Odaiba

Wednesday, April 30, 2014


On Saturday I took the train to Odaiba after Japanese class for a day trip with a few friends. Odaiba is an artificial island originally built for defensive purposes. Now it's known for being one of two urban beaches in Tokyo, as well as for a few other attractions.

Day Trip to Nikko: Part Three

Monday, April 28, 2014


After we were done at Toshugu Shrine, we took a bus up the mountain to Chuzenji, which is famous for it's lake and waterfall.

Day Trip to Nikko: Part Two

Saturday, April 26, 2014


I spent the first part of Thursday walking around the shrines of Nikko!

Day Trip to Nikko: Part One

Friday, April 25, 2014


I went on a day trip this week to Nikko, a little town about a 2 hour train ride away from Tokyo. It's a popular tourist destination because there are a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Toshogu Shrine, nearby. I'm going to split my pictures from this trip into three blog posts, so look out for the other two in the next few days.

Dinner with Sensei

Monday, April 21, 2014


Sensei was in Tokyo a few days ago with her high school Japanese students, so we met up for dinner in Shinagawa.

Kabuki-cho and Golden Gai at Night

Wednesday, April 16, 2014


I went out to Shinjuku tonight after class to eat dinner with some friends and to get into some trouble in Kabuki-cho, the red-light district. Keep reading if you like pop culture and boob-robots.

Class Schedule and Announcement

Tuesday, April 15, 2014


A reminder that I actually do have to do some work while I'm here.

iHerb.com

Friday, April 11, 2014


Yesterday I received a package from iherb.com, an online natural foods store.

Asakusa and Sumida River

Wednesday, April 9, 2014


On Tuesday I went to Asakusa, home to Tokyo's famous Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺). It's an extremely popular tourist destination because it's Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. And it's huge.

Kanamara Matsuri

Sunday, April 6, 2014


Today we went to Kawasaki for Kanamara Matsuri, or the "Festival of the Steel Phallus." So don't continue reading this post if you are offended by giant penis statues.

Ohanami in Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Shrine

Thursday, April 3, 2014


After the opening ceremony, a big group of us went to Yoyogi Park to do ohanami (花見) the proper way. The proper way involves picnics and hanging out and day drinking.

SILS Opening Ceremony and Activities Fair


Yesterday was the opening ceremony for the School of International Liberal Studies at Waseda University. It was held in Okuma Auditorium, named after Waseda's founder.