tokyo. such wow.

Before my arrival to Tokyo, I thought this post might've just been a picture post; just like I thought my trip to Tokyo might've just been a photography trip, kind of. I was going alone, and when I get to decide the entire schedule for a trip to an awesome place, it's basically just taking photos. What I didn't take into account was that when you're alone in a place like that, you're bound to do a lot of thinking! And I want to share some of the thoughts I had, so it's not just pictures this time, either... So a bit more scrolling for those who just came for the photos!

But, as you might guess, I did take a shitload of photos, too. Out of the hundreds I took I managed to choose 100 to be presented to you, and since I can't possibly fit them into this post, I've uploaded everything on Flickr, too, so click HERE to see the rest of them, and also if you just wanna skip the reading part!

I arrived on Wednesday evening, with just enough time to go and see the Sky Tree, which was right next to the hostel - or so I thought, as I saw it from the dorm window. But, as it turns out, it's not only high but big in all dimensions, so it seemed to be a lot closer than it actually was. So I walked and walked, and kept thinking it must be right around the corner. Well, I got there eventually, but the weather was so bad that there was really no point in paying over 2000 yen to go up and see nothing from the clouds and rain. So I returned to the hostel, and on the way back Tokyo rained on me. Bah.

Solamachi's the shopping mall right next to the Sky Tree.

Luckily that was only the first night, and the next days were much better weatherwise - sunny almost the entire time! On the first full day, I wanted to explore all the areas I'd heard so much about - Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku. These are places that always come to mind when you think of Tokyo, and because of the countless of images and movie scenes that have taken place in these areas, I pretty much knew what to expect. But, the thing is, when you go to a place like that for the first time, you can never prepare yourself sufficiently in order not be taken aback. And why should you, it's one of the most wonderful experiences, to be honestly stunned about a view in front of you, so much so that you forget about yourself completely.

Tokyo's also a good place if you want to experience what it feels like to be completely alone despite of having masses of people around you. And it's also a common experience, I could read it on people's faces bright and clear. Everybody seemed so tired and lonely. Riding the subway was the worst. It was filled with people every time, but quite literally nobody ever talked to each other. They either stared into oblivion, or were half asleep.

The most miserable place on Earth.

Why the long face? Just look at the scene, dudes!

It was a striking difference to Kyoto, where I also had to take the subway back home - that time, though, people were with friends and there was actual chatter. Although in Kyoto, I'm still unable to follow conversations because of the dialect! That's also one difference I noticed - people in Tokyo speak the kind of Japanese that I've learned, so I actually understood when they talked to me, and even when they talked to each other! In the more touristy areas, the sales people were eager to strike up a conversation with me when they realized I spoke some Japanese. So although the general atmosphere was quite melancholy, customer service was a bit better compared to Kyoto, or at least they tried harder. And I'm assuming that's to attract the tourists.

So, about these different areas. Harajuku is a good place to go if you like to dress to express yourself. It's not just for Japanese kawaii lolita style stuff, like I thought, but more like Camden Town in London - something for everybody, really! You can also find a good selection of geek stuff, like movie merchandise - and again, not just anime stuff but for Western films and shows as well. Not to mention the delicious sweets shops that it's full of. I tried this thing called zakuzaku, which was a crispy pastry filled with something that resembled custard, and it was delicious. I loved Harajuku, and had I had more time and money, I'd probably spent an entire day shopping there.

Zakuzaku!

Takeshita Street

Shinjuku and Shibya were the busiest areas I went to, and since they were pretty much what I expected, I don't really have anything special to say about them. I was dumbfounded and slightly overwhelmed when trying to take it all in, but in a good way. I know I wouldn't be able to stay in such a place for too long, but I'd go back any day for a visit. Tokyo, especially the central area, is the second spot off my bucket list (which is quite funny, seeing that I've traveled a lot), so how could I not have loved every second of it?

The Hachiko statue in front of Shibuya station - I think that guy ended up in the wrong photo!

The famous crossing

Shinjuku at nightfall

The second day was spent in a bit more relaxed environments. I had my breakfast at Tokyo Tower, watching the city scape spread before me. I even paid for a special ticket to go up to the higher observatory, and despite people online arguing it's not worth it, it so was. You can see so much farther - the tower is in the middle of skyscrapers so if you just stay in the first observatory you'll see skyscrapers. Up from the special observatory, you get the bigger picture.

The neverending city 

Breakfast with a view

After brekkie, I headed to Odaiba, a place I'd never heard of before but that turned out to be my favorite place in Tokyo. I took the Yurikamome line there, which was very much like the DLR in London - this, too, had a rollercoastery feeling to it, and it was fully automated so you have a chance to ride in the front. Anyways, Odaiba was so calm and peaceful, with a beach and running courses, a few quiet shopping malls, the Fuji TV Station, and only pedestrian traffic, which was why it was so peaceful in the first place. Oh, and they've got the Statue of Liberty, too. Figures.

Oh yes, count me in for a run around Odaiba!

On my way back to the subway station, I stumbled upon this car museum/shopping mall thing...

Since the afternoon had been so relaxing, I just had to go and be a bit overwhelmed again, so I went to Akihabara. That's where the anime geeks gather, and where the biggest billboards and neon light signs are. It's also just full of men, really, and places that cater to lonely guys who are infatuated with feminine anime characters. I saw very few Japanese girls around, aside from the ones that were dressed in the lolita fashion and handing out fliers for shops and bars and whatever they have around there, I don't even really want to know.

I finally googled - this is actually the band's own theater! I was wondering what the people were lining up for.

Wonder what this hot spot loved by foreigners is - oh, McDonald's. How exciting.

On Saturday, I took the Shinkansen back to Kyoto - which, by the way, was just another train, like I'd feared. I mean, it's fast, and looks cool from the outside, but the interior isn't much fancier than your average Pendolino in Finland. But the ride was very comfortable and that's all you can ask for a train, right? Anyway, after the check-out, I didn't go straight to the station but took a bit longer route to be able to see Ueno Park, which was a bit boring since it's all the kind of stuff you can see in Kyoto any day, with Kyoto being a lot prettier; but I had the most wonderful breakfast moment at a charming café next to the park.

From there, I walked on to Nippori as I'd just learned it's the most cat-dense area in Tokyo, and wasn't disappointed! There's even an entire shopping street devoted to cat-related stuff. Heaven. And then, my last stop before Tokyo Station was Hijiribashi - another spot the guidebook I found too late recommended, and it was so worth those few minutes that I was able to spend there! One of the best photo spots in Tokyo.

I love cats, I love every kind of cat, I just wanna hug all of them but I can't hug every cat!

Like a toy land!

So that was Tokyo for now. It was a very thought-provoking trip, and against all odds, I really enjoyed just walking around alone with my camera, observing and contemplating the way people lead their life there, and life in general, both my own and ours as people. I'm so lucky to be able to experience all this. But it's also not just luck; I've made things happen to be able to be here now, and whenever I travel alone, I feel proud of myself, since I know I'm taking important lessons in life I that wouldn't if I just stayed in Finland. So totally recommend this to everybody, even if it means eating plain rice for the next three months, like it does to me...

momiji

It's the best time of the fall, the momiji season, when the leaves turn into all these amazing colors, from what almost looks like neon yellow, to crimson red - the other day I even saw purple leaves! So I thought it'd be a good time to finally go and see Kinkaku-ji (actually Rokuon-ji, but it's better known by the name Kinkaku-ji, I think), and see what all the fuss is about. Sadly, the weather wasn't in my favor this time; it was pretty cloudy the whole weekend, so I've spent half a day saturating the fuck out of these pictures. I do hope you enjoy them!

But first, a couple of pictures I took when I took a stroll down at the riverbank.

These things that look like eagles but act like pigeons.

How romantic.

Well, so on Saturday, I biked all the way up to the northern part of the town, where Kinkaku-ji is located, and I'm so glad I chose the bike over the train, since the way up there was so pretty! I made my way through these quiet neighborhoods filled with narrow, winding streets. So picturesque. I think I took more photos on the way there and back than at the actual attraction. Here's a couple.

Now, I think it might've been better just to spend the day exploring the quiet neighborhood, since at the arrival to Kinkaku-ji, I was once again reminded how I hate tourists. And yes, I am aware that I'm also a tourist, and that everybody else is probably just as annoyed, but gosh. To some people there, I would've liked to quote my favorite movie Pitch Perfect, where one of the character says these words of wisdom: "Please take your head out of your ass, it's not a hat!" I mean, I don't know how it's possible, when you're there with a kazillion of other tourists, to have this delusion that you're the only person in the world. Because that's how so many people were acting. I don't know, I guess it has something to do with the fact that you're on a holiday in a different country, which makes you think that you're not really that much responsible for any harm that you may cause to others, since, after all, you don't really understand the culture and the customs. Which is a load of bullshit. When in Rome, right?

Like kids at a zoo.

Kinkaku-ji

"What's that smell?"

So that was an exhausting experience, and the temple wasn't that special, really. I mean, yeah, it was a golden temple so of course it's pretty, but I think I've been spoiled since I live in Kyoto where there are temples and shrines at every corner, so they don't really look that amazing anymore. And since I was so busy hating people, I didn't even have time to properly appreciate the sight itself.

Afterwards, I went to a kaiten sushi restaurant. These are probably my favorite places, since you get a selection of different types of sushi that go past your table, and get to pick any of them that look delicious or interesting enough. Although I don't think these places are ideal for experimenting with new foods, as they serve cheap, raw fish. And that can possibly be dangerous. However, I couldn't resist trying out this yuzu-flavored whatever it is. 5/5, never again.

District 9 sushi

At my way home, I had to stop at the Imperial Gardens to take a photo of these momiji enthusiasts. I love it how the Japanese get so excited about everything.

Guys, it's just a tree...

fall activities

So another week has flown by without a single blog post, which has resulted in way too many Facebook updates. Gotta share the experiences somehow, right? Otherwise it would be just me experiencing things, where would the fun in that be, huh? No, but seriously, it's not just the fact that I'm as much of a slave to the social media as everybody else, but when you're used to living with somebody who's always there to share your most mundane experiences, it gets really frustrating when you come across fun stuff but then have nobody around to share it with and laugh at it together... Thus, Facebook spam. Forgive me.

Anyway, this week I've kept myself pretty busy, not just with school but exploring Kyoto a bit further! So I wanted to post some pictures, since the places I went to were nothing short of amazing. I've probably mentioned before that I live right next to the Imperial Palace and frequently go on morning jogs around the park/garden that surrounds it. Well, from Thursday last week until Tuesday this week, the palace itself was open to the public.

Welcome! (This isn't the main entrance, really. If it was, the view would be blocked by masses of people.)

Apparently, as a foreigner, you also have the possibility to book yourself a private tour around the palace grounds, but there's no such option for the Japanese, so these public openings are arranged a couple times per year. And the lazy motherfuckers that we are, who just can't be arsed to book a private tour, we joined the masses of Japanese people on Tuesday, which also happened to be Culture Day here. What that means is, if you're not a uni student, you get a day off! And if you're a uni student, fuck you, you go to classes. Luckily I only have classes until 12 on Tuesdays, so there was still plenty of time to explore the palace grounds!

Here you can get a glimpse of what it was actually like: packed with tourists. Luckily they had many blocked areas, such as the entire garden, so that I was able to get a few good shots!

On Wednesday - another short school day - I finally climbed Higashiyama, aka Daimonyama! It was definitely not a walk in the park. I mean, I thought I was in fairly good shape, but I was out of breath after the first 5 minutes! And it gets really hard on your knees, especially on the way down. But I made it, although I have to admit that that was about as long a hike as I was comfortable doing, for now anyways. I was seriously a lot more exhausted than I usually am after my average run. Then there were these elderly Japanese men who were just leisurely jogging up the mountain and back down again... Madness. However, I strongly recommend everybody to climb a mountain, at your own pace - it's good exercise, and the views you get are just breathtaking.

"I'm on the edge, the edge, the edge, the edge..."

I can almost imagine I'm at the bottom of an ocean.

To add up to the challenge: These were the "stairs" we were using.

What do you do when you have a view like this in front of you? Well, why not check Facebook!

Descending from the heavens.

So that was an experience I wouldn't mind having again. Luckily we're surrounded by mountains here, so all you have to do is pick one, put some sneakers on and get going.

Back in town - the scenery down here isn't too bad, either!

After such a busy week, though, I'm pretty content with just spending a lazy weekend at home, doing some chores and homework, go for a walk, maybe, and for the rest of the time... THIS:

Finally gave in to the compelling urge to buy one of these extremely detailed coloring books. In my adult years, I've actually had a couple of children's ones (including a Star Wars one, of course), but I've been wanting to buy one of these adults' ones as well ever since they became a thing. The other day, when I was coloring a small picture on a handout in class, I realized that I do not only want this, I need this! So I went ahead and bought it, although they're not cheap. Whereas you can get a children's coloring book for a couple of euros, one of these can cost you more than 10 euros. But it's so worth it, though! The most relaxing time you've ever had.