22. Joyful in Japan — NIYA'S VIEW

Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a fascination with Japan. Owing to that, I was fortunate enough to live in Tokyo and Yokohama for six months. Then I made trips to Osaka, Sapporo and Kyoto. It’s truly an amazing country. Have you ever been to a city where strangers queue in unison to board the train? I love that honour and respect shown by citizens for societal norms. I would live here again if I had the chance one day.

Japan Airlines flew me in to Narita Airport. From there, I met my host, Hitomi and went to my new home. She told me that we needed to go see Tokyo. That’s when the adventure began. Tokyo Tower was the first stop. I was able to see the structure from the bottom, the North, the South, the East, the West and at the top. Afterwards we went to the most Tokyoesque destination ever. I managed to capture pure depth of field in orange bliss at Hie Shrine.

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.59.37 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.59.28 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.57.35 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.50.48 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.58.26 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.47.00 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.47.08 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.45.46 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.46.14 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.46.23 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.46.41 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.03.43 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.45.57 PM.png

Next, we viewed lovely pieces of art at a local gallery. Then we went for lunch at a really cool okonomi restaurant which means “how you like”. Essentially, it’s a savoury pancake which may have eggs, vegetables, seafood or a variety of meat. While there, I practiced my Japanese with Mayo, Yui and the chef too. After that, we explored three of the coolest wards in Tokyo including Shibuya where the infamous scramble crossing is located, Harajuku where colourful street art, purikura (photo sticker booths) and quirky clothes exist and Shinjuku where it’s super commercial. For dinner, Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka was delicious.

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.00.56 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.01.04 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.01.10 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.02.42 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 11.01.07 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.02.53 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 10.08.07 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.50.09 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 10.10.04 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 10.11.45 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.07.44 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 10.26.31 AM.png

For one day, we ventured to the prominent south seaside city of Kamakura. There were tons of Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines. My friend, Mayo and I ate from fun food shops and checked out cute stores. Then we both found out our fortune which was well cool. And if it couldn’t get better, we spotted a wedding!

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.04.53 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.05.05 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.05.37 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.05.51 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.05.29 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.06.21 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.06.33 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.05.15 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.06.44 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.06.52 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.06.59 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.06.00 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.07.31 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.06.10 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.07.51 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.07.08 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.07.19 PM.png

My days in Yokohama were amazing as well. I attended a Japanese school. There was a uniform. I took the train Making new friends and classes such as cooking, Japanese, physical education and music were highlights for me. The city itself had a beautiful botanical park and a lovely Landmark Tower.

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.49.50 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.47.26 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.01.32 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.01.41 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.01.50 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.01.58 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.50.01 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.08.20 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.08.30 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.57.48 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 10.46.20 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.58.18 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.58.10 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.02.20 PM.png

The interactive form of evening entertainment was forever karaoke, which Mayo, Ally and I absolutely loved.

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.04.30 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.04.43 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 6.04.20 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-09 at 5.56.55 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 10.50.36 AM.png

A stunning surprise came along when I was told that Mayo and I would be going to Hanamatsuri. The word means floral festival. The significance is to celebrate the enlightenment, birthday and death of Buddha.

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 11.08.25 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 11.09.15 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 11.08.51 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 11.09.04 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 11.09.35 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 11.08.36 AM.png

There were different vibes in Osaka, Sapporo and Kyoto. Still all three cities were enjoyable as well :-)

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 11.16.43 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 11.22.11 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-04-10 at 11.20.59 AM.png

Photos: Niya Sinckler