The Japan Journey
Into the Rising Sun
July, 2008
I began my journey as they all do - no, not with a single step. With a line at the airport. After check in and security lines, it was a line at the little convenience store. A Japanese woman in front tried to convince the cashier to give her two packs of gum for the cost of one. An amusing exchange on my end, absolutely aggravating to the woman behind the counter.
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The Gardens and Shibuya
July, 2008
I noticed quite a few people staring my way, something I would come to expect during my stay. "It's because you're eating mochi," explained a friend. Mochi is a rice cake that has been pounded.
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Meiji Shrine
July 2008
So dangerous, apparently, that if you kill a crow and take it to a police station, you are given a cash reward. I looked into the trees and finally spotted the creature, a giant beast of a bird. One of those could tear apart a silly farm scare crow.
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Electronic District and Harijuku
July 2008
We decided to visit Harajuku. Quite a fan of goth and counter-culture fashion, this destination was a must. There is a small neighborhood of eccentric fashion, where quite a few go on Sundays in outlandish outfits just to hang out. They even carry suitcases with them and change outfits through the course of the day. Groups stood around holding up signs that said "Free Hugs!" Life stylers can be found here too, on any day of the week. Finding a place where I could dress up in anything that I fancied was delightful!
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The Onsen
This time around we would visit a Onsen (hot spring) in Tokyo. Public baths are a popular past time in Japan and I was assured that the experience would leave dreaming of a return trip.
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