I don't know when it started, but I've always been interested in the life and culture of the Far East. It probably started with my interest in martial arts (I seem to remember that I liked to imagine myself as a ninja while playing outside with some friends when I was young), and only grew as I started consuming some of the other pop culture exports (video games, anime, manga, etc.) of the area. Interest in the pop culture turned to interest in the countries, people and traditions of the region. What all this is slowly building towards is that when given the opportunity, I have tried to take vacations that allow me to experience life in the Far East. Granted, it's as a tourist but that can still be an adventure.Three years ago, I traveled with some friends to Japan. During that trip I met some very cool people and had memorable experiences. And I promised myself that I would go back the next chance I could afford to. That chance came through Intermixi Tours during their Fusion/Neo-Tokyo Tours this past March/April.
Now, I had written what in hindsight was a pretty boring post detailing the first two days of the trip. But I've scrapped that. Mainly because the first two days of the trip really consisted of me flying out there. It is a 11-hour flight from San Francisco to Narita, Japan; then add the 16-hour time difference and almost two whole days are gone.
It's not a total loss, however. The tour had a total of eight participants, and I rode over with one of them since we both live around the San Francisco Bay Area. It was nice getting to know a little about her, and she certainly helped to keep the long flight from being boring.
The posts from here on out get a little better (hopefully). I also have pictures posted for all those who are interested.
