Happy New Year everyone! I am starting off 2015 with a winter study-abroad for 2 weeks in Japan. Despite the fact that all my relatives other than my immediate family lives in Japan, I have not been able to visit the country in almost a decade. I am so thrilled about going on this short, but new adventure, and sharing the experience with all of you. Hope you enjoy!
Full day in Japan #2 begins! This morning, I ordered the Western-style Breakfast, and was very pleased! It was wondrous to find how light and fluffy an omelette or some toast could be...
Fun fact about Japan that seems to surprise multiple Americans: there seem to be vending machines on almost every street corner. It's enough to create a game out of.
Today, we visited the Nanzenji Zen Buddhist Temple. The gate was impressively large, and the area was filled with beautifully artistic landscaping.
The temple was much like a museum, with many treasured artifacts separated from us with glass. Monks were running around (not because they were in a rush, but because apparently walking is specifically for meditation), and there were many a tourist taking photos alongside myself. After we exited the exhibit-like part of the temple, we explored the area. Below are some photos of random things along the wayside:
After this, we had to run an errand in a train station, where we ate at a kaiten-zushi restaurant. This literally translates to "revolving sushi," in which plates of sushi rotate on a moving belt, and you grab plates as they pass by.
We then visited the giant department store (size similar to a Macy's, but prices similar to a Nordstrom's Rack) called Isetan. One of my main goals when visiting Japan was purchasing an adorable planner... which I achieved today at Isetan! Look how cute... <3
The day ended with us returning to the hotel, and watching a bit of sumo wrestling before attending a lecture on Japan's current economic situation, particularly pertaining to the package of the current prime minister Shinzo Abe ("Abenomics").
The jetlag is now getting to me-- I have unfortunately spent most of today absolutely exhausted! And tomorrow we have to get up an hour earlier than usual. After grabbing some dinner, I am going straight to bed. To all, a good night!
Stay tuned for the vlog coming up!
Best,
justajae