Oh Japan. Little, wonderful, magical Japan. Although I haven't seen much yet - bouncing between paperwork and formalities - these past few days have been wonderful (albeit a little strange). I stepped straight off the plane and straight onto my ¥18,000 bicycle.
I opted for no gears - and although Takasago is flat i feel as though I will come to regret this decision.
This is my little apartment - otherwise known as 2LDK (the Japanese abbreviation for a two-bedroom apartment with a living room, dining room, and kitchen).
I quickly unpacked and spent many hours trying to set up internet, a phone and bank account. All arduous tasks when you don't know any of the language. So far, I've taken several bike rides around Takasago, visiting many beautiful temples and shrines. In the front/back/side of every house are bonsai trees. I love them. It's horticulture, art and philosophy all in the form of a carefully pruned tree.
I'm lucky to have arrived in spring, and that means cherry blossoms (sakura) season. The sakura usher in a new season, along with a new school and fiscal year. While Japan is highly industrialised, it is also very in touch with nature. And this means where there is concrete, there is always a potted plant.
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