Bright Lights, Big Tokyo City

Wowee, it's already January 18th?! That means I've already been in Japan for two weeks! It's been a pretty hectic week and half here in Tokyo, a HUGE change from our first week in Chiba. But I've been having a fantastic time here learning about the culture and exploring the city. Tokyo really is one huge maze with criss-crossing streets, most of which don't have street signs or names (that I can understand in English anyway). My whole experience here has been a tremendous culture shock in every way possible, from language, to food, to customs and especially fashion. The younger generation here dresses so wild, it's unreal! But anyway, here's a look at some of the places we've been able to tour in between taking going to our film class everyday.

On the bridge connecting Yoyogi Park to Yoyogi Olympic Village

Schoolgirl making an offering to an idol


Japanese fashion in Harajuku

Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi Park


Roommates at the entrance to the Outer Garden of the Imperial Palace


View of Marunouchi from the top of the fort at the Outer Garden


Lecture given by Sakichi Sato, writer of Gozu and Ichi the Killer, who also played Charlie Brown in Kill Bill



The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka

We have yet to take full advantage of the city, as our film course meets every afternoon but starting Monday, after our final presentation, we'll have four days vacation before we return to New York on the 24th so stay posted!

Mata-ne!