Traveling in Japan: Tokyo

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By Jennifer Trend

For two weeks, eight other students and I from the Japanese 3 class went with Saori Tanaka, Japanese teacher, to Japan. We were able to go to Tokyo for two days, do a week of homestay in Nagoya and then spend three days in Kyoto. Honestly, it was probably the best two weeks of my life. 

Tokyo

It was constantly raining in Tokyo—whether it be a slight drizzle or a downpour, but we didn’t let it rain on our parade. We were in the Tokyo area for two days, so we were rushing around trying to go to as much places as humanly possible. There were certain places where our group split up into two to explore the cities and go where we wanted.

Ghibli Museum

This was the first place that we went to, and it felt like I was in the Ghibli world, with all the intricate touches that makes up a Ghibli movie, along with references to certain films. We were able to watch a short film called “Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess”, and the tickets were stills from certain movies (I was lucky enough to get one from “Ponyo on the Cliff”). The whole museum was one big magical experience.  

Akihabara

Ah, the center of pop and otaku culture. If you’re a fan of manga or anime, then this is just the place for you. Unlike my classmates, I’m only interested in a few manga/anime series, but the amount of money I spent here on manga, figures and collectibles was a bit more than I expected (and lets not forget the ten dollars I spent at a claw machine trying to get a figure). Something about this city is just so fun and attractive. Oh, and you can’t forget the animal cafes! We only went to a cat cafe here, but there are a variety of animal cafes in Akihabara (and in Harajuku)!

Oedo Onsen Monogatari

For those of you who don’t know, an onsen, simply put, is a public bath. But this was no normal public bath, but more like a luxury theme park of sorts. In the main hall, we were able to eat a variety of traditional Japanese foods, play games for prizes and enjoy the traditional vibe the hall offered. The only downside was that you had a barcode that they would scan and tab the money on, so you never realized how much you were spending until you were paying at the end. Then, separating off the main hall were the public baths (the males and females are separated). After taking a shower and rinsing off in the stalls, you would then go into different baths (imagine big tubs) to soak and enjoy the hot springs water. There was even an option to use a sauna or to go outside! My favorite was probably the hot springs outside because the chill in the air contrasted with the heat of the bath, and it was overall, really nice. 

TeamLab Borderless at Odaiba 

Team Lab Borderless is in essence, a visual effects building where each room has a variety of things to offer. Even though I’ve (and probably you’ve) seen photos of it online, nothing compares to actually living through it. Honestly, you could stay there for hours and not get tired of watching the different images flash by in an array of colors. My favorite part about it was probably the “Undou no Mori” or “Exercise Forest” that not only played on your sight for visual effects, but also on your body– the room was not level by any means and there were activities that got you moving around. Tanaka-sensei, senior Amy Fong and I jumped on a trampoline of sorts that had planetary objects react with every step you took on the surface. The whole experience was mind blowing and so aesthetically pleasing that I would love to go again. 

Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is a shrine for Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Even though it’s right next to Harajuku and located fairly close to Takeshita dori, the whole place has a quiet and peaceful vibe the moment you step within the boundaries of the main gate. I’ve been here once before, but I’ve forgotten how big and calming it is. On the day that we went, it was Oharae, or the Great Purification Ceremony, and it was interesting to see the traditional clothing and ceremony that took place. There even was a traditional Japanese wedding going on, and we were able to watch the procession go down the middle of the main square. 

Harajuku 

This is the place to go if you love fashion! Even if I, myself, am not wholehearted into fashion, it is an amazing place to go to– especially down Takeshita dori. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily when we went so we were unable to fully enjoy the atmosphere. Although, we did spot a VT x BTS shop where I may or may not have bought a Chimmy phone case and Koya sticker and received a free poster for spending enough money (hey, what can I say? It was worth it). Oh, and the crepes at Harajuku are to DIE for. I got a strawberry cheesecake one, and it was so unbelievably good. It’s so fluffy and delicious, that if you happen to swing by Harajuku one day, go get a crepe. You can thank me later.

Shibuya

Ever heard of the dog that waited for his master at the train station every day until he died? Yeah, this is where the statue of Hachiko is. Also, its where Shibuya crossing is, a place where everyday, a lot (and I mean A LOT) of people cross the intersection to get to work, home or who knows where else. The crossing and even the train station was crowded enough that my group decided to just head back to the hotel and not even try to attempt the crossing.