江ノ島 - ENOSHIMA

This past Monday was 体育の日 (sports day) which meant I had the day off! Lucky for me, my two good friends, Steph and Ayaka, also had the day off so the three of us decided to venture out for a day trip to Enoshima!

Enoshima means "Bay Island" and lives up to it's name by being a beautiful little piece of land just an hour and a half south of Tokyo. This is a pretty famous place for movies, tv shows (Terrace house!) and especially...dates! HAHA...so the three of us girls laughed that we were having this romantic day trip together. 

THE BIRDS ARE WEARING SWEATERS! When I saw this, I knew I would like this quirky, beachy place. 

An old man and the sea. This is my favorite pic of the day. 

Once you get to Enoshima station, you just walk about 15 minutes down the road, across this pedestrian bridge, and then you're on the island. 

I looked out and saw a crew of stand up paddleboarders and immediately felt like I was at home...or Hawaii!  I wished so badly I could get out there with them! I'm coming back for you Enoshima. 

Once you get on the island, you're immediately met with this incredible charm. Tiny cozy street lined with souvenir and snack shops, restaurants tucked perfectly into the alleyways, and winding streets that criss cross all over the island. amazing.  

If the island wasn't already perfect as is, they had to go and add the cutest HELLO KITTY restaurant to it and just make all our dreams come true. I mean, look at how cute everything is!!! AHHH. 

Our first stop was up the main street and straight to the big shrine on the island. It made for an epic view of the red tori gate with the ocean in the background. 

We grubbed on some fancy and amazing FRENCH TOAST at LON CAFE. I got their number one CREME BRULEE and it did not disappoint. And I mean, strong iced coffee, a sweet treat, and the view of the ocean!?? Does it get much better than that?? 

THAT'S MT.FUJI IN THE BACK THERE!!! Man...one day I will get a nice good shot of Fujisan, but for now I'll have to continue gazing at it through the haze and fog. 

We bought a 600yen ticket to enter the garden area and also go up to the top of the "SEA CANDLE" haha what a funny name! It's a pretty cool structure though, and has an incredible view at the top! 

That's the pedestrian bridge we walked across to get to the island. Pretty cool how it's right off the main coast! 

I loved these old dudes cooking up octopus and squid. classic おじさんs！(uncles) 

After spending all day on the island, we headed back before sunset since we knew it would take a while to get back to Tokyo. But I seriously could have stayed there all day!! Enoshima totally won my heart. And plus, look at this cute grandpa I saw on the way out. AHH!!! This is my second favorite photo of the day. 

The cute little train that runs to Enoshima station is called the "ENODEN" and took us back to KAMAKURA, which is a main station that leads back to Tokyo. The ENODEN runs across the coast...and for a moment I was transported back to the 101N in CA...and I almost cried happy tears! I've said it before and I'll say it again...as much as I love TOKYO and big city life, I will always be an ocean girl. It's where my heart feels most at home. 

Farewell Enoshima...Thanks for being the perfect island day trip and escape from the concrete jungle of Tokyo. You stole my heart...AND I WILL BE BACK IN NO TIME!!!

xoxo. 

TRAGEDY.

tragedy ˈtradʒɪdi /noun
1. an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe.

That's it. That's exactly it. Great suffering. Destruction. Distress. Accidents. Crime. Natural catastrophes. It's everywhere. All over the news. All over social media. And the truth is, most of it is happening thousands of miles away from me. 

Last week, on Tuesday morning I walked into school with a heavy heart after reading up on all the chaos in Las Vegas. I knew I would not only have to respond to this tragedy as an American, but as a teacher as well. In 2nd period on that day I looked out into a classroom of 24 eager faces of students that will be traveling to the U.S this November for a homestay program. I gathered my thoughts and looked them straight in the face and told them not to be afraid. Meanwhile, internally, I was a mess. 

It's a really odd feeling...being this far away from all thats happening in the states. I mean, Japan is not void of problems, but when I turn on the news and see the worst of our problems being "Elderly man accidentally drives car on Hokkaido train track for more than a kilometer" and "Security camera footage leads police to arrest woman over graffiti at Nagano temple" I can't help but see what a difference there is between the two countries I call home. 

So when I stand in front of my students and I see their bright faces, never having left the safety net of Japanese society, I want so badly to somehow -in the same breath- protect them and yet make sure they know the truth. Make sure they know reality. I want them to know that yes, in America people have guns. And yes, people use them and kill others. But I also what them to know that America is a place full of incredible human beings, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, and full of inspiration and beauty. I want them to see all the reality, all the ugly and the chaos and I want them to learn how to dig deep and see the good in it. Because to be honest, that's what I'm trying to learn myself. 

How do we make sure we're aware, we're informed, we're educated, we're alert to the world we live in and all its mess...BUT at the same time calm, hopeful, courageous, and in constant search of the good in this world?? How do we do that?? This is the biggest thing i'm dealing with right now as a teacher. And at the end of the day, when I shut down my computer, put my grade book away, wave goodbye to the students and teachers and ride that long bus ride home...I let the peace of Jesus wash over my tired mind and weary soul. And I let His words reach to all the places of uncertainty and inadequacy. And I sit there. Right there with Him. And I am reminded of who holds the stars and the moon. Who made the ocean and every mountain peak. Who formed the hilltops and called each creature by name. I'm reminded of the love of God that surpasses all understanding, and guides us in this chaotic world. Thank you, Jesus. 

体育祭ーSPORTS FESTIVAL

Being active is a huge part of Japanese culture (the life expectancy in Japan is 84!!) and there is evidence of this found at the very core of Japanese society : education. Just like every other high school in Japan, my school hosts an annual "sports festival" every fall that is an all day, 15+ event, full student body participation kind of a day. Sports festivals have been going on for many many years in Japan, which is why I felt the need to put some vintage edits over these photos. There is something so classic about the blue, red and white headbands all the kids wear which inspired me to keep things simple and old school. 

Everyone gathered at 9am sharp to being the festivities. 

First order of business: a pep talk from the principal. 

second order of business: proper stretching by all 900 students. 

cheering section! 

A fan favorite...the boys spray water in the girls faces before they have to dig in a bowl of some powder (chocolate, soy bean powder, flour, or green seaweed) in search for a piece of candy! 

A massive tug-o-war. 

mid-day break to watch the brass band perform. 

Ending the day getting in very organized lines.

I took a lot more photos of the day, but I think i'll leave it here with these few. The thing that always impresses me the most about this event is the organization that goes into it. Every teacher is given a 20 page packet of the days events, laying out each race and each student running in it. The senior sports students help facilitate the whole event; marking the relay lanes, lining kids up, being referees, keeping time and MCing everything. At the end of it all, students are given awards for certain events, and the team that wins the most point collectively gets a trophy and cartons of orange juice. An event like this reminds me of what a unique country Japan is, and how certain traits are embedded into every single Japanese child growing up, whether they like it or not. It's a system that works here in this nation, and one so vastly different from the one I grew up in. It's fascinating for me to witness all of this from the ground level and I am grateful for all the tiny, authentic moments I get to capture on camera! 

群馬 - GUNMA

A few weeks ago my good friends, the Lims, invited me to a church retreat out in Gunma! I had just spent the previous three days in Bunkasai madness at school, so it was really perfect timing to get out to the mountains and get some fresh air. 

I took the Shinkansen out to Takasaki station and then took a local line out to Minakami (it took about 2.5hrs total) but before I got on the local line I stopped and got some breakfast at Becks and dare I say, it was THE PERFECT BREAKFAST. A half ham and cheese sandwich, the most delicious yogurt with honey and granola, and strong black coffee. all for $5. PERFECTO. 

You know you're in the countryside when the train is E M P T Y. 

I made it to Minakami station at around 9am and one of the church members picked me up to take me to the retreat center so I could get there before the 9:30am morning fellowship! 

We had a morning worship service Sunday morning, then a bento lunch, free time in the afternoon, and then dinner and an evening session around a campfire. So perfect. On Sunday night I had some free time before dinner so I headed to the chapel to spend some time with the Lord and it was just what my soul needed. The chapel was SO silent. Like, a silence that is really hard to experience in Tokyo. Maybe it's the scenery, or the lack of building around, or cars...but for some reason it was the definition of SILENT in that chapel. wow. That time with the Lord was so good for my soul. 

Monday morning we all woke up and had breakfast, provided to us by the wonderful retreat staff who own and operate the place. BTW the place was called JAPAN BIBLE HOME. And let me just say, the food was SO GOOD. Wow...like, this is not your average retreat food...this was REALLY GOOD homemade delicious comfort food. 

I was so blessed to spend the weekend with the people from Grace Harbor church! It was encouraging to see a group of people striving towards true community, authenticity and accountability in Christ. Amen! 

The owners of the retreat center brought out fresh fruits and veggies for everyone to take home..ahhhhh Japan!!! 

So after spending time with Grace Harbor church, everyone headed back down the mountain and back to Tokyo. The Lims are super adventerous people, so on the way home we of course maxed out our time in Gunma and saw a few more spots!! 

We made a lunch stop at a local ropeway, but didn't feel the need to spend 20 bucks going up to the top of the mountain in the rain so instead we stayed and ate in the cozy cafe. This cup of coffee was so ideal...sipping on this and staring out into this amazing view...ahhhhhh.

Minakami is famous for onsens, so we walked the onsen street (it was empty!) and found this cute sewer cover among other cool spots. 

Guys, he is road biking WITH HIS DOG. HAHAHAHAHHA 

We stopped by this scenic bridge and snapped a few fun shots! 

Tony, Poiema, Khiro and Nathalie Lim...they're like family to me here in Japan! 

I felt so grateful to be in this beautiful place...with fresh air and greenery everywhere. WOW. so good for the soul. Thank you Lord! 

We soon learned that this is a bungee jumping spot, and got to watch a few people go off! 

One last stop before heading home was this incredible APPLE FARM!!! Where dreams come true. 

We got to pick a bag of apples for only $12! 

The bag says, "omiyage" or "souvenier" 

I left with a happy heart and three bottles of the freshest apple juice you will ever have. I also befriended the sweet lady who worked there and told me she was from Chiba (my prefecture) too! 

And to make things even more memorable, the lady gave us the best grapes I have ever had in my life! What a perfect road trip snack. 

ahhh...we grabbed a quick (and delicious) dinner and then got back to Tokyo around 10pm. PHEW, what a weekend!! 

The Lord has truly blessed me with great friends here and moments of relaxation and adventure amidst my work schedule. I feel so thankful for all I get to see and experience here in Japan and for chance I get to draw near to God in so many different and unique ways! 

翔鷹際-BUNKASAI-PART III/III

SATURDAY: DAY TWO OF BUNKASAI!! Open to the public...time to party!!! 

The main office was eerily quiet all day as everyone was out and about helping in various classrooms and greeting all the visitors! 

The PTA moms all came out and sold some extra goodies for the big crowds! 

My coworkers Kumi...and Steph came to visit as well! It was fun having her around school again, and the students were all stoked to see her (she finished working here on July) 

YUM YUM YUM food thanks to the PTA!! 

One huge highlight of the day was seeing some former students!! Students in Japan can't dye their hair, wear makeup, or wear anything else besides their uniform...so when I saw these kids in their personal styles, I was so shocked!!! They look so grown up and I truly love seeing all their personalities come out via what they wear, how they style their hair...so cute! 

For all three days of the festivities...set up day on Thursday, the first day on Friday, and the day open to the public on Saturday, students were NOT allowed to use their phones AT ALL! Really strict rule considering its a festival and people's parents and friends all come...but hey, this is Japan and this is Ichikashi! Surprisingly, or not surprisingly, every student abided by the rule and I didn't see any phones out all weekend. Bravo kids, bravo. 

2S doing their dance! 

The brass band performs every year at prime time on Saturday (12:30pm) and everyone comes out to watch it. The good part about being a teacher is knowing the secret spot (aka the printing room on the 2nd floor) that has the perfect view of the show! 

BRAVO to 3B who put on an incredible SOUND OF MUSIC musical!! These kids are awesome. 

After 3pm on Saturday...the students cleaned everything up in a fury and things went back to normal...except for Nemoto Sensei who was doing funny poses and cracking Steph and I up for no reason haha. 

By this time...I was pretty much exhausted from walking around all day and keeping up with the activities at school. And what better way to ease a tired mind and body than with...FOOD!!!!! First up, Naak cafe in Nagareyama Ootakanomori. 

Kumi got super spicy and juice chicken and veggies and I got the chicken cheese naan pizza thingie with bruschetta sauce on the side WHAATTTTT. Dreamy. 

But, don't be fooled thinking this was all I grubbed on after Bunkasai because about an hour after this meal at Naak, Steph and I met up with Mashiko and Tamaoki to enjoy some Yakiniku at our favorite local spot.. 

YESSS!!!! SO good and glorious. 

And that folks, wraps up my third and final Bunkasai and the third and final post of this series. Phew!