green circle "yamanote" line.
Harajuku is always a sight--though, at least the last time I was there, the "harajuku girls" weren't very prominent! I wonder if that was a passing fad? Lots of cheap shopping if you guys were interested in getting any clothes..haha...I don't know if you're into that, but there are lots of cool hats Warren;) But it really is the cheapest place I found for shopping at anytime. Keep in mind, I've never been to Japan during the winter! I don't know what these places will be like now--when I was there it was 100 degrees, super humid and unbelievably crowded. I'm wondering if it's a little more calm now? Near Harajuku (really really near) is a giant park with a giant tori gate that's fun to walk around. It also has a temple at the end. Maybe it will be too cold to do this, but it's nice if you want to see a little nature in the city.
I'm assuming you will really like akihabara (I saw it was mentioned in a previous post). Good recommendation. It's the electronics district with tons and tons of shops dedicated to solely that. The main attraction is the 12 or however many floor department store full of only electronics. It's crazy. Me personally got a little tired of looking around there for awhile, possibly because I was having a personal feud with the phone companies there, but I'm guessing it's a place that guys could get lost in for hours. Not horrible prices either--very comparable to here.
Shibuya is the busiest ward in Tokyo. I was watching some TV show while I was there (Japanese TV is awesome btw) and they did a time lapse video of the main intersection with the giant crosswalk for 24 hours, and there was only 3 seconds at around 3:30 in the morning where there wasn't a person or car on the screen. It has tons of department stores and video arcades, but I couldn't find a ton to do there. I suppose I was kind of over shopping at that point. It might be worth just checking out the department store 1010 (ichimaru) while you're there, especially on the weekend, to have the wonderful experience of having tons of shopgirls shouting "irashaimase" in horribly nasally voices at you every few seconds. Again, maybe not as hectic in the winter; no idea. But during weekends in the summer it was soooo crowded with teenage girls...couldn't handle it.
My very favorite place, though not on the yamanote line, is Asakusa. There is such an amazing temple there with blocks of Japanese goods and food, kind of market style, leading up to it. It has really friendly people and lots of good places to buy gifts and stuff. And great for photos.
That Ghibli Museum is a really great place to go, but it's true that it's really hard to get in. A lot of the time it's booked out weeks ahead. But worth a try if you're into Miyazaki films! That museum is right near Kichijoji, a place that's also very worth checking out. (That's where one of my friends live) Again lots of shopping (common theme in Japan?) and food! And if you need a suit, you should get one there. You can get really nice suits for a couple hundred bucks. Little side note...:)
Kabukicho, in Shinjuku, is the "entertainment district". Lots of different types of...entertaining...there! Just stay clear of the super sketchy foreign guys that stand outside these clubs. This is the only place that I know of anyway, that you should probably take care and keep an eye on your belongings and yourself. But it's kind of fun, lots of bars, arcades, clubs and tacky bright flashing lights. And sooo much redlight action. I stayed in a hotel in Shinjuku and it was a really great place for photos, but not all that much to do. Kabukicho was probably the most entertaining area to check out in that area. WORST train station to be in bar far. I got lost soooo many times in the station. Toooo many people and waaay to big. Couldn't stand it. But, of course, it connects to the most places so you'll probably be there at least a couple times.
If you don't mind going a little out of the way, Kamakura, outside Tokyo, is home to that giiiant Buddha statue. It's fun to check out. And you can go inside it!
I don't know how long you'll be staying, but it's definitely worth checking out areas outside Tokyo, or even other cities if you can. Shinkansens are super fun! But expensive...I've been to most of the big cities, so let me know if you're going on an adventure somewhere else!
CC Lemon is so good.
Stores called "Condomania" are everywhere! Haha...hilarious
Oh, and "HUB the English Pub" is pretty good if you want a weird Japanese version of a pub and more recognizable drinks.
Okay, this is ridiculous. So I'll stop here! Hope this helps some. You guys will have an amazing time! Take lots of photos!
Have fun! And have a safe trip:)
Lemme think...
I haven't read through all of the previous posts so if I repeat something already said, I apologize.
Tips I learned from my travels:
1. Exchange your money in the airport. Exchanging your money elsewhere will usually cost more and won't be nearly as convenient. As you probably already know, credit cards aren't used nearly as often as here, so carry lots and lots of cash. Luckily, it's Japan so you shouldn't get mugged;)
2. Use Japanese! Especially you Matt F. But all of you should even if you don't know any. Learn some key phrases on the plane and use them the whole time. You can generally get around alright using English in Tokyo, but people will be a lot friendlier and a lot more apt to help you if you need it. People like to know that you're trying. Some of my favorite memories from traveling there were all of the different people I met either while in bars, on the streets getting lost, or through friends. They're amazing. But they can be very standoffish if you don't try! Start speaking it, and if they can tell your accent, or that you just can't speak it, they will automatically switch over to English (if they know it--don't assume everyone speaks it though.). They love practicing!
3. Ask directions! Learn those phrases especially, because that's how I got around everywhere! I changed hostels or locations anyway, about 8 times last time I went, and that helped a ton!
4. Convenience stores are the cheapest places to buy food! Definitely try to go to restaurants for all your major meals, but for snacks and maybe breakfast, "conbini" are really handy. And they are EVERYWHERE. Feels like every block (Lawson, Family Mart, Circle K, 7-11 and i holdings...). But I found that the best places to eat were Izakayas (in the photo). They're basically bars that serve food. But they are so cheap and the food it AMAZING. All local food and lots of yummy drinks:) Possibly downside is that they are usually smaller restaurants so everything is generally in Japanese. Definitely worth several trips--they are everywhere.
Places to check out:
Tokyo is amazing! The wonderful thing is that everything is easily accessible by train. Most of the main areas that are fun to visit on the green circle "yamanote" line.
Harajuku is always a sight--though, at least the last time I was there, the "harajuku girls" weren't very prominent! I wonder if that was a passing fad? Lots of cheap shopping if you guys were interested in getting any clothes..haha...I don't know if you're into that, but there are lots of cool hats Warren;) But it really is the cheapest place I found for shopping at anytime. Keep in mind, I've never been to Japan during the winter! I don't know what these places will be like now--when I was there it was 100 degrees, super humid and unbelievably crowded. I'm wondering if it's a little more calm now? Near Harajuku (really really near) is a giant park with a giant tori gate that's fun to walk around. It also has a temple at the end. Maybe it will be too cold to do this, but it's nice if you want to see a little nature in the city.
I'm assuming you will really like akihabara (I saw it was mentioned in a previous post). Good recommendation. It's the electronics district with tons and tons of shops dedicated to solely that. The main attraction is the 12 or however many floor department store full of only electronics. It's crazy. Me personally got a little tired of looking around there for awhile, possibly because I was having a personal feud with the phone companies there, but I'm guessing it's a place that guys could get lost in for hours. Not horrible prices either--very comparable to here.
Shibuya is the busiest ward in Tokyo. I was watching some TV show while I was there (Japanese TV is awesome btw) and they did a time lapse video of the main intersection with the giant crosswalk for 24 hours, and there was only 3 seconds at around 3:30 in the morning where there wasn't a person or car on the screen. It has tons of department stores and video arcades, but I couldn't find a ton to do there. I suppose I was kind of over shopping at that point. It might be worth just checking out the department store 1010 (ichimaru) while you're there, especially on the weekend, to have the wonderful experience of having tons of shopgirls shouting "irashaimase" in horribly nasally voices at you every few seconds. Again, maybe not as hectic in the winter; no idea. But during weekends in the summer it was soooo crowded with teenage girls...couldn't handle it.
My very favorite place, though not on the yamanote line, is Asakusa. There is such an amazing temple there with blocks of Japanese goods and food, kind of market style, leading up to it. It has really friendly people and lots of good places to buy gifts and stuff. And great for photos.
That Ghibli Museum is a really great place to go, but it's true that it's really hard to get in. A lot of the time it's booked out weeks ahead. But worth a try if you're into Miyazaki films! That museum is right near Kichijoji, a place that's also very worth checking out. (That's where one of my friends live) Again lots of shopping (common theme in Japan?) and food! And if you need a suit, you should get one there. You can get really nice suits for a couple hundred bucks. Little side note...:)
Kabukicho, in Shinjuku, is the "entertainment district". Lots of different types of...entertaining...there! Just stay clear of the super sketchy foreign guys that stand outside these clubs. This is the only place that I know of anyway, that you should probably take care and keep an eye on your belongings and yourself. But it's kind of fun, lots of bars, arcades, clubs and tacky bright flashing lights. And sooo much redlight action. I stayed in a hotel in Shinjuku and it was a really great place for photos, but not all that much to do. Kabukicho was probably the most entertaining area to check out in that area. WORST train station to be in bar far. I got lost soooo many times in the station. Toooo many people and waaay to big. Couldn't stand it. But, of course, it connects to the most places so you'll probably be there at least a couple times.
If you don't mind going a little out of the way, Kamakura, outside Tokyo, is home to that giiiant Buddha statue. It's fun to check out. And you can go inside it!
I don't know how long you'll be staying, but it's definitely worth checking out areas outside Tokyo, or even other cities if you can. Shinkansens are super fun! But expensive...I've been to most of the big cities, so let me know if you're going on an adventure somewhere else!
Notes:
CC Lemon is so good.
Stores called "Condomania" are everywhere! Haha...hilarious
Oh, and "HUB the English Pub" is pretty good if you want a weird Japanese version of a pub and more recognizable drinks.
Okay, this is ridiculous. So I'll stop here! Hope this helps some. You guys will have an amazing time! Take lots of photos!
Have fun! And have a safe trip:)
Monday, December 13, 2010
Interested in anime?
Hi there, Fuji invited me so I thought I'd contribute :) (To the other Matt, hello, nice to "meet" you, my name is Shiho and I'm a friend of Matt's!)
If you guys like Studio Ghibli films, there is a museum in Tokyo. It looks like you have to buy tickets in advance through a convenience store called "LAWSON." How to buy tickets can be found here.
Also, if you guys are interested in seeing other anime related stuff, there is a Tokyo Anime Center. Admission is free and it looks like they're closed on Mondays. To be honest, though, I am not quite sure what this place has... except I know from what is on the Japanese version, there is a gift shop with different anime goods and whatever, and a place where you can experience voice recording for an anime. But it's in Akihabara, which is the famous techy/otaku region in Japan, and I'm sure you can find some other otaku related things over there. :P
Also in Akihabara, there apparently is a vending machine that sells "oden in a can"... The site I found it says it's about a 5 minute walk from Akihabara Station. If you want details I can look it up for you guys.
I was just thinking about places that were very Japanese and that's all I came up with... anime subculture...
Oh wait! i have another one!! Senso-ji and its Kaminari mon. You guys should really check it out because it's one of the most famous temples in Japan. And you can't go to Japan and not go see a temple.
I don't really know where all of these places are relative to where you guys will be so if I'm apologize if any of these places are too far.
If there is anything specific that you guys are interested in seeing but don't really know how to look it up, feel free to ask me!
If you guys like Studio Ghibli films, there is a museum in Tokyo. It looks like you have to buy tickets in advance through a convenience store called "LAWSON." How to buy tickets can be found here.
Also, if you guys are interested in seeing other anime related stuff, there is a Tokyo Anime Center. Admission is free and it looks like they're closed on Mondays. To be honest, though, I am not quite sure what this place has... except I know from what is on the Japanese version, there is a gift shop with different anime goods and whatever, and a place where you can experience voice recording for an anime. But it's in Akihabara, which is the famous techy/otaku region in Japan, and I'm sure you can find some other otaku related things over there. :P
Also in Akihabara, there apparently is a vending machine that sells "oden in a can"... The site I found it says it's about a 5 minute walk from Akihabara Station. If you want details I can look it up for you guys.
I was just thinking about places that were very Japanese and that's all I came up with... anime subculture...
Oh wait! i have another one!! Senso-ji and its Kaminari mon. You guys should really check it out because it's one of the most famous temples in Japan. And you can't go to Japan and not go see a temple.
I don't really know where all of these places are relative to where you guys will be so if I'm apologize if any of these places are too far.
If there is anything specific that you guys are interested in seeing but don't really know how to look it up, feel free to ask me!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/index.html
Just in case you get there early enough coming home and need to check things out, places to eat etc.
Just in case you get there early enough coming home and need to check things out, places to eat etc.
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