On Thursday, May 30, Yumkio`s daughter Asako took me into Tokyo, and it was magical.
Our group had actually been to Tokyo twice for activities, but I didn`t feel like I had seen the real Tokyo. For instance, we went to a Noh theater in Tokyo, but we didn`t have time to look around. We got there, went into the theater, watched the performance, and got back on the subway to get to Yokohama. I mean, I`m 40 minutes from the largest city in the world. I need to take advantage of that and explore while I have the opportunity.
The UPB trip was great, but it was definitely focused more on the past: the history and heritage of Japan. I think Americans know a lot more about the older, elegant, formalized eras of Japan than the modern, changing entity. (I know I do, at least.) While it was really interesting to see temples, shrines, and former capitals, I felt like I was missing an important part of the picture: the present. Asako felt the same way. She kept saying, `but you haven`t seen modern Japan. You need go where young people go!` So, Asako took me to Harajuku and Shibuya. I should note that Tokyo is divided into sections, like any other large city.
I was so excited because Harajuku and Shibuya are very famous sections (think Manhattan in NYC). If you think you haven`t heard of them, you`re probably wrong. Just do a google search (or wait until I post pictures). Harajuku is an area with crazy, random shops and very colorful people. On the weekends, everyone dresses up in crazy costumes. Know the singer Gwen Stefani? She helped make this area famous because she was sort of obsessed with the culture, so she recruited these girls to go on tour with her and be in her videos. They are called the Harajuku girls and you can recognize them dancing around Gwen Stefani in crazy outfits. When we were in Harajuku, there were only a handful of people dressed up, but it was still colorful and noisy. Almost every shop played American music; it was great to recognize songs & sing along to the radio!
Then, we walked quite a distance to Shibuya, which is a fancy/hip shopping area. Part of it is young and eclectic. You might find a juice shop next to a thrift shop next to a store that only sells socks. (Sounds great, right?) Another section of Shibuya is super upscale: Dior, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Brooks Brothers, etc etc. It was so much to see it all.
Sorry, I have to run. I`ll finish post this later!
