The Great Buddha of Kamakura

Until I find enough inspiration at home, the Tokyo posts will continue! This giant bronze Buddha statue was truly incredible, I'm not sure if the photo does it justice. Apparently the building it was housed in got washed away by a tsunami in 1498, then the base was destroyed by an earthquake in 1923, but he's clearly staying put.

The Loot

Here are the things I bought in Japan (less a bottle of Sake)... it's not much really! Chopsticks, toe-socks, origami paper, a fan, creepy Kewpie dolls, bath salts, mini pegs, and a few presents I have yet to distribute. My favourite shopping experiences in Tokyo were Tokyu Hands, Muji and the market stalls in Asakusa. I was on a budget this time around but next trip I'll be buying clothes!

Tokyoyoyo

Oh my poor neglected blog, I haven't forgotten you. I was tempted to scrap all posts to date and start again, but putting that in the 'can't-be-bothered' category I'll just keep going.

So.

I got home from Tokyo yesterday! It's a place like nowhere else. The people were all polite, friendly and helpful, even when they didn't speak English (which was often). I did a poor job of learning the language, but will work on it for the next trip! I've even kept some yen and a Pasmo card just in case.

Highlights:
~ Bathing at a Japanese onsen (yes, naked)
~ Escaping the Melbourne winter in exchange for 26°C days
~ The slightly hard to find Golden Gai area in Shinjuku
~ Lots of karaoke!

Lowlights:
~ The Tsukiji fish market... just wasn't for me
~ Not seeing Mount Fuji (we tried in Kamakura but it was too cloudy)
~ Having to leave after only 10 days