Harajuku!

I had very little time in Tokyo, but the time I did have I spent mostly in Harajuku because I loved it!  Super cool neighborhood.  I only have a few pics, but here they are.

Entrance door to Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi Park...notice the chrysanthemum again.

Thought this was a super cool building in Harajuku

Maggie wandering down an alley in Harajuku

Dinner with Naoe and her daughter Yu, who was super cute and super sweet!

There was a lantern festival in Harajuku that night.  It was to raise awareness to conserve energy and to live off natural resources.  There were some very creative displays!

Girls with their squid lanterns!

Couldn't believe I found this in a high end shopping mall in Shinjuku

The infamous Takeshita Street.  It reminded me of a narrow alley version of Haight Street - without the vagabonds and crazy homeless people.

 
I've had to finish my reflections on the trip in a cursory manner, as despite all my efforts I cannot stop time...damnit!  But in closing, I'd like to say that Gion, Nijo-jo, and Harajuku were my favorite parts of the trip.  I would very much like to return to Japan.  It is extremely easy to travel there, the people are very kind and helpful, safety isn't even an issue (even for a girl traveling solo), the entire country is practically spotless, the toilets are dreamy, and the food is delicious.  My only complaint (if you can even call it that) is that the cities just didn't feel foreign to me.  It was definitely the most westernized country I've been to this year, much more so than even Taipei.  And yet, while I say it's westernized, it's actually more civilized than most other western countries I've been to, including the U.S.  Yes, Japan contrasted greatly with my year of traveling to developing countries full of extreme poverty, like Cambodia and The Philippines.  I suppose that each kind of journey has its pros and cons.  And while I fully intend to return to Japan before I leave Asia, I must admit that I prefer the more adventurous travel in developing countries.  Those trips make me feel more connected to life, somehow.  But there is a beauty to Japan, its people, and their culture that is undeniable, making it one of the places I would most highly recommend to any kind of traveler, whether she is a novice or a veteran.

Oh, and one other thing.  People were clearly grateful that we chose to journey to Japan despite the recent crisis.  Maggie and I were glad we chose to support Japan by bringing our money there during this period of recovery.  On top of that, tourist areas were practically empty, making it easy to go sightseeing.  If you're planning a big adventure any time soon, I highly suggest Japan; it's a great way to support their country.

Until next time, Sayonara Japan!!!