Japanalogue
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!)
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.


April 11th, 2010 at 2:00 am
Konichiwa! Or is it Moshi Moshi?!! Holla!! I miss Tokyo. And I think the name of the club is Amrax, not Anthrax. Just sayin’. And… scene.
April 11th, 2010 at 2:03 am
You’re right! No wonder I couldn’t find it online.
April 12th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Fantastic. I love it. All of it.
The “real city” thing made me physically smile.
=)
I should be working, so that is all from me.
April 13th, 2010 at 9:21 am
you know how i feel about japan…sad i couldn’t join you guys…next time let’s just make it a siblings trip.
April 13th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
So awesome Jamie and I have my fingers crossed that I’ll be returning there later this year. One factoid that blew my mind: Apparently people in Japan who wear masks generally are doing so as a courtesy to others because they are not feeling well.
Super happy you got to visit. Someday we’ll all retire there.
May 28th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
I am very interested in the Marshall Fellowship and a quick internet search led me to your blog.
My interests are in women’s issues and sustainable living. The Marshall Fellowship would be an extraordinary opportunity and I am determined to make this happen. Any pointers you could give me for navigating the application process would be greatly appreciated
July 31st, 2010 at 9:24 am
Hi, this is your Tita Cindy, cousin of your Mommy Ditas, please inform your Lola Luz and Mommy Ditas that your Lola Perla is in the hospital, she is in a critical condition. She has severe pneumonia and anemia, she is in the ICU right at this moment at Sorsogon Hospital. Here is my email address in case you want to send message regarding this matter (cindyjubilo@yahoo.com), here are also some cellphone numbers you may want to call:
09286262119- My Number (manila)
09206079659- Tita Baby Ester (manila)
09089286682- Tito Buboy (manila)
09192251741- Tita Josie (sorsogon)
thank you and regards.
May 25th, 2011 at 9:27 am
Luxury wallets store supply all kinds of Louis Vuitton Wallet Louis Vuitton Wallet in a low price with high quality.Our online store sell a lot of famous brands wallets such as Chanel Wallets Chanel Wallets and gucci wallets.
June 13th, 2011 at 1:56 am
Order the cheap and high quality coach bags from coach factory outlet coach factory outlet now is your best choose.Coach handbags are the best designer coach outlet store and fashion bags for us to carry in this season.
June 16th, 2011 at 12:00 am
Thanks for sharing with us.Welcome to our abercrombie outlet online store to choose the Abercrombie and Fitch Jeans to wear.You may love this style shirts.
June 30th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
I love tihs blog and love the louis vuitton outlet store louis vuitton outlet online store to order the lv outlet bags.When you enter the louis vuitton outlet online store,you may fall in love with it.
August 3rd, 2011 at 12:55 am
Thank you for sharing so great to us.Welcome to my own blog beats by dre to have a look.There are many kind of Beats By Dre Studio for you to choose.
August 19th, 2011 at 12:21 am
if you are a diehard fan of Soccer Jerseys,
the Wholesale Cheap Jerseys
could be the perfect item for you to have the team spirit.
August 24th, 2011 at 8:30 am
Thank you for sharing with us.I love this blog very much.Welcome to my own blog abercrombie and fitch outlet to have look.In our own blog,there are many kinds of abercrombie outlet dress for you to choose.
August 26th, 2011 at 9:24 am
Order the top quality abercrombie and fitch clothes from abercrombie and fitch outlet to get the best quality coach factory outlet now,you will get a lot of profit.
August 26th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
This blog is very good.Thank you for sharing with us.Welcome to our timberland outlet online store to have a look.There are a lot of herve leger sale dress here.You must could find what you like.
September 5th, 2011 at 9:44 am
I like this blog very much.Welcome to moncler down jackets to have a look.You could find a lot of Mens Moncler Jackets you need here.
September 5th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Weclome to ralph lauren outlet to choose the items you need.In the herve leger dress online store,you could find a lot of things you need here.
September 19th, 2011 at 12:07 am
Love this blog very much.Welcome to my own blog supra for sale to have a look.There are a lot of beautiful Supra Skytop III Shoes on sale here.All of you could find you like here.
December 20th, 2011 at 11:41 pm
so good for you
January 9th, 2012 at 11:04 am
I like to shop the Abercrombie and Fitch Jackets from Abercrombie and Fitch outlet store.The Abercrombie and Fitch clothes have the best quality and design.The Abercrombie Fitch Classic Shorts suit for everyone to wear.