Tokyo is rearry rearry fun!

Posted: February 5, 2011 in Japan

Konichiwa!

So after some fantastic hospitality at the Carlstrom residence and some teary eyes at the airport, I have fled the country once more. This time trading in my Sorel boots for chopsticks, karaoke, and as my cousin Tanner would say; “a can-do attitude”.

I touched down in Japan on my birthday (Feb. 3) and after a couple hours of bumbling around on the subway system (see subway map pic below to find out why), I found my way to my wonderful hostel, Toco Tokyo.

confusing enough for you?

The hostel was a warm feeling, renovated Japanese house from the 1920’s. Complete with a private bar area, a lush green garden out back, and paper thin walls that I’m sure could even keep a narcoleptic from getting a wink of sleep (one of the only drawbacks of this awesome place).

Garden out back

After finding out it was my birthday, I was given an enthusiastic round of applause (yes, a round of applause) from the patrons in the bar, and a shot of tequilla. For dinner, a trip down the street to the local Ramen (noodle) shop was in order. Here is “Japanese Ramen eating 101” brought to you by Tom Selleck:

Feb 4th: Fish, Fire Departments, and Funny Looks

Eager to explore the city, I awoke at 5:30 AM and set out to see Tsukiji fish market, the largest fish market in the world. Legend has it that a large tuna sold for $300,000 US Dollars here a few years back……. I would not shit you.

Crisp ocean air, hectic yells of Japanese people, and packed “hole in the wall” sushi shops converged here to make this a truly unique environment. After playing a game of “frogger” (aka. Jason trying to cross the street without getting hit by streaking, fish carrying Japanese forklifts), I sat down at a traditional Japanese restaurant and had the freshest, best sushi I’ve ever had. Before eating it’s polite to yell out “Itadakimas!” and after your meal you bow to your plate and say “Goteso sama”.After that I paid a visit to the local Fire Department in Tokyo. As soon as I got to the station, the tones went off and I was lucky enough to be there with my camera to film the event:After visiting the Fire Department, I partook in downing a couple whiskey’s at a local bar with 7 Japanese friends from the hostel. Starting to get used to being the minority now……

Feb 5th: Chu-Hi and Tokyo Adventures

I’m beginning to think that the following pictures represent how Japanese people see Western foreigners:

More to come……

rusty says:

February 6, 2011 at 10:59 AM

1. Jimmy you are always the minority

2. 3 minutes till they get out the door, I think you should have a chat with the chief there about the poor shoot times

jasonmichaelgreen says:

February 7, 2011 at 5:01 PM

Chief Lemieux is subscribed to my blog so I’m sure he seen the video and will be contacting the Tokyo FD to rectify the problem of poor chute times……

Thanks for the comment Rusty!

Arlo says:

February 6, 2011 at 4:06 PM

Looks like another sweeet trip in the making for ya pal have a good one over there! I like the blog. Safe hitch hiking to ya!!

jasonmichaelgreen says:

February 7, 2011 at 5:02 PM

Thanks bud. Too bad it never worked out that we could get together in GP before I left.

Mike says:

February 7, 2011 at 6:29 AM

Jason, have a great trip. We are so fortunate to live vicariuosly through your blog, and experience your adventure. Be safe, don’t take any wooden nickles, and if it smells like fish, and looks like fish, it still might not be fish.

jasonmichaelgreen says:

February 7, 2011 at 5:09 PM

Hahahaha thanks for the advice bud.

I was actually gonna post the “Steel Panther – Asian Hooker” video on the top of my blog. The song seems even funnier now that I’m here…..

Kerri says:

February 7, 2011 at 3:34 PM

Wow Jay, Looks amazing! I love the ads, too funny.
If you have an iphone, there is an app called Word Lens that will translate anything. You just point your phone at the word and it is translated before your very eyes.
Anyhow, love the blog, can’t wait to read more!

jasonmichaelgreen says:

February 7, 2011 at 5:11 PM

Thanks Kerri!!! I have an ipod here and will be downloading that app. Sounds awesome. Thanks for reading the blog, keep your stick on the ice, and remember, give 75%.

Jay

Kamikaze Canuck

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