Kazusaya Hotel Tokyo

... that he even had photocopied papers of translated Japanese just in case any foreigners drop by his store. Whilst Tom gagged at the idea of raw fish, I dined on a Sashimi breakfast until it was time to leave. Apparently he didn't want us to go and was distraught at the idea of us parting ways with bow, so instead, he gave us hugs.<br>What a character.<br><br>We then viewed an act of traditional Kabuki-za, which, if I lived in Japan, I think I would get addicted to. It is still ...

... my nineteenth year still roaming this earth, but our trip to Himeji castle. Widely considered to be Japan's most spectacular castle, and certainly its largest, being one of the only castles still left in Japan to have not once been even partially burned or destroyed in war. The grounds alone takes a good three to four hours to explore, the tour route covering everything from the castle square and barracks to the main castle tower. The grounds themselves are amazingly intricate ...

... friendly and very accommodating. They seem to want to understand and help you through your stay here. And with a line waiting for the internet once more before we head on off to our next destination in Nagoya - which, by the way, may or may not have internet within the ryokan to use - I shall leave you with simply this. I saw a stall in Asakusa selling canned whale meat, and it was hilarious. Eat your heart our little sister.<br><br>Until next entry, Tom out.<br>

... exploring Ueno, the district closest to us. Its known for its park that is famous for Cherry Blossoms during Sakura and arcades filled with little stalls selling dried fish. Up in the park there was a small marketplace selling all kinds of ceramics for as little as two dollars.<br><br>After wondering around and getting a coffee from Starbucks (Its a strange phenomena, Japanese coffee, it tastes exactly like warm milk ...

... slate. This includes cleaning and washing, finishing projects, and settling misunderstandings and arguments: basically, you should get rid of any negative influences that may be lingering in your life. At midnight on New Year's Eve, temple bells are rung 108 times to dispell the 108 failings of humanity, and then people go pray for health and happiness in the coming year.

... and probably better than any of the food I had in Beijing(aside from the Peking duck, of course). That was really the last adventure of that weekend as I needed to get back in order to rest and prepare for my class the following day. I don't really remember what I did on either Monday or early Tuesday (though I am I had some wonderful adventures) but on Tuesday evening I went with David (a housemate...to whom I must apologize profusely for my inaccurate ...

... the extra $5 it cost. Everything at our hotel is extra. But the Japanese do two things well-bathing and gardening, and the intimate gardens that surround our hotel complex are exquisite. After an hour relaxing in the spa, I spent an hour walking the streets, my favorite part of traveling. Old and young were out enjoying the last of their Sunday afternoon. I came upon an Indian restaurant that smelled delicious so I ...

... intersection, pedestrians can cross in 12 different directions. The Starbucks here occupies the most expensive square footage in Japan. * Harujuku - Infamous for the Japanese girls with Pyro-dyed Pink hair, French Maid meet Dracula clothing and Ozzy Osbourne makeup. They often pose for pictures with tourists....if you are Caucasian. Gloria wanted a picture of a group of Harujuku girls and approached them with her most sincere smile. She ...

... Tokyo. Although it isn:t the most beautiful one, it is very popular. We paid 100 yen for our very own Omikuji (fortune), but since we didn't want to go to jail and have our crops burned, we tied it up so it wouldn't come true. Afterwards, we found a nice place for lunch (after looking at the wrong map for about 20 minutes) where we got to sit on the floor and cook our okunomiaki at the table. The place was full of gaijin (foreigners ...