Meeting up with friends

Trip Start Jun 15, 2011

Trip End Jun 26, 2011

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Flag of Japan Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
Friday, June 17, 2011

After Harajuku we headed back to Shibuya to pick up our (heavy) bags and get a train out to Motosumiyoshi to stay with some of my partner's friends, who are local Japanese.

Suburban Tokyo is quite different to the city, and I'm so glad I got to see it. Where the city is very similar to any other major city I've seen, the suburbs look a lot more different to suburbs of Australia. The streets were narrow and we saw very few cars. Many people ride their bikes to the station to get the train to work. The main street was pretty much pedestrian only and lined with typical shops: groceries, fast food, bakery, phone/ tech etc. One of the first things i noticed is that many shops had their stock displayed open to the street, which would never happen in Australia unless it was very cheap stuff. They have a lot of trust there.

On the side streets there was the occasional car and the foot path was very narrow if non existant. The architecture was apartment buildings/townhouses with no car parks. The buildings were flush with the street.

Stepping in to our friends apartment, it was alot closer to the western style with only a few minor (& much improved) differences. Very modern and of course clean, as people leave their shoes at the door.

They made us an AMAZING meal with several traditional Japanese dishes. I tried octopus for the first time, which I've shied away from before & mixed in with the kimchi it was great. Fish, sashimi, edamame & more I now can't remember.It was great to catch up over dinner.

Off to bed for a much needed rest before more exploring the next day!