The Kimchi Chronicles

Japan, Day 1: Konnichiwa! Arrival and Harajuku

Posted on 1/26/2010 at 2:14:29 PM

Sunday, January 24, 2010

After a restless night of packing and anticipation, I made it to the Incheon International airport in Korea to catch my flight to Tokyo. Check-in was quick and hassle free and I had about an hour to spare before I boarded the plane. The flight over to Japan was fast; just slightly over an hour. The plane took off around 12 in the afternoon and I got my luggage and boarded the subway in Tokyo by 2. My main worry was navigating the subway, but luckily some helpful Japanese flight attendants were able to show me the way. Ironically, the subway ride took much longer than the flight, about two hours. I had to change trains at one point, and got somewhat lost, but some high school girls directed me.

The hostel I’m staying at is a bit out of the way from the subway station, about a 10 minute walk. It was a bit tricky to find, but I made it. After checking in and settling into my room, It was time to begin exploring Japan. My first goal was to visit Harajuku to see the cosplay-zoku, more famously known as the wacky dressed up Harajuku girls. From my research, they only come out on the weekend, so since it was Sunday night and I leave on Thursday, that was my only chance to see them. Unfortunately, by the time I got there, it was close to 8pm, and most of them had left already. I did see a handful of the girls walking around, but I wasn’t able to get any pictures. Afterward, I strolled around Takeshita-dori. Definitely lots of crazy things to see there and plenty of shops and people to entertain you. Like Korea, the subway system closes around midnight, so I didn’t want to miss the train back to the hostel.

So far, my first impression of Tokyo is great. The people are super friendly and helpful, and the majority that I’ve spoken to can get by with some English. This is definitely a bike friendly city. Unlike, Korea where motorbikes are rampant no matter where you go, the Japanese prefer the more eco-friendly method of transportation by riding bicycles. The streets seem a lot cleaner and the driving isn’t as crazy. You can tell things are definitely a lot more organized here.  I haven’t even been here for an entire day, but I’m already loving this city.