Arigato!

Bev. Thanks for letting me tag along during the trip. I wouldn't have had fun by myself. It was fun going to the sento, right? And you were about to change your mind at the last minute. I already miss hanging out with you and Aja. Also, thanks for spending that short amount of time in Oahu with me. It was so nice to have a little more time with you guys. Hopefully I can make to Oahu more often now!

Aja. Thanks for helping me out that night. You didn't have to stay. You could have gone with the others. I felt so bad when I realized you were there. I think that's why I got up faster. You should have taken a picture of my hair though. That would have been the best picture of me for the whole trip! I have no idea how Yoko did that. It was all twisted. It was just weird, but it must have looked hilarious. You and Bev made my first trip by myself memorable.

Mango. You gave me the most memorable moments of the trip. I can't believe the stuff you were going to buy in Body Line. You just kept going and going (like the Energizer bunny). I didn't mind helping you either, so don't feel bad about it. It was rather fun watching you going back and forth around the store.

I want to see pictures of you wearing the outfits you bought from Body Line. I have some. Plus, I found patterns to make more outfits. Hopefully I make it to Oahu in August and I can show you them. I'll keep in touch.




Travis. Thanks for being there that night. I can't believe I cried that much. It must have been weird seeing me like that. That's the last time I do that!

Thanks for hanging out with me in Oahu. It beats waiting in the terminal. I can't believe you changed clothes. Why? I'll let you know whenever I stop by in Oahu. Maybe I'll come over more frequently.

Charlie. Thanks for keeping me company on the plane to and from Japan. So I hope I disproved your assumption of people from Maui. Not all people from upcountry speak with a pidgin accent. Plus, I didn't grow up upcountry.

Thanks for the cream puff and coffee in Oahu. I really needed it. In the end, I was so tired that the coffee had no affect on me. I hate jet lag. When I come to Oahu, we should all hang out again!

Terry and Shawn. Thanks for making me feel comfortable when I came to Oahu. I was so afraid that I wouldn't get to talk much with anyone since I didn't go to the orientation. You are so kind. I'll always remember Terry and his Mega McMe. I have to see a picture of that. Was it satisfying?

Judy. I wish we had more time to hang out. We only had that one day in Harajuku. You're so kind. Yes, we all need to dress up in our outfits and take a group picture. I still have to find shoes though.

Vince. Thank you for lending me your jacket the day we were in Kamakura. I was very cold and was afraid of catching a cold. (本当に ありがとう! 優しいな人).

Everyone else. Thanks for making my first trip abroad a memorable one. At first I was afraid because it seemed I was out of the loop and wouldn't fit in. You all made me feel like I was with you from the start of orientation.

Yoko 先輩. Thank you for helping me with my Japanese. It was nice trying my speaking skills. It has been a long time since I had to speak to someone in Japanese. I was so afraid.

Thank you for helping me out that night. I don't know what happened. How long did it take to wake me up? I'm so sorry about that. I still can't believe I cried. I never cried before. 初めて.



Last, but not least, Jayson. Thank you so much for allowing me to take this course! I don't know what I would have done if you required me to go to classroom sessions. I'm very grateful that you created a course like this. It's too bad that unexpected things occurred.

Thank you for breaking me out of my sheltered life. Before this trip, I have never left the state, let alone take a vacation. I didn't know what to expect. After witnessing the things mentioned in Confucius Lives Next Door, I felt more at ease with Tokyo. By the end of the trip, I didn't want to leave.

I know you mentioned studying in Japan, but I'm afraid to leave everything here on Maui. I'm still thinking about it though. I just don't know how I can fit it into my life. Maybe if I weren't so attached to everyone, I would have an easier time.

Day 8 - Sayonara Japan!

The day I've been dreading has come. It's time for us to go back home. It seems like the trip started just yesterday. I can't believe in the beginning I was so afraid about the trip. Now that it's almost over, I don't want it to end.

Why do I feel this way? What is it about Japan that makes life more different than America? Japan seems like a more reserved place than America, but after my visit, it is more vibrant than America. I think it's because everyone follows the rules and doesn't make any acceptions to those rules. Also, that the Japanese put pride into everything they do to save their face from shame. Japan is more open minded than America about delicate issues. Although there are many rules, Japan feels like a freer place to live than America. I think that's why it's so hard for me to leave it.

After checking out of the hotel, we had a couple of hours of free time. There's not much you can do in a couple of hours. Travis, Charlie and I head toward HMV so Travis can get his Yui CD's. I didn't really want to buy anything because I didn't want to carry it around. But, I ended up buying some CD's. Hopefully I have time to put it in my suitcase before checking in at the airport.

Next stop is Tokyu Hands. There are 7 floors of things that you don't need for your home. That's such a true statement. Most of the things in there aren't necessity items.

It's 1:00 p.m. We're back at the hotel waiting for the limo bus to take us to the airport. I really don't want to leave. There's so much more I would like to do here. I wish I could stay but I don't think I could afford staying a couple more days.

It's another hour and a half ride to Narita Airport. I take random shots outside of my window. These are the last images of Tokyo I will have for a while. Hopefully I can come back soon.


















It's after 3:00 p.m. We've reached the airport. We have an abrupt goodbye with Jayson and Yoko. Security is really tight in the airport. There is some miscommunication with Jayson and Charlie. After checking in, Charlie told Jayson that we were in the terminal. We didn't know that they cancelled their train to try and meet up with us. By the time they reached the airport, we were all passed the security check point.



After going through security, we have free time to roam around. I was so hungry. I needed to eat something. Most of the restaurants were in the terminal before the check point. There was only the Blue Sky Cafeteria by the gates. It's better than starving. The food wasn't like what I had at Yoshinoya or Matsuya, but it was better than most of the Japanese restaurants at home. It was equal to Restaurant Matsu (Matsuya) on Maui.

I was so disappointed when we found out the flight was full. We were so spoiled coming to Japan. It felt so cramped and uncomfortable. The first thing that happened to me on the plane was something that I will always remember. After being in Japan for only 8 days, I became adapted to the calm and politeness of everyone. On the plane, I accidentally sat in the wrong row (I was being rushed). The lady who was supposed to be in that seat is so rude to me. She tells me "That's my seat!" and doesn't even give me room to get to the correct seat. In my head I thought "Welcome back to Hawaii." The incident made me dread going back home to experience reverse culture shock.

It's around 7:00 a.m. Hawaii time. I'm back in Hawaii. Things are so hectic because of the full flight. I'm very tired from the flight. I didn't get much rest. It's time to go to customs. I'm afraid that I might get search. In the end, I didn't. I wonder how they choose who they want to search.

Once we are outside, everyone is leaving one by one. Charlie, Travis and Bev try to hurry home so they can spend some time with me before I have to go back to Maui. It was so nice of them to do that for me. As they went home to drop their luggage off, I headed toward the interisland terminal to check in.

There wasn't much time for us to hang out. I was sad. I thought I would have more time. It took longer than expected to get out of the international terminal. I couldn't believe that it was my turn to go home. I was afraid what it would feel like when I got there. I was too tired to think. I just wanted to find someplace to sleep. Jet lag is something that I really don't like.

This trip has been my first experience out of Hawaii. I was so afraid of the unexpected. In the end, I have learned to adapt to new things quickly. I realized what knowledge I can share with my children. Although being sheltered can be a good thing, too much of it can have a negative effect. Like the Japanese isolating themselves from the rest of the world, my parents isolated me from places outside of Hawaii. The only contact I would have from people outside of Maui were people who moved to Maui from the mainland or another country. I would hear about places but never see and experience the culture and atmosphere of the place. Being isolated probably made me a more centered person, but at the same time I feared the unfamiliar. After a while, pressures from others made me wonder about visiting the mainland or foreign countries. Like Japan, I finally gave in and put down my guard. Now, I can't wait to go back to Japan. Why didn't I do something like this sooner?

Day 7 - Harajuku or bust!

It's our last full day in Japan. I can't believe the day is here. So many places we can visit, but where shall we go? The first plan was to go back to Harajuku, then make our way to Odaiba, and then meet up to go to Shinjuku with Jayson. After Jayson showed us how to get to Odaiba from Harajuku, we had second thoughts about going. It seemed like a long ride and we wouldn't have much time in either place if we did try to go. In the end, we stayed in Harajuku for the entire day, well more like 6 hours.


Harajuku is much different when it's not rainy. You see more Gothloli's out in their outfits. Plus there are more people out shopping when it's not rainy.

Body Line is now my favorite shop for all Loli outfits. All of the clothes are so cute and so cheap. I only spent 14,000 yen and got two Loli outfits with socks and a cute dress. There were many Gothloli's coming into the store buying new things. I wish I took their picture, but pictures aren't allowed in the store. You can't even try on the clothes.

It was Mango madness in Body Line. I think she spent over an hour and a half trying to get her outfits. It was fun helping her communicate to the worker. I think at one point Mango had $600 worth of clothes on the table. In the end, she narrowed it down to a little under $300 (32,000 yen almost). Mango is really into the whole Gothloli style, and I could tell when I spent all that time in the store.

I finally made it to Kiddy Land. There's five floors of toys with one floor for Hello Kitty. I was in heaven. So many things to choose from. I have to restrain myself. Don't want to go overboard. Some things I knew will eventually be released in the U.S. so I just have to have patience. In the end, I bought a champagne glass set. It was the last one they had too (よかった!).




After Harajuku, we had to head back to Ikebukuro. We all are meeting up to tour Shinjuku. Because of the typhoon, Shinjuku was taken out of the tour on Monday.

We first go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office to go to the observation deck. The elevator ride is so fast and smooth, and it's so quiet. It's amazing what Tokyo looks like from above. So many lights. Looking out each window, you can see all the places we've visited these past 7 days. To think, I've traveled on a train and walked these distances. There is a lot that we haven't seen. Tokyo is such a large city. Too bad we can't see it all. It'll probably take months to visit each area of Tokyo just once.

Of course I had to see if there was Hello Kitty. I wasn't let down. There are Hello Kitty lanyards with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office. I had to get it. Another lanyard to add to the collection during this trip. What am I going to do with them?

We have to hurry, so we can have a chance to see the lights of Shinjuku. It's amazing how many lights there are here. I could feel the heat being generated from them. The electric bill must be through the roof here. There are so many places to go on just one street. If you ever miss the last train, there are hotels and bars where you can stay until the station opens in the morning. I'd rather catch the last train than stay a night here. It's a little scary.




There are many advertisements for host and hostess bars. I was afraid to find out how much it would cost to be entertained by these people. Why would anyone sell themselves so short? Is it really worth the money? It's just very different from Hawaii. In Hawaii, there are the Korean bars, but they aren't displaying their workers like they do in Japan. It's not widely accepted in America. It's perceived as something bad and is frowned upon.

The night is almost over. The last train is in about 30 minutes. We end up bumping into an older woman by the name of "Betty Boop." She insists that we head back to the train station or else we will miss the last train. So she is giving directions to Jayson that leads us back to the station. It seems like she was a little drunk, but Jayson said to amuse her. The tour was cut short because of it.

Tomorrow is the last day. I have just a little more to pack, but some us went out just to talk and unwind before going to sleep.

Day 6 - Shrine hopping

It's Tuesday, July 17th, the last day of touring for the class. Today we have a full day in Kamakura.

The ride there is very long. As we get closer to Kamakura, the more scenic the ride becomes. I should have had my camera waiting. I didn't expect to see a Buddha peaking out of the hills. Everything looks so peaceful and serene compared to Tokyo.

After an hour on the train (あっ疲れた! ちょっとはらへった!), we wait for the next train we have to get on. I was relieved there were food stands at the train stop. I planned to eat コロッケ (croquette) when I was in Japan. I was so happy (うれしい!) when I found a place that sold it. 50 yen for one (やすい!). I ended up getting two. とても甘い (very delicious), very hot too. They were just done. I ended up burning my tongue. It was all worth it!

Time to get on the next train. There isn't much time to finish my croquette. There was some time to eat it on the way. Once we get off the train it's completely different from the city. It's very quiet and calm. Maybe it was because of the rain. I think the rain made the area more serene.


There are so many Hawaii-themed shops around Kamakura. It's amazing all the Hawaii named stores. Jayson explains that Kamakura's beach is the closest to Hawaii most Japanese people get to see. What's Japan's fascination of Hawaii? Growing up, many people from the mainland say that I am lucky to be living Hawaii. I always thought that it's alright. Maybe it's because I haven't been outside of Hawaii. Most people say that Hawaii is paradise, but I think Japan is a paradise. It has low crime, advanced technology, very sanitary environment, the list goes on.

~Here is a cafe right outside of the train stop.









Our first stop is at the 大仏 (the Great Buddha). It's so big. It's amazing that it survived that tsunami. You would think that it would wash away because the base is just brick. How long did it take to carve this statue? I wonder how it looked right after it was completed.

The area in the temple is so calm. You can't hear the people talking. For some reason noise doesn't linger around the temple. If it were dry, I would have liked to sit down and just meditate. The expression of the Buddha is so at peace. I wonder how long it takes to reach that type of peace. How did those samurai achieve that peace back then? My life is so busy, I don't have time to sit and just calm down and relax.

Built in the 1200's, it's amazing how emaculate and untouched it looks. The Taiho Code must still be instilled in people. In 702, the Taiho Code was put into effect. It was the foundation of Japan's code of laws. The Taiho Code put worship before legislation. When you go into the temples and shrines in Kamakura, you can see that still being followed. Even the ground is clean. It doesn't seem like Japan has dirt, because every place I have gone, the ground doesn't look dirty. Is it just me?


There is still some time left before we must head toward the next temple. The gift area had so much omiyage. I wanted to buy a lot but Yoko reminded us that we still had more to see. Did we really want to carry all of that the rest of the day? In the end, I put half the things I planned to buy. Of course I had to search for Hello Kitty. And of course, there was Daibutsu Hello Kitty items. I bought just the lanyard key chains. There were Hello Kitty hankos but they didn't have my name. I guess 美智恵 (Michie) isn't a common name in Japan.

After a short break to eat lunch, we head to the Hase-Dera Temple. I never heard of this temple. It's such a large complex. We don't have enough time to view everything. Everything is so green and peaceful. I wish I had the entire day to walk around the area. I got a little homesick because I would have liked to walk around with my boyfriend (ちょっと寂しい).



I didn't understand it until I saw the view. At the top of the stairwell you can see the coastline. I now can see why this is the closest to Hawaii most Japanese can get. It looks like some beaches on Maui. Too bad I didn't have a chance to see the beach up close. I heard that Japanese beaches are different from Hawaii.


~Some pictures around Hase-Dera Temple

Next, we head toward Tsurugaokahachimangu Shrine. It's so spacious. You can see the Zen theme throughout the area. The pathways with rocks and the Zen garden with a tree at one end. It's such a long walk up the stairs toward the main shrine. On the way up, I just take in the scenery. The ginkgo trees are so beautiful and you can hear the birds that are hiding in them. As I look down, I realize how high the shrine is. I finally get to the top and there are miko. Pictures of them are not allowed. I understand. It takes away from the shrine. Plus, some believe (I don't know about miko) that pictures take a part of your soul.

We enter the shrine and there are so many wishes placed around. This is something I heard about in Japanese dramas. It must be so beautiful during the winter season, especially during New Year's. That's when most Japanese people go to the shrines. Maybe one day I will be able to go during that time. I can only wish. Maybe I should have made a wish. It was only 500 yen.

After about 45 minutes, we head back to the station. It's time to have our last dinner together as a group. Tomorrow is our free day to do whatever we want. I can't believe the trip is almost at an end (まさか!). I wish time could slow down just a bit. I don't want to leave.

Day 5 - Visiting the past (いいな)

Half the trip is over. It's Monday, July 16th. I can't believe it's the fifth day already (嘘!).

Today we head for the street car and really see Tokyo. The whole trip so far, we only got to see bits of Tokyo on the train. On the way we see a section with cardboard boxes. It's a designated area for the homeless. This reminds that Japanese of why they don't believe in "downsizing" like Americans. During the recession of the 1990's, Japanese companies followed the Americans during tough times and started to downsize. Because of this, many ended up homeless. Although the economy got better, the homeless lost their pride because of their layoff. Why can't America learn from the Japanese?


The "shitamachi" areas of Tokyo are much better than the busy city areas. It is really peaceful and more laid back. It's almost like walking around Wailuku Town on Maui. You walk around and talk with shop owners that know you very well. It's a good reminder of how things used to be before technology and the salaryman.



A nice elderly couple talked to us during our tour around the shitamachi. It was a very Soko ga Shiritai (そこが知りたい) moment. It's amazing that we were only the second foreign group to come and visit and talk with them. They were so hospitable. The wife quickly cut up an orange for everyone (優しいな人).

It's time for us to get back the train. We have to get to Ryogoku and take a tour of the Edo Museum. I didn't know there was such a big collection of artifacts. Is it a recent thing? The models of Edo are really amazing. Everything was connected to each other. I can see why it's disastrous when there's a fire.

There's not enough time to tour the entire place. I have to skip a lot of artifacts. I can only read the information on a few. Looking at all the models of Edo, I try to imagine what it was like back then. How was it when Japan isolated itself from the rest of the world? I just wish there were more hours during the day. I really wanted to have one of the guides that were dressed in Edo style kimono. They were all busy. Who would have thought it would attract such a big crowd, especially on a Monday?

I have to shop quickly. There isn't much time before we leave for Asakusa. I found Hello Kitty again. Edo exclusive lanyards. Of course, I had to get them all. I'm a little crazy when it comes to Hello Kitty. Still, I don't know why there is Hello Kitty in every prefecture of Japan. Is she the mascot of Japan? I know not all people associate Japan to Hello Kitty.




Our next stop is Asakusa. So many people gather at this temple. Many are dressed in kimono. That's something I would like to do one day. I would like to go to the temple during the New Year's in kimono.

We are free to roam around the temple grounds. There are so many shops in a row. You could spend hours just looking at each one. I wanted to go to the temple and make and offering. Because Travis and Charlie were going, I decided to go with them. I didn't expect it to be that far a walk. There are more structures toward the back. So many people are waiting in line to make their offering and prayer.


Before going to make our offering, we went to get a fortune. I learned something new. I didn't know you're supposed to burn the half fortune. I thought that it was only the bad fortunes you burn. I guess it's better to burn the half fortune than to keep it. It's a 50/50 chance. You're better off safe than sorry.





Just my luck. The batteries to my camera died. My spare batteries are in my suitcase. No more pictures for the rest of the night. After our time was up, everyone went their separate ways. A few of us ended up going to a 銭湯 (public bath). I was afraid about it, but I really wanted to experience it. In some Japanese dramas, they mention public baths. In the past, public baths were a common thing because most homes did not have bathing area. If you think about it, a public bath is cheaper than having your own shower. You can stay as long as you like for 450 yen (700 yen for sauna).

It's such a different experience. Something like this would not go well in America. Americans are too body conscious. At first I was afraid to be naked around others. Later on, you get used to it because they aren't looking at you. Well, they sort of watch you. They are making sure you are doing everything correctly. The regulars will tell you if you did something incorrectly. You must be entirely clean before you enter the furo or sauna.

The electric current bath was very interesting. At first, you have to get past the heat. Once your body is adapted, you can just sit there and feel the electric current pass over your skin. I never had a sauna before. I can see why they tell you not to stay in there for more than 10 minutes. It's like being in an oven, but it feels good. I wish we had more time there. It was so relaxing. After we were done, I felt so relaxed. All the pain in my legs was gone. I'm glad that I didn't change my mind on going.

Bev started a conversation with this nice elderly regular. Bev asked if she understood English, in which she answered in a playful voice "Zen zen wakaranai 全然 わからない(I don't understand any)." Even though she didn't understand English, we could have conversation with her. I tried my best to hear everything she was saying and translating it to Bev. Yoko told me later that once you talk in Japanese to someone, they automatically assume you can speak fluently. Japanese people can sure talk fast.

After the sento, we head back to Ikebukuro for dinner at Wara Wara. It was a great way to end the night. Before we headed back to the hotel, Charlie started talking to a group that was by us. With his little Japanese language skills he was able to converse with them. When I found him, they were teaching him this word "Dondake." I never heard of this word before. So I asked in Japanese, "Nan no imi 何の意味 (What is the meaning)." The girl was shocked by my Japanese and complimented me. I was grateful and thanked her. The one English speaking person of the table tried to figure out the English equivalent but couldn't. That's the one thing about the Japanese language, some words have no English equivalent. Later on, I found out the meaning of it.

Day 4 - The typhoon is coming!

It's Sunday, July 15th. Typhoon No. 4 has been unpredictable. Last night it said it would reach Tokyo on Monday. It seems to have sped up and is now projected to hit at noon today. The whole day is played by ear because of the typhoon. Another rainy day, but a little windy.

Today is the last day in Shinagawa. We load our luggage into the truck that will deliver it to Ikebukuro. I really like the Le Meridian Pacific Tokyo or Hotel Pacific (the more common name). I don't want to leave. It seemed to be a convenient location for everything.



We head to Harajuku. Jayson warns us that because of the typhoon, there won't be the Gothloli's. You could see the disappointment in some. Plus, today is the day they usually go out to the bridge. Hopefully we get a chance to go back to Harajuku. Maybe on our free day.

We had a choice between free time or going to the shrine with Jayson. We opted to have our free time. Harajuku is hard to get around when it's raining. We always had to open and close our umbrellas as we going in and out of the shops.

It's amazing the fashion sense in Japan. It's very different than America (全然 違う!). In Japan, each person wants to stand apart from the rest. It seems that standing out is fashionable here. In America, you are very self-conscious about how you are dressed. There are so many people judging you on how you look. It must be the value of working hard then playing hard in Japan. You work so hard at work or school that after it is done you just want to unwind. In the end, some dress completely different.

As we go through the shops, I noticed that each shop doesn't sell more than two of the same shirt. Most times I've seen only one shirt. I think it's a good idea. Nobody will dress like you, if there is only one of it. It's almost like couture. Is that why Japan is becoming the new fashion capital?

It's time for us to leave Harajuku. As we head into the station, the weather clears. Has the typhoon passed, or is it the calm before the storm? Once the sun peaks through, you see all the Gothloli's appear out of nowhere. That's what you call bad timing. If only we had a little more time, we could have taken pictures of them as they gathered at the bridge.


~Hello Kitty maid found in a shop in Harajuku (かわいい)












It's time to visit Shibuya. There are so many people here (すごい!). It's amazing to see how people maneuver around each other. Jayson said that there are approximately 1,500 people crossing every minute at the intersection. You would never see something like that on Maui. There aren't enough people. This makes Maui seems so insignificant.





Before we head into the the crowd, we stop to see the Hachiko statue. Jayson tells us the story of Hachiko. I remember my grandparents telling me this story when I was in grade school. Hachiko was a loyal dog to his owner, who was a salaryman. Everyday Hachiko would follow his owner to the train station and wait until his return. One day, the owner did not return from work. For 11 years, Hachiko waited for his owner to until he too passed away. It brought back memories of the dog my granndparents had. She was obedient like Hachiko. It's amazing how even the dogs of Japan obey rules. I've noticed many Japanese treating their dogs like it was their child. Is it because of the Buddhist faith? Buddhist believe in reincarnation. Do they believe that their dog is a reincarnation of someone? Or are like the Americans and just think it cute? I've also noticed that there aren't any signs that say to keep your dog on a leash. It could be because the dogs don't run away from their owners and cause trouble. Maybe if Americans can learn from the Japanese in teaching discipline, we wouldn't have dogs being the masters.



The NHK Studio is a far walk from that busy intesection. All that comes to mind when I hear NHK is 紅白歌合戦 (Red and White Festival). There are also the Taiga dramas that are aired on Kiku TV.

There are so many kids there. It's really smart to have a place like this. You can take your kids for a whole day for just 150 yen (child admission). Plus there is an eating area. It's a whole day event, if you want it to be.

After the tour the NHK Studio, we have free time to look around. Of course we go shopping. Shibuya looks like THE place for shopping. Everywhere you look there are clothing shops. After shopping around the area, Bev, Aja and I head to Shibuya 109. It was a madhouse in there. I think it is because of the summer sales. It's amazing how many girls there are in that one building. You hardly see any guys in the building. There are some that are being dragged around by their girlfriends. When I saw that, I wondered if that's what I do to my boyfriend. It's amazing how crazy the Japanese go over sales. It's like in Kamikaze Girls when Momoko's father made a fortune off of Versace rip-offs because it was so cheap for the customers. I noticed that in my grandparents. They go to different stores to get the cheapest price even though they could get everything in one place.




~Advertisements on the Shibuya buildings by the crosswalk. A very smart idea. Thousands of people a day will see your advertisement. I wonder how much it costs to air your commercials there.






Time to check into our new hotel room. It's much smaller than the Hotel Pacific, but there seems to be more around us than Shinagawa. Stores in Ikebukuro close earlier than Shinagawa or am I wrong? Most places close around 8:00 p.m. No 7-Eleven's close by. We have to settle for AM PM or Family Mart. It's not the same though.

We had some spare time, so we tried pachinko. I don't see the fun in it. Maybe it's just because I lost my money. It's amazing some of the people there. It seems like they live there. I couldn't do this. I think it's because of all the smoke in the pachinko parlor.


~Our welcome from the Sunshine City Prince Hotel.













~Found this in the Family Mart in Sunshine City

Day 3 - The rain has come

It's Saturday the 14th. Today it's raining. I don't have an umbrella. I'm glad that we got to stop at 7-Eleven to buy an umbrella. Today our journey takes us to Akihabara (秋葉原). Every time my friends go to Japan, they always say that Akihabara is one of the places you must go and visit. All that I knew about Akihabara was that there is a lot of electronics. But that was the past. It's still known as the "Electric Town," but now more has been added. Akihabara is now the mecca of otaku, and the place to find all the maid and butler cafes.

It's still early. None of the shops are open yet. Jayson takes us on a tour of one part of Akihabara. It's more to show us where the maid cafe is; the cafe where they let you take pictures. Again, some people had to spoil it for the others. Rules are so strict in Japan. It's amazing that people follow them. In a way, you could take a picture of the maids when they are not looking, but you don't see that happen. That's something that wouldn't happen in America. There are rules posted around and yet people still break them, why? It's true what is stated in Confucius Lives Next Door. Americans just don't understand the concept of shame or fear of shame.

After being shown the location of the maid cafe, we are given free time. Bev, Aja and I end up in Yodobashi Camera. There are 9 floors of stuff. So many electronics, all of it on sale. You have to love Japan in July. Everywhere has sales. I was drooling over all the electronics in the store. All these items may be in the U.S. next year, but I could have it now. I had to restrain myself. Once I got onto the CD section, it was over. So many CD's. All I thought in my head was, "if I get it now, I'm saving on the shipping costs." In the end, I bought $250 worth of CD's. For a slight second, I had the feeling of remorse, but it passed rather quickly.

We left Yodobashi Camera and tried to head toward Don Quijote. Well, we tried. I felt so bad. I'm pretty sure, it was my fault that we got lost. So for the rest of our free time, we headed back for the station. Japan, is very much like Maui. Nothing is marked. No street signs. Many tourists get lost on Maui. I know how they feel now after Akihabara. On the way, we found some interesting stores. Japanese people are not embarrassed about sex. There are shops that are devoted to sex. It's just a shock to me, because Japanese people seem so reserved. Maybe it's because in America, sex is a very delicate subject. Many are embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about it.

It's time to head to Ueno. It's like a big swap meet. So many people are there shopping for deals. As we go down the street, we notice that many places seem rather pricey. It was after I read some of the signs, I noticed that if you buy one it's pricey, but if you buy in quantities, the price will go down. Not all places are like that though.

I don't know where I saw it but I remembered a show that helped a struggling single father have the job that he desired. That job was selling candy in Ueno. I found that shop while walking around. I didn't want to stand around and take a picture. I was afraid they would haggle me into buying candy. But I was glad I got to see it, and hear how they pull in the customer. These people have to put their all into it or else the customer can go to someone a couple of doors away.


~Didn't find Akihabara-themed or Ueno-themed Hello Kitty. Found this in a candy store in Ueno. She's everywhere!








No time to waste. We're headed to Roppongi for a tour. Roppongi is a redevelopment project that started in the early 2000's. I wonder how it was before. The tour guide said that it was all single family homes. Seeing all the buildings around the area, it's hard to imagine just houses around the area.

There are so many trees in Roppongi. It gives people a warmer feeling than just being a city with skyscrapers. Everything around us was either trees or water. It is a place where I think I could relax. I really wanted to see the street with all the trees that is in most Japanese dramas. I also wanted to see Tokyo Tower. I heard that it's really beautiful at night.



~The fountain in the stage arena








~Mori Pond (きれいな!)









~I know this isn't Hello Kitty. But it's Doraemon, one of the main cartoons for TV Asahi. Of course I wouldn't find Hello Kitty here.









We're tying one more time. Bev, Aja, Travis and I head back to Akihabara. This time we won't get lost. Jayson shows us parts of the area that we didn't get to see early that day. There are so many lights here. Akihabara is better viewed during the night. It's just sad that they close around 10 p.m. As we headed back to the station over half the buildings' lights were turned off. No maid pictures, but we came up with an idea to make up for it. I bought a maid costume and plan to take pictures. Others won't know the difference. I look Japanese enough, and I have been mistaken for a national already. The Japanese people have a look of confusion whenever I have to ask them to repeat something slowly.

After we get back from Akihabara, I was supposed to meet up with Bev, Aja, Travis and Charlie. Once I got into the room, I felt so homesick. I haven't been away from my boyfriend or my parents for this long. Is that a bad thing? I missed so many things at home. I'm just too attached to the people in my life. I had a feeling I was going to be homesick. I didn't except it to be this bad.