Japan: Running Through Time

"Japan: Running Through Time"

Taken on my trip to Kyoto, Japan (京都日本) at Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社).

I choose this title first because I felt like the little girl in the photo, who was playing at the shrine, kept running around in a seemingly different world built over the years without knowing it. 

The second reason though comes from this photo's background. This photo was lost to me for a year and through some miracle, I found a copy of it again. It had been one of my favorites from Kyoto, so when I found it, it felt like it was just returning from a journey, apologizing for not calling.

This is the third photo in my "Kyoto Series". For the first and second, follow the links here: Japan: Kin and Japan: A Little Moment .

I hope you like it!

About "Top Places in Tokyo"

Hello Everyone,

(Kaminarimon, 雷門)

It has occurred to me that many people go to Tokyo, not realizing what exactly it has to offer. Granted, most people may know Tokyo Tower (東京タワー), Akihabara (秋葉原), or Tokyo Disneyland (東京ディズニーランド) (which is actually in Chiba, the Prefecture adjacent to Tokyo) and some might know the Ghibli Museum (三鷹の森ジブリ美術館) , but that tends to be the extent of most people's knowledge.

Most people I meet who are not familiar with Tokyo will say to me, "Oh cool! You live close to Tokyo? What're some cool things to do there?" As I list off the many things to do, they become surprised by all of what there actually is in Tokyo.

I think this may be due to the fact that a lot of places have names that are difficult to pronounce, say or even remember if one is not familiar with Japanese. Furthermore, Tokyo is HUGE. So there are a lot of things to do, but with so many names, confusion can occur which leads to a lack of knowledge on sights to see in Tokyo.

So I wanted to compile a list of places that I believe are worth visiting within Tokyo. Each place is divided by area, has a description of said place, who I would in particular recommend should go see said place, and a personal rating (5 being the best).  Some will also include links to more detailed reviews of locations that I have been as well. But yes, anyway, that's what this section of my blog will be for. I will tag general areas to help everyone find what things are close to one another as well. Anyway, I hope that for some this helps you plan your trip to Tokyo!

Shibuya

Hello everyone!

Today my subject is Shibuya (渋谷) Adventures! Shibuya is one of the more famous places in Tokyo. and one that is worth going to if one has the time. So what’s there to do in Shibuya? A few different things really and enough that anyone could find something to do there. To start, there are two big department stores called Shibuya 109 Women’s and Shibuya 109 Men’s (I haven’t really explored either, but they are there), among many others as well.

(Shibuya 109 Women's)

Bunkamura theatre is also located there (see my post "In The Heights" for more on Bunkamura) and has various shows there from time to time. Bunkamura Website Here: www.bunkamura.co.jp/

(Shibuya Softbank with Bunkamura in the Background)

If you live in Japan and don’t speak any Japanese, Shibuya also has one of the few Softbank stores where you can get English service (while I can’t endorse Softbank for internet services, their phone lines have not failed me).

I have heard that there is also a Butler Café in the area, but not one that anyone really recommends (people say it’s very touristy and not exactly what people are looking for when they hear the term “Butler Café”; I have an upcoming post about another one though in Ikebukuro that I do recommend, so stay tuned!)

 (A shot of one of Shibuya's Big Screens)

There is also the Shibuya Animate branch there. You have to hunt for it a bit (I was kinda lucky and just found it by accident). In the same building is a J Pop Café and a Mandrake Store. (It’s kinda one of those sketchy looking buildings that’s actually surprisingly safe since its Japan).

(shot of Shibuya Animate's UtaPri section)

Probably what Shibuya is most well-known for though is Hachiko (ハチ公). Hachiko, the Hachiko Exit, and the Square nearby are all very famous places and well known Tokyo spots. They are all right next to the Station. The Station itself has many lines connecting to the Shibuya area (including the famous and convenient Yamanote Line 山手線) , but after it’s reconstruction (I’ve been told), it is now, in my and many other people’s opinions, about one of the most poorly designed stations in Tokyo. At least it connects us to Hachiko though!

(Near the Hachiko Exit)

Wait, Hachi- who? For those who do not know who or what Hachiko is, Hachiko is a loyal dog that once lived in Shibuya. He and his master used to walk to the station, where they’d part and Hachiko would wait at the station until his master came home. One day, his master died at work. Hachiko didn’t know of course, so he stayed at the station. He stayed there for the rest of his life and that’s how he got the title of the most loyal dog in Japan. Today, there’s a famous statue of Hachiko that many people go to and take pictures by. (Hachiko is actually stuffed and his remains kept in the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo, though I have not seen him there yet and personally, I think I’ll prefer the statue).

(Hachiko!)

My only thing about the statue and the area around is that a lot of smokers tend to congregate there. I don’t smoke and I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the smell (nor do I want to). So if there are too many there, I get a headache or find it unpleasant to stay there.

(General Shibuya Area)

The square though is worth seeing as giant screens and advertisements line the area. Think of it a bit like a smaller version of Times Square. One of my favorite ads that I saw there was the one for SHINee’s “I’m Your Boy” CD release. (Oh and behind that was a Big Bang Ad as well!) Near the advertisement though, a truck with a similar ad for SHINee’s new CD blasted music and made it’s way in rounds around the area. Way cool!

(SHINee's "I'm Your Boy" Ad in Shibuya's Main Square)

It’s also worth going into the Tsutaya across from the station. Tsutaya is a popular CD, DVD, and Book rental and sale store (something very popular here as if you live in Japan, your space is likely limited so people prefer renting items like CDs and DVDs over buying them). From inside, you can browse multiple DVDs, CDs, and books as well as look outside and see the Square from above. The Square is also one of those famous areas of Tokyo where they stop all roads of traffic so that the intersection can be crossed multiple ways by pedestrians all at once. So by going to Tsutaya, you can watch the crowds all crossing, much like a hive of bees suddenly set free to do what they need to do.

(View from Tsutaya)

Within the store itself, you can also listen to CDs too and see what’s popular. I liked seeing these popular titles in the Anime CD section as well as these popular singers having their owns sections too:

"Uta No Prince Sama" (うたのプリンスさま):

"Free: Eternal Summer!":

"Black Butler" (黒執事):

Mamoru Miyano (宮野真守):

Kalefina:

From time to time I’ve gone to Shibuya for various things. While I can’t say it’s my favorite place to go, I do not mind going there to run errands, chill, shop a bit, see a show, or visit Hachiko. If you’re visiting Japan, it’s a must see spot since it is so recognizable and has so much history. If you live here, it’s a great spot to relax and chill.

So in summary, whether you can go through all the Shibuya 109 shops plus some or only take a selfie with Hachiko, Shibuya is a worthwhile place to go and a memorable spot in this metropolis called Tokyo.

Japan: A Little Moment

"Japan: A Little Moment"

Taken on my trip to Kyoto, Japan (京都日本) near Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社). 

I choose the title because like me, the woman in the photo seemed to be off by herself, trying to capture the simple beauty of the paper cranes like I was. It felt like a small moment where I was seeing a kind of reflection.

This is the second photo in my "Kyoto Series". For the first, follow the link here: Japan: Kin .

I hope you like it!

Shinkansen Travels

A bit of a shorter little post this time. Japan is known for its high-tech advancements in technologies. One of their greatest inventions and advancements is their train system. It is fast, efficient, and ON TIME. ALWAYS. (So much so that if it’s late by a minute, you complain even if you’re used to trains being thirty minutes late back in your homeland). At the pinnacle though of this achievement is the invention of the Shinkansen (新幹線), also known around the world as the Bullet Train. Reaching speeds of up to 320 km/hour (about 200 MPH) in transit and up to 581 km/hour at it's highest test speed, the Shinkansen is perhaps the best way to travel throughout Japan. 

The Shinkansen is pricey, yes (sadly), but it is worth every yen you pay. I’ve ridden on the Shinkansen now four times: once from Hakone Park to Tokyo, once from Okayama to Tokyo, once from Tokyo to Kyoto, and finally on a return from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is truly a luxury. Fast, on time, and efficient, they are well taken care of machines, both inside and out. You get to location so quickly you can hardly believe it!

You can get reserved or non-reserved seats for the Shinkansen. And while there is a smoking room, smoking is prohibited elsewhere in the train (thankfully for those of us who get sick around smoke).  The trains are also cleaned out at the end of their route every time. Their operation is so smooth that once the train begins to move, you don’t even notice that you’re moving, much like riding an airplane, but with a lot less turbulence in a storm. Oh and sometimes small bits of food service for those who forgot to buy a bento at a stand in the station before getting on the train! (Not generally food, but perhaps a snack or drink at least).

You can purchase tickets in advance or buy them the day of. Reserved seats are more expensive of course, but that’s the price of guaranteeing sitting with family or friends. Often there are rows of three or two. You really don’t need to speak Japanese to buy your ticket. I often use google maps to figure out where to pick up the train (Shinkansen included), then at the station the Shinkansen starts at, I go to the Shinkansen ticket counter and say ‘京都に行きたいです’ (‘Kyoto ni ikitai desu’), and they’ll proceed to help me get to Kyoto via the Shinkansen. Getting to the right platform is also a piece of cake as all of the signs have English subtext. Also, on the train, announcements are in both Japanese and English.

In short, the service on the Shinkansen and for the Shinkansen is fantastic. Riding the Shinkansen always makes me feel like royalty: important, valued, and at ease, knowing that I’m completely well taken care of on the train. If you can, use the Shinkansen while in Japan! It’s an experience you won’t regret!

Japan: Kin

"Japan: Kin"

Taken on my trip to Kyoto, Japan (京都日本) of the famous Kinkaku-Ji （金閣寺), also known as "The Golden Temple" or "The Golden Pavilion". 

The title I choose comes from the Japanese word/Kanji " 金 ", read as "Kin", which means "Gold". This places literally was covered in Gold, so much so that it was almost to the point where you wondered if you were really looking at a real place. 

This is the first photo in my "Kyoto Series".

I shall try to get more up soon from this trip, but for now, I hope you like it!

Tanabata

Hi guys!

This is just a mini-post to show a little piece of what I saw on Tanabata (七夕) when I went shopping in Omiya (大宮) in Saitama that day. Inside the Lumine, in a small overpass bridge, they had these beautiful decorations out where you could write your wishes. Pretty isn’t it? (きれい、ね？)

Anyway, I hope you are having a good day! Ja,

Cherry Blossom Lunch

Hello again!

Another post with more pictures than text. In the spring time in Japan, I was lucky enough to be able to take my lunches outside. Near my work place, there is a mini-park with benches where I enjoyed eating my food and watching the trains go by. Sometimes I would see my students walk by or older women walking their adorable dogs, some of which would come right up to me, lie down, and expect a belly rub. But the best part of that spring was when the Cherry Blossom Trees in the park started to bloom and would softly fall around me while I ate lunch. It was so peaceful and stress relieving. But even more so, I just liked being in a small, beautiful place while I ate my lunch.

(The beginning of the bloom) 

(The end result!)

Hope you liked the photos!

About "Photography of Japan"

Japan is Beautiful. Plain and simple. And this wouldn't be a blog about "Beautiful Japan" if I didn't show WHY it's beautiful. 

As a film major, I love both film and photography. Before coming to Japan, I would often work with my friends in photography projects. Often times they would play the role of photographer while I would play the role of the editor using Photoshop or Lightroom. And while I didn't play photographer often, I still enjoyed the role whenever I got the chance and took some classes pertaining to it.

Now that I'm in Japan and on my own, I want to use all of those skills to show the world why I believe Japan to be a beautiful place. So instead of telling you about it, this page will simply be a place for pictures of Japan.

A Beautiful Blessing Every Sunday

I currently reside in the Kanto (関東) region of Japan. I originally however arrived in Osaka/Okayama area and for about a month, I was unable to go to church due to 1. traveling and 2. lack of internet. Thus I couldn't find a church close by. 

As soon as I was settled though and had internet, I was very blessed however to find a church only a couple train stops away from where I live though (I'm a practicing Latter Day Saint). Every Sunday I now board the train to go to church. This photo below though I literally snapped just as I got off the train when I realized something amazing. 

Wayyyyyyyyy in the background is Mt. Fuji. (It's the only mountain with a snow cap). Literally, EVERY SUNDAY, I get to ride the train and see this beautiful mountain on my way to church. How many people can say that?! The day my mom and I went to Mt. Fuji last year, she told me once she never thought she'd see Mt. Fuji in person. I'm sure there are many people out there who feel the same way and it makes me feel blessed to be living in the presence of such a beautiful natural wonder.

So here's to Mt. Fuji! I hope your day is beautiful!

今日は！

Hello and Welcome to "Beautiful Japan"!

Japan has always been a place of interest for many people the world over. From the history, sights, people, culture, and language, Japan continues to capture our attention.

As a foreigner living in Japan, there is so much to see and do. There are so many places to go, things to experience, and things to learn about Japan!

It is my hope here that I can share my experiences of living in Nihon (Japan) with others through blog posts and my photography.

よろしくおねがいします。