Asakusa + Odaiba

Hello everyone. It's time to update you once again about this wonderful, and amazing Japan trip. So everyone here is doing great. We often arrive back at the Youth Hostel with aching feet, but that helps us have a great night rest. So to start off the day, we woke up at our usual time of 7:15ish. We met up with everyone at the usual "D Building." We walked over to the cafeteria to have our morning breakfast together. After breakfast we allleft for Asakusa.Today was Dexter's turn to give a tour. When we arrived at Asakusa, we made our way towards Sensoji Temple. The place was beautiful and HOT. There was many vendors on the was into the temple. They sold many various things such as, food, clothes, toys, wigs, masks, shoes, purses, etc. The place was completely packed with so many tourists and visitors. The gate was HUGE and pretty. On the gate hung a huge lantern. When you walk through the door, the temperature seemed to spike even higher. It was probably because of all the people in such a crowed area. So we made our way to the temple that was at the back of all the vendors and stores. It was a very crowed and hot walk. When we arrived at the actual temple, we let ourselves become scented with the incenses placed at the bottom of the steps. Even though the incense was extremely strong, the Japanese custom believed it brought good luck. So after we "soaked" ourselves in the incense smoke, we walked up the stairs to the temple doors. In front of the temple door was yet another wish "box." Many of us made a wish, threw money, bowed, clapped, and bowed once more. There was so many other visitors that it was difficult to keep track of one another. Luckily we found one another in the temple. We observed the architecture of the temple, and looked at huge Buddhist statue it contained. So after taking a couple pictures it was time to have free time. So everyone broke off and went to look at all the vendors and look for some gifts or souvenirs. The shaved ice was delicious. Haha. So after slowly heading back to the front of the temple to meet up with Sensei and everyone, we left for Odaiba. We took a cruise to Odaiba!!!!!

The cruise was beautiful. They had a top, bottom, and back deck for all different types of views. Most of the students sat down stairs because it had air conditioning. Haha. Sensei was up stairs I believe. Luckily one was "sea sick," so the ride went one without any difficulties.

Once was reached Odaiba, we made our way towards the "Statue of Liberty." Haha Yes, Odaiba has a mini Statue of Liberty. Amazing isn't it. Odaiba has many different types of attractions. AquaCity was the shopping center, Joypolis was the huge indoor amusement park, Palette town had the huge ferris wheel, and huge indoor arcade. There was also the Fuji TV Station, a museum, also a toy convention center. So we basically had free time until 4PM. That was two hours of fun. However, Sensei told us it is okay for us to stay longer i

f we wanted to. We just had to let him know that we won't be coming back to the meeting place at 4PM, but we will be back at the Youth Hostel at 10PM instead. So everyone broke up into groups to hang out. Some people went shopping, others went to eat, others went exploring, while the rest went to the amusement park. The majority of us decided to stay at Odaiba to explore more. Two students went back with Sensei and Ms. Lem, but they took a detour and went to Shibuya to go shopping. The other 9 students decided to stay and hang out. They met up and decided to go to the huge arcade together. 5 of those students went into the Haunted House at the arcade. The other 4 were sitting outside waiting and laughing because they could hear the other students screaming from the mini speakers.

After the haunted house those 9 students went to the bowling alley, karaoke, place upstairs. They all were playing at the game machines or billiards. The billiards game was funny because most of the people who played, never played before. After billiards took place, they all went outside to catch the HUGE ferris wheel. The view from the ferris wheel was wonderful. It was a view of Odaiba at night. So many shiny lights and the Rainbow bridge that lit up. After the 15 minute ride, we all decided it was time to head back to the Youth Hostel. Once we arrived back at the hostel, everyone's legs were hurting and sore. We all took our baths and hung out in each other's rooms. Then it was time to fall asleep because we all have to wake up early for the train ride to Osaka.

So thats all the update for today. ^^ Remember to check out the blog tomorrow for an update about out trip to Osaka!!!! :D

We miss you all. :]

This is a blog from Jennifer T.

Tsuru High School

Hey guys, how are you enjoying this blog so far? Today, this will be Elizabeth Lan writing today's blog. So, we wake up in the morning feeling ready for the 3rd day of our trip. We brush our teeth, wash our face as usual and once again meet everyone in the appropriate building. As we finish our breakfast, we set out immediately to take the JR train to a new location.

Riding the JR all the way to 'Otsuki' stop, the one hour and and twenty five minute wait has come to an end. Kindly waiting was Austin Hedani; a student also from George Washington, has guided us all the way to Tsuru High School. The fact that the buildings looked just like in television or in manga, has amazed many of us. Welcome signs were all over the school and the warm atmosphere the Tsuru high school students have created (as well as the weather) was very heart-touching for us all.

As we were guided through the school, we first walked into the first year's english class. All of us shy as ever, we introduced ourselves and communicated with them smoothly. As the class period came to an end, we were prepared for a private bus tour to see Mt. Fuji! During the ride, we were able to see Mt. Fuji (if it was not too cloudy ><) and 5 famous lakes of the Yamanashi Prefecture. There was also an amusement park very well known that excited some and frightened some of us, but it definitely amazing. v(OuO)v

The private bus tour has taken us to Mt. Fuji shrine, which is was more of a starting point if you wanted to climb Mt. Fuji. However, stuck to a tight schedule, we either made a wish at the shrine, bought gifts, or took pictures. As we returned to Tsuru High School, we were set up for an 'assembly' ready for action! Speeches were given, thanks was taken, and gifts were accepted. Everyone warmed the room with our friendship with each other and we all could not part from the students.

Yet, even us could not stop them from their duties, let it be studying, or going to sports practice. Their amazing hard work inspired us all profoundly. Such respectful and hard-working students who excel in their skills are really amazing! I can't simply stress that any more of the asian students who work very hard till its time to go home for dinner, pretty much. AMAZING!!!!

Sadly enough, everything comes to and end so as we finished the assembly and gathered ourselves, we were given a tour thanks to Hedani-sensei of most of the clubs that were going around. First was the Choir group, whose angelic voices had excited us all to meet more students.

Good bye Tsuru High School, Japan trip of 2010 is grateful for your hospitality and kindness. We will never forget all the wonderful memories you have given us and we hope we have done the same to you. Now it is time for us to relax, hang out, and get ready for another big exciting day for the Japan group of 2010. Thanks for reading my very long blog guys, hope to write to you again. Till next time~~! ^o^

P.S hahahah.....Sensei fell asleep on the train! And he warned US not to!!! hahahahahaha He must be tired. We're very thankful for the arrangement he has set up for us and he worked just as hard as us to get gifts for people of Tsuru High School.

Fish, (imperial) family, and festivals

Hello everybody back in America! This is Michelle Otoshi. :D The Japan trip has been amazing so far. Even though we spend hours walking each day, all the sights, stores, and surprises make up for our aching feet. Today (or actually, yesterday was) July 15th.

First off, we took a train to Tsukiji to see the Tsukiji Fish Market. I don't think any of us knew what to expect there. The place was humongous and very busy. We had to walk in a straight, single-file line and felt slightly out of place because workers and vendors were rushing about. Nearly getting run over by carts and cars is scary. Nonetheless, I saw some of the biggest fish heads I've ever seen at the Fish Market, and everything there was so fresh! Wish I had some sashimi to eat right now...

Later on, we went to Marunouchi and got tickets for a Sky Bus tour. I've never been on a double-decker bus before, but it was amazing. The tour was about an hour and we got to go directly underneath Tokyo Tower. The wind in our faces and the beautiful view of Tokyo Bay is almost indescribable. The tour was entirely in Japanese, but we could understand most of what the tour guide was telling us. Did you know Tokyo Tower is as old as Michael Jackson?

After the Sky Bus tour, everybody was really tired and quiet. I think it was just too much excitement for all of us. We headed over to the Imperial Palace afterwards. The palace's architecture is so interesting, and even the moat around it was beautiful. I wish we could've spent more time at the Imperial Garden next to the palace. "The grass is always greener on the..," actually no. The grass is very green in Tokyo. Let's just leave it at that.

Akihabara. Akiba. Otaku haven. Whatever you want to call it, it's crazy. (In a good way, of course.) We had some trouble finding the tourist spots we wanted to go to and the locals didn't really know where to direct us to either. We decided to eat a late lunch and go shopping at the Yodobashi Camera department store. This building has 9 floors of crazy goodness. 8 floors are dedicated to shopping. They have a floor for books, a floor for video games and toys, and a floor for cameras/phones. The top floor is the food court. The small group I ate with had to make our own tonkatsu sauce, but who knew it would be so delicious! The fruits of our labor. Or should I say sesame seeds?

The Mitama Matsuri festival was our last stop. This is a memorial for all the people who died for the emperor in the war. Each lantern features the name of the soldier and there are a countless number of them. Despite this, the festival's atmosphere was very exciting and happy. There were many vendors selling okonomiyaki, takoyaki, drinks, etc., and many people were dressed in pretty yukata. There was so much to chose from and eat and the crowds of people there were a bit intimidating, but it was definitely a great experience. I'd love to go back again.

Well, that was our busy day. Hope everyone at home is having fun without us. Or maybe it's the other way around... Anyway, with spiked hair and sore feet, I'm out.

Until next time,

Michelle Otoshi

夏恋

Welcome family, friends, and stalkers alike to another addition of Washington High School's Japan Vacation. ようこそ。My name is Steven Ichikawa and I will be your blog host today.

So what can I say so far about Japan? The weather is a perfect blend of wind and humidity, the people are nice, and the overall atmosphere is great.

So today our adventures took us to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku areas of Tokyo. As you can see in the picture, when we went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, we met this cute cute cute baby. He was posing with all the Asian girls with pictures. Not even smiling; just mugging the camera the whole time. That was definitely the most memorable part of the day.

After we left the Govt. Building, we went over to the shopping areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku. Definitely a great set up as they have clothes and shops for people of all interests. My favorite personally is Shibuya. There are a lot of high end shops as well as well priced retailers so everyone can blend in. 最高だぜ！

The last significant place we visited was the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Even though it neighbors the bustling streets of Shibuya, the area is so serene and peaceful you wouldn't even think it was in a major city. It was like a forest straight out of Lord of the Rings.

To conclude, this day was great and I've seen so many cool things so far in Tokyo. On a side note, people saying they don't want to go to Japan because they can't speak Japanese need to do some research. I've only used Japanese twice in 3 days. This place is so easy for people to live in. Be Easy everybody.

-Steven

夏のかけら

Even disembarking on the plane I hardly felt like this was a real experience-I kept believing I would wake up, ready to go back to school the next day, no promise of a summer trip to Japan waiting on the horizon. But it is real. As ethereal as it felt on the 10 hour flight, it couldn't compare to coming into Tokyo on the Narita express line, ferrying us from the Narita airport into the mean streets of Tokyo.

My name is Hadrian, and this is just a brief glimpse of what the first day of George Washington High School's 2011 Japan trip has been like.

Everything we've encountered so far seems geared towards convenience. The flight itself didn't feel like a 10 hour flight. It couldn't have been. I was too comfortable, I had too much leg room. But the simple fact that I managed to watch three in-flight movies and still catch a quick nap reminded me just how long I had been flying. The train itself was shocking in its efficiency. When the train stopped briefly before we got on, a team of attendants rushed through the car cleaning, straightening, and perfecting the car for the next lap on its tracks. The seats themselves could rotate so that we could face each other, or ride against the inertia of the train [if we felt so inclined].

The train ride itself was beautiful, reminding me of old New York of the industrial age. On the far outskirts of the city, people lived in rural and semi-suburban homes and could easily get to their urban hub by convenient public rail lines. Tokyo has kept this old pattern of urban and rural transit, making for beautiful scenery juxtaposed against stunning modern cityscape. America could learn a bit from Japan in this regard, but unfortunately we have carved up our countryside in favor of inter-state highways. Just the first of many differences I look forward to seeing in this Japanese trip and exploration.

Welcome to Japan!

Welcome to Japan!

日本へようこそ！

Konnichiwa! This is Sensei. I've been back in Japan for the summer break. I was in my hometown Kobe, visiting my parents. I had lots of oishii homemade foods everyday. I was willing to loose some weights while in Japan, but I guess I have to postpone my plan a little bit. I love Japanese foods here. It's different from the ones at Japantown, SF. I had Ramen for lunch in Tokyo. Oishikatta!

Tomorrow, I am going to welcome 11 students and one chaperone from George Washington High School. This is my third trip with Washington students. This year's highlight is to visit our sister school in Miyazaki. They always come visit us in November, but we've never been there so we decided to visit Miyakonojo-Nishi HS in Miyazaki. Students will stay at their host family's house and visit the school. It will be nice to experience Japanese home & school life. Oh, we have another school to visit this year. All my students had a pen-pal project with Tsuru High School throughout the last school year. We are also going to visit their school, which is located near Mt. Fuji. Hope the weather will get better so we can see the beautiful mountain. Japan is in the middle of thetsuyu (rainy) season now. Tsuyu brings lots of humidity and rain. Not so comfortable, especially if you get used to the weather in San Francisco.

During the trip, all of us take a turn to report our trip to you! We appreciate your comments also. Check this blog everyday and see how we are doing.

jya ne

Sensei