Last Days Here :(

BAW, this is all coming to a close, tomorrow is my last full day here in Japan and I don't want it to happen! D: I love it here, and I know I'm going to be coming back (if not living) here in the next year or two. I honestly think what made this trip for me were all the people that I met in my travels.

Okay, so now to catch you guys up? Let's see....Yesterday morning I got up very, very early to travel down to Tsukiji Fish Market. It's that super huge, famous one, you know? Well, I only lasted there for about 15 minutes before I had to leave because I was about to have a panic attack. It wasn't the crowd that affected me, it was being PUSHED by others and just the pure chaos that was all around, I don't know how people don't get hurt there! It's a mad house.

So, after that fail, I came back to the hostel alone and slept for a little bit before getting back up and heading out again. I went to the Pokemon Center first, it was just okay. I then took the train and headed out to Shinjuku to see it and find the Square Enix Showcase. You think my this point, I would stop trusting my memory and actually write things down? I didn't. I eventually found it, but it was just a very long walk from the station.

I got a ShinRa lapel pin for my Elena cosplay and a Moogle cell phone strap. But, I know what you're all waiting to know, and yes...I did see Sephiroth. O. M. G! It was amazing! I think I stood there staring at him in the floor for a good five minutes at least.

After all that, I came back to the hostel and cooked dinner with a few hostel mates, so it was nice to have a rather quiet night. It kinda reminds me...why are all the tea cups taken right now!? I want some teaaaa. D:

So today was pretty fantastic too, I made it out to Tokyo Disneyland with my friends from the hostel and had an amazing day. I honestly kept forgetting that I was in Japan and not back at home! XD It's a little smaller than Magic Kingdom, but it was still so cool! And we got super lucky! Despite the rain at the later end of the day, there were barely any lines for anything which was surprising see that I was reading comments just days before about 3+ hour lines. Heck yes! And another surprising thing, it's a lot cheaper than at home, I bought a super nice Disney umbrella for about $10.

So, going to try to squeeze in a few things tomorrow, I NEED to go to Harajuku one more time, see Shibuya (mainly for Hachiko!) and run to Shinjuku again to get a small back to put in all my goodies! Last minute gift shopping as well, which means another trip to the Pokemon Center. e______e;



PS - The French guy next to me reeeeeeeks! Ew.

Harajuku Treasures

So, it was Sunday and I felt the need to try Harajuku again because it's when all the cosplayers and such are out. I saw barely any cosplayers and little outrageous fashion, I felt a little disappointed to be honest. Maybe it's my fashion stand point that makes me see things that might be outrageous to others that are normal to me? Ah well, still full of disappointment.

But, I did find the Takuya Angel store and bought a mask there. It was a little pricey, but I wanted to bring back one thing from his store and he was so nice! I actually got to meet him because he was the one running the shop at the time, no Sisen. :/ Might try to pass by there one more time before I leave to see if I can find him.

Went into the danger zone and entered Bodyline. HA! I came out with a new skirt and kick ass hoodie that has a zombie bunny on it! I paid about $35-$40 for both which is a steal! There was a huge sale going on, but these were the two that caught my attention the most.

So, it was a good day in Harajuku for me! Going to explore more over the next three days I have here, though one might be spent at Disney. It's hard to believe that my time here is coming to an end! ;O;

Roppongi - My First Real Taste of Tokyo

I loved it more than I thought I would, especially after night fell and the lights went up, it was my first real moment of 'Wow, this is Tokyo.' I can only imagine how that feeling will be once I see Shinjuku at night!

I started today out rather lazy and just slept in and did much of nothing until my roommates wanted to go out, so I thought it wouldn't hurt. We first went to Tokyo Tower, and WOW! It's so big and...orange. XD I wish I could've seen that at night, but oh well. I didn't go up in it, just seeing it was enough for me honestly.

We then took the train over to Roppongi and wandered around Roppongi Hills. It's this HUGE, super upscale and expensive shopping area of sorts, I saw a cheap looking purse for over $500 if that gives you any idea. . .

We found a surprisingly affordable restaurant there, so now I can say I had dinner in Roppongi Hills. XD They also had a Coldstone of all things, so we got ice cream after dinner and honestly it tastes better here than at home for some reason, but it might've been because it was made by a cute asian guy? Haha.

I feel a lot more comfortable traveling on the trains alone here than I did in NYC, and the subways are so easy to figure out! I wish big cities in the US were this efficient, though, D.C. is pretty close.

So, I think tomorrow I'm going to dress up and go out to Harajuku because it's SUNDAY, it's a must. That's they day that all the cosplayers and such come out!

Until then, I'm back on Godzilla watch!

Catch Up Time!

Okay, so sorry for the lack of updates, I've just been so busy and then lazy when I actually get around to this. Hehe.

So, last we left off I had spent my day with Katrina traveling through Kyoto and exploring. Wednesday was very similar to that, except I went around with the new guy from the Kyoto hostel. I got up very early that morning though and made my way out to Fushimi Inari Shrine. Time to turn to Japan-Guide to explain a little more for me!

'Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most famous of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari across Japan. Inari is the Shinto god of rice, and foxes are thought to be his messengers. Therefore, many fox statues can be found at Inari shrines.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is also famous for the countless torii gates, offerings by worshippers, that cover the hiking trails of Inarisan, the wooded mountain behind the shrine's main buildings. It takes about two hours to walk along the whole trail.'

Okay, so it should be known that this was one of the highlights of my trip and it was worth it all. I climbed UP a mountain and got lost, never made it to the top, but it was still as amazing as I hoped it would be. You can feel that something special is there, I even gave an offering and made a little prayer at the beginning of the shrine. I was expecting a kitsune to come and start playing tricks on me (which I'm sure they did), they were everywhere. I can't wait to post the pictures because going through the toori gates is like going into another dimension.

After that I returned to the hostel, it was still rather early, and putzed around the hostel until Chris got up and we decided to go out and explore. We first went to Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion. It was pretty, I'm glad I waited till it was sunny outside.

'Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple formally known as Rokuonji.

In 1397 construction started on the Golden Pavilion as part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's death in 1408.

The Golden Pavilion functions as shariden, housing sacred relics of the Buddha and is covered in gold leaf. The present building dates from 1955 as the pavilion was burnt by a fanatic monk in 1950.'

We then made our way across town and actually found Kiyomizu-dera. You had to climb another mountain, smaller, but still! I don't think i got to enjoy it was much as I would've liked to because it was sooo crowded, but it was still rather pretty, especially with all the cherry blossoms still in bloom.

'Kiyomizudera ("Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 and remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

Kiyomizudera stands in the wooded hills of eastern Kyoto and offers visitors a nice view over the city from its famous wooden terrace. Below the terrace, you can taste the spring water, which gives the temple its name and which is said to have healing power.

Behind Kyomizudera's main hall stands Jishu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deity of love. In front of the shrine are two rocks, placed several meters apart from each other. Successfully walking from one to the other rock with your eyes closed is said to bring luck in your love life.

Part of the fun of visiting Kiyomizudera is the approach to the temple along the steep and busy lanes of the atmospheric Higashiyama district. Except early in the morning, do not expect a tranquil, spiritual atmosphere.

The many shops, restaurants and ryokan in the area have been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries. Products on sale range from local specialties such as Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets and pickles to the standard set of souvenirs.'

Wow, this post is getting long! Yesterday wasn't that interesting, I said a sad farewell to Kyoto (I miss it already) and made my way back to Tokyo. I got in mid afternoon and kinda did nothing, it was nice to relax. I don't feel as pressed to squeeze everything in here since most of what I want to do is shopping. > _____>

I slept in this morning and finally made my way out to Harajuku. WOW! I haven't even finished exploring it all yet, it was cold and rainy and my energy is kinda low at the moment, so I'm for sure going back. I went there to buy a jacket and came back with a skirt instead, but it's pretty awesome. It was at a thrift store called closet child, and while $38 may seem a bit steep for a skirt, it's about as much as I'd pay for one at Hot Topic and it's from Japan.

It's by Algonquins and it's soooo cute! I did try it on and much to my happiness, I can wear Japanese clothing!

So, today ended good, though it's supposed to keep raining tomorrow. Not quite too sure what I'm doing, but then we'll see.

....and then a guy with a kendo stick chased me...

Haha, it appears I got lazy again and get to catch you up on another two days here in Japan. Last time I had posted, I went to Osaka, but I've now just spent my time wandering around and really, really enjoy Kyoto and all that it is.

Monday was just plain icky when it came to the weather, it never stopped raining, so it made sightseeing a little tougher, but I still went out. I met up with a new English friend I had made the night before and we both went out to Nijo Castle. Let me tell you, even with the rain and everything, it was still gorgeous and one of those experiences I'm so happy that I was able to have.

Let me give you a little history on it first from Japan-Guide (I'm going to make a post dedicated to all the other places I've mentioned in the blog).:

'Nijo Castle (Nijojo) was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Shogunate, as the Kyoto residence for himself and his successors.

The palace building, now known as Ninomaru ("secondary castle"), was completed in 1603 and enlarged by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu. It survives in its original form and is famous for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and floors that squeak like nightingales when someone walks on them (a security measure against intruders).

Iemitsu also added the Honmaru ("main castle") including a five storied castle tower to Nijo Castle. However, the original honmaru structures were destroyed by fires in the 18th century, and the present building was moved there from the Imperial Palace in 1893.'

Ok, so besides being gorgeous when all a bloom, it was just wow. I loved the nightingale floors, my friend and I made a vain attempt to creep across without making noise but failed. It was really cool to see old art and that castle, it felt like it was home, really. XD

After that, we sought out some food but instead went back to my end of Kyoto and just looked around the shopping areas until we found a really cool store called Animate. It has TONS of anime stuff! After that, we parted was and I just kinda chilled back at the hostel with everyone.

Today I met up with Katrina again and we made our way to a temple that I thought was Kiyomizu-dera, but now I think I was wrong... regardless, it was beautiful. We even made a little cat friend today.

We had a small picnic under the sakura trees after and then made our way to see the Miyako Odori. That's the spring celebration where the Maiko and Geisha dance. That was just...no words can describe it, really.

I then popped down to Heian shrine before sun set and that was okay, it was pretty, but I was more impressed with other things. Kinda been in the hostel since, though did go out with a few other hostel mates to another sushi restaurant, didn't like it as much as the one in Osaka.

Okay, bed time!

The Past Two Days...IN THE FUTURE

Wow, hey everyone! I guess I should update you with my recent adventures. First of all, I'm doing very well here and I love it! I want to live here now (who saw that coming? >___>). ONTO THE STORY!

Day One:

Woke up suuuuper early because of the jet lag, like 4am early. e_e So I fiddled around on the computer and figured out what I was going to do for the day and then got ready and walked around the streets here. It is sooo gorgeous in Kyoto, especially in the morning, all the blossoms are blooming.

I met two brothers at the bus stop who were lost and actually tried to talk to me in Japanese and then we realized we were all American and going to the Imperial Palace. So, that led to use paling around for the whole day. We met up with two of one of the brothers' friends and it was really cool. I went to the less touristy areas and had a great time. I'd tell you where it was, but I'm not totally sure to be honest where we were (I think we ended at Nanzenji).

I made it to the Imperial Palace, wherever we wandered, the Philosopher's Path and some more aimless wandering. I stumbled upon a traditional wedding and funeral and then another graveyard.

We did find geisha and maiko! Omg, one of the highlights of the day for sure! I went to Yasaka shrine after that and wandered around with one of my roommates, loooots of drunks.

Day Two:

Got up and went down to the Kyoto station, wandered around lost for a few minutes, but I used my Japanese I learned, I actually know a lot more than I thought I did and it's really cool.

So, I made it to Osaka and met up with my old co-worker Katrina and she showed me around Osaka. We went to the aquarium (WHALE SHARKS!), then to a popular shopping district. Oh, and so I got sushi here, so there! After that, we walked arounf the shopping area and found Body Line, I got an outfit for about $30 and it's super cute.

After that, we met up with her friends and went to a karaoke bar, THEY HAD LADY GAGA KARAOKE! It was a lot of fun!

so...that was a long flight....

Day One...

And when I say long flight, I mean it! I did fly over Canada (slept through it though...), Alaska and Russia! Russia was a bully and gave us the worst turbulence during the whole flight. x_x

But yes, I'm alive and well! I only got really lost once, but found my way with the help of a little, older lady and then the police, so I found my hostel. The bus system is really crazy though, though I think it might be better once I'm not dragging around that big old bag.

The flight was good and both my train trips were nice. I made it through immigration and customs, got my JR Pass and hopped on the N'EX all in less than an hour of my arrival. The shinkansen was nice too, super fast!

And I'm losing focus...so tired! Going to try to make it to Yasaka Shrine, the Philosopher's Path and the Imperial Palace tomorrow, then I'm off to Osaka on Sunday to visit Katrina.

till then...

Getting There and Back + Where I'm Staying

To: April 8, 2010


American Airlines. Flight: AA1761
Depart: Tampa International Apt at 6:00AM.
Arrive: Dallas/Fort Worth Intl Apt at 7:40AM.


American Airlines. Flight: AA175
Depart: Dallas/Fort Worth Intl Apt at 10:05AM.
Arrive: Tokyo Narita Apt 09-Apr-10 at 1:10PM.


From: April 22, 2010



American Airlines. Flight: AA176.
Depart: Tokyo Narita Apt at 11:30AM.
Arrive: Dallas/Fort Worth Intl Apt 22-Apr-10 at 9:00AM.

American Airlines. Flight: AA1158.
Depart: Dallas/Fort Worth Intl Apt at 10:45 AM.
Arrive: Tampa International Apt 22-Apr-10 at 2:05PM.


http://www.flightstats.com/go/Home/home.do I'm leaving this here because I think it could be fun to use and see where I am if you're that bored...or my mom. XD

Where I'm Staying:

I'll be in Kyoto from April 9, 2010 - April 15, 2010.

bAKpAK Gion Hostel
2-244 Miyagawa Suji
Higashiyama-ku
Kyoto

p. +81-75-525-1433
f. +81-75 525-3144
email: gionhostel@gmail.com

And then in Tokyo from April 15, 2010 - April 22, 2010.

Backpackers Hostel Ks House Tokyo
20-10, Kuramae 3-chome, Taitou-ku,
Tokyo

p. +81-3-5833-0555
f. +81-3-5833-0444
email: tokyo@kshouse.jp

I will have a laptop and internet access, but do remember that I am 13 hours in the future (if you're on the East coast).

My Skype name is : Kyou Monster.

Wish me luck everyone! I'm going try to post here everyday, so keep your eyes here.

<3 You all.





...and then the guy with a Kendo stick chased me.

Filler

More information will go here as time gets closer (I know, 2 1/2 weeks isn't close enough?), but it'll have my flight info, hostel info and more. I appreciate anyone who reads this, I'm only doing this for you guys, you know. ;3

Check back for more info soon!

Jess