Tokyo is Big

Sorry! This is long overdue... got distracted by the video camera.

Shawn had posted some pictures from our trip to Tokyo with my little sis, Rachael. Here are some other pics and my impressions of Tokyo.

When I first came to Japan I often laughed at the fact that my students and co-teachers described Oita as ‘inaka.’ Literal translation is ‘countryside’ but I would translate it more as 'podunk.'

I always assured people I like the inaka! After all, I come from Idaho.

Oita has almost half a million people, a good size shopping district and plenty of city. I considered myself lucky I was so near this big city where I can find pretty much anything I need, even occasional foreign goods... It is after all, two times larger than Boise and three times larger than Salem.

However, now that I have been to Tokyo, the word ‘inaka’ takes on so much more meaning. I understand why they say it with a knowing look in their eyes. It’s more than a stereotype - it’s the cold, hard truth. Compared to Tokyo, I think I would describe 3/4 of Japan as inaka. Frankly, after spending just four days in Tokyo I’m happy to say that I wouldn’t trade the inaka for the big city any day.



Tokyo is immense.



Tokyo itself has 12 million people but the metropolis area including a few surrounding prefectures is 33 million! I went to one of those neighboring prefectures - Saitama, and I didn’t even know we had left Tokyo. The entire 40 minute train ride out there was through businesses, houses, parks. The cities meld into each other to compose one giant mass of urban sprawl that seems to never end.

Luckily in the giant crowds we were able to meet up with some former TIUA student who Shawn and I knew back at Willamette. We met up with a few different people. This is one such night of debauchery at dinner and karaoke.






Rock it, Shawn.



I must have been really into this song...haha



Rachael didn't get the 'Zoolander' memo.





Shawn - Tokyo style.





We met up with another friend, Naoko, for a lovely afternoon stroll through the most picturesque parks I have ever seen. Our pictures don't do it justice.

Naoko







Shawn and I also spent some time wandering around the famous Ueno Park. We found waffle-type snacks in the shape of the famous cartoon character - Doraemon. Isn't he cute?



Then, Shawn bit his head off.



We stayed in Asakusa which is known as the old downtown area of Tokyo. It also has an enourmous shrine and lovely souvenire shopping. This is one such street with souvenirs (and people) galore.





There were lots of small photogenic areas in Asakusa.







A typical food stall in Japan. Everything is so colorful!



Yakisoba stand. Yum. Yakisoba.



Rachael unfortunately came just a week too early to revel in the glory of the cherry blossoms. Most trees had but one or two flowers. However, like an oasis in the desert, this tree was fully bloomed. It was the only tree we saw like it in all of Tokyo. It's almost like it was just for Rachael.





(More about the insanity that comprises cherry blossom season later.)

We took tons of pictures in Tokyo, but unfortunately, the other half are on Rachael's camera! She is supposed to be sending me a CD with them...but...haven't seen it yet! *hint hint* When I get it I'll post more pics.

Tokyo rocks. Would love to spend more time there.

P.S. Thanks for all the positive feedback on the video! I am working on another one for your viewing pleasure.