Absolut Icebar: Tokyo Style

The Absolut Icebar in Tokyo isn't a reflection of Japanese culture. It's actually an import from Sweden, and while I was there last year, I didn't get a chance to go. When I heard that there was one in Tokyo...I signed up immediately. It's cold, it's a novelty, and it's tons of fun to attend with friends. Although it took awhile to convince my friends to bear with the temperature, I think they all had a good time and would go again (maybe next time in the summer).

Roppongi, the area of Tokyo where the Icebar is located has so many places to go and is quite infamous for it's lively nightlife. Foreigners are everywhere in Roppongi, so whatever you're looking for - you're sure to find. Have fun, and stay warm!

You must make a reservation beforehand...you can do it online at: http://www.icebartokyo.com/eng/index.html

Participating in Tea Ceremony = Kneeling in an Uncomfortable Position

What an honor! Yesterday, I was invited into the home of my co-worker's Japanese host family. At their home, they practice the traditional art of tea ceremony about once or twice a month. I got the opportunity to see the ceremony up close twice and participate as well. I was intrigued with the patience of all involved, and the absolute detailing that was required. The number of steps each person were counted, the bowls were turned by each person a certain number of times, a certain had to be used first....the details were absolutely endless. While I will admit it was hard to follow, I truly appreciated the care and effort made to connect to the past tradition. The beautiful women pictured above mentioned to me that the kimonos they were belonged to their mothers and grandmothers...how cool!

I would certainly encourage visitors to take part in this ritual, if given the opportunity. As a word of caution, the pose above is completely uncomfortable!! Even though the ceremony took an hour or less, it felt three times as long trying to remain in this position. Thankfully, the hosts permitted us to sit in a modified that wasn't quite as painful...interestingly enough, they were able to endure much better than us....and remained sitting this way the entire time...true discipline. More information about the ceremony can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_tea_ceremony

Who Needs A Pedicure? Dr. Fish to the Rescue

Back in the States, I get pedicures quite regularly. Especially in the summer...everybody likes to have pretty feet, right? And not to be gross, but dry dead skin is never attractive on your feet...no matter how much pink polish you use...dry skin will make your feet look positively gross. In my quest for soft feet, void of dead skin, I've used a number of products some with better results than others. A few years back, I recall seeing a spot on the news about a new craze in upscale salons...where the clients put their feet into tanks of water where little fish come and feast on the dead skin on their feet. The salon was charging outrageous prices...so i didn't really think much of it...just another thing that's out of my range.

Imagine my surprise, then, while strolling through the foot onsen at Odaiba, I saw an advertisement for Dr. Fish. For about 1500 Yen, I could have these little fish nibble on my feet and emerge with silky smooth feet. I was so excited, I let out a yelp and pressured my friend into going in with me. I was so excited about the idea, that I forgot to consider the reality of the situation...little creatures touching me...eeek! I am embarrassed to admit that in spite of the calm of the other patrons (old and young alike) I couldn't stop myself from screaming and shaking every time my feet touched the water. My friend and I caused quite a commotion and probably should have charged a fee for being the entertainment of the afternoon. I was involuntarily reacting...I couldn't stop my spasms, screams, and splashing...I literally felt like I was on Fear Factor or something. I think my feet spent about 10 collective seconds in the water and being serviced by the fish...and I had nightmares all night long. I usually try to post cute pictures of myself on my blog, but for this one the terror and fear in my eyes express my feelings about the experience...more so than any words I can write down...

Sand Bathing at Odaiba

It may appear from the pictures from the pictures above that I've been buried alive on a beach somewhere...however, this was actually a sand bath I enjoyed at the Odaiba Onsen over the weekend. My friend Sherry and I were wrapped in towels and then packed in hot sand to lay immobile for 15 minutes. My packer mentioned the heated sand would help to lessen any back pain and be relaxing. It was soothing and in spite of the intense heat, I found myself drifting off to sleep (I can sleep anywhere, I tell you). It was great, a fun experience and the warm shower afterwards was extremely refreshing. Definitely fun...just remember to remove any jewelry or metal on your body...that sand is soooo hot!!

Onsen Adventures: Part 2

As you many of you recall, I had serious doubts about going to onsen while here in Japan. In spite of my love for hot tubbing, I was totally freaked out about public nudity. As my assignment nears an end (only a little over a month to go) I suddenly felt the desire to conquer my fears and go for it. After serious consideration, and the helpful advice of my Japanese tutor (thanks, Tomoko-san) and trusted colleague (Morimoto-san), I decided to go to Odaiba Onsen over the weekend. In addition to a sudden and unexpected burst of courage, I was also persuaded by the description of all the things to do at this onsen. In addition to the traditional onsen, there were also large foot onsens, massage areas, lots of places to eat, a relaxation room, sand baths...and the opportunity to walk around in a yukata all day and take lots of pictures. I knew this was the place for me, and I was not disappointed. Determined to make the most of it, I participated in the foot onsen, traditional onsen, foot bath, had a shiatsu massage, a sand bath, and even dipped my feet into a pool of little fish for dead skin removal. Along the way, I ate some moderately good fun and took a long nap in the relaxation room...bliss...I loved it. I would definitely recommend it, and for more information click on...http://www009.upp.so-net.ne.jp/enjoytokyo/area/ooedo.html

Toilets in Japan: Take 2

In one of my earlier posts, I took pictures and discussed my shock at seeing a toilet of a completely different variety....completely grounded (often found in stations and outdoor facilities). I would be remiss, however, if I didn't revisit the subject one last time. In addition to those types of toilets, the ones most common in Japan are actually a huge upgrade to the ones in the States and other places I visited.

In addition to flushing, these toilets offer a wide array other other options to make your experience better. I won't go into the embarrassing details, but if you like a warm seat, warm water sprays, and even music while enjoying your private time...you're in luck!!

The Making of a Geisha: Before and After

As I've hinted in earlier posts, seeing the geisha in Kyoto wasn't enough for me. I had to be made into one. I convinced my skeptical and initially unwilling friend (thanks, Sherry) to undergo the transformation with me... We settled in for about an hour of hair and makeup and getting dressed up in the many tight and uncomfortable layers that make up a kimono. Once our transformation was complete, we spent nearly an hour walking around an amusement park in Kyoto to the true amusement of the park-goers. Imagine their surprise when they saw a tall black girl dressed this week in speaking loudly in American English...surprise surprise...enjoy!!

Temple and/or Shrine Etiquette

Japan is packed with shrines and temples...which may very well be the understatement of the day. On every corner, it seems you can find one or the other. I've been to some of the historic and my trip last weekend to Kyoto was no different. In the company canteen (aka cafeteria) I brought up a question to a co-worker..."How do you know the difference between a temple and a shrine." I'll admit I was a bit embarrassed to ask, but her vague response only led me to believe that maybe it just wasn't so obvious. Upon my return from my 45 minute lunch break (yes...45 minutes...a little crazy, if you ask me) I immediately looked it up online. I won't regurgitate the article here...the author did a great job of explaining the differences between the two as well as offering some advice in the way of etiquette. According to the article, my activities portrayed above in pictures fit right in with what I was supposed to be doing...what a relief!!

- Picture 1 and 2: Do say a prayer of thanks (those little paper/wooden things are prayers

offered by visitors)

- Picture 3: Do rinse your hands and mouth for purification

- Both pictures: Do take pictures where permitted

For the complete story...visit: http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/2233

Spending Time With the Geisha in Kyoto

Everyone thinks of kimonos and geisha when they think of Japan. I loved Memoirs of a Geisha and so seeing some was one of the many things I wanted to do while here in Japan. As mentioned in the book, the training process to become a true geisha is long and arduous. Simply put, everyone you see in a kimono is not a geisha...haha. I've included a link to look up more information about the training involved and the denotations involved with identifying geisha from maikos (geisha in training) and even prostitutes. Seeing girls in kimonos is pretty common, I see them on the train and all over the place in Tokyo pretty frequently. In Kyoto, however, there were the maikos and real geisha. There is even a special street that you can go to see the geisha walking around.

During my short trip to Kyoto, I started off with simply admiring the girls and their pretty kimonos (see pictures above) to looking for those with full makeup (see also above) to actually having the desire to try on a kimono and be transformed myself. I will post pictures of my personal transformation soon...stay tuned!!

For more information, refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha

Give Me Some Tongue

During my trip to Kyoto I visited a few shrines and temples. Like many other temples, one I visited had a number of different food vendors to pacify the hungry traveler. The smells were temptings and the choices were quite varied - cotton candy, octopus balls, potatoes, sausages, and yakatori. For those who may not know, yakataori is skewered grilled meat and it is delicious... I've had it many times, and it's really hard to resist. There is often a choice of chicken, pork and beef at yakatori stands. At this stand, there was an an option of BEEF TONGUE as well. As I've stated before, I'm not at all squeamish about meat...so I purchased a stick. I had the option of having my tongue sweet or a bit salty...I choose to have it with a bit of salt and it was so good that I had to buy another skewer. Give me more tongue...yummy!!

Kyoto: The Golden Pavilion

During my first weekend back in Tokyo, I visited Kyoto the weekend...what a treat. One of the first places on my list was visiting the The Golden Pavilion: Rokun-ji Temple. It was a magnificent site...I've seen a lot of temples and shrines here in Japan, but this one standout for obvious reasons. According to the info booklet I received upon entering, it's origins date back to the 1220s. There is a lot of interesting historical information about the temple and its inhabitants, click on the link below. The only disappointing thing about the temple visit is the fact that you can't get too close to it. The temple itself is surrounded by the Mirror pond: Kyoko-chi which prevents getting to close to the building itself. In addition to my recommendation, it is interesting to note that the Temple was inscribed as World Cultural Heritage in 1994 - a definite must see!

For more information, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkaku-ji

Happy New Year!!

I'm back!! I had the opportunity to go home (back to the US) for Christmas and the New Year. It was a great trip, lots of time to be back around friends and family and enjoy many of the things I miss while here in Tokyo. It was fun to drive my car around, understand the language around me, sleep in my old bed, etc. As vacations always go, they come to the end and now I'm back in Tokyo. One of many things I did before heading back to the States for the holidays was attend a few office holiday parties. I also participated in a bit of Japanese lottery...back in the States, I'm not much of a lottery player...but I couldn't resist the opportunity while here in Japan. I purchased a ticket and am waiting to find out if I'm going to be a millionaire...keep your finger crossed. After purchasing my tickets, I made sure to touch the money god...it may give me more luck...haha!