One thing that continually amazed me throughout my time in Japan was the sheer amount of hospitality and service I received. Because we decided to stay at an AirBnB hosted by Japanese students, our experience was different from the typical tourist perspective. Having a chance to experience Japan as a local was both interesting and a bit of a culture shock at times. One of the things that we all found in common was a love for food.
Our host Takashi runs the BnB we stayed at and pitched a sushi party idea a few days before we left Japan, to be held the night before we flew out. One of the reasons that we picked their location over other more convenient places was for the 'student experience' and the chance to connect with people our own age, so of course, we jumped at the chance.
We arrived to the event after a long day of activities and found a group of people there waiting for us, some were our housemates for the week, other new faces. They each had a different story to tell, and as we explored each other through questions, discovered a little more about each other and our similarities and differences.
Since most of our housemates were away either at school studying or working, they didn't join us until after the sushi dinner. One of these people was Kazu, who brought his friend who had just come over from Nagasaki to Tokyo, seeking new job opportunities. These two spent hours after the party trying to call a cab for us the next day, even when they were flooded with work. Something that I'll never forget.
As the night progressed, we discovered more about Tokyo and the way student life was compared to one in Canada. One similarity is that they love drinking - like many students here, but something very different to us was their penchant for breaking out into choreographed dance. Definitely a very memorable experience.
As we shared in the table, we got to know Park - a Korean who spent 10 years learning Japanese and is now studying Japanese literature in Tokyo, Nanba who is currently studying physics and works at the shop part time - often found sleeping outside our room after his night shifts, Sho - who is more confident and fluent in English than I ever will be in Japanese, and of course others who joined us intermittently through the night.
One thing I've learned to appreciate about traveling - more than the food or the sights - are the people we meet and the stories they share. Even if our connection is momentary and perhaps fleeting. Leaving was hard, but I'm sure I'll be back again soon.
naomi
naomi
On the first day we landed in Japan, we asked one of our hosts Naoya what he would recommend as 'must see' in Tokyo.
Thankfully his English is much much better than our non-existant Japanese, and after some pointing and google searching, there was an eureka moment when finally reached an understanding.
'Oh! Sensō-ji temple!' we exclaimed.
So off we went.
Sensō-ji temple also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple is much much older than me.
According to Google, it was built in 645, and is dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
From the subway station, we walked about 3 minutes through a tunnel filled with shops, and found ourselves surrounded by even more shops! Everything from souvenirs, to novelties, food and then some more.
Making our way through the crowd is exhausting, but eventually we made it all the way to the entrance where there were even MORE people. Kimono sightings distracted us from the crowds though.
Joining the masses, we toured around the area.
Observing people as they participated in their rituals.
While everyone clamored for a view of the ceremony happening inside.
I even took a picture (although I realized later I may not have been allowed to).
It was a scorching hot day, so some people decided to cool off at the water fountain, with a quick drink and a dip in the cold water.
Sightseeing is hard work! So once we finished our little discovery session, we stopped by the first food store outside the entrance, selling pillows of deep fried egg whites filled with the most decadent of fillings.
Trusting our host was probably one of the best decisions we made. Although a little touristy, Sensō-ji is not only gorgeous but also a very interesting experience, from a historical and cultural point of view. Places like these are always so mind-boggling to me. I can't imagine how buildings are built today - even with all the technology, so building this with no modern gadgets?! Mindblown. It's all so perfectly put together!
Definitely very photo-worthy.
If you decide to stop by, don't forget to pick up a pillow of fluff from this store here!
Definitely very photo-worthy.
If you decide to stop by, don't forget to pick up a pillow of fluff from this store here!
naomi.
