Where in the World is Adam Shane?

 

While there are an abundance of business hotels and the occasional hostel, there are more unique and exciting places to sleep in Japan.    [read on]

Aside from my beloved matcha (thick green tea, rich in vitamin C) there were a lot of amazing drinks in Japan.  There aren’t too many differences between the ones you’d find in America.  But a notable mention is Pocari Sweat, a pez-flavored Gatorade like drink.    [read on]

I’m sure that food will prove to be one of the most exciting experiences throughout my world travels.  I’m imagine that Japan’s culinary tastes are much tamer than some of the exotic dishes that I will consume in later countries, but it did present a great many differences than the diet I was previously accustomed to.    [read on]

As the date of my visa rapidly approached, I started the journey west towards the port city of Fukuoka.  I had the last ferry before my expiration date booked.  This left me a few days to hang out with Megumi, a friend I met in Tokyo.  She just moved back here a week ago and promised to show me around the city before I left Japan.    [read on]

Well that’s it.  Time to start making peace with Japan.  I have less than a week left on my visa.  My ferry to Korea leaves on Monday, and I still need to pay a visit to Megumi in Fukuoka before leaving.    [read on]

 

Already feeling very satisfied with the decision to visit Kyoto, I jumped on a subway heading towards Gion and Hanami-koji, the heart of Japan’s Geisha activity.  Although my hopes weren’t high, the neighborhood where you might spot them is also famous its elegant streets and classical architecture.  It definitely lived up to its reputation.    [read on]

 

I did it!  I escaped the magnetic grip of Osaka once again.  Somehow evading its mysterious tractor beam, I found myself on a train bound for Kyoto.  I intended to spend more time there, but the last month in Kansai has sped by in a blur.  The biggest festival in Japan, the Gion Matsuri, takes place annually in Kyoto throughout the month of July.  Although the climactic parade and main festivities peak after my visa expiration, I found information on the web about a lantern parade happening today.  Perfect reason to visit the cultural heart of Japan that I have been neglecting the last month I’ve been in Kansai.    [read on]

I also just noticed that this, my 76th post falls on the 4th of July!  I hope everyone back home is having some wild BBQ action!

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of Ground Zero, a live house (music bar) that I’ve been frequenting.  Played about four sets throughout the night, took a few great photos, drank excessively and generally had a good time.  I’m not going to verbally elaborate much more, so here are some photos.    [read on]