Oh, Japan.

I've just come back from Japan, and this has to be one of my favourite photos from the trip...

DON'T DEATH, LET'S HAPPY!

It was some kind of street art poster in Tokyo. I've also put up a few Fuji Rock photos on my Japan blog, and will probably update that with more tidbits over the next few weeks.

The only problem with going on an awesome holiday is that it makes you want another one. Immediately.

Leave of Absence.

Not really posting anything here at the moment. Can't stop thinking about the impending trip back to Japan! Started another blog about that for me and my fellow travellers: Yeah Japan. Might get back to this one soon, not really sure.

Things I'm going to do when I go back to Japan

Go to Fuji Rock!

Visit Kyoto.

Eat at R Burger in Roppongi.

Hit up Golden Gai in Shinjuku (near where the photo was taken).

Pretend I'm Scarlett Johansson with a cocktail in the Park Hyatt bar.

Sing karaoke til sunrise.

And, if I don't run out of time, relax at an onsen.... aaah...

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