I’ve had some experiences with subways in Chicago, New York and the very limited Rio de Janeiro subway but Tokyo has its own unique differences that can easily throw off a first time traveler to Tokyo. There are rules, guidelines, pre-purchased fares and manners that you must adhere to. It is true that as a foreigner you will be forgiven for your ignorance of the Japanese transit system – but it is always to come a bit prepared. (more…)
If ever there was a heartfelt story of love, friendship and loyalty that needed to be shared, it was that of Hachiko. This is a story between a man and his dog that is known throughout Japan and to some Richard Gere fans.
While visiting in Japan, my wife and I would meet up with her cousin at the Shibuya train station. Shibuya is known as a busy bustling station, both in the station and the large crosswalk near it that leads to shops, side streets, business and much much more. In order for us to find one another when meeting outside of Shibuya, we would meet near the statue of Hachiko. Now I knew that the Akita is a popular breed of dog, native to Japan but what I didn’t know was what made this specific Akita so special.
It was around the 1920′s in Japan. A man by the name of Ueno, a professor at the University of Tokyo, would ride home from work each day where he would be met by his loving pet Hachiko. Hachiko knew exactly what time his master would arrive, and would thus show up to Shibuya at the same time each day to meet his friend.
One day at work, the professor suddenly died. Hachiko non-the-wiser showed up at his master’s regular return time and waited. Days passed with no sign of Professor Ueno, yet there sat Hachiko waiting. Hachiko would return to the station and wait each day for his master’s return for nine years until finally Hachiko passed away of old age.
Each day thousands of people pass through Shibuya, zipping by in their busy lives. Through all the growth and development of Tokyo, and through all the hustle and bustle Hachiko will forever wait for his master. A testament of friendship and loyalty that still resonates with me nearly 1 year since we were in Japan.
Click on my video from Japan which shows Shibuya and much more.
It’s here, it’s finally here…My video from when I was in Japan. Instead of doing something silly like grad school homework I decided to forgo my weekend by piecing together photos and video clips to make this awesome video for you. I’ve uploaded it on both Youtube and Vimeo for your viewing pleasure.
Video clips include the Tokyo Railway, Odaiba, Boro itchi festival, Akihabara, Ueno’s Ameyayokocho, Omte Sando’s Takeshita guchi, Mount Asama (Asama yama), Asakusa, Shibuya and it’s Hachiko guard dog, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Sky Tree (new Tokyo Tower) Kyoto’s Golden Palace (Kinkakuji), Kiyomizu-dara and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Many have resigned themselves to the fact that they will never see Japan; it has a reputation for being extremely expensive. There are certainly some truths. You can expect to pay at least double for fresh fruit and fresh vegetables for example. And of course, a long-haul flight will set you back. But in reality the travellers who do decide to throw caution to the wind and visit Japan are pleasantly surprised. With a couple of handy pointers, Tokyo can be yours on a – slightly lengthier than normal – shoestring.
It had been in the planning for more than 6 months, but the other night it finally came down to one question. It is amazing how one word can have such a huge impact, but it does and it did that night. Some of you may know that I often refer to my travel partner, @BouncyMcTigger but what you may not know is that she has always been more than that and now I can cheerfully share that we are engaged. I now have a permanent travel partner, someone who has said yes.
It had been in the planning for more than 6 months, but the other night it finally came down to one question. It is amazing how one word can have such a huge impact, but it does and it did that night. Some of you may know that I often refer to my travel partner, 