I'm baaaaaacccckkkk!!!!!! I just returned from Japan and OH MY GOD. The whole experience was amazing, lit, fulfilling, incredible, breathe-taking, unforgetable…..just there are not enough words in the dictionary nor the thesaurus to fully describe it. This trip gave me a much needed mental break from the craziness of my job, my daily routine, my mindset and just the attitude of the whole damn country. Goodness gracious...I was so grateful to be able to do this. This was one of the greatest valentine's day present I ever gotten. For all those who know me, this was a childhood dream. To visit the homeland of Anime, Ramen, Video games, sushi and Kawaii street fashion. Now, that I got a chance to visit this unique country, I have so much more planned for myself in life. One of those plans is to visit this amazing country for a much longer amount of time. (16 days to exact) Since this was my first time, and I only stayed for 8 days. I just scratched the surface of this huge country. ( I already started making my new wishlist for the trip. *winks*) Now for the quick summary of my trip.
Let’s start with the plane ride; Longest journey ever!!!!! I never been on a plane for so long, 14 hours in an airplane sit. My legs were killing me by the time I got off. However, worth it. I took the ANA, which is a Japanese Airline. They showed hospitality that I never seen before. (America needs to get their act together.) They had great service, clean, organized and I didn’t have to worry as much regarding luggage. They were very gentle with it and had room for the carry-on. (They didn’t have to measure it you just got one carry-on. Eat your heart Delta.) We arrived at the Nitari airport and had to take the subway to Asukasa. The subway was really quite. It reminded me of a library which was pretty amazing and its so clean. I never seen public transportation so clean before. I loved it and I got a chance to see the Japanese country side. I stayed in a hostel in Asakusa and spent a lot of time in Tokyo, Kyoto, Chiba and Sendai. I visit places in Tokyo like Ikebukuro, Akihabara, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and even Asakusa. Of course, as an Otaku I had to visit Ikebukuro and Akihabara. A lot of people, told me these were huge anime hubs and well…...It didn’t disappoint at all. I loved every minute of it and never will forget it. Shinjuku was an interesting, I visited the samurai museum, saw the famous ‘Robot Restaurant’, Toho Cinema, (Including Movie posters of Black Panther in Japanese.), and even ran past the…..red light district. (*yikes*).
Shibuya was a short visit. It was mainly mainstream shopping which is not my thing. However, I enjoy the famous Shibuya crossing, and Shibuya Inu. (Anime was pretty much everywhere. More spots than other.) Harajuku was one of my other favorite places during the trip. I went to ‘Alice on Wednesday’, Takishite Street, and Meiji Shrine. The following day I was in Kyoto (I took the bullet train for the first time.) to visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. It was on a huge mountain and there were several shrine throughout the hike (I didn't get a chance to get to the top ;-;) But I vowed I would make it to the top next time I visit in Japan. I tired some of the food and it was so good. Then I went on to visit a geisha house. The experience was unforgettable, since I lucked out by being invited to the geisha garden and floral arrangements. Its one of those experiences that you’re going have to visit the country for. I got to participate in a tea ceremony, had Tea cakes and ocha during a performance. It was really nice. Afterwards, I went to a shrine in Kyoto it was a breathe-taking. The next few days were little on the rough side being I got sick. However, I pushed myself as long as I could. (I want to take in as much as I could from this trip.) During this time I was Sendai, I went on a mini cruise showing several of smaller island around the Prefecture. I also got a chance to take in the scenery but afterwards I had to quickly return to the hotel and rest for the night. After recovering a little bit, I decided to stay in Asakusa (playing it safe and curiosity.) where I got a chance to see the ‘Thunder gates’ the Shrine of Fujin and Raijin. Eating some incredible food from the food vendors and then heading to the ‘Sky Tree’ the tallest tower in Japan. It was such a beautiful night, filled with fun and laughter. The night sky and the view was just….another gem of Japan. Now, coming down to the wire is the rainy day visit to the osen in Chiba. My health completely rejuvenated I wanted to try out the osen that I missed out on the first day. …..Oh my goodness…..it felt so good. This is the prefect place to relax and just let your hair down. By the time I got out, I felt like a new person. The osen cleanses your, mentally, physically, emotional and spiritually. Now I understand why bathing is a huge practice in Japan. It relieves a lot of burdens from you when you enter. This is something you have to feel and see to believe. So please, for those who are planning a trip to Japan. Remember to stop by the osen when you arrive or before you leave Japan. Its one of those indescribable experiences. On the last day, was a last minute shopping day and got some cool Anime stuff. Overall, I was a life changing experience and hope I will be able to do more in the future. I will be returning to Japan hopefully next year but will see.
