My Journey in Japan

Jul 18

Oh I bought a Yukata (informal summer, festival kimono). Disregard my tired face and the sloppy tying of the robe. When I wear it out next week and look all pretty I will post a better picture.

Things I’m Going to Miss About Japan

So I am leaving in like a week and a half and it hasn’t quite hit me yet. But I know as soon as I leave for Tokyo the rest of the time will fly away. Despite being homesick a lot while here, I am going to miss a lot of things. Of course I will miss the friends I have made here. The Australians, other Americans, British, etc. etc., and the basketball team… It’ll be hard to say good bye……..

There are several parts of Japanese culture and society I will miss as well. To keep things simple, I made you all a list.

Public Transportation- If Japan doesn’t have the best public transportation system in the world I don’t know who does.
Karaoke- Karaoke here is so much different than stereotyped in the US. It’s a really delightful way to have fun.
Hospitality/Safety- Japanese people here have always gone out of their way to help me. Regardless of the situation. From the help in the International Student Office to the salesman who delivered our phones to our door after store hours because of troubles they were having in the store, everyone is really friendly. Going along with that, the peace of mind and sense of security I feel has gone unrivaled.
Fresh food- I am going to gain so much weight upon returning to America. I like not being able to taste preservatives on my food.
Parks- Despite being one of the most population dense countries in the world, Japan finds room for nature and public parks everywhere. They are really nice, and peaceful.
Cleanliness- I could probably count the number of pieces of trash I have found on the ground here. Under 40, literally, I guarantee it. The Japanese do such a good job at picking up trash and recycling.
100 Yen Stores- Cheap price does not mean cheap quality like it does in the US.
Heated Toilet Seats- Need I say anymore?
Kimonos and Yukata- I loved seeing random people on the street wearing them. They are so gorgeous and every one appears to be unique. It is nice to see the tie to there history everyday.
Children With Manners- I can’t even begin to describe how much better mannered their children are than those in the United States. I know there are exceptions to everything, but their children really are well mannered and much more well behaved than those in the US. Not to mention, they are really adorable.

There are other things I will miss as well- along with things I won’t, but I just thought I would share what was on my mind for now.

[video]

Cram Time

This weekend was absolutely exhausting. Thursday was (Yes, my weekends start on Thursdays) a Lord of the Rings marathon that started way too late at night. Friday was going to watch my friend DJ at this really awesome bar called Caffeine. Saturday was a day trip to Asahiyama Zoo. And Sunday was a day trip to the amusement park, Rusutsu. I had so much fun, and the busier I get, the more apparent it becomes that my time here is coming to an end.

I can’t wait to go home and see my family and friends, but I am really going to miss the ones that I made here.

So with out further procrastination, I will upload some pictures from all this craziness.