While in Japan, I intend to do the most to get the full experience of the Japanese culture. Food, tradtions, some martial arts, and anything else I can get my hands on- but I think that I really need to go somewhere that the culture will stand out more than anywhere else. In my experience, the capital of a place generally does that well- so, I want to go to Tokyo. My journey should be an interesting mix of new experiences and a weird sort of nostalgia- the type born of a long history of gaming and anime watching. I assume I'll get there via the overnight bus, which supposedly can cost as little as 4500 yen on discount, and head back in the same way.
1. Visit the Scramble Crossing- one of my favorite games, The World Ends with You, takes place in Tokyo, and one of the main areas is the Scramble Crossing. Given the accuracy it's said to be portrayed with, I'd very much like to visit. Going along with this, I think it'd be fun to check out Hachiko while I'm there. 
2. Visit Square Enix HQ- Remember that game I loved? Square Enix made it. Alongside several other games I loved. So, now that I realize it's there, I'd like to give it a look. For all I know, it's just a big company office, but it'd be cool to see either way.
3. Visit a castle- Keeping with the video game theme, Samurai Warriors gave me a fun, if miserably inaccurate glimpse into Japanese military history. I've always loved the samurai and I loved the game, so I think seeing a castle would be great. Apparently, Matsumoto castle is close, nice, and cheap (600 yen), so I'd love to see it. 
4. Look at nature (and culture)- Being at Akita, I assume I'm going to be fairly in tune with nature, but I'd like to see it at its best. In this interest, I'd like to see one of Tokyo's many parks. From what I can tell, Yoyogi Park is in Shibuya, and it's quite the place to both see some nature and see the culture...through looking at people. If not here, then I know there are several parks I'd like to see.
5. Go nuts with food- I know we're supposed to plan and plan well, but in my experience in places like Philly and New York, there are scores of places to find food, and most aren't expensive or nice enough to make it on the internet. I'm assuming I'm going to be miserably malnourished in Akita, so I'm going to go for somewhere in the range of 5000 calories (minimum) through any number of restaurants.
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ReplyDeleteWieji!!
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting how you expanded on your interest in games to go to different places in Tokyo. I just thought you could add a little bit more details on what you would do at each places, especially #5 on food. I think you should mention what food you would like to eat and where you would go to experience these foods. Its just a thought :)
I guess it goes without saying that you can't go wrong with Tokyo, one of the most, if not THE MOST hyperkinetic city in the world. A visit there should keep you occupied and entertained at all times, and well fed as well. The food should be incredible. Visiting the Square Enix HQ should be pretty cool too, even if it is just an office building... but knowing Japan they'll probably have some cool stuff for fans to check out.
ReplyDeleteWieczerack-san, what's up with you and all these video game themes man. I am surprised at you. No, I'm not. I think that anyone who wants to get a glimpse into the Square Enix headquarters is cool by me. I think it is a good idea if you want to experience a lot of the city life and some Japanese culture than it would be a great idea for you to go to Japan. The only thing that I am really worried about for you is the money aspect. How much will everything cost you, especially since you probably are going to try to eat everything. So make sure if and when you go to Japan you make a more elaborate plan than just to go and hope for the best because you will either be broke or get lost.
ReplyDeleteWieczerack-san, you would use video games as your inspiration... By the way, where am I during this? You better bring me because I'm starving too!
ReplyDeleteTokyo is a great place to visit. It's full of activity and shopping! Be careful you don't go broke because of food. Square Enix HQ would be cool to visit. Do you even know if you can get into the building? Well, even if you couldn't, I'm sure the building will look impressive with the number of successful games they put out.
So you're going to the park to people watch? Well, that's always interesting. Don't get arrested.