Sensouji

This evening I went to Sensouji temple in Asakusa.

Leading up to the temple were these cute market stalls with things like souvenirs and snacks but unfortunately they were all closing up as we got there.

The temple itself was very impressive and looked really pretty lit up in the dark.



There were these lanterns everywhere decorated with various illustrations of everything from traditional images to popular anime characters.



Afterwards we ate in a Japanese noodle restaurant. I feel a bit bad though, since everyone walked around looking in restaruant windows for ages to find something vaguely vegetarian I could eat.


In other news I am now a registered foreigner after submitting my application in Ikebukuro earlier today.

Shinjuku

Today I went to Shinjuku.

I spent about the first 15 minutes wandering about the station, one of the biggest in the world trying to find an exit that lead somewhere interesting. I was quite overwhelmed with the scale of the place and aside from looking in one of the department stores, I spent most of my time gawking.

After enduring the heat and crowds for a while I decided to go to the nearby Shinjuku Gyoen park which is a very peaceful and relaxing place. I really liked the way the traditional Japanese garden areas contrasting with the skyscrapers behind them.

There were also some interesting wildlife in the park including this turtle,

These odd looking spiders which made giant webs, are these common in Japan? I hope not......

And there were parrot like birds living in the trees which I believe are descended from escaped pets.

After the park closed, I went back into Shinjuku to look at the lights. For me this was a must see aspect of Tokyo. Although the streets filled with Pachinko parlours and porn shops seemed much more seedy at night.

In Japan

こんばんは！

I have been in Japan for a few days now. The main thing that has surprised me is the heat. Its hotter now in September then it was all summer in the UK. I'm also amused by the little differences. Such as Big Issue sellers just like we have in the UK and the crows here being bigger and louder. The first night I was woken up by one which I, at first, thought was somebody impersonating a bird it sounded so different.

The dormitory is nicer then I had expected. I'm particularly impressed by all the stuff that is provided. And by the impressive toilet and shower room that doubles as a drying room for washing. The rules are little draconian though. No men allowed in the suites at all, even relatives, and only female relatives can stay over night. And I have to inform the matron whenever I am going to be away over night or later then 12. But it could have been worse I guess. The rules also state that prostitution is forbidden in the rooms. I wonder if any other country then japan would include that rule?

My first view of Japan

じゃね

Off to Japan tomorrow!

Its finally here! In about 24 hours I will be in Japan. I think. Travelling to the future is confusing. I can safely say that all excitement has largely been replaced with fear right now. The plane journey, the journey from the airport, what my room will be like, paying the deposit, being able to take money out at all, the placement test the next day and perhaps scariest of all for me, meeting new people. I feel very unready right now. I just hope I can get Internet relatively easily. Or I really will feel completely out of water.

Almost there

Less then two weeks more till I go to Japan. I have my Visa all sorted out and now there's just packing and money stuff to worry about. Its hard for me to really describe what I feel right now but standing on Waterloo bridge yesterday watching the sun go down and London light up I felt ready in a strange way.

In addition I'm starting my pop culture side of things blog, in preparation. Link should be in the side bar soonish.