Happy Birthday, Tokyo Disney!!

This season marks the 25th anniversary of Disney in Tokyo...so it's one year younger than me...how exciting!! It's a really big attraction here, as in most places, so I wanted to make sure to visit before I leave Tokyo next week (time really flies when your having fun). To be honest, I really feel like Disney is best enjoyed with kids in tow or maybe as part of a romantic couple. It's definitely about the experience - about the sights and sounds as opposed to the exciting rides. With that understood, there are two opportunities for enjoying Disney in Tokyo...Disney Land or Disney Sea. Disney Land, as I've heard is more targeted towards children and the Disney Characters while Disney Land is the home of more of the exciting rides. I'm a rider, so it was an easy choice for me...Disney Sea. I had a great time in the Tower of Terror (2 times) and in the Journey to the Center of the Earth Ride. My friend and I discovered that we could basically eliminate the wait time by riding the roller coaster as single riders. By breezing by the lines that lasted for about two hours, we had the opportunity to ride the roller coaster 3 times in less the amount of time it took other riders to go on only once. The only downside was that we didn't get to ride together...but took our chances with random strangers. In the end, it was well worth it and we had a great time...definitely an option to consider for future amusement park visits.

Who Eats Strawberry Popcorn, Anyways?

I went to Disney Sea yesterday...lucky me! I was actually approved a day off by my manager to go on a weekday - hoping to avoid the massive crowds on the weekends at Disney. No such luck - in spite of the fact that it was a Thursday, the crowds were still ridiculous...several rides had a two hour or longer wait...crazy! I haven't been to a Disney park in awhile, several years ago at least. Although in Tokyo, things were still very similar. I don't know if things have changed...but one interesting phenomenon I did note was that there was several popcorn stands located all around...the mere presence of popcorn wasn't so extraordinary...but it was the flavors offered. I love popcorn, and cheese is my favorite...but I couldn't find it anywhere. As can be expected there was salt and caramel...but unexpectedly there was black pepper and strawberry as well. Interesting, and not at all tempting. In conversation with my boyfriend last night, he chastised me for not trying the strawberry popcorn or getting some for him...go figure!

Eating Fish Sperm In Tsukiji

For many foreigners, Tsukiji is synonymous with Fish market. This is because the Tsukiji fish market is super famous, a place where many tourists visit in the early morning darkness (4:00 or 5:00 AM) to witness the fish auctions firsthand. I'm told it's an amazing place to see and experience, but like many of my Japanese co-workers, I just couldn't bring myself to wake up that early to witness it's many charms. For those who can, I've heard great reviews...so I would definately recommend. For those who are unable to get up quite that early, not to worry...Tsukiji as more to offer than just the early morning auctions. It's the place to be for the freshest fish and seafood, and if you're here in the winter months, the place to be to experience a special Japanese dish...fish sperm. Intrigued by the concept, I made a trip to Tsukiji after work last week, and tried the dish for myself. It wasn't the best thing I've eaten in Japan, and I wouldn't recommend gorging yourself on the dish, but a taste or two was a great alternative to the fish market...lol!

For more information about the Tsujiki fish market, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukiji_fish_market.

Sexual Harrassment in Tokyo

Let me begin by saying that based on my experiences, Tokyo is an astonishingly safe city. The crime I hear being reported is extremely rare, and compared to the US, is practically non-existent. I've never felt unsafe or concerned about my safety, in spite of walking around by myself at all times of the day or night. In preparation for assignment, I was warned of the possibility of being harassed or touched inappropriately, especially in crowded commuter trains. To combat that phenomenon, I have noticed "women only" cars on certain trains, regulated at certain times. Fortunately, I have not experienced any such incidents. I have had a few questionable remarks directed my way, but nothing that I wouldn't experience in the US, or any other country for that matter. In fact, this interesting sign has been the closest I've been to any real sexual harassment!!

Cosplay in Akihabara

In lieu of a traditional U.S. Valentine celebration - my friends and I here in Japan planned to explore the phenomenon of Cosplay resturants. We made reservations and had drinks at a maid cafe and attempted to visit a butler cafe as well. We were disappointed to discover that in spite of our big plans, we weren't impressed by the cafes nor by the maids unwillingness to have their pictures taken. So, instead of attempting to get pictures of these maids, we decided to become the maids. In Akihabara, we rented traditional maid costumes and took to the streets. Similarly to my experiences in Kyoto, we got lots of laughs by strangers...but still had a great time! Why simply explore the culture, when you can become a part of it?

For more information about Cosplay resturants, refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosplay_restaurant

Welcome to Akihabara: Electric Town

One of the first things that people ask about when they hear that I'm in Japan is the electronics. They want to know about all the deals and cool gadgets that I've found here...and I generally don't have much to say on the topic. This is for two main reasons. One, the few times that I've ventured over to an electronics store to buy something, I've noticed that the prices weren't any cheaper than the ones I can find in the U.S. and online. I'm a bargain hunter first and foremost, so in spite of Japan's reputation, I wasn't overly impressed. The second reason is probably most important, I'm not technically savvy....at all. I'm always the last to buy the new gadgets, I don't care to have the most updated cell phone, and I'm not certain of the specs of my digital pink camera. But, for those who are interested...I'd suggest a trip to Akihabara. This area of Tokyo is famous for electronic and computer goods...lots of speciality stores and opportunities for to explore, for those who are so inclined...

See more about Akihabara at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akihabara

Some Sumo

Although I live in a major sports city (go Steelers) I'm not much of a sports fan. I'm embarrassed to admit that I have never been to a pro football game or hockey game or baseball game...or really any of the big games that are so big in Pittsburgh. I often find it hard to watch games on tv, but in spite of these facts, I was really eager to go to watch Sumo while in Tokyo. As I imagined, the tradition and rituals surrounding the matches seemed as important as the actual match. Going to a match was pretty exciting, even for a non-sports fan. The size of the participants, the excitement in the crowd and the opportunity to watch big men in diapers was too hard to pass up. Tons (haha) of fun!!

Traveling Tips: Take the Shinkansen

When people talk about how good the transportation system in Japan is, they aren't lying. I didn't bring my car here, and many/most residents of Tokyo don't drive (similar to other big cities like NYC, Washington DC). Although I do miss the freedom associated with driving, I would not want to have to worry about driving on the left side of the street, reading signs, parking, etc... And, the public transportation system is quite convenient, punctual, and pretty easy to figure out. Most signs are also written in English (especially in the city) and I have been able to make do with my extremely limited Japanese and most people's ability to explain the basics in English. I travel for the most part on the metro and subway, but have also had the pleasure of riding in the Shinkansen or the "bullet train." It's a high speed and super comfortable way to travel, especially for those longer trips. It can be a bit pricey, but when traveling make sure to make comparisons and factor in the Shinkansen...it's always a great option!

For more information about the Shinkansen, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen

Workplace Workings: Do the dishes!!

I was amused when my co-worker informed me yesterday that it was her turn to do the dishes...I seriously thought she was joking at first. But this was no joke. She was actually referring to the fact that everyone in the office takes turning washing and drying the coffee cups and makers each day. She knew it was her turn because she'd been passed a little marker from the person who'd done it the day before. There are janitors here, they come and empty the trash but the idea of pitching in to this degree is a new one to me....

Workplace Workings: The Smoking Room

I'll start out by saying that I'm not a smoker. I'm also not really bothered by smoking. I often don't notice it, and I generally unbothered by it's presence. That being said, I am fully aware of the danger of second-hand smoke and think it's a good thing that it's so harshly regulated in the US...no complaints from me. However, for those who are smokers and are troubled by the lengths (often literal) they have to go to take a smoke break, you are in luck in Japan. You can still smoke in restaurants and bars, there is a smoking car on the train, and right down the hall from my office there is also a smoking room. While my co-workers who smoke back in the US have to exit the building and often walk a significant distance away from it (no joke in the arctic cold of Pittsburgh) - my colleagues here in Japan can simply stop in to the room on the way to the bathroom...how interesting!