The siren song of Japan is just too enticing. 5 years after our first Asian Odyssey we are back to celebrate Ashley's 40th year of not doing anything so stupid it might kill him.
If you remember, our last trip was made in the weeks after the tsunami that devastated parts of Japan, saw a max exidous of gaijin and all but obliterated tourism. This was one of the reasons we wanted to return, we were not sure that was the real Japan we had experienced. That and everything about Japan is awesome and kooky and headscratchingly bizarre. Or stunningly beautiful. Most times both!
The minute we stepped on to the Japan flight it was clear this was going to be a different trip. Last time the plane was nearly empty, we were the only foreigners going through immigration and the airport was apocalypticly deserted. Not so much this time around. Navigating the immense crowds in the airports, train stations and alleyways has been a challenge we have not before experienced. We knew some lights had been turned off in Shinjuku, but wow - it is realllly lit up now. And there's just this overall feeling of calmness that wasn't there last time. Chaotic calmness. And lots lots more foreigners. Hearing other languages in the street is something that was glaringly absent last time.
This time we are staying in the heart of Shinjuku where the syrrrts below are awash with people, good time, odd bars and so much food.
Today is Sunday. And everyone knows what Sundays in tokyo are about.... HARAJUKU DAY!!!!
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