//this post was originally written ~2009
Some of you may have been wondering why I had been on hiatus for a while. And to put it simply – I was moving back from MN back to CA. I was living in the Twin Cities for about 3 years and just this past May, made the big move back home to the Bay Area. So now that I am back, you will see me here ALOT more often. Faster, better, bigger, STRONGER.
I also did happen to squeeze in a little much needed vacation time w/ HNY in Japan, and I wanted to share my photos w/ you. So to start things off, the picture above was taken in one of the busiest people intersections in the world: Shibuya, Tokyo.
The full Nihon :: Japan Trip 009 gallery on Flickr
Tokyo, Japan is home to an abundance of nightlife. Whether it is shopping, karaoke, food, shopping, arcades, eating, people-watching, shopping, etc… Tokyo has something for everyone. And whatever Tokyo district you happen to find yourself in, to find the fun – all you have to do is find the “michi” or |道| or ‘Road.’ filled w/ people. Its not hard to miss.
Look over there! Do you know who it is? It’s Hachikō! If you ever need to meet up with a friend in Shibuya, Tokyo; just tell them to meet you here. Still revered as iconic image of Japanese faithfulness and loyalty, Hachikō is a must see site for animal lovers and history enthusiasts alike. And for those of you interested in Japanese fashion, style and well..ahem, the girls – Hachikō is a great place to be. Yup, THAT MANY people hang out here. Just remember its outside the Shibuya station. And if facing the station from the busy intersection, its on the right side.
Hey, look! It’s my store Found this over at the street that inspired style and music across the world. Maybe you have heard of BAPE. Or heard the sound stylings of Gwen Stefani. Yup, we are here in Harajuku on Takeshita Street soaking in the stores and all the shopping!
Rest and relaxation time. With all this walking around, resting at the hotel isn’t such a bad idea. It also gives us time to unload the pictures taken, and give our feet some rest. Cuz’ in Japan, you walk A LOT!
Oh, and did you notice the Starbucks cup? Its not your regular paper cup. Like all the other plastic bottles you see next to it, that Starbucks cup is plastic and was bought at the AM/PM. Complete w/ retractable straw. It even cost less than a same size latte at the actual store! Why can’t we have this in the States?
Everyone knows that Tokyo’s citylife is tottemo sugoi, but there is more to Japan than just Tokyo. To truly feel the spirit of of Nippon, you gotta get out of Tokyo. Once out, you really get to experience Japanese people and culture. Its not just all the glitz and glam of the city, after all.
Which brings me to Hakone. Such a beautiful town, glazed over with rice patties, bicylcists, and teh occassional McDonald’s. Its also the home of Mt. Fuji. An astounding site, which has been the subject of many Art inspirations. It truly is breathtaking.
Our tour guide allowed us to reach Level 5 of 10 of Mt. Fuji, and all I can say is, “Tottemo utsukushii, naa!” Translation: “Its unbelievably amazing!” Seriously, its damn beautiful. Here’s HNY and I at the Level 5 entrance. During the summer, the hiking months, Level 5 is the starting point for those wishing to reach the summit. *sigh. I’m coming back to reach that summit!
On the latter part of my trip, I was able to meet up with my good buddy Gretto-sama. Here we are, taking a picture in front of a sign at Ikebukuro West Gate Park. Which also happens to be the title of one of my new fave Japanese Dramas. So ya, that sign is famous. Japanese doramas are short and sweet. Usually running about 10-11 episodes, and were the reason I started gaining interest in Japan culture. So we HAD to take a picture there.
All in all, Japan is a place like no other. And you can bet that we’ll be back! Seriously! Good food, good shopping, extraordinary sights, courteous people, and memories that will last forever – who can resist the allure of Japan?
