Next week, I'm going to Japan. It's my first real check out there. I say "genuine check out" due to the fact that back in 2004, on my way home from Thailand, my friend and I dropped in Tokyo for a long layover. After arriving at 6am, we left the airport, saw the royal palace, understood Tokyo in January is a lot cooler than Thailand in January, and camped out in a Starbucks until the sushi restaurants opened for lunch. After consuming a luxurious sushi meal, we went back to the airport.
That was my only time in Japan. I've always wished to return, and thankfully, now I am. Next week, I'll be heading on a two-week G Adventures visit around Japan, and after that I'll be spending some extra time in the nation to visit all the places not consisted of on the trip.
Now, I'm a big Japanophile. In spite of never really having existed, I'm obsessed with Japan-- the food, culture, temples, innovation, architecture. I enjoy it all. Whenever I get a home, Japanese art will play a primary role in it. From all the journeys I've taken in the last few years, I'm most delighted about this one. I'm giddy with enjoyment. Why? Let me count the ways:
1. Sushi-- I like sushi so much, I would eat it for breakfast. Anyone who understands me knows about my sushi addiction. I presume breakfast sushi will happen a couple of times.
2. Tokyo's Ginza District-- I'm looking forward to the popular shopping/nightlife area of Ginza and the infuriating crowds that go with it.
3. Mt. Fuji-- I've constantly wished to climb this mountain and see the dawn. Now I get to!
4. Bullet trains-- Let's see if they actually are quicker than a speeding bullet! And if not, their expected convenience and luxury will be just as good.
5. Kyoto-- The town full of Zen gardens and temples seems among the most picturesque in all of Japan. While I won't get to see all 2,000 this check out, I'm going to attempt my hardest.
6. Hiroshima-- The atomic bomb memorial looms huge here and as a history buff, how could I not see this city?
7. Tokyo Fish Market-- The large majority of sushi in the world comes through this market. As a sushi fan, I cannot wait to see among the world's busiest and biggest fish markets, even if it implies awakening at 4am.
8. Tokyo subway-- People constantly speak about surviving the London Tube, however the Tokyo subway is the real labyrinth. Bring it on!
9. Osaka-- Travelers discuss this city a lot, and I want to learn why!
10. Sushi-- Did I mention I like sushi?
11. Zen Buddhism-- When I was college, I entered Buddhism. I studied Tibetan Buddhism, however I'm looking forward to learning more about the Zen design.
12. The Emperor's Palace-- I just got to see the outside of it last time. Time to see more.
13. Hokkaido-- Just another name I keep hearing. It's expected to be among the most lovely locations in Japan, and I like stunning things.
14. Sake-- I like sake and wish to truly learn about the different varieties and purities. I plan on taking a class. Is a sake class much like a wine class here in the States?
15. Samurais-- Because swords and honorable warriors are cool. Samurais may not be around any more, but I guarantee there's a museum for them someplace.
16. Karaoke-- Because nothing says I'm turning Japanese more than vocalizing some Lady Gaga with drunk Japanese business people!
17. Pod hotels-- Sleeping in a pod-sized hole? Sounds intriguing.
18. Geisha bars-- Hey, why not? When in Rome, right?
19. Sumo wrestling-- What could be more amusing than seeing 2 huge individuals try to push each other out of a circle?
20. Castles-- There are a great deal of castles in Japan. After seeing so many European ones, I want to see how another part of the world does it.
21. Technology-- Looking forward to getting a preview of the future.
22. Young puppy cafés-- Because area is so tight, few individuals have pet dogs in the house. So they go to cafes where they can have fun with puppies. This I have to see!
23. Cherry blossoms-- I'll be capturing the tail end of the cherry bloom celebration, and there's absolutely nothing I'm more thrilled about.
24. Sushi-- OK, that last product was a lie. I'm most thrilled about the sushi.
25. Nagasaki-- Another place I've heard of!
26. Crowds-- I've seen crowds in Asia, but Japan takes it to an entire brand-new level.
27. Lake Ashi-- Hot springs? Picturesque view of Mt. Fuji? Sold!
28. Hiking-- Japan is expected to have beautiful pine forests with picturesque hiking tracks. I hope that rumor isn't really a lie, because I enjoy a great hike.
29. Politeness-- The Japanese are uber-polite, considerate, and don't take exactly what isn't theirs. I'm going to check that theory out by leaving a wallet on the train and seeing if it gets gone back to me.
30. Tai chi-- I useded to do this in college, and getting up early to practice in a park is on my list.
31. Hey there Kitty-- I'm sort of behind the times, so I have no idea if this is still a thing, however I'm hoping it is. If not, I'm sure some other quirky thing has actually replaced it.
32. Japanese style-- The Japanese appear to dig everything retro and '80s and then combine it with a mix of hipsterism. Japanese fashion confuses the hell from me, however I cannot wait to see things like this:
33. Kabuki theater-- Traditional Japanese theater seems like an excellent cultural activity.
34. Ramen-- I wish to sit in some back-alley, 100-yen ramen shop with my face over a warm, steaming bowl of tasty ramen noodles.
35. Square watermelon-- I'm sure it tastes like routine watermelon, however it's square. I got to have a piece for the kitsch aspect.
36. Anime-- I don't get the entire anime/manga cartoon culture. Maybe reviewing there will assist me find out why it's so big.
37. Japanese toilets-- A toilet that warms my butt, cleans itself, sprays water, and plays music? Going to the bathroom never ever sounded so enjoyable.
38. Sushi-- See a pattern here? I guarantee you can think exactly what food I'll be eating the most the next few weeks.
There's a lot I am looking forward to performing in Japan, and with only about 2.5 weeks there, if I wish to tick off all 38 things on this list, I'll be quite hectic. However considering that this will probably be my only journey to Japan for a while, I'm OK with that. It will be an excellent kind of busy. Now, is it Sunday yet? I want to fly now.
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