May 16th, 2017 

I arrive in Japan today at 6:00a.m with JL 34 (Japan Airlines) after about 6 hours of flight. Before we land, we passed Mt. Fuji from above the plane. Sadly, I didn't have the window seat. I was in the aisle, but nothing stopped me from seeting Mt. Fuji! I went to the back to an open window and watch Mt. Fuji. No doubt, it was majestic. So beautiful. Here's a picture I took from the window. But this picture don't do justice to the real thing. 

I had a transit in Bangkok before the ride to Tokyo, Haneda. When we left Minglardon airport, the view then was beautiful, too! 

I was on the plane for just one and a half hour. I was super sleepy even though I took a nap at home before I left. Bangkok airline provided Chicken Curry and Rice with salad and dessert. I thought the food was okay-ish. Japan Airline food was better; maybe because it was a bigger plane and a longer flight? Here's a picture. 

My plan was to watch a movie before as I wait for my food and then go to sleep after eating, but The Devil Wears Prada was such a good watch. Anne Hathaway never fails to entertain me. I loveee her. After the movie, I was dead tired, but I couldn't fall asleep. Maybe I was super excited for Japan. At 5a.m, we started to see Japan. First, I saw the tiny islands then the imfamouse Mt. Fuji. So far, Japan has the best view from air before landing, and New York has the best departure view(at night) for me. 

 

I was super tired when I arrived in Japan to really feel the exciting rush. When I landed, I thought about my Japanese friends who are from Japan and thought they live in a very modern and developed country. Not to say that other countries in Asia are not developed. It's just that it feels like I was in a western country? I realized that Japan is one of the Big five for nothing.

So I don't have internet yet since I just arrived. Fortunately, Haneda airport has free wifi! I had to go pick up my SIM Card provided by Sakura Mobile at Tokyo Central Post Office which is right in front of Tokyo Station. I found the directions from google maps and I asked the info desk just in case. The guy who showed me the direction was really nice. He gave me a map and provided some visuals and confirmation. Which helped alot! I bought a monorail ticket to Hamamotsucho including a transfer to JR with the help of a nice Japanese woman. Costed me $650. Though, later, Haruka, my friend and "tour guide?" said I could've travel to the post office for cheaper. Oh well. It was an experience on the monorail, right? I liked how spacious it was.  

Another thing I noticed when I arrived at the airport was the Japanese people were wearing masks. I took me by surprise at first. I though some kind of epidemic was spreading and that they were trying to protect themselves from a virus, and in the end we would have to CANCEL our trip! But fortunately, it was just a thing that Japanese people do here to protect themselves from diseases, but it's also kind of a fashion thing that Tokyoite do.

I stepped off the train at Hammamatsucho, successfully board the JR Yamanote Line (i.e: the most crowded line that circles around the city). However, I accidentally got off one stop early. So I thought it would be okay as long as I get on the Yamanote line again at the same platform, but it didn't work that way apparently. I ended up going one station back. I was confused. But I think I've got it down. And by down, I mean, if I have my phone, I can look at the platform number. haha. But I think Tokyo rail is way simpler than New York metro. 

Once I stepped out of Tokyo Station (Marunouchi), I had to walk a little and saw the Tokyo Central Post Office.

And here's the number two shocking moment I had while I was here. So I was waiting to cross the cross road from the Train station to the post office, and Tokyoites casually just started to pile up waiting for the sign to turn green. And the moment it turned green, people walked so so SO fast as if there was a huge lion about to catch them by their back. And half of the group entered this building called KITTE JP Tower. I didn't realize the post office was also in this building. I thought it was a corporate business building, but I think it was more of a variety building because I realized when I enter, there were restaurants inside. The post office is on the right. I picked up my SIM card. 

Near by there was a convenience store called JP Lawson. There I bought my first ever Onigiri from a convenience store. That was one of my must do in Japan, and I bought too much. 

I had my fill of food, fixed the VPN and got the data working on my phone. I planned to go to the Hostel to check in. Google says that it will take me about 45 minutes to walk there. I decided to go to the Imperial Palace first because the map in front of the Tokyo Station looks like it is really easy and close to go. BUT NO! If you have a luggage, do NOT walk to the Imperial Palace. Therefore, I decided to walk to my hostel which is 45 minutes away. Also, not a good idea. I decided never to walk to Ryogoku from Tokyo Station again. That was really dumb of me. It was such a LONG walk. I decided to walk because I wanted to see around, but it is really all just buildings from Tokyo Station to Ryogoku Station. 

TIP for Tokyo: If you think it's far, don't walk. The trains are very efficient and fast. Which is why you may think that stations to stations are not that far, but they are quite far for walking. So beware! 

I finally arrived at Anne Hostel Yokozuna. The receptionist told me that I couldn't check in yet. So I stored my luggage in the storage, and just play around on my phone, called my parents and just did whatever. At 1:30pm, she told me that I could check in. After checking in, I took a shower and Haruka said he was going to arrive at the hotel by 2:30pm. We decided that we would go around Tokyo. Or I decided, Haruka was helping me get around Japan. It was nice to have Haruka around because he can speak Japanese and he also knows how the transportation works.

I formally wanted to go to Asakusa, but Haruka said we might be going there later with the Juniata student group. So he and I decided that it would be better to go to Shibuya tonight. This time, I didn't have to think about the directions on the subway because Haruka can lead the way which was really nice. We arrived in Shibuya, and I crossed the "The Scramble" or Shibuya crossing. This is also known as the world's busiest intersection. I took pictures and also check off my "Cross the Shibuya crossroad" on my Japan mission list. Then I took a picture with Hachiko, the dog that waiting for his owner in the movie and it's also based of a true story. I still haven't watch the movie, but I think once I do, I will regret not taking a picture with it so I asked Haruka to take a picture.....

Then me and Haruka decided to eat Ramen. We found this shop in one of Shibuya's alley...

  

And I ordered this ramen above. It was 950 yen, but it was super delicious, like "Mejja Oishi! haha!" After that Haruka and I decided to go to karaoke. On the way to karaoke I bought my first bottle of drink from the vending machine. I also made my first Suica card for the subway this afternoon before leaving for Shibuya. I was able to buy a Peach flavored tea/drink with that card without cash. I thought that was super cool. 

 

Me and Haruka sang for two hours of Karaoke and it costed each of us about 700 yen. They have Korean, Chinese, English, and of course Japanese. We sang so many songs including anime songs like Naruto: Friend, Blue Bird, Shooting Star. and my favorite Japanese song: Kokoniiruyo. 

After Karaoke, I was pretty tired because I didn't get enough sleep on the plane. We decided to go back after looking around Shibuya a little. By the time we head out, it was dark and the lights were scintillating  in Shibuya. It was still busy, but beautiful with all the lights. It's Tokyo's version of the New York Times Square. Haruka helped me take a picture. 

After that I took the subway back to the hostel. I was going to write this entry that night, but I was so tired that I fell asleep while writing it. I immediately went to brush my teeth and went to bed. 

Day 1 in TOKYO OVER!!!@@$(#*49)!#_@)$Q_UE(W()@(!DJ)@()!e10~