Monday, March 19, 2012

Japan - Getting ready

Imperial Palace, Tokyo

I leave in less than a week for Japan!! I just spoke with my friend Mike, who I am staying with on the trip, this morning. Mike has been teaching over there for almost a year now and I am going to be his first visitor from home. His school has a week and a half off for spring break, so he will have the entire time off to spend traveling with me. I will post a tentative schedule later on in the week to show you what our plans are. This morning he told me we should go to an onsen - for those of you unfamiliar with the term it is a hot springs/ bathing facility. The only thing is, is that you go nude! I may be an ultra conservative American, but I don't think I am ready for that...regardless of how beautiful and relaxing the place may be, haha. Anywho, here are some pictures for your to look at from my last trip to Japan.

Asakusa
DSC_0102

Harajuku
DSC_0179 DSC_0187

Other bits of Tokyo

Definitely getting my karaoke on this trip!

I think that is enough for now. I will have a TON of photos for when I get back. It is finally really setting in that this is happening. I am debating whether I should make a photo diary on here. Hmmm...

42 comments:

  1. ahh you're going to have SO much fun! i'm super envious. my friend is teaching in thailand and i SO wish i had the money and time to visit her while she is...

    enjoy yourself miss!

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    1. Eeeep! Thank you so much!! I am so excited. Thailand looks so beautiful, I have always wanted to go. The only way I was able to fund getting to Japan was with frequent flyer points...thank goodness.

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  2. Oh my gosh, those dachshunds! :D I've heard that they like to walk their dogs around in prams over there.. is that true? :P I hope you have tonnes of fun while you are over there!

    - Felicity. x

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    1. Tehehe, they were so cute. The black and tan one was wearing a sailor costume. I didn't see any in prams over there for the short time I was there - only these three in a basket, but I will be sure to be on the look out. Thank you so much!

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  3. How exciting! That sounds amazing! I've never been but would love to go.

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    1. If you ever get the chance your definitely should :]

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  4. Your going to have the best time! Take lots of photos for us.

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  5. ahhh! How lucky are you! I would love to go to Japan! Anime heaven!!!! ugh jealous mc jealous pants over here!
    Shey is going to Vegas for a video game tourney and is hoping to go to EVO in Japan! And you know I will be going with him so hopefully he will win! Have fun doll!!! I am sure you will!!! and take TONS of pictures!!!

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    1. Haha. Last time I visited I went to this place called the Anime capital or something and all they had was a lame store. I hope to find better stuff next time.

      That is so fun! I have never been to Vegas, and want to go badly. I hope he does well and you two have a blast. I also hope he gets to go to Japan. That would be incredible. Thank you so much!! I will :]

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  6. Ohh SO exciting! These pics are great...have so much fun!

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

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  7. Weee I hope you have fun! I loved Japan when I went, it was the funnest place I've ever been to!

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    1. Thank you!! I completely agree with you. That's why I am so excited to get back :]

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  8. Looks such a gorgeous place - can't wait to hear and see all your adventures when you return!

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    1. It really is!! I am hoping to see Mt.Fuji this time. Thank you :]

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  9. Have so much fun! What's a phone diary? ♥Lindsay

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    1. Thank you so much! I meant photo* diary. Whoopsie.

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  10. I'm heading there in September. Do you have any advice as far as avoiding getting sick from water or food? I am shooting a wedding and I'm nervous about getting a stomach bug from the water or something and be feeling awful for the wedding day. Anything I should avoid?

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    1. That is so exciting, you are going to love it. As for the water thing - it is safe to drink their water. According to the Japan Embassy "As in the United States, the Japanese government has set drinking water standards to protect public health. Although Japanese standards may differ from those in the United States, Japanese drinking water standards are appropriate and protective of public health". But if you are nervous stick to water bottles. No harm in that. China on the other hand I would only use water bottles. For the food - don't go crazy. My friend was rambling off a list of foods he has tried and wants me too - horse meat!?! Thank goodness I am pescatarian. I think as long as you go to a place that looks nice or the locals love it you are good - just don't go with some crazy thing - or go for it and eat at your own risk, haha. Other than that I really think you should be good. Japan is probably the cleanest city I have ever been to and they are so innovative. You are going to have an incredible time. I can only imagine how beautiful a wedding would be there. If you have any other questions before your trip feel free to ask me! This time I will be there for much longer so I will hopefully have better tips. I can also ask my friend living there any additional questions you might have :]

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    2. Thank you so much for the info! That makes me feel better and I'm a pretty picky eater ESPECIALLY about meat so I definitely won't go crazy at all :P :P I am so excited for the wedding though! It's going to be spectacular. I am staying in Osaka while I'm there!

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    3. Violet that's so exciting! You're going to have a blast : )

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  11. I'm so completely excited about your trip Allison. And I've always wanted to go to a natural hot springs. But I ESPECIALLY want to take a mud bath. I'd probably go to the onsen if I was there...but I'm not very conservative : )

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    1. Haha. I just think it might be strange not knowing anyone, but then again maybe that is a good thing. It would be cool to go to the one in the mountains with the snow monkeys :]

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  12. Ahhh that looks so exciting! That's the one place my mister wants to go to most is Japan. He made me promise that if & when we get married, we make sure our honeymoon is in Japan. Oh darn... if I have to... Haha ;)
    I hope you have fun!!
    xo Heather
    http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

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    1. Haha! Oh my goodness! That would be a wonderful honeymoon. How sweet :]

      Thank you!

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  13. looks so awesome i can;t wait to see photos. I've only been to mexico and argentina. japan looks like an amazing place to be. post food photos too yummy. i know those bathhouses are common in asia but i wouldn't want to go nude either. whatever just wear a bathing suit (that's what I would do)

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    1. I have never been to Mexico or Argentina and have always wanted to go. Japan is wonderful though. I will be sure to take pictures of all the yummy sushi and tempora :] If I can get away going in a swimsuit I will go :]

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  14. I am beyond thrilled for you. I hope you have a safe and super fun trip. :)

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  15. Make a photo diary! Gaaaaahhhh, so exciting!

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    1. I think I am going to. I will have to figure out how to work it all out though.

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  16. Woah, so jealous right now :) Will you have a trip diary? I am looking forward to it and all the pictureees!

    (Thanks for your regards, my mum feels better!)

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    1. I am going to try to make a trip diary. I am not sure if I will be able to keep it up while I am there, or if I will have to compile it when I get back :] Thank you!

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  17. I am so jealous! It sounds like it's going to be amazing! I can't wait to hear all about it!

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    1. Thank you so much! I can't believe I only have a few days before I leave.

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  18. I love that girls outfit in the 2nd picture! She's cute...kinda creepy looking how she's just standing there like that, but cute. :)
    I also like the Harajuku girls and their Lolita fashions. I can't wait for your 2012 Japan pics!

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