To say the last few weeks have been a whirlwind would be a gross underestimation. School hasn’t even started yet and I feel like I’m rushing around everywhere (though I’ve definitely been stopping to take pictures 😉 ). Perhaps that just comes with the territory of living in Tokyo. I still feel like a tourist, and I kind of hope that feeling never dies. Whenever I start to feel a bit lonely, I wonder at something new and remember why I came in the first place.
Since there is too much to say in one entry, I will make a list of important things to know about Japan.
1. The best and cheapest eats are either a bit out of the way or directly around train stations.
2. 7-11 has everything you could possibly need and then some.
3. Japanese cell phones are super cool. You can transfer information with a friend via infrared instead of entering it in. Yay softbank!
4. Rush hour is not a good time to be on the train.
5. Eggs find their way onto everything, even where you are not entirely sure they belong.
6. You can buy manga everywhere.
7. Crepes are incredible.
8. Japanese people love to take pictures. (To be fair, so do I)
9. The fashion is a bit bizarre, ranging from uptight school uniforms/salaryman suits to futuristic metallic boots, giant bows and pink hair. I still need to go shopping.
10. As when you’re going everywhere, try everything!
Since I cannot quite put my experience into words, some pictures might help.
Akihabara, also known as Electric City, is right on my train commute to school.
Akihabara, famous for its electronics, is also famous for its anime and other…interesting items.
One Saturday evening, I found myself with nothing to do and took a walk in Ueno park. It’s loaded with museums, shops, shrines and other attractions. Unfortunately, most of it was closed.
We went to a festival in Ikebukuro! There was a parade with a shrine, food and musical performances!
All of this and class hasn’t even started yet. The adventure has barely begun!
Which, obviously means it’s time for me to go to bed.
Ja matta,
Sara
