Japan is one of the places I've always wanted to visit. But with distance and cost it never seemed realistic. Also the culture and language just seemed so alien and foreign to be able to navigate. However, living in Korea, only an hour by ferry to the tip of Japan, and acclimatizing to Korean society, which can seem just as alien, I wasnt going pass up to opportunity to go.

This is also one of the reasons I had picked Korea for a teaching job as I would be able to explore both Korea and Japan, two countries I hadnt visited. Japan teaching jobs seemed a bit harder to come by and not as financially beneficial as free apartments are not provided. But Korea was a close enough alternative financially beneficial to pay for these trips.

Officially I have 'no vacation days' as I used my 10 day winter vacation going to Toronto. But as mentioned my school is flexible about taking time off during school closure. I flew from Busan airport (instead of Seoul) which is just over an hour by bus from Daegu. I also purchased a 7 day Japan rail pass. A good tip a friend of mine that had gone a few weeks ahead advised was to be on the Yamonote Circle line in Tokyo, as not only is it included in the Japan Rail pass, it covers all the main parts of Tokyo you'd want to visit.

Getting currency is also interesting. I went to my local bank and wrote down 600,000 korean won = Japan Yen (about $500). I hoped she would understand and she tried asking me what bills I would like it paid out in. Then with the language barrier she picks up her batphone and calls the bank hotline for an english speaking rep. She already understood what I wanted but it was better to verify again with an english speaker.

Took the bus from Daegu to Busan Gimhae airport, which was only $7 vs $13 on the high speed train and only took 25 mins longer, but was more scenic seeing the landscape. Busan airport is small with one domestic and one international terminal but a lot nicer than Daegus ghost terminal. Anytime I need to fly I'll try to use Daegu or Busan to avoid all the rush at Seoul Incheon. Convenience store prices were the same as outside, not double like what other airports charge. I wanted to just take hand luggage but I had to check mine coz my almost empty shampoo bottle was over 100ml

The airport had a surprising number of army transport planes landing and taking off like clockwork. Like Daegu its a dual use military airport. Not sure where they were going and coming from in that frequency? Japan airlines stewardesses are not as pretty looking as Korean. Flying over Busan I got a birds eye view of not only the airport but of the downtown harbour, and both Gwangalli and Haeundae beaches. (See Later Entry on Busan Gimhae Airport)

Once we crossed to Japan I was surprised how barren and moutainous it was in the north. There were lots of snow covered mountains. I havent flown over western canada by day but these were different mountains from ones I'd seen before. Once we landed found the JR pass office. This is actualy a great investment as its like combining a Via Rail pass with a GO transit pass, only no TTC. Thats fine as there is a circle line in tokyo that is operated by japan rail and is free on the pass, and connects to all the main parts. The JR pass also included the airport line.

The airport train took 90 mins, didnt know tokyo was that spread out even though this was the express with no local stops. Getting out at Shinjuku was amazing with all the bright lights but also confusing. I had to keep asking people for directions to my hotel. I made it to the right block but just couldnt find it and kept walking in circles. Everything is lit up and you have to look up multi stories at all the signs. In the end a guy had to walk with me to show where it was and the reception is up on the 3rd floor with bars downstairs.

Video : Tokyo Shinjuku by night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD4XGvrP XLM

Similar to motels in Korea, Japan has gone one step further and developed a capsule hotel. This is basically a fridge sized compartment stacked two high that you crawl into. They actually look big enough to sleep two people from videos on youtube but hotels are segregated by gender. Also they provide all toiletries, sleepwear, and towels, so you can walk in off the street having not packed anything. They are designed for commuters or business people that have stayed too late in town at meetings or drinking.

youtube : Tokyo Kiba Capsule Hotel (a video somebody else made of another hotel)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D30zgAs r_o

The capsule is not bad. First you have to take your shoes off when you enter the lobby and leave them in a locker. Then in the lobby they give you the key to your main locker where you can leave your bag and coat, and they have a seperate luggage room. The capsules are stacked two high. Mine is the top in a corner luckily so wont be much noise. Doesnt seem too busy either. Its quite warm, large, and comfy on the inside. I was worried it might be cold, hard, and bad air circulation, but very nice. Bathrooms are on the floor but showers are two floors down. There are no shower stalls and there are communal hottubs. (See Later Entry on Japan Hotels)

Tried to find somewhere to eat. Found a Turkish restaurant pummakale, and after another one ... saw some fish restaurants and trying to orient myself to the layout and the food. Really excited to be in Japan. Like I said, this was something I imagned but didnt think was realistic. Navigating doesnt seem too bad as there is english signage and people here speak enough basic english to try to direct me to my hotel.

Saw lots of pinball arcades with lots of old guys in there. This internet cafe is different. There are different sections for comics, dvds, internet. the keyboard keeps reverting to Japanese so have to figure out the toggle button. Looking forward to my first night in Japan, in the capsule, and first full day exploring tomorrow.