Jamie Hilao

It’s been 2 weeks since I returned from the Land of the Rising Sun, and I’m still suffering from homemade udon and tempura withdrawal. Out of my world travels to date, Japan is one of a select few countries to where I would consider moving. Despite the language barrier, I felt right at home during my 10-day trip. Perhaps one day I’ll land a short-term work gig that will allow me to immerse myself completely in the intriguing Japanese culture… For now, my post-Japan reflections will suffice.

Personal Discoveries:

• Being with my family 24X7 was interesting, to say the least. My brother and I travel incredibly well together, but issues from childhood with my mom resurfaced. Regardless, I cherished the one-on-one time I spent with my mom, aunt, and brother and leaving them to return to LA was difficult.
• The next trip I plan with my mom will involve less walking and more leisure activities.
• Patience is a virtue which I still lack. A lot.
• I really, Really, REALLY miss living in a “real” city. LA’s nightlife, traffic and lack of an acceptable public transportation system are things I will probably never get used to. I miss walking around, finding cool hidden cafés or used bookstores, and cabbing it at a reasonable price. Hell, even being jam-packed on the subway during rush hour wouldn’t bother me if taking the train were an option.
• Our first night in Tokyo, we met Ogura at Karl Mohl, a bar he owned down the street from our awesome hotel in Shinjuku. When Ogura found out that I live in LA, he showed us the background image on his laptop, a recent photo of a tree he took while in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive. He was shocked when, upon inquiring about the tree, he discovered that a saleswoman at a boutique store next to the tree did not even know of its existence. I loved that what impressed Ogura most about Rodeo Drive is something that would never capture the eye of most tourists.
• I was touched by the kindness of the people throughout my trip. In Kyoto, a 74-year-old man saw us looking lost and decided to spend 5 hours taking us around. My friend Makiko made sure I got home safely after a late night out in Tokyo. Everyone we encountered was helpful and nice. Additionally, I felt safe pretty much everywhere I went.

Japan Fun Facts:

• Tokyo is the world’s most expensive city to live. Interesting… Sydney seemed more expensive to me.
• Green Tea Kit Kats are THE BOMB.
• I still can’t get over how fashionable folks in Japan are, especially in Tokyo. Teenage girls favor tiny ruffle skirts with high heels over blue jeans and gym shoes. A friend told me about Kigurumin, a strange fashion phenomenon a few years ago where trendy girls wore Pikachu outfits everywhere.
• The toilets are high-tech, with seat-warmers and built-in bidets. The commercials are cutesy and cartoony. Examples of both are demonstrated in this video.
• Japan is chock full of vending machines and has the highest number of vending machines per capita, about one for every 23 people.
• Japanese men are very feminine, even for me. Check out the Japan version of metrosexuals called “herbivores”, who would rather have females as friends than sexual partners, even though they’re straight.
• Japan has an incredible train culture. Major train stations have an array of fashionable clothing stores and yummy restaurants. The Shinjuku station is the busiest in the world, with an average of 3.64 million passengers per day.
• Many Japanese people wear surgical masks, possibly as a result of the SARS scare a few years ago. I even saw a young boy pose for pictures while keeping his mask on.

A condensed version of my itinerary:

Tokyo:

• Areas: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, Akasaka, Harajuku, Omotesando, Ginza
• Sites: Shinjuku Gyoen, Mori Tower/Roppongi Hills, Hama Rikyu, Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari, Tsukiji Fish Market, Senso-ji/Kaminari/Nakamise, Ueno Park
• Nightlife: Anthrax, Loop

Kyoto:

• Nanzen-ji, Heian-ji, Nijojom Kinkaku-ji, Nijojo, Yasaka Shrine, Chionin Temple, Marayuma Park, Gion Disrict, Sanjūsangen-dō

*The start of cherry blossom season, though not in full bloom

* Spending QT with J-Ro in Shinjuku National Gardens

* Outside Senso-ji with Jay & from afar, Mom

* It’s true… it is considered impolite if you do NOT slurp your noodles during meals

* Nanzen-ji with Mom & Auntie (freezing in Kyoto!)

* Heianji

* Exploring Kyoto in the rain

If the above isn’t enough to entice you, heed the advice of my friend Brian when considering your next trip:

If you haven’t already, visit Japan, before youth replace tradition, imparting an all too familiar red, white, and blue on a culture so old and rich.