Miho Museum and Daigo-ji

The miho museum was gorgeous. Walking on the bridge if you stood really still you could feel it moving, swaying ever so slightly. The museum itself was amazing, a very rich woman's collectables that happened to be priceless and beautiful. The gardens of Daigo were breathtaking. Sadly, my camera was not working at the time so I missed out on some stunning shots. Cheers - Jenny

After the group departed Kyoto crammed elbo-to-elbo into JR train, we transfered to a crowded bus for the second part of Wednesday morning's excursion to Miho Museum. The museum is secluded up in the mountains, east of Kyoto. We would be traveling there via bus. The bus flew up the single-lane mountain roads, sliding past oncoming cars with only inches of clearance. After almost an hour of moderate distressful driving, we stepped out into the cool mountain air. The mountains are the home of a very different type of environment. The ground is covered in furry mosses. Dark green coniferous trees grow. Sprinkled among them are others covered in rich red leaves, blazing in the early-morning sunlight. The museum itself, though constructed in a modern style with shining silver metal and smooth sand-colored stone, coexists with the environment with seamless compliments. It does not seem out of place, they live as one. The museum is built into the mountain as if it was naturally formed, the same as the forest and stones around it. A shadowy and gaping tunnel led us through a mountain and opened out onto a long suspension bridge, stretching between two mountain sides. At the end of the bridge lies the entrance to the museum itself. The sleek and modern design, glowing among the deep-toned plant-life, was illuminated in the warm and streaming sunlight. To be honest, I enjoyed the beauty of the construction more than I did the art that lies within.

-Henry Smith - Nov. 17th, 2011

The Miho Museum was amazing! The building the museum was in was astonishing. I have never seen a place so intreging and be on such a beautiful landscape. I loved how the museum had artifacts from many different cultures instead of just from the japanese culture. Also the guide was very nice amd helpful. The Diajo garden was beautiful as well. The smell of insence, sound of water flowing, and the scene of the garden was super relaxing. It was a great place to just sit and think.
-Andrew Torma

Castles, tea, and temples-oh my!

Our second full day was full of making new friends and so much Japanese when someone spoke in english it took me several seconds to stop my brain from deciphering Nihongo. We woke and made our way to Meiji shrine to meet up with a couple of highschool students, Vankrey sensei's teaching friend and Yokota sensei's Aunt and Uncle.
Through self introductions and broken conversation we toured the site and took pictures with a panda clad man. Got some balloons and tied a purple one to Sensei's backpack in order to see him in crowds. We left and went to Harajuku for shopping and lunch (Icecream, caramel and creme filled crepes). Then it was off to Asakusa where we experienced a temple with huuuuge lanterns and giant sandals on gates. Watched Kodomo Kabuki (children kabuki) and wondered around the shops. By far my favorite part of the day was getting to the meeting site a half hour early and being approached by some college students doing a project about foreign reactions to Japanese culture. They asked the four of us if we would like to participate and we spent the next 45 minutes making some origami, answering questions and getting to know eachother. So much fun speaking that much Japanese.
The final stop of the day was in Shinjuku where we walked a monsterous department store. There was an entire floor devoted to food and the colors were mind boggling. We couldnt find the giant book store so I asked for directions. After a few missteps we finally found it and I 've never been so proud to have followed directions in my life.
Mos burger for dinner and a trip to the top of a tall building to see the city capped off the day and we made our way home to collapse.

Yesterday I feel in love with the fashion of Harajuku and the lights of Shinjuku. It was beautiful and the most amazing place to be. I love Tokyo and leaving for Kyoto was very bittersweet. I hope someday I can find my my back to the bustling streets of my lovely Tokyo. Cheers, Jenny

So i havent done this in a while so ill start with the 13th. when we where in harujuku a cramra crew from Brazil stoped me and asked me questions about lolita clothing (i was waring a sorta puffy skirt). And i bought all the things :). Than yesterday we arived in kyoto and it really felt like places i've gone on vacation before. This sort of intrinsically different. And now its today and im trying to blog on a train while holding on to a bar.
-Charlotte Pope

Okay so this is my first time doing this so lets see how it goes. Over all so far the trip has been an amazing experiance, full of adventure and excitment. I have found particular love for the mountians. The way they loom in the background ever present like venerable stalwart guardians watching over their charges with love and sincerity. The way the clouds roll down their slopes like an avalanche. Well on to more current events. Yesterday we arrived in Kyoto, via Shinkansen. We went to the dojo at which we are currently staying, this place is absolutly amazing to say the least. We slept on futons on tatami mat floors which is the traditional Japanese form. Then after arriving we went to Monkey Mountian. Where we saw well what else, monkeys! Then we went back to the dojo for dinner and bed. Mr. Vankrey shared ghost stories with us which was really fun! But man that stuff was spooky. Well that 's all I got for now till next time! Eli Looper

When we got to Kyoto we headed for Arashiyama. Once here we headed for this shrine which we didn't even go to, but we did get some very good ice cream. Mine was a strawberry vanilla swirl. Other got macha swirl, plain macha, and chocolate swirl. It was very differet then American soft serve because it was very rich and didn't feel like it was full of air. After this we walked past a bridge, past a river, along a mountain, then through a forest to grandma's house... I mean to the top were there was a view point. Here you could see everything. Below us was the forest and the river. That was very pretty but it was nothing ompared to the view of the mountain, when you looked straight. The leaves were changing and the opening in the mountains was just right were we could see the next bit of mountains. After this we walked more throught the village then up a very tall mountain. If it wasn't for what was at the top of the mountain I would have given up half way, but do you know what was at the top of the mountain. If you don't want to know what was at the top 1. Why are you reading this blog 2. You probably already know 3. I'm telling you anyways. What was at the top was a bunch of monkeys. Here we could feed them and take picture, but nothing else or we could have gotten eaten. When it was feeding time the played the can can. The best part of the day was when we go to play at the park.
-Erin McKearnan

Monkeys everywhere and Ghosts in our temple.
-Ian

I was actually really surprised at how tiny Harajuku was. I really expected to see a lot more people in extravagant clothing, but I'm guessing we were out of season or something. I did meet a really friendly shopkeeper who, in addition to being able to speak pretty good English, let me take a picture with him. I bought a Domo-kun change bag from his shop.
The next day we went to Kyoto, where I was only given a peek at the gargantuan Kyoto station. Were staying at a temple now, where Sensei decided to freak us out and tell us stories about how he was possessed by "Derf" the Russian spririt. I'm not buying it. I swear hes just messing with us,
On another note, I met some really friendly elderly women on the ride to Kyoto. They were really easy to understand and spoke very clearly. We all had a laugh together.
Got some really excellent photos at the top of Arashiyama and the monkey island. Really good stuff this week so far. Im just hoping that being in a room with all the guys doesnt end poorly or anything.
- Ben "Strow" Ostrow

Through a hole in the wall.
Tourists will often find comfort in Japan with the fact that, inside the major cities at least, english will accompany the important texts. You know, restaraunt menus, toilet signs, train maps. Most of the people you encounter will even know a handful of english too. However, take away all this and you dive into a whole different world.
As Emma and I were walking to find lunch in Hikone, we stumbled upon a restaraunt tucked away behind potted plants. The lack of windows, and the uninviting doors that we couldn't see through made the place look closed. But after closer inspection, pulling the door open, we soon found ourselves seated inside a restaraunt devoid of any english.
This was one of the few times on the trip so far that i have found myself completely reliant on my Japanese, and the first time I had to translate a menu. Thankfully, after five minutes we successfully ordered our food, and the bathroom; and had only to sit happily while our meals were prepared.
We learned a lot in that hole in the wall. We were placed in a situation completely out of our comfort zones, and survived just on what we walked in with. Thank you hole in the restaraunt, for all the above, and your nikudonburi.

First day in Kyoto and Monkey Hike

Our second full day was full of making new friends and so much Japanese when someone spoke in english it took me several seconds to stop my brain from deciphering Nihongo. We woke and made our way to Meiji shrine to meet up with a couple of highschool students, Vankrey sensei's teaching friend and Yokota sensei's Aunt and Uncle.
Through self introductions and broken conversation we toured the site and took pictures with a panda clad man. Got some balloons and tied a purple one to Sensei's backpack in order to see him in crowds. We left and went to Harajuku for shopping and lunch (Icecream, caramel and creme filled crepes). Then it was off to Asakusa where we experienced a temple with huuuuge lanterns and giant sandals on gates. Watched Kodomo Kabuki (children kabuki) and wondered around the shops. By far my favorite part of the day was getting to the meeting site a half hour early and being approached by some college students doing a project about foreign reactions to Japanese culture. They asked the four of us if we would like to participate and we spent the next 45 minutes making some origami, answering questions and getting to know eachother. So much fun speaking that much Japanese.
The final stop of the day was in Shinjuku where we walked a monsterous department store. There was an entire floor devoted to food and the colors were mind boggling. We couldnt find the giant book store so I asked for directions. After a few missteps we finally found it and I 've never been so proud to have followed directions in my life.
Mos burger for dinner and a trip to the top of a tall building to see the city capped off the day and we made our way home to collapse.

Tokyo love

Today we went to Harajuku, Asakusa, and Shinjuku. We met Yokota-san's aunt and uncle, Eriko (sensei's friend from when he lived here), as well as Yuichi (who was an exchange student at ETHS last year and his friend. We started at the Meiji Shrine and saw a traditional Shinto wedding. The procession was very beautiful. After that we split up and hit the streets of Harajuku. We experienced many unique outfits and crazy hairstyles. The streets were extremely crowded but we managed to make our way back to our meeting spot where we then departed for Asakusa. In Asakusa we went to a Buddhist temple which was huge. We were interviewed by students from Tokyo University who were studying tourism. Then we went to Shinjuku and experienced shopping in a Japanese department store. We had dinner at Mos Burger, a famous burger joint in Japan whose menu we used to study the food unit in J2 last year. After that we went to the 45th floor of a Japanese government building. The view was amazing, we were able to see all of Tokyo.
~ Gabi and Laura

Torii gate at Meiji Shrine

Balloons for kids who came to celebrate "shichi-go-san," a day to pray for girls who turned 3 or 7, and boys who turned 5 in the last year. We used them to locate our group throughout the day.

A panda for "the kids."

Shinto wedding celebration at Meiji Shrine

Another great day in 日本. Went to Harajuku early in the day and it was already packed full of people. Plenty of great opportunities for filming and photography. Didn't see as many people in crazy clothing as I had expected, but I met plenty of friendly people, including a shopkeeper who let me take his picture. Not sure when I get to give my site report, but I've got a mental list of what I'm going to say. Not so sure I'm looking forward to the LA tomorrow. Didn't really have any time to study since we were going everywhere.
Ben "Strow" Ostrow

Takeshita road, famous for fashion and displays of fashion, or other crazy clothes

One of many chuckle-worthy English, kind of, t-shirts

I'm happy to say we didn't loose anyone today in Tokyo! We took lots of trains and subways and walked through throngs of people to view an amazing array of Tokyo life, culture, and architecture. Good thing I had a helium balloon tied to me earlier in the day because apparently I was much easier to spot in a crowd with the bobbing balloon attached to my backpack. As a response to the lack of time time study, Yuichi, how about the 13 hours on the plane and 5 hours on trains yesterday :-) ?

Asakusa temple

Talking with college students

The newly built, and tallest in Japan, "Sky Tree."

Night view of Tokyo from 45th floor of the Tochou (governmental buildings) in Shinjuku)

Nikko

OUR DAY IN NIKKO and some more impressions from our arrival.

First breakfast at the youth hostel.

We had an great breakfast this morning-a lot of us had nato beans for the first time-afterward we departed and took the train from Shinjuku to Tokyo. There, we had the group's first "shinkansen," bullet train ride!!! It was very exciting and right now we are waiting for the train to go to Nikko and see the temples. As we approached the station the houses and the landscape went from urban and industrial to more rural and the houses look more traditional. We are all very excited to see the temples! またあとうで！
-Gustavo A.

The view from the room is very nice, we are the the 18th floor. Breakfast was very good. The plane ride was so long and the we had to take a train to the hostel. I was so tired by the end of the night, but taking a bath was very relaxing. Today we are going to Nikko and already I know that is is going to be beautiful. On the train to Nikko we saw Mt. Fuji and it was very pretty because the clouds were all over.
-Erin McK.

It is hard to put into words the rush of feelings that hit me when I took my first few steps in Japan. I was completly exhausted but for some reason that didn't bother me. That night I ate for the first time onigiri which is sticky rice molded into a thick square wrapped in seaweed with a savory feeling and let me tell you... It was absolutely delicious. The next day, today, taking the Shinkansen you could see Mt. fuji behind all the apartments and buildings. The juxtaposition of modern industrial buildings and the scenic nature in between with the misty montains in the background combined with the contrasting traditional temples and burial areas... It was just beautiful. I am just in love with this plane and the next two weeks are about to be the time on my life.
Cheers, Jenny Kulb

This mornings breakfast was actually pretty nice. I loved eating the rice and the miso soup. Riding the shinkansen for the first time was actually relaxing. I loved the fact that we were able to enjoy the view through the cities. The best was seeing Mt. fuji for the first time. I am very excited on what other things we're going to see for the next couple of weeks.
- Danielle Woods

Waking up at 4:45 in the morning due to jetlag isn't exactly the most pleasant experience, but the great breakfast this morning more than made up for it. We're headed for Nikko this afternoon, which is going to be an interesting contrast to the neon metropolitan area we've been staying in thus far. Hope my shoes are easy to take off.
On another note, this country is a lot more westernized than I'd anticipated. Also, the trains are infinitely cleaner than the metra or the el.
-Ben "Strow" Ostrow

Nothing better or more embarrassing for a young traveler than making mistakes in social situations. Accidentally asking the currency exchange man if he understood instead of confirming that I did is something I wont soon forget. The look on his face, a mix of confusion and ammusement, followed by my hurried apologies was priceless. Many train rides later lit by flourscent bulbs and clean beyond compare, we're relaxed and ready for the trip to begin. Welcome to Japan.

The morning of our first full day. Ate a large breakfast and tried fermented beans. Interesting, not altogether an unpleasant experience. Pretty okay. Relaxed and rested for the three trains to Nikko. We arrive and walk through the town on our way to the memorial. Grabbed tickets and toured the incredible space devoted to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Learned about Nikko traditional wood carving from someone also visiting. Left with enough time to do some shopping in town. Had a nice conversation with two older women in a shop who complimented David and I's Japanese and then gave us candy. Great day capped off by Udon and a Nihongo Dake train ride home.
-Ian

Our very first shinkansen ride!!

Following a series of train transfers, roughly two and a half hours after our departure from the hostel, we arrived at Nikko. Much smaller and quieter than bustling Tokyo, Nikko lies in the shadows of misty mountains, which are radiating with the rusty tones of the changing leaves. After the group hiked up one of Nikko's main streets, away from the town center, we arrived at the entrance to Nikko National Park, the home of some of Japan's most famous temples and shrines. The park is located up the side of an incline. Dark stone steps crawl upward through the towering trees. Wet stones covered in coats of deep green moss lead us through the mist. Vibrant fire-toned leaves tumbled down from the ancient trees above, caking to the moist rocky steps. Though I've taken an uncountable number of pictures, no camera can capture this experience. It can only be understood firsthand.

-Henry Smith

"shinkyo" or Bridge of the Gods. The entrance into the national park and fabulous temples and shrines of Nikko.

I was sitting on one of the trains (i don't remember which) and i noticed there are no stars. It was really interesting that all the lights where coming from buildings. Maybe it was cloudy.
I'm sure at least my parents would like to know; I tried new food and liked it :)
I don't really have much else to say except: we are here ... We are really here and it's way better than i imagined.
-Charlotte Pope

Enjoying "daifuku," or mochi filled with yummy fillings. A treat from Yokota sensei's mother.

Just one picture of the "momiji," or autumnal maple leaves.

Tomorrow's forecast: sunny and 70!!!

After a lot of walking, we're still smiling.

We're here!!!

After 13 hours of flying, waiting for train passes and reservations, taking 2 more hours of trains, we finally arrived at our youth hostel. Here are some thoughts from a couple of J-trippers (this is time number two, as the blogging app i was using kept crashing). We'll see if a few more can blog tomorrow on our first shinkansen ride!

Our first day in Japan was amazing even though it wasn't much of a day. Our flight arrived around 4:50 and we didn't get to the youth hostel until around 9:30. In between we traveled on two different trains and did a little bit of walking in between. So far my experience of Japan has been limited to brief glimpses through train windows, the view from our room, and the chance to see people interacting within a vastly different culture than our own. This experience, although brief, has gotten me extremely excited for the rest of the trip. But it is late now and I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow. また あした!
-Gabe C.

Ever since we landed, I've noticed a tapestry of advertisements covering the walls. The trains and the people all have their own schedule. It was impressive to see the amounts of people that walked from corridor to corridor at Shinjuku station. As Stu pointed out, "there's so many different lifestyles within the culture and you can see them by the way people are dressed" it's amazing!!! The onigiri we had for dinner was delicious!!!
-Gustavo A.

The trip so far is amazing. I didn't really feel like I was in Japan until the group left the airport. It is awesome to see words, actually know some of the characters, and de-code words through prior knowledge. I can't wait to actually dive into the culture tomorrow!
-Andrew T.

It's incredible how much vocabulary you can learn while watching a man in a fish costume leap across a pool of foam on wooden logs. I caught myself glued to my screen on the excruciatingly long flight to Narita. Yes, the reality shows are bizarre. Yes, the international customs department has a cartoon dog for a mascot, but there is nothing like finally having the opportunity to interact with Japanese people in real life scenarios we've been rehearsing for three to four years. It felt so surreal to say my first "arigatou gozaimasu" in Japan. I can't wait to wake up and start my adventures in the land of the rising sun.
- Stu Sufrin, 11.11.11

At the airport before security

At the airport before departure

On the 13 hour flight (at the start)

On the train (that felt like a train)

おやすみなさい oyasuminasai (good night)

Make it work!

We had our very own Project Runway in N226 this afternoon with 5 contestants


and an accomplished seamstress (thanks Gustavo's mom!)


for our first episode. We came out with a dozen or so reconstructed fashion wear items made from the t-shirts from the 2009 trip. We plan to sell them/auction them off at Parent-Teacher Conferences this October. We're thinking of branding ourselves, perhaps "Japan X-changewear," or some other creative name.


All contestants enjoyed being creative, and the judges were so pleased with the results that no one was declared "out" (in your very best Klum accent).
In fact this show is the opposite of the original program, because want to add contestants - we need your help!


Come join the fun!! Look for announcements for future sessions.

- posted by ETHS Japan Tripper Van Krey (2011)

Location:N226