Tokyo Day 2: Tourists

On our second day in Tokyo, Gordon and I got up bright and early to start exploring Tokyo. Little did I know, Gordon had planned a bus tour of Tokyo for us! A person from the Gray Line Tour was at our hotel at 8:40 am to pick us up and our tour started at 9 am. This was probably one of the few and only touristy things I have done and I was stoked!

On the bus ready for the tour to begin! Like our fancy stickers?

Our first stop on the tour was Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Tower looks like a red and white version of the Eiffel Tower, but is taller than the Eiffel Tower. From the observatory, there is a great view of Tokyo and on a clear day you can see Mt. Fuji. Unfortunately, it wasn't a clear day when we went, but we got to see a lot of neat landmarks in Tokyo.

Looking up at the Tower. If you look closely you might be able to tell that the very top is bent due to the March 11th earthquake. The Tower is 333 m tall.

In the observatory, 250 m off the ground.

View of Tokyo Bay in the distance.

After we explored Tokyo Tower we were off to our next stop: Meiji Shrine. Gordon and I learned that "shrines" are used in the Shinto religion (religion indigenous to Japan) and "temples" are used in Buddhism.

The entrance to any shrine is marked by a torii (the large wooden beams above)  which separates the human world from the spiritual world. The Japanese imperial crest can also be seen (golden flowers with 16 petals).

Purifying ourselves before we enter the shrine.

This is the closest we could get to the shrine and still take pictures. The lady holding the fake fall leaves was our tour guide.

After our tour of Meiji Shrine we headed to the Imperial Palace East Garden. This is the only public area of the Imperial Palace. The entire Imperial Palace grounds (250 acres) are surrounded by a large moat.

Swans swimming in the moat surrounding the grounds.

The East garden. Our tour guide told us traditional Japanese gardens must have certain elements: water, a path, a bridge, greenery and a stone lantern.

Stone lantern, check. Water, check. Greenery, check.

Koi! These guys were huge...maybe get two or three meals out of one fish!

Gordon hanging out by the waterfall.

Beautiful bamboo. We have this in Tonosho! Feels like home :)

Gordon and I were lucky enough to see a cherry blossom tree that was still blooming. They normally bloom in March and are bare by now.

On our way back to the bus we passed this large street that runs beside the Imperial Palace grounds. On Sundays they close off the street for bikers to use.

Gordon could be a Gray Line spokesperson. I love the guy wearing the stereotypical Hawaiian shirt behind Gordon. We're officially tourists.

By the time we were done exploring the gardens, it was lunch time and Gordon and I were starving.We ate a Japanese style meal; several small portions of various foods.

What?

Huh?

Our lunch was good, however, Gordon and I are used to eating traditional Japanese meals in Tonosho and I think we are partial to Japanese country food (if there is such a thing).

With our bellies full, we continued our tour. The next stop was another garden, Hama-Rikyu garden.

Walking to the garden.

Not sure who this statue is of, but it looks important, so I took a picture.

This garden had a large tidal pond. I love the buildings in the background.

Next on our list of things to do was the Sumida river cruise. Yeah! I love cruises, especially the kind with buffets. But, this one didn't have a buffet. The boat got packed quick with people and our bus arrived just in time to catch the boat.

Our view from the boat.

On the cruise we went under about 12 different bridges. Therefore the cruise is also known as the bridge tour.

This gold building, with what is supposed to be a torch next to it, is the Asahi Beer company's building (#1 beer in Japan). The golden flame was supposed to be placed upright, but was laid on it's side. Now its known as the golden turd. Lovely.

This tall tower will be Tokyo's newest attraction come May 2012. It will be nearly twice the size of the Tokyo Tower and is called Tokyo Sky Tree.

Back on dry land, our tour nearly got attacked by a ninja, but he was nice.

Defense mode. Ninjas are actually very shy.

Our next stop was Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping street. Nakamise street leads up to the Temple and was very crowded the day we visited. It was filled with small booths and people selling sweets and other foods as well as souvenirs.

Nakamise street with the temple in the distance.

So many people! Gordon and I had to force our way through the crowd.

As always, we found ice cream and had to get some. We weren't allowed to walk with our ice cream. We had to stand by the shop where we got it and finish it. The Japanese don't usually walk and eat at the same time. :(

Inside Asakusa Kannon Temple.

Gigantic lantern at the entrance to the temple.

Altar inside the temple.

Early in the day, we were taught how to pray and make offerings at the Meiji Shrine, but I wasn't able to take pictures. Fortunately, at the Asakusa Temple they didn't mind if you took pictures/video. To pray people threw a coin into the offering area (in front of the altar) which was a large box with slats on top. Once you throw the coin in you place both palms together, bow and pray.

I took a short video. You'll notice some people clap...this is typically what's done at a Shinto Shrine, however, Buddhism and Shinto are almost one in the same. They coexist in harmony and many Japanese believe in both. You should also be able to hear the clink of coins being thrown into the offering.

After touring the temple, we ran into a samurai. I killed him before he could hurt us. I wasn't taking any chances.

HAHA! Take that!

The last part of our tour was spent on the bus. We went through Kappabashi, an area known for its restaurant supplies (pots, dishes and, my favorite, wax food samples). Wax food samples can be seen outside many restaurants in Japan and allow people to see the food the restaurant offers (aka every foreigner's dream).

Wax food store. Please don't eat!

That basically concluded our tour for the day. Whew! That was a lot to see in one day and Gordon and I were worn out and hungry! We went back to the hotel to freshen up and then walked around Roppongi to find something to eat. And look what we stumbled upon...PUPPIES.

We found a pet store!

Awww! He looks sad! Like he needs me to take him home.

Sleepy puppy.

Plum tuckered out. :)

Gordon finally pried me away from the window and we found a small ramen shop to eat at.

Yummy!

We have to slurp our noodles here. Very lady-like.

Eating all that delicious ramen made us tired. We went back to the hotel to rest up for our last day in Tokyo. :(

Tokyo Day 1: Surprises

Last weekend Gordon and I planned to go to Tokyo for my birthday (October 8th). We were going to take the bus into Tokyo early in the morning, spend all day there and then ride the bus back at night. The night before we were going to head to Tokyo came my first surprise. Gordon told me we would be staying not one, but TWO nights in Tokyo at a highly recommended hostel! I was shocked and excited to say the least! Here's where Gordon said we would be staying:

http://www.sakura-hotel-ikebukuro.com/?gclid=CLXA2am26qsCFUsnpAodLXc21Q

So, the morning of the 8th, Gordon and I are busy packing and we hurry out the door to catch the 12 pm bus.

My birthday breakfast Gordon prepared before we left. Coffee, O.J., hash browns, toast and raisin bread. Yes, we are watching MSNBC's Morning Joe.

Gordon carrying all our luggage to the bus stop so I don't have to. YES, we are only staying two nights in Tokyo...don't judge the amount of luggage!

We caught the bus just in time and a short hour and 30 minutes later we arrive in Tokyo! We get off the bus and I'm immediately amazed by all the tall buildings, the amount of people and just city life in general. Tokyo is the polar opposite of Tohnosho!

Next, Gordon and I set out to find the hostel. Gordon wrote down the directions and we head to the subway and after consulting confusing subway maps we see our route and head toward Roppongi. I keep telling Gordon I think we need to head toward Ikebukuro, where I thought the hostel was located, but he says he wrote down the directions on the website, so I trust my tour guide.

We arrive at Roppongi and are surrounded by shops and restaurants. Gordon needs to be pointed in the right direction so he goes into a shop to ask for directions while I wait outside. I keep following Gordon and he says he needs to ask for directions again so we walk into the Ritz-Carlton where there is sure to be a receptionist or concierge that speaks English. We take the elevator to the 45th floor to the lobby and lets just say, I feel a little out of place and a little apprehensive asking someone for directions to another hotel, but the Japanese people are nice and I brush my worries aside.

Then came my second surprise. To put it briefly, I'm standing in this beautiful lobby with a magnificent view of Tokyo watching Gordon as he asks the receptionist for directions when the receptionist points at me and asks Gordon, "Is this her?". Huh? Then she comes up to me and tells me to, "Please, take a seat!" and offers me a "welcome drink". I don't know about you, but at this point I'm thinking Japanese hospitality is AWESOME for being so generous to someone who is not staying at their hotel! Sweet! A free drink! (I was thirsty).

Slowly, I started to realize there was a possibility we were supposed to be at this hotel. It didn't finally sink in until the receptionist took our luggage, we headed up the elevator and I saw the room.

And of course the view...

And a brief warning before you view the next picture. My reaction was not to smile, laugh and hug Gordon. I cried like a baby. And it is not pretty. So please skip ahead if you have a weak stomach.

Opening a card from Gordon. I promise, I'm not in pain.

And another one for your viewing pleasure...

Trying to compose myself. Notice that Gordon is the one taking the pictures while I'm in this vulnerable position.

Gordon fixing me green tea.

These enormous grapes were delivered a short while after Gordon and I got in the room. A welcome gift.

I finally composed myself. I was very overwhelmed by everything that was done for me (which Gordon's parents had a hand in :) ) and felt very special and undeserving at the same time.

After I stopped bawling my eyes out, Gordon and I freshened up and then decided to grab a bite to eat. Birthday dinner!!! We found the Roppongi Hard Rock and decided to eat there. We were craving American food.

ROPPONGI! An awesome area in Tokyo known for it's restaurants and night clubs.

Love all, serve all. Gotta love their motto.

Then came my third surprise...

ICE CREAM!

These cool kids let me pose next to them.

Gordon and I finished our amazing dinner (I had nachos and Gordon had chicken fingers) and headed back to the room to relax after a very eventful day. Shortly after we arrived back in the room someone knocked on the door and in came my fourth surprise.

Champagne and birthday cake!

What an awesome way to celebrate!

I think that was all the surprises I could handle in one day, so its good Gordon didn't have anything else up his sleeve. It was definitely a wonderful birthday and Gordon and I still hadn't explored all of Tokyo! We rested up to prepare for day two...exploring Tokyo!

Sushi Go Round

(delicious = oishii, seaweed = nori)
Gordon and I went to our first sushi go round about a month ago and became sushi go round fanatics. What's not to like? There's delicious food on a conveyer belt just waiting for the taking. Not to mention each plate is only about 100 yen ($1) and there's many different kinds of rolls. Not feeling like sushi? Don't like raw fish? THAT'S O.K.! You can order other items off the touch screen menu like... drum roll please... FRENCH FRIES! Did I mention you don't have to know much Japanese to get by in a sushi go round? Variety, convenience and affordability. We're hooked!

A couple days ago, Gordon and I (mainly Gordon) were feeling adventureous and wanted to go to a sushi go round by ourselves. ALONE. Without a Japanese friend. Here's how it went down...

We wanted to find one sushi go round in particular in Kamisu City, the first one that we had been to with Fumiko. Well, we found it! Gordon and I parked, went inside, took a number from the computer and waited for our number to be called: 140. Once our number was called the fun began.

Gordon sits down.

Then I sit down.

We stare at the beautiful array of food.

When we see something we like, we take it!

If we don't see something we like, we order it (no human interaction needed).

My favorite sushi: shrimp, avocado, thinly sliced onion and mayo. Yum!

Gordon's favorite sushi: smoked salmon, cheese and basil mayo. Delicious (oishii)!

Then we eat. Gordon is about to eat corn sushi. Yes, that's corn and mayo wrapped in seaweed (nori).

Me deconstructing my sushi before I devour it.

So, we had a successful trip and left feeling full and our pockets only a little lighter from our cheap meal. I think Gordon and I will make sushi go round a weekly occurrence.

Also, a side note, while looking up information about sushi go rounds, I stumbled across this game...for your enjoyment...

http://www.miniclip.com/games/sushi-go-round/jp/

Edamame, a food best served with beer?

In America, edamame is often served at Japanese-style restaurants as an appetizer or a side, and it’s usually served hot with a little side of (sea) salt. I love it, almost as much as I do jalapenos. Ever since arriving in Japan in late July, I’ve gotten some surprising looks or laughs when telling people I particularly enjoy eating edamame. “What’s so funny?” I’d think to myself.

When I started teaching September 1, every class at the junior high school and at the elementary school started with my introduction (in English and then in Japanese) and followed with lots of questions from the students. A common question would always be “What are your favorite foods in Japan?” My answer would usually include one to five different foods I enjoyed, and the list would usually start with edamame. Following “edamame” would come a roar of laughter from the students (and teacher). “Does no one eat or like edamame?”, I thought.

Regardless, I began to use it as a good ice-breaker. Most of the students and some of the teachers are shy and not used to interacting with a foreigner. I was told when I arrived here that some of the students might even be afraid of me. Anyways, the edamame joke has become useful in getting the students to loosen up and practice their English and ask questions. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions in the classroom or after class, and please don’t be shy” I tell them. “I’m the one who should be shy. I’m the foreigner.”

I recently started appointing random students to my imaginary “Edamame Friends Club”, and the students get a great laugh out of it—and some even seem honored with their new association. These appointments are usually random and happen when students do a good job during a lesson or when I’m trying to get a student to break out of his or her shell. Sometimes between classes, those students remind me that they’re in the club, some saying “I’m number one edamame friend”.

Just in the last few days I’ve figured out why it’s so funny to the Japanese that I like edamame. A couple friends who speak decent English explained to me that edamame is typically only eaten with beer, and it’s also associated with older men. So edamame is known as a food usually eaten by old men only when drinking beer. While out to dinner, my new friends tell me that it’s possible that my students think that I teach class and then go home and drink beer. Oh well. With my newfound knowledge, I proceed to order some edamame, and a cold one.

A gift Tomoka-chan from English club gave me. Edamame crackers!

English Club

(English = Eigo, raw fish = sashimi)

Just about every weekday around 3:00pm I get on my bike and ride to Tonosho junior high school to help out with English club. The bike ride takes about 30 minutes and most of it is through rice paddies (surprise, surprise!). I listen to my iPod while I ride and listen to NPR podcasts (“Wait, wait…don’t tell me” and This American Life); it makes the ride go by faster.

I decided to help out with English club after Gordon told me I should come and that I could actually be put to some use. English club is basically this: the kids (grades 1-3 or, in the U.S., 6^th-8^th graders) prepare speeches in English (Eigo), memorize them and then go to an English speech contest to compete against other junior high schools. The speeches have to be under 5 minutes, but need to come close to the 5 minute mark.

These kids are crazy. Most of their speeches are a page long, single spaced. When I started helping out, they already had their speeches memorized perfectly. So the job Gordon and I have is to help with pronunciation. The kids don’t know English and don’t know how to pronounce most of the words. The Japanese language doesn’t have the “r” sound and doesn’t have the “th” sound. Therefore the kids end up pronouncing the r’s like l’s and th’s like s’s. For example, “thank you” sounds like “sank you” and “raw fish” sounds like “low fish” (Gordon and I have gotten asked several times, “Do you eat/like ‘low fish’?” It took us a while to figure out “low fish” was not a particular species of fish, but “raw fish” (sashimi) hahaha).

This Wednesday was the Sawara English speech contest. Gordon and I did our best to help the kids prepare. They were nervous. Even though Gordon and I don’t speak Japanese, we can still read emotions and several of the kids were wringing their hands and talking excitedly to the English club teacher, Hirano-sensei. When we got to the building where the speech contest was there were several groups of students from the different junior high schools waiting outside (about 11 junior high schools competed). I started eyeing the competition and was tempted to go around and threaten the other competitors, but then I remembered I need to represent the U.S. in a positive light, so I just gave the other students dirty looks.

The competition was intense. The judges had a tough job because all the students did an awesome job on their speeches. Most of the speeches were short stories and anecdotes like The Little Mermaid, The Fox and the Crow and The Frog Prince. Here’s a list of the students from Tonosho junior high and the title of their speeches:

1^st grade: The Sun and the Wind (Gordon and I nicknamed these two students “Sun” and “Wind”)

2^nd grade: The Little Mermaid (Yu)

3^rd grade: Alice in Wonderland (Ayana)

3^rd grade: The Children of the World and Me (Tomoka)

All the students from Tonosho junior high did an amazing job! Yu got 5^th place, Ayana got 3^rd place, Tomoka got 1^st place and Tonosho junior high got 2^nd place overall! Gordon was so excited when Tomoka got first place that when they announced it he shouted, “Yes!” Needless-to-say several people turned around in their seats to see where the American was. Tomoka will go on to compete in Chiba at the next speech competition. Here are some pictures and video of the Sawara speech contest…

Yu giving her speech about The Little Mermaid. My favorite part of her speech was when the little mermaid says, "I just can't kill him. I love him too much!"

Yu's Little Mermaid speech.

"Wind" and "Sun" giving their speech. The Sun and the Wind are trying to prove who is stronger by getting a traveler to take off his clothes :). Sun "Shines brighter!" while Wind "blows very hard!"

Sun wins by not using her strength, but by shining. "It's alright. We're still friends."

Ayana's Alice in Wonderland. She did the character's voices very well. "Off with their heads!"

Tomoka's The Children of the World and Me. She wrote her own speech. Her topic was about street children. She talked about how she learned about street children, being thankful for her family and gave advice on how students can help those less fortunate.