Tokyo & Kyoto 2026

I was mistaken. Yesterday was not our last blog post so here I am writing for you again. Today was awesome though and I’m more than happy to write about it. I woke up late and packed my things to bring over to my family’s hotel after doing my last load of laundry. I then met Kat and Owen at a place called Kacto for brunch. We got hummus which was amazing and then we each ordered an order of pancakes, that were delicious. We weren’t able to finish our pancakes but luckily Owen was there to clean up our leftovers, much like a human garbage can but we love this about him. Afterwards Kat and I went back to the hotel my family is at and had the most relaxing day. We went to the pool and I read a bunch of my book which I haven’t really had the time to get into yet. We also got massages!!! They gave us green tea and let us choose the essential oil we wanted and then afterwards let us relax in the more comfortable chairs with more tea and cookies!!! I felt so pampered. Today was a wonderful last day and I had the most amazing trip.

I can’t believe this will be my last blog post of our trip!! I feel like once I fell into a rhythm here the time went by SUPER quickly. Today I woke up and made myself a banana matcha, surprise surprise. Then we had our daily morning meeting and spoke about our plan for the day and the plot of the Bunraku play we were going to see. It was not too long of a train ride to Osaka and once we got there we went up the Umeda Sky building. I thought it was nice but definitely not as impressive as the one in Tokyo. I think if we went at nighttime then it would have been really beautiful but it was a little cloudy today so there’s not much to write home about. Afterwards we grabbed lunch which was taken and then we went to the puppet show. Afterwards we explored Dotonbori which was VERY flashy and colorful. I feel honestly like the modern parts of Japan are just one big shopping mall lol, which is convenient because I love shopping but it can be overwhelming at times. I write this as we make our way back to Kyoto where I’ll be having a nice dinner with my family so I am looking forward to that.

I had never been to a puppet show before today and it was really a lot more intricate than I thought it would be. The theatre itself was really impressive and I loved the lanterns that hung from the ceilings it added a lot to the space itself. The backdrop that was lifted as the play started was super beautiful and I could tell it was hand painted. These are the kinds of things Japan thinks about I feel like everything is very thought out and meticulous. Anyway, the play itself was particularly interesting because it explored the tension between family loyalty and social obligation. I appreciated how much time and effort went into the performance as well as the set itself.

In reference to our other reading about Japanese cities being characterized by mixed land use, density, and constant rebuilding rather than rigid planning and preservation, I can say with certainty this is true. As we walked through Osaka, I could see these ideas shown because restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, apartments, and offices were all right next to each other creating quite a crowded atmosphere. The area felt constantly in motion, filled with bright signs, advertisements, and people. I enjoyed Osaka it was just a bit too flashy for me I prefer a slower moving city like Kyoto now that we’ve been there for some time.

June 16 - Nara

The amount of deer in Nara is absolutely ridiculous. I had already been here with my friend last week but I was more than happy to go back. I loved the deer and it was so crazy to see the sheer amount of them, there were HUNDREDS. Super wild because we don’t have anything like this in the states. It was also funny to see such a large group of us interact with the deer. The deer seemed extra greedy today and went after anyone holding the cookies they sell to feed the deer at the park. They took one of mine with the wrapper still on it!! Anyway, we took a break for lunch and we found the cutest little crepe restaurant with vines growing all along the walls and ceilings. I had a Gorgonzola, honey, and walnut crepe which was delicious. Kat, Owen, and I shared a sugar crepe with ice cream on it. I was honestly just happy to have food that wasn’t noodle based lol. Then we walked around some more before seeing the HUGE Buddha statue. It was so impressive and I think it was my favorite temple we’ve visited so far. Later today I’m going to an Italian dinner with my family. It’s fun having them here and feels like a vacation within a vacation. 

Seeing the Great Buddha at Todai-ji was honestly one of the coolest parts of the day, other than seeing people run away from deer. It’s hard to understand just how massive it is until you’re standing right in front of it. I had already seen the statue but without any context but after doing our readings, I found myself thinking about how Buddhism often tries to express ideas that are much bigger than everyday life. Mahavairocana is described as the cosmic Buddha whose wisdom exists throughout the entire universe, and while the Todai-ji Buddha isn’t actually a statue of Mahavairocana, seeing such a huge image helped me understand why Buddhist art is often created on such a grand scale. 

Rather than learning about Buddhism through a text, I was able to experience the atmosphere that these traditions create. The size of the building, the smell of incense, and the feeling inside the temple all seemed designed to encourage reflection and make visitors feel connected to something larger than themselves. I was also surprised by how naturally the sacred spaces in Nara blend into the rest of the city. One minute you’re dodging deer, and the next you’re standing in front of one of the most impressive religious monuments in Japan. It reminded me of how Buddhism and local traditions have become deeply woven into everyday Japanese culture over centuries. 

My family got into town yesterday so today we spent the day together!! We started off with breakfast at their hotel which had fried eggs!!!!! I have never been so excited for a western breakfast in my life. Anyway, we then shopped around for a couple of hours. We wandered into this small shop with ceramics and knickknacks and I got a fan - finally. It is a beautiful creme with leaves and a cute little bug on it. I also got a mango matcha for the first time. It was really yummy but I’ll probably stick to the strawberry ones. After that we got lost in Don Quixote for about an hour and emerged with quite the haul. We then rested and went to a geisha show similar to the one we went to yesterday as a class. They brought up participants from the audience and I played a game with her on stage it was a rhythmic game played with a wooden box and our hands. Then we went to an omakase!!! It was crazy and awesome and I felt so pampered. The food was amazing but there was WAY too much of it. Ended the night with a delicious mango ice cream at the hotel.

For my independent excursion, I visited Yusai-Tei Gallery in Arashiyama, Kyoto. I was so so grateful to visit this place I had it on my list of places to go in Japan and it really lived up to how magical I thought it would be. Located along the river and surrounded by greenery, the gallery is known for its colorful silk displays, traditional architecture, and beautiful views of the landscape. As I walked through the gallery, I was struck by how peaceful and visually stunning it was. The colorful dyed textiles that flowed in the wind created a dreamlike atmosphere, and every room seemed carefully designed to highlight the beauty of nature and traditional Japanese aesthetics. One of my favorite parts of the visit was listening to the wind chimes hanging throughout the gallery. Their gentle sound added to the peaceful atmosphere and made the space feel almost otherworldly. The movement of the silks really brought the gallery to life and made it feel as though the building itself was interacting with the natural environment around it.

My visit to Yusai-Tei reminded me strongly of the Studio Ghibli film The Secret World of Arrietty, which I watched in preparation for my trip (along with about 6 other Ghibli movies). Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the film tells the story of tiny people living secretly beneath the floorboards of a house. While the story contains fantasy elements, one of its most memorable aspects is its portrayal of nature and everyday spaces in Japan. The film transforms gardens, plants, water, and old houses into places of wonder and beauty. Through its detailed hand-drawn animation, Arrietty presents Japan as a place where people can feel deeply connected to nature and where ordinary surroundings can seem magical when viewed with curiosity and attention, which is exactly what I hoped to get out of my trip.

Before coming to Japan, many of my ideas about the country were shaped by media representations such as Studio Ghibli films. Movies like The Secret World of Arrietty often depict Japan as serene and beautiful. The landscapes are lush, the architecture blends naturally with the environment, and life seems slower and more peaceful than in many Western cities. Although I knew these portrayals were idealized, they still influenced my expectations of what Japan might feel like. Even so, I believed this to be true about Kyoto after being here for over a week.

As a graphic designer, I have always appreciated the artistry of Studio Ghibli films, particularly their commitment to hand-drawn animation (it blows my mind every time I watch one). What makes Arrietty so visually memorable is the incredible attention given to color, texture, light, and movement. During my visit to Yusai-Tei, I found myself thinking about this artistic style constantly. The colorful silks, reflections in the water, surrounding greenery, and soft natural light created compositions that felt almost unreal, much like a Ghibli movie. At several moments I felt as though I was standing inside a painting rather than a physical location. The gallery embodied the same visual beauty and attention to detail that I admire in Ghibli's animation.

My experience at Yusai-Tei was one of the first times during my trip when my expectations of Japan felt completely realized. Walking through the gallery felt like stepping into the world I had imagined while watching Arrietty. I could easily understand how artists and filmmakers draw inspiration from Japanese nature and architecture. The gallery embodied the same appreciation for beauty in small details that is central to Arrietty. Just as the film encourages viewers to notice blades of grass, droplets of water, and hidden corners of a garden, Yusai-Tei encouraged visitors to slow down and appreciate its carefully curated spaces.

At the same time, my visit also revealed some differences between media representation and reality. In The Secret World of Arrietty, the environments often feel untouched and isolated from the modern world. In reality, Yusai-Tei was a tourist destination with visitors taking photographs and moving through the exhibits, even though it was more off the beaten path. The experience was not as quiet or solitary as the film might suggest. This highlights an important difference between media and reality: films often simplify environments in order to create a specific emotional effect. By focusing on beauty and tranquility, they leave out the crowds, noise, and practical realities that are part of everyday life.

I think The Secret World of Arrietty offers a surprisingly accurate emotional representation of Japan. While the film presents an idealized version of the country, the feelings it evokes such as wonder, appreciation for nature, and mindfulness of small details were genuinely reflected in my experience at Yusai-Tei. Rather than feeling disappointed by the differences between media and reality, I was impressed by how closely the atmosphere of the gallery matched the emotions I associated with the film. This was one of my favorite experiences in Japan and I came to love Ghibli movies and especially The Secret of Arietty even more after my time here. Sorry for how long this was I had the best time ever.

Today for breakfast I had a matcha banana smoothie. Are we surprised? No. I don’t think I will grow tired of it, at least not in the near future. I plan to take advantage of them for as long as I’m here in Japan. I also picked up an Onigiri which was VERY helpful around 11am when we were at Kiyomizudera and I was absolutely starved. I really enjoyed this temple and the nature it was situated in. After we explored the temple we walked around the area where Kat Owen and I got udon which was great and then I got matcha ice cream with mochi on it, a super great treat. We shopped around a bunch and I bought more pottery, again are we surprised? As well as a dictionary of color combinations. I saw that and was SO excited because I’ve always wanted a color theory book. I think it’ll be really helpful when I get back to school and I’m taking my design courses. I already sent a picture to my design cohort and everyone is excited about it lol. We walked around a bit more and found a wine bar which was also great. The woman working there was really nice and the bar doubled as a salon which was cool.

One of my favorite experiences in Kyoto was visiting Kiyomizudera. The temple itself was really beautiful, and its location on the hillside had amazing views of the city and surrounding landscape. The incense burning area smelled really delicious. Watching people engage in these practices made the temple feel like a living religious site rather than simply a tourist attraction.

One unique feature of Kiyomizu-dera was the three streams of water at the famous Otowa Waterfall. Visitors can choose one of the three water spouts to drink from, and each stream is said to provide a different blessing, such as success in studies, good health, or longevity. It was really fun to take part in this tradition!

Afterwards we went to Kodai-ji and saw Mindar. While the temple felt smaller and quieter than Kiyomizu-dera, it was still very enjoyable to explore.

The day ended with a Gion Kyomai performance. Watching the dancers perform was really interesting because the movements were so precise. It felt almost robotic which was interesting to see after our robot seminar by Kannon.

June 13 | 2026 - Himeji-jo

I started off my day with another banana matcha I concocted at 7-11. They are fantastic and now I look forward to it every day. I also had an egg salad sandwich… I am a bit sick of egg salad sandwiches so I think that one will be my last. Nevertheless, I was fueled up for our trip out to Himeji-jo which was nearby to Kobe, known for its beef (not that it makes any difference to me since I am pescatarian). The castle itself was really awesome and perfectly preserved. I climbed LOTS of steep steps but I made it to the top!! The view was beautiful and the wood floors felt great on my feet since we had to take our shoes off to get into the castle. I had a cheese crepe for lunch, hit the spot. After we walked around the castle gardens which were oh so beautiful and then headed back to Gion where Kat and I had dinner. We tried this curry place that was DELICIOUS. It was also plated really pretty which I appreciated. I feel like people in Japan are very intentional with their crafts whether it be food, clothing, or food and it really makes a difference in your experience. 

Visiting Himeji Castle gave me a much better understanding of the role castles played in early modern Japan. Before seeing it in person, I mostly thought of castles as large beautiful residences for powerful rulers, but our readings emphasized that they were carefully designed military and political centers. Japanese castles evolved from simple mountain fortifications into MASSIVE stone structures built to withstand almost any attack. Standing inside the castle, I could see defense features everywhere specifically like the hiding places for ninjas and the carefully placed holes to throw rocks out of or shoot from. Climbing through the castle also helped me appreciate how strategically these structures were designed. There was no ac at the time, or now for that fact but the way the castle is positioned there was a very strong breeze inside which is no doubt how people survived summers in Japan.

The castle gardens offered a different perspective on life during this period. Daimyo carefully organized the areas surrounding castles, directing the placement of residences, temples, and waterways. Although the gardens at Himeji are beautiful and peaceful today, they reminded me that the landscape surrounding a castle was intentionally planned rather than purely decorative. Even so, the gardens were so lush and I really appreciated how much care was clearly put in to them both then and now.

After our late night out I was feeling really sleepy today which was a shame but it also meant it was the perfect day to visit zen temples!! Which is exactly what we did. We began our day at Kinkakuji which is a golden temple situated almost in the middle of a large pond. It was incredibly beautiful. I also forgot to mention this morning I had the most delicious drink ever. I went to 7-11 as I usually do but this time I got matcha and a banana smoothie that you blend yourself in their little machine (very cool) and I mixed them together. This may sound strange but trust me when I tell you this was the most delicious thing I have had to drink here so far. I will 100% be making this again, possibly every single morning from now on. Nevertheless, we had lunch at a small mom and pop sushi restaurant which was very yummy, although the sushi pieces were pretty large and I had to chew on em for quite some time. After lunch we visited Daitokuji which is a zen buddhist temple. I was so relaxed and loved our visit here, it really set me up for a relaxing rest of my day.

While Kinkakuji is famous for its gold exterior, what interested me the most was learning that the temple was actually burned down in 1950 by a monk who became obsessed with its beauty. Standing in front of the pavilion, I could understand why it had such a powerful effect on people, but I felt no need to burn it down, not sure why he would. Even so, the temple was very beautiful and I’m happy to have seen it.

Daitokuji offered a very different experience. Rather than being visually overwhelming like Kinkakuji, it felt very peaceful. The readings emphasized that Zen gardens are not just decorative spaces but are designed to encourage reflection and meditation. I appreciated how much meaning could be conveyed through such minimal design. As a graphic designer it is often about how much you can convey with as little as possible which is what these zen gardens reminded me of.

One of the most fun facts from Daitokuji were the creaking "nightingale floors." These floors were designed to creak when walked on so that no one could move through the temple unnoticed like ninjas and such. Overall, lovely day.

Today was awesome!! I was lucky enough to have one of my best friends Lola in town at the same time as our program!! I joined her family at breakfast at their hotel which was delicious and I was able to have scrambled eggs!! A luxury I didn’t realize I needed. I met her mom, dad, brother, aunt, and cousin who were all so kind and we spent the whole day together. We visited Nara today which I know we will be visiting as apart of the class but I wanted to spend the day with her so I went along on their adventure. The park was so fun and I was licked by many many deer, something I was unaware would happen but it was very cute. We hiked up a small mountain to see deer at the top as well and then treated ourselves with a beer as our prize. We checked out the museum and largest wooden Buddha and then had amazing udon noodles before making our way back to Kyoto. Tonight we are going to a bar and I am really excited. I’ve loved spending the day with her it was a very welcome visit.

June 10 | 2026 - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park

Today was a really long day but maybe one of my favorites. We started at the Kyoto Imperial Palace since we weren't able to do it yesterday and then continued on to Arashiyama. Although the garden itself was small it was really beautiful to walk between the bamboo and appreciate all of the green. We then had a break for lunch where I was able to split off and visit the Yusai Tei gallery which was ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL and one of my favorite things I’ve done this entire trip.The building itself was SO beautiful and the dyed fabrics displayed throughout the space just added to it. I loved all of the places where you could sit and enjoy nature right outside. There were chimes and birds and running water. It was so great to be able to take a break here on such a busy day. Thennnn we got matcha ice cream and a quick bite to eat before Monkey Park!!! It was quite the trek to the top but I had never seen so many monkeys so close in my life. They were so cute and playful and I had an awesome time. I would 100% do that again.  

Our visit to Arashiyama connected closely to both the historical and literary readings assigned for the day. Walking through the bamboo forest, it was easy to appreciate why this area has been valued for centuries. The reading showed how the scenery visitors enjoy today is the result of generations of human intervention, management, and conservation. Seeing the carefully maintained bamboo and surrounding forests firsthand helped me understand how people have actively shaped this environment while preserving its beauty. You could tell how long the bamboo had been there because it was so dense and the stalks were super thick.

While the readings focused on human relationships with landscape and memory, the Monkey park highlighted the continued presence of wildlife within these managed environments. The monkeys were so healthy and happy which I wasn't sure would be the case so I am pleased that it was. They seemed unbothered by the tourists and completely immersed in their surroundings. It seemed as though they are not held captive in any way and allowed to roam freely. Seeing the monkeys living alongside one of Kyoto's most famous cultural landscapes reinforced the idea that Arashiyama is a place where nature, history, and human activity are interconnected. 

June 10 | 2026 - Kyoto Imperial Palace

Visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace helped bring many of the ideas that we spoke about and from The World of the Shining Prince to life. They valued elegance, simplicity, and a close relationship with nature, and I could see those values reflected throughout the palace grounds. What surprised me most was how understated the architecture felt. Rather than relying on elaborate decoration, the buildings emphasized natural wood and open spaces. This simplicity gave the palace a sense of calm and refinement that matched the aesthetic ideals discussed in the reading. It was also MUCH larger than I expected it to be and there were lots of spaces entirely reliant on being outdoors.

One of the most memorable aspects of the visit was seeing how the buildings interacted with the surrounding landscape. Heian architecture blurred the line between indoors and outdoors, and the palace really reflected this. There was even an area that you would sit in to watch sports right outside with all of the sliding doors open. The open layouts and carefully maintained gardens encouraged visitors to appreciate the changing seasons and the natural environment, except in winter of course when they closed the palace up. This connection to nature was a major theme in Heian literature and culture, particularly in The Tale of Genji.

June 9 | 2026 - Kyoto International Manga Museum & Kyoto National Museum

Today was a slower paced day which was lovely after such a busy day yesterday. We began our day at the Manga Museum which was really interesting to me especially because before today I had never read manga before. I appreciated that they had english translations so I was able to fully enjoy the books and not just the cover art. Before we continued on our day we had the most amazing sushi from this hole in the wall type of place. There were only two men working and there were only 6 seats at the restaurant which faced the chef as he made our rolls right in front of us. I had a salmon roll and a cucumber roll which were served with hot green tea, it was delicious. 

Then we hit the Kyoto National Museum where we were able to see a special exhibition that was being shown, Special Exhibition Kitano Tenjin: Legends of a Shinto God. I really loved Votive Tablet (Ema) of Warrior Monks Benkei and Shosun by Hasegawa Tohaku (1539-1610). We were not able to take photos in the museum so I will try my best to explain it instead. This was a HUGE piece of various panels of wood arranged together. On the wood was a depiction of a warrior monk capturing Shoshun (another warrior) while on top of a beast of sorts. I really loved this piece because of the colors which were dark reds and blues with gold foil used to accentuate parts of the piece such as their armor. I really love seeing how the panels of wood were used as the canvas, I think it added a rougher texture to the piece that translated the fighting scene really well, making it feel even more dramatized. 

After the museum we got a delicious donut and then an even more delicious strawberry matcha at a really cute place near our hotel. Tonight we have reservations at an Italian restaurant so I am very much looking forward to that. 

June 8 | 2026 - Fushimi-inari Shrine & Hiking Mt. Fushimi

Our first full day in Kyoto was awesome!! We visited the Fushimi-inari shrine which is known for the thousand torii gates but it was actually more like 10,000 tori gates!!! Although it was a grueling hike to the top of the mountain, it was so beautiful and cool to walk under the thousands of torii gates. Afterwards Kat and I explored Kyoto. We started off at the Nishiki market which had so many goodies to try. I had shrimp tempura, a strawberry matcha, takoyaki, and a sweet treat of frozen yogurt but this was not just normal frozen yogurt, no. This delicious treat had crunchy matcha flakes on top and on the bottom the best berry compote ever. I'm sure its clear that I enjoyed myself here. Then we popped into a perfume shop where I found one that I fell in love with but walked away. I bought a couple of trinkets for friends and a really delicious seasoning for myself that I plan to use when I get back to the states. We spent a few more hours wandering up and down the streets and browsing clothing stores, as we do. Now recall the perfume shop I walked out of… I walked back in and made a big girl purchase that I do not regret. Overall, a very successful day. 

Visiting Fushimi Inari also helped me better understand our reading about the shrine and the history of Inari worship. Before visiting, I only knew Fushimi Inari as the tourist destination with thousands of torii gates, but the reading revealed how much deeper its religious significance is. Inari worship has evolved over centuries and blends both Shinto and Buddhist traditions, demonstrating how flexible Japanese religious practices can be. The reading also discussed the role of foxes as messengers of Inari, which I then noticed were all over the shrine which I thought was really cute and I appreciated understanding why they were there. 

Walking through the rows of torii gates made me think about the generations of worshippers who have visited the mountain before me. What stood out most was how the shrine is not just a historical site but a place of worship that continues to attract both pilgrims and tourists. Even though there were many visitors, there were moments during the hike when the forest became quiet and it was easier to appreciate the spiritual atmosphere of the mountain, specifically on the walk down as most of the tourists had left by then. Seeing the small shrines, fox statues, and offerings along the trail helped me connect the ideas from the reading to a real place and made me appreciate the experience more.

June 7 | 2026 - Shinkansen

Kyoto todayyyyyy!! This morning we woke up and packed up our bags to ship over to Kyoto (which meant my backpack was HEAVY with importance carrying all of my things for a day or so until my suitcase arrives). Nevertheless, we had our last 7-11 run in Tokyo and headed to the station to ride the Shinkansen to Kyoto. I picked up a bento box in the station and was honestly disappointed in it but I had stocked up on snacks and an onigiri just in case which worked out well for me. I took the opportunity on the train ride to do some travel journaling which mostly consisted of collaging junk onto pages but I enjoyed myself. Then I listened to music and watched my show. Overall a really enjoyable experience. I was happy to have time to settle into our new hotel (which is super cute) and relax before venturing out in the rain to find dinner. Kat and I were really lucky and found the most delicious pizza place ever which was kind enough to seat us without a reservation (this is rare). We enjoyed a glass of wine and pizza and then a cheesecake that was the perfect amount of sweet when paired with the salt they gave us. So far Kyoto is a success. There doesn't appear to be water in our hotel so I will have to figure that out but it is a future me issue. 

One of the topics we discussed today was the impact of the Shinkansen, Japan's famous bullet train. After spending several weeks riding trains throughout the country, I have gained a much greater appreciation for how impressive their system really is. The Shinkansen makes traveling long distances SO easy, mostly comfortable, and FAST. The trains here are also ridiculously reliable and are almost never late. 

The reading challenged me to think about the Shinkansen from a different perspective. While cities with Shinkansen stations often experience economic growth, increased tourism, and new development, communities that are bypassed by the network tend to struggle with reduced economic opportunities. The benefits of the Shinkansen are not distributed equally and improved transportation can sometimes encourage people to move toward larger cities instead of supporting smaller communities. My experience riding the Shinkansen was incredibly positive, and it is easy to see why it is viewed as a symbol of modern Japan, but the reading reminded me that transportation systems also shape the lives and futures of the communities they connect or leave behind. 

Last day in Tokyo :(( We ended our Tokyo stay with a bang if I do say so myself. Kat and I started off our day with the most delicious bakery in the whole world. It was called Amandacotan and it was filled with beautiful leaves and vines as well as thousands of baked goods. I got a tomato focaccia and a salted cream puff that were both religious experiences. Then we wandered around Harajuku and stopped in and out of stores. I ended up getting a few too many things… a silk scarf, a small ceramic fish for a friend, a couple of shirts from Uniqlo, and a BEAUTIFUL top from Desigual. Then we treated ourselves to a head spa… I had never heard of this before Japan but it was so relaxing and an amazing decision on our part. They gave us blankets and pillows, washed and massaged our hair and ended it with styling. This was perfect timing as we followed it up with an omakase dinner which was delicious and ended our night at a bar nearby that was beautiful and made delicious drinks. I’d call our time in Tokyo a major success and I am looking forward to Kyoto!!

June 5 | 2026 - Odaiba & TeamLab

Today was our second to last day in Tokyo :( We started off going to Odaiba which is a cool neighborhood where we ate lunch and explored almost all day. Lunch was fun because we were able to grill our own food. Even though I couldn't eat the meat it was still a really silly/fun bonding experience. The grilled onions were my favorite. We then walked through a mall that was almost stuck in time where I picked up a couple of cute matchbooks and candy to take home with me. After that we walked around a bit, it was CHILLY so I was especially grateful that I thought to bring my jacket with me today. Nevertheless, we ended up at TeamLabs!!! This was a really cool interactive art experience. I had an awesome time walking through and engaging with all of the different exhibitions. I appreciated the range of stuff they had there and really loved the room made entirely of strands of light. The orchid room was also really beautiful and it reminded me of my grandma because she loves orchids! Ill include a picture just in case she reads this post. Lastly, I HAD THE BEST VEGAN RAMEN EVER. It was spicy and delicious and made my entire day. This was by far the best meal I’ve had this trip. Then I ended my night at the Taiyaki place we have been frequenting which was amazing, per usual. 

Visiting Odaiba also made me think about our reading from last night. Odaiba feels super different from the rest of Tokyo and reminded me a lot of the United States. The huge shopping malls, wide walkways, open spaces, and entertainment focused design felt completely opposite to the dense mixed use neighborhoods we have been exploring for the past two weeks. While I really enjoyed spending the day there, I could see why the reading described it as a place where the play dominates over the live and work aspects that dominate much of Tokyo. It definitely felt like a destination that people come to for a fun day out, whether that's shopping, visiting museums, or spending time with friends and family, much like we did today. I had a much harder time imagining living there (I personally would most definitely not live there). Even though Odaiba is successful as a tourist and entertainment district, it felt somewhat disconnected from the everyday life and local character that I have come to love about Tokyo. Still, it was a fun change of pace and an interesting glimpse into a very different vision of urban development in Japan but I am happy with the part of Tokyo we are staying in lol. 

June 4 | 2026 - Imperial Palace & Yasukuni Shrine & Kappabashi & Chopstick Making

From the title I’m sure you all can tell it was quite a busy day for me. We started off by trekking to the Imperial Palace which was manicured so beautifully. I loved walking through the gardens especially over the small running waterfall. We then headed to the Yasukuni Shrine which had the biggest Torii I have seen yet. Afterwards Kat and I explored Taito and found a DELICIOUS matcha place that put a scoop of matcha ice cream on top of your latte. The matcha itself was amazing and the ice cream was a bit intensely flavored but yummy all the same. I also picked myself up a fruit tart as a snack which was one of the better decisions I’ve made so far on this trip. The Japanese really know how to do their custard. Afterwards we went to Kappabashi which honestly was one of my most favorite activities in Japan so far. I picked up about one million ceramic goods… I would post them here but given that the majority of them are gifts, I will refrain. Last on our agenda was a chopstick making workshop!! How awesome. We were able to choose whatever wood we wanted and then we shaped them and sanded them then engraved them. Overall today was a very successful day. 

Today we visited the Imperial Palace and the nearby areas surrounding it. One of my favorite parts of this excursion was seeing the concert hall from the 1960s, which was covered in beautiful pastel colored mosaic work. As someone interested in art and design, I loved how unique the building felt and how it reflected a different era of Japanese architecture. Later, we visited the Yasukuni Shrine which was really interesting to see given the controversy surrounding it. The shrine honors Japan's war dead, but it remains a source of tension because it also enshrines fourteen war criminals from World War II. While some people view visits to the shrine as a way to honor those who died in service to their country, others see it as a symbol of Japan's wartime militarism. The controversy continues to affect Japan's relationships with China and Korea and raises larger questions about nationalism, historical memory, and how nations remember difficult parts of their past. The Torii gates that you walk through to get to the monument itself were HUGE. Visiting these sites made me realize how history is not only preserved in monuments and buildings, but also through ongoing debates about their meaning.