Blogs from Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan, Asia - page 6

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Akasaka March 26th 2006

On this particular day, Larry and I decided to go to Ueno Park to see the beautiful cherry blossoms that have recently blossomed here in Japan. The cherry blossoms are a VERY big deal here and everyone goes NUTS over them because they signify "new beginnings". Not only does cherry blossom season show that spring is here, but it also is the start of the new school year for children. We learned that once they bloom, they only last about a week or so, and so perhaps that is why everyone celebrates at such an extreme level...but either way, it all seemed a bit excessive to us. In the park, almost everyone brings these giant, blue tarps to put down on the cement and sit on (there is literally NO grass here), and then they all ... read more

in front of some beautiful cherry blossoms

First Impressions of Tokyo

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Akasaka March 26th 2006

Vending Machine

Sakkie

Hope this finds it's way to my blog site... After being to China and other parts of Asia this was a pleasant surprise! Although there are many similarities, Japan has a very distinct character of it's own. Most Asian people are gentle by nature but the Japanese have taken this to another level. They are extremely polite and respectful. They apologise at the slightest chance that you have been inconvenienced, greet with a bow even when you just look in their direction. They are extremely efficient and time concious. A very pleasant environment. You don't have to think for people.... they have already done the thinking... All around you find evidence of Japan's technological superiority. Most people use 3G phones, a choice of internet connections in the hotel room, toilets with controls that control things you ... read more

Now in Tokyo!

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Akasaka March 26th 2006

Louis Louis

We are now finally in Tokyo. We hitch hiked here from the mountains 100km away! We only had to wait 15 mins till this lorry driver picked us up. He didn't say much, and he dropped us off just after the toll gate in the middle of nowhere..... but it was good to get a free ride! During the last week we have been to Nagoya and Mt Fuji. In Nagoya we spent 2 nights in a capsule hotel. It was a very strange place....we were always making gaffes, like forgetting to take our shoes off at the entrance and not wearing our 'mental patient gowns' which you're supposed to wear all the time while you're there! We each had a little capsule which was big enough to sit in...comfortable...but the whole hotel was incrediby hot ... read more

24 hours in Tokyo (Roppongi)

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Akasaka March 19th 2006

Dan the Man or D I

Hi all, Shawn and I survived 24 hours in Tokyo. It took us a while to get there but it was worth it! Let's see, my favorite things about Japan.....heated toilet seats and the around the clock bar scene. We were out until 6:30 am and we were not alone! We met up with Ken and his friends and they showed us a great time in Roppongi. We are heading to Bangkok in a few hours and wanted to say hi to everyone. There is no way to post pictures at this internet kiosk so we will try to get some up tomorrow in Bangkok! Later, Dan and Shawn... read more

More pictures!

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Akasaka March 2nd 2006

Moi et Yanick

Iminimelanimo

Hi! I don't have much to say today, but I have plenty of pictures! Yesterday, after a great shower and a big nap, Yanick, Seb and I went to the karaoke, again! Our karaoke mate, Keita, didnt come because he was too tired... hihi... It was fun, after we went back at the hotel to eat a bit and think about something to do... finally we feel asleep and woke up late this morning. I feel better now, except for my stomach that is a little bit upset still. Petite etoile suggested that I probalby had a (intoxication alimentaire)... food intoxication? Yeah, maybe... I feel better now... I better do because tonight is the night. We're going out at the 9-1-1 in Roppongi with lots of people. I'm taking the bus early tomorrow (probably gonna sleep!) ... read more

Escape from Rice Fields

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Akasaka February 17th 2006

miso rice balls

Lost in Lofty

Hi Everyone, I'm finally getting to see more of Japan! My mom arrived last week and it started snowing an hour after we picked her up and didn't stop snowing until the day we left Morioka! It snowed a foot the night she arrived! Travelling with her is definitely a different experience, the main difference is everywhere we go people offer us special treats, help and sake! We shared a boat trip through Geibikei gorge with a tour group who insisted that we eat most of their elaborate lunch and drink sake and beer. It was 11am so of course they were loaded. One of the men sat beside my mom and kept calling her 'mama san' (Mrs. Mom) and when we had to walk through part of the gorge he took her arm to walk ... read more

Brief history of Japan

In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol...more history

Forum Topics for Akasaka

JET Programme in JapanPosts: 13

8.9 magnitude earthquak...Posts: 16

Massive Earthquake 8.9 ...Posts: 2

JR pass QUESTION!Posts: 10

Kampu Ferry to Busan, K...Posts: 1

Ski Japan with 3 KidsPosts: 4

OkinawaPosts: 1

Is it practical to stay...Posts: 2

Japan in JunePosts: 1

Advice needed please!Posts: 1

Should I purchase JR pa...Posts: 1