I travel.: January 2012

In late 2009, I decided to stop spending money on crap that I didn't need and save as much as I could so that my dream of visiting Japan could actually become a reality. Ever since then I have been saving like a maniac so that I can see as much of the World as I can before my time is up.

On this trip I invited 3 of my friends (Mike, Tim and Keith) to join me.

During the plane ride Tim decided to sleep with his hand in his pants haha

Upon arrival into Tokyo we got some yen and hopped on the bus to our hotel (Keio Plaza).

Japan: Number 1 in toilet technology!

After settling into the hotel we went for a walk around the area.

The Japan of my dreams.

The next day we woke up to an amazing view. We knew it would be a great first day in Japan.

After we all got ready we went down the street to Shinjuku Station, the busiest station in Japan (~4 million people per day). We bought train tickets from the ticket booth guy because the machines were very confusing but we managed to figure them out as the trip went on. Harajuku (TakeAShit Street) was our first stop.

My favorite thing in Japan..... the vending machines that are literally EVERYWHERE. You can walk into a back alley in a random part of the city where nobody goes and there will be at least 3 vending machines with every drink you can possibly imagine. They even had Welch's Grape!

Our next stop was right across the tracks, Yoyogi Park.

After checking out the park we got back on the train and went down to Shibuya, famous for its scramble crossing.

After all the walking around Harajuku and Shibuya it was time for a beverage.

After a few drinks... it was time to visit Ueno Park. Tim saw a strange banana stand and had to try one.

I was surprised to see some BMX action.

Random shots from around Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo.

This guy was awesome!

After messing around in the parks all day, it was time for dinner back in Shinjuku.

NOODLES MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

It was then bed time so we could wake up early to catch our Shinkansen to Kyoto.

At the crack of dawn we boarded the train. I loved riding all the trains and the Shinkansen are the top of the line. The seats were more comfortable than any airplane seats and they even had vending machines on them haha!

Nap time?

Trying to figure out where to go in Kyoto. Where are those damn temples at?

YUM

Kyoto Imperial Palace: Closed

After walking around we decided to visit a bamboo forest that was near by. We accidentally bought tickets for the express train that doesn't stop at all of the stations thus missing our stop so we had to get off, adjust our tickets and go back to the station we were looking for. Messing up is all part of the adventure!

Tiny doors

Bamboo!

All aboard for Tokyo

The next day we decided to just bum around the city with no real plan haha.

We got off the train at the station with the longest name. Gakugei-daigaku Station.

Then we went over to Meiji Dori.

I got me some Bathing Apes.

Kebabs

Back to the hotel for the night. More beverages plz ^_^

Turning Japanese? I think so!

The next morning we went down to Tsukiji Market for some of the freshest sushi in the World.

Can't remember the name of this place but it was one of the many sushi bars inside the market. They had a set menu so you just paid the amount and they gave you sushi in a certain order. It was delicious.

After the sushi breakfast we were looking at sushi platters and bowls made by local Japanese people. All of a sudden, a camera crew came out of nowhere. They interviewed us for TV but I didn't even think to ask which channel haha. It was interesting.

Huge fish!

Back to the hotel!

Off to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo

Fish guarding the palace

^ Keith ate a Japanese ant in the Imperial Gardens

Apparently they don't want people staying after closing time.

Can't remember what we did after this......

THE NEXT DAY.... I left the guys and rode a Shinkansen up North to Hachinohe to see my friend Aaron who I hadn't seen in 5 years. He happened to be visiting his brother on Misawa AFB at the same time.