tokyo

Holy smokes! Where has the time gone? I’m a bit disappointed that I haven’t made a blog post until now, but I suppose it’s a good thing that I’m spending more time enjoying my trip than documenting it. I’ll try to make this post quick yet thorough!

Japan has been absolutely amazing and I am so SO glad that I decided to embark on this journey. I was a tad bit nervous before boarding my plane from Denver. I imagined that I would wake up one day during my first week in Japan as an anxiety-ridden mess and ask myself “Wait, what the hell am I doing?” but that has surely not been the case. The train systems, lodging, “Conbinis” (convenience stores), etc are all set up in a way that make getting around quite idiot-proof even if you don’t know the language. The social culture is an introvert’s dream – solo dining is incredibly normal, and even though public spaces are packed with people, everyone is very polite, quiet and follow a logical social etiquette. In other words, people just like to mind their own damn business out here.

Here’s a quick summary of how I’ve spent my past few weeks…

Week 1 – Tokyo (Akihabara and Koenji) & Chiba

So much walking and eating! I guess this has been a theme for the whole trip so far. Koenji is known for their vintage shops so it was fun to see what was trendy in Japan.
Checked out several stationary and art supply stores (Itoya, Sekaido). I love the strong appreciation for premium writing utensils here.
Watched a living art exhibit in Ueno Park.
Spent a day in an internet cafe with self-serve whiskey on tap and rooftop sauna access.
Stayed in a half-hostel, half-bar.
Dipped my toes into the world of wood block printing by visiting The Sumida Hokusai Museum. I loved seeing all of Katsushida Hokusai’s original sketchbooks.
Traveled to Chiba for a few days to check out the town that my mom grew up in. Right as I pulled up to the neighborhood, I noticed a neighbor lady walking her pet PIG on a leash. Frickin’ awesome.
Had a steak served over udon noodles at a Texas-themed saloon called “Red River Saloon” where the staff wore cowboy hats and the interior was decorated with American flags, neon Budweiser signs and fake guns.

Week 2 – Sakura & Tokyo (Kichijoji)

Went to the National Museum of Japanese History in Sakura. I spent almost 3 hours there, but I wish I had spent the entire day there. Being the map freak that I am, I appreciated seeing some of the first records of illustrated world maps in Japan. And of course the WWII exhibit was crazy to look at.
Had the most tender and delicious piece of fish ever! It was a miso glazed silver cod teishoku. I was taking the tiniest bites of it because it was so flavorful. I wanted to savor every bite and I never wanted it to end.
Went to a jazz bar LOL. Felt so classy.
Attended a music festival called Musafes Kichijoji. All different types of alternative Japanese rock. I take back any statements that I’ve made in the past about the Japanese not having music and cheese figured out yet…. their music is actually awesome (but I still have yet to be proven wrong about the cheese).

Week 3 & 4 – Karuizawa & Nagano

Almost done with my 2 week long Mokuhanga residency in Karuizawa! Mokuhanga is a woodblock printing technique with water based inks on washi (Japanese paper handmade from mulberry bark and other fancy and natural ingredients). Great experience!
Saw the sassy little snow monkeys at Jigokudani Yaenkoen, soaking up the natural hot spring waters and picking bugs out of each others fur. God I love monkeys and these guys were just so fun to watch.