The trains around here are a bit tricky. I was lucky my friend knew her kanji, because she was able to pick out Harajuku from the Japanese map at the station and figure out which ticket we needed to buy. The ticket machines can change into english but you have to know exactly how much your fare will cost by looking at the map to be able to get your ticket. The map wasn't in English...
Anyways, we got to Harajuku safe and sound, thank goodness! When we exited the station, we exited from the famous Harajuku Station building. At this point, we had no idea in which direction to walk in. I only planned so far as getting to Harajuku. Now what??
Well we walked down the big street since it seemed like that's where everyone was going. So we passed by lots of high end shops, like Burberry, Dior, Chanel, Gap..(??). That was all well and nice but I wanted to hit up the stores that Harajuku is known for! We headed into the small streets that run away from the main big street, and came upon lots of small shops that sold accessories, hats, used clothing items and much more. Surprisingly there were a lot of men's clothing stores. Some stores were a bit pricey still, but lots of sales and things going on so there is something for everybody.
We saw a big ad in Harajuku station advertising Snoopy's House in a store called Kiddy Land. Doesn't that sound inviting? We weren't really looking for it but we found it anyway!
3 damn floors of toys, stuffed animals, stationary, shirts, etc etc. My god it was so PINK.
I eventually caved and bought a bunch of stuff...I'll give you a hint. Meow.
X-Japan + Hello Kitty, kawaii ne??
Anyways, here are pictures of and around Harajuku Station. Behind the station is Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine. In front of the station is the street that leads to the big shopping street.
The last picture there is of the entrance to Meiji Shrine, which I did go to. The walk to the shrine is a bit long but very beautiful. It's like you've walked into a different universe. The hustle and bustle of the streets and the noises just disappear while you're walking along a tree lined path and you can't see out of the trees. When you look up, the trees block the sky. What a nice way to lead people in.
A picture of me and another international student from Taiwan in front of the first gate leading into pathway towards Meiji Shrine. There was a typhoon warning that day so it was very windy.
Look! Shrine priestesses? Is that what they're called? They remind me of Rei from Sailor Moon...
This is the area before the entrance to the shrine where you wash your hands and mouth before entering. My friend showed me how to do it (yea there's a 'right' way I guess). First you scoop up water and wash one hand, and then the other. And then you sip some of the water, spit it out and finally you tilt the ladle up towards yourself and thereby washing the ladle itself.
After walking in, we went to offer go-en (5 yen) to the temple. There is a box with slats on the top, you throw your coin in, bow twice, clap twice, make a prayer, and then bow once more. I wanted to ring a bell because you see it in all the anime, but this shrine doesn't have a bell...boo...
When we were walking back to the dorm we saw a whole whack of people on the street, chanting and shouting while a bunch of men were carrying this heavy looking shrine on their shoulders and walking through the streets. I don't quite understand what it symbolizes, but apparently they do this for hours. Some stores along the streets had set up tables with refreshments and fruit for these men. Must be hard work!
For dinner we went to the smallest ramen shop there was near our dorm. One man ran the joint, and there were only a couple of things on the menu, only ramen though. I had just regular ramen, but man it was good! The broth tasted a bit like chinese chicken herbal soup, but had more depth and was a bit creamy. With bits of chasu and bamboo shoots, it was just awesome. I mean, you can't go wrong with a small, one person behind the counter ramen shop right? Geez, this isn't the gourmet channel.
I got a lot more to tell you. Stay Tuned! But for now, oyasuminasai!
-Jenn
OMG inuyasha!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove that forest. Do you have more pics? I really want to see that.
Also, while you are slowly assimilating into japanese culture, canyou at least put in brackets what you are saying?
sayonara. aishiteru.
Xx
YAY you caved in!! Ya bought some hello kitty stuff! Oh and I think I get the x-japan and hk.. it's like a rock band combined with hk??!! Still kinda confused haha!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to ask so when you're spitting out the water where do u spit the water and are u drinking that water??!! Is it ok to drink??!! HAHA don't want you to have a tummyache now!!
MmMMMm the ramen you made it sound soo good.... creamy flavour and chicken =awesome combo
The water is spit into the drain that's around the water. The water is pumped out into the big trench and the water falls over the trench into drains. That's where you spit.
ReplyDeleteApparently Japanese tap water is safe to drink.