Japan - Stereotypes

Japan - Land of the Rising Sun.

In Japan the sun is RED, not Yellow. This view from atop Mt. Fuji governs respect.

The view from afar is also quite spectacular. However, this is quite rare in Summer. The best time to see Fujisan is winter. Just after a windy day.

From Tokyo its clearly visible and dwarfs everything around. But most days you just can't see it at all. Summer smog and early cloud clover often blocks the view.

Geisha... you don't usually see them on the street. These two are Maiko. Training to be Geisha. You generally only see them in Kyoto where the traditional entertainment remains.

Temples like postcards. Sometimes it is true. Kinkakuji. The gold pavillion is a sight that covered in gold leaf. The grounds are manicured perfection. Other times temples exist under trainlines or feature a highway backdrop.

Yes, Japanese love sushi! This tuna was sold wholesale for 616000yen. thats about $6000.

True Sakura or cherry blossoms are viewed in late March or early April and they last a week or so. Thats it.

Shinkansen = Bullet train, but ask a Japanese person where the bullet train station is and they will have no idea because it isn't Japanese people. Learn some real japanese words before you come.

Japan is Busy! YES it is! Very! get used to it in the cities. But that number of people creates a safe environment. You are never far from help. In the countryside, you can find some nice spots, but someone usually comes along. Above is shibuya xing on a normal day. 33million in Tokyo area.

Wasabi is hot. Yes. But it is grown in the cold using the freshest mountain water.

I'll end this post... with this myth. Japan is Modern. Not all the time. This is aview of a down town concrete factory. Japan is old and new side by side. Perfect harmony.... you decide.

I'll be posting more photo's from my travels in the future. But for now. Tokyo is where I live.