Anime Floridian: Mega Happy Japan Trip '15: Day 6

I woke up around 8am Saturday morning, unsure of what I was going to do. I did know that I was hungry so I decided to take the elevator down. Saturday was busy at the hotel. Lots of high school guys and girls, each wearing matching sport outfits. There must be a game nearby that they were here for, Anyway, the restaurant was packed so I decided on what my friend Colin calls, "random Japanese breakfast," and he is right, it is the best.

Walking out into the sunlight, I crossed the street, went to Lawson's at the station. The idea is to pick a convenience store and pick out anything you have a craving for. Here is what I bought and brought back from my Lawson's haul.

Obviously I needed energy after my night adventure at Sega World and Georgia Coffee Max was the best choice. Either that or an energy drink, however, I rarely drink energy drinks because I don't think they are healthy. I have to be extremely tired to get one. So I got pancakes in a bag that were amazing. In between the pancakes was butter, maple syrup, and whipped cream. They were really good considering they were in a bag and I was surprised how fresh they were. Next, was curry fries and they were good. I washed everything down with coconut water. Now the coconut water was very bland and I'm not sure if I would buy it again. What I wanted were the coconut drinks that contain coconut pulp that you find in Thai markets. This was like drinking water with a faint coconut taste.

Following breakfast I called Jun and was shocked to learn that he had to go to ER last night due to stomach problems. He caught something in either the food or the water in Vietnam. He wouldn't be able to hang out today. I was bummed. I was hoping to get together with some of my friends from USF like Tomomi and Taeko. Looks like we will have to get together on my next trip. Tomomi has his own hair salon in Tokyo. He is from Oita in Kyushu, the southern part of Japan. I would love to go to Oita one day. Beppuu in Oita is famous for hot springs. I will definitely go using my Japan Rail Pass next time.

Jun encouraged me to enjoy Saturday and do something relaxing like go to Asakusa, an area in Tokyo that celebrates traditional Japanese culture. Honestly, I was in the mood for something crazier so I decided to see Harajuku instead.

The idea for Harajuku came from reading Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno by Patrick Macias. In that book Macias explains that Japanese schoolgirls set popular trends that start in Harajuku and eventually spread all over Japan and all the way to America. Just take a look at Gwen Stefani's video for her song, Harajuku Girls, to see who young Japanese girls are influencing internationally. Also, I was influenced by the Japanese street fashion magazine, Fruits, and the Tokyo Look Book by Philomena Keet that has pictures of the Harajuku look, including Goth Lolita. So I was on a mission to seek out crazy fashion.

Exiting Harajuku Station, I wasn't sure what to expect but I knew I had to see Takeshita Street, the heart of Harajuku fashion. Looking up I saw it right away and crossed the street to check it out.

There were so many people!! It was difficult to move around and take pictures. The shops and the clothes outside were cool. However I didn't see any interesting fashion on the people walking around. I wanted to take pictures of unique fashion styles and cosplayers. I found out after my trip that the cosplayers usually come out on Sundays. Maybe it was too early to get to see anything weird.

I walked along the loop of Takeshita twice, just to scope it out and get a feel for it. Kawaii crepes were sold everywhere and the only thing annoying were the Nigerians who occasionally shouted at each other. They looked mean for some reason.

After my second time around, I was getting hungry so I left Takeshita, and found a really cool looking upstairs ramen shop that was packed. I was in the mood for something different so I ordered Kyushu ramen. The broth was amazing.

In Japan you are expected to slurp your noodles loud to let others know that you are enjoying your meal. So with a Chinese spoon in my left hand and chopsticks in my right, I slurped as loud as I could. I highly recommend this ramen shop.

Here are some pictures inside the shop. I love the little touches like the faces.

With my belly full, I walked back outside and just wandered around. I wanted to see Yoyogi Park to see if I could find cute girls in Goth Lolita fashion, cosplayers, or the Rockabilly dudes. So in my wandering around I found a park and looking at a street sign with a map was happy to discover that it was Yoyogi Park.

Now if you can find them the Rockabilly guys are the perfect photo and video opp. They dance to 50's rock, blasting from a nearby boom box. Generally, Sunday is the day to see them and the cosplayers.

I was forced to abandon my mission when I couldn't locate any crazy fashion. I created a new goal to enjoy a nice, leisurely stroll around the park. The park is huge.

I did see groups of people dancing in a circle.

Pictures from my long walk.

After enjoying some live music it was time to say goodbye to Yoyogi Park.

Ok now that I was relaxed it was time to head back to Takeshita and be bold with picture taking.

Back for more street action.

I almost stopped to buy some baggy pants to hang down and show off my underwear.

80's pop culture.

Still no one wearing this and I thought I would see someone any second.

After taking this I was told by a staff girl, in English, to not take pictures of the merchandise. I know not to do that but sometimes you just have to.

I did see a kawaii candy shop with a very genki girl outside, handing out free samples, and encouraging shoppers to step inside. I stopped and politely asked to take her picture. So sweet!! I should have told her to come to the US with me and I will make all your dreams come true.

I love random bits of pop culture like this.

It was time to leave Harajuku and all those crazy shoppers.

It is so nice to see anime everywhere and not just at anime cons in America.

On the train ride back, I did something good that made me proud. I was sitting on a crowded train when three elderly gentlemen stood in front of me. Immediately I stood up and offered my seat. When they left, the one who I gave my seat to, thanked me in Japanese and bowed. I was moved by this. In Japan, always respect the elderly.

Returning to Utsunomiya Station, I went to Mos Burger because I knew I couldn't get it back home.

I have to agree with my Japanese friends and say that I like the burger at Mos Burger better than McDonald's.

I got Melon soda with mine, a green, very sweet drink that is popular with kids. You can get it in bottles back home but it is not as good as from a soda dispenser.