From Chiba to Tokyo

Konnichiwa! We’ve just completed the first half of our journey in Japan and have now arrived in Tokyo, the booming, bright metropolis, occupied by 30 million people. What a dramatic change from our previous surroundings! From our first day, the beauty of nature and the environment has surrounded us. Before arriving at the small fishing village of Kyonan-machi in the prefecture of Chiba, where we stayed for the first five days, we had the opportunity to visit some of Tokyo’s lesser known attractions.

Chiba Prefectural Boso-nu-Mura, Experience Museum

A recreated traditional Japanese village, complete with food and fun activities for children.

The Largest Statue of the Buddha DAIBUTSU in Japan, Kenkon-zan Nihon-ji Nokogiri-yama, Chiba.

Carved into the steep mountainside, keeping watch over the land.

Ruriko Observatory, Kenkon-zan Nihon-ji Nokogiri-yama, Chiba.

Just above the stone Buddha, we climbed the treacherous and plentiful steps to reach the very top of the mountain. While the trek proved to be more than a challenge, the view was entirely worth the agony.

Mt. Fuji, from the distance.

Our entire week in Kyonan-machi was spent learning about the history and culture of Japan, learning the language and participating in activities, such as fan-making and walking through the daffodil meadows, which Chiba is well-known for.

We also had the chance to explore this quaint, but picturesque town on our own, using whatever means possible.

The center that we stayed at, Sunset Breeze Hota, was extremely hospitable and accommodating. It is primarily a squash and all-around sports retreat.

Overall, our first week in Chiba proved to be beyond any expectations I could have had for my first taste of Japan. It was an experience that not even most Japanese in Tokyo could have had, considering that people in Japan only travel 2 days out of the entire year and most people have never left the city in their entire lives.

I am looking forward to this change of environment, now that we’re in Tokyo, staying at the Yoyogi Olympic Center, where the Olympics took place in the summer of 1964. Already, just in our first night, we were able to witness the high-paced, fast moving culture of Shibuya, primarily the Shibuya crossing. It was truly a sight to behold, comparable to Times Square on New Year’s Eve, except with everyone moving, going about their business on a regular Wednesday night.

Takeshita street in Harajuku, renowned for its bright lights and teeming population of outrageous fashionistas.

We’ll be starting the film portion of our program today and I’m looking forward to exploring as much of the city in the days to come.

Mata-ne!