Japan. A land of contradictions.

Shinjuko--can you see anything different about this photo? Look closer in the background!

I'm in Japan and currently on the road. If all goes to plan, I'm visiting Miyajima today.  I thought I'd share a few photographs and random commentary on our trip so far.

Shinjuko Gardens--just five minutes away from the madness.

Japan is a weird contrast of ancient cultural treasures, and concrete jungle, flashing-light consumerism. It's crowded, and hotel rooms are generally a lot smaller than back in North America. The population of Tokyo is bigger than the total population of Canada. 37-38 million people. There isn't a lot of space, and there isn't a lot of room for error.

My husband taking shots on the subway

Which is probably why their subway system is AMAZING, and their disaster planning management top-notch. However, it's worth noting that the Japanese are thrown when things don't proceed according to plan. Or it could just be my disruptive influence :)

The people are wonderfully polite. They aren't big into hugs. They are big into gifts, and sake, and FISH! Holy Moses are they ever into fish.

The first time I walked through a mall in the morning I felt like a fantasy hero. All the shopkeepers stood at the doors and bowed as we walked through.

I've discovered that clothes here FIT ME! I am no longer "petite" although I'm a bit wide-in-the-hip compared to the locals.

Everything is expensive.

The spiders are bigger than I like. Actually money spiders are the only size I can live with.

Buddhism is important, though the monks aren't always very friendly. Is friendliness a Buddhist principle? Probably not :).

The graveyards are fascinating. In a few days we go to the biggest graveyard in the world. I know--fun times, huh? Thank goodness I can also take the kids to Tokyo Disney for some glitter and sparkle. 

I'm loving out trip and a bit sad we only have less than a month left. It's been so much fun delving into the city of Tokyo and the country at large. Hopefully there's a book in it :)  Wish me luck on the Bullet Train. 

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