Kagehashi Japan (Day 10)

Tokyo Fish Market | Cat Cafe

During our last day in Tokyo (sad face), a couple of us woke up bright and early to look at dead fish. Ok, more excitingly, we went to the famous Tokyo Fish Market where fisherman prepare their catch at around 3 in the morning to sell to chefs in the city. By the time we got there, the market was open to normal consumers.

Stalls upon stalls of dead fish carcasses. Definitely not for the feint of heart or seafood haters.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 9) Part II

Emperor's Palace | Mitsubishi Corporation | Shibuya

Continuing off the last post, we headed to the Emperor's Palace after lunch in Harajuku. Simultaneously a bunch of middle schoolers were visiting at the same time, so we grabbed a quick photo with them after noticing how curiously they were look at us.  

In front of the emperor's palace. We weren't allowed inside but the koi pond moat background was majestic enough for us!

Kagehashi Japan (Day 9) Part I

Meiji Shrine | Harajuku | Okonomiyaki

A scenic route to the Meiji Shrine is where Kagehashi begins its 9th day in Japan, specifically Tokyo. In the middle of the busy city, one can find sanctuary from the bright Eastern sun under the lush canopies near the Shrine. Visitors at the main entrance are greeted with caskets of alcohol on both sides of the walk: Japanese sake on the right and fine French wines fit for an emperor on the left.

Pictured here is the main entrance to the shrine. These gateways are meant to look like the word "kai" in Japanese/Chinese which means open. My tour guide told me that people aren't actually supposed to walk through the big gateway as it's meant to be a door for gods, but even most Japanese people aren't aware of that fact.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 8)

Japanese Cultural Dance | Akihabara | Ramen Cart

The first destination of the day was back to the Japan Foundation for a Japanese dance presentation. The professional performing showed us an example of a male, female and girl dance. He was surprisingly very good as a bouncy teenage girl.

The audience then got to learn one of the dances from him. I volunteered for the "flower blooming along the riverside" dance. The other one had something to do with a love letter and a girl confessing.

After going through a couple museums in Roppangi, we went to Akihabara, the electric and anime city! I was so excited to go there after hearing stories of multistory anime stores and maid cafes! In the above picture, you can see a maid peddling for business. I couldn't take an actual picture with her - I would have to pay oodles for that...

Kagehashi Japan (Day 7)

Makuhari Messe | Japanese Garden | Chiba City Council | Hanging Monorail

Bright and early, we toured the Makuhari Messe, Asia's largest convention center. We were given a special presentation by the officials who managed the center. There was also a geology convention going on at the same time and some of the booths were showcasing very high-tech gadgets.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 3)

Waseda University | Kikkoman Factory | Chiba Downtown

In the morning, we went to a conference at Waseda University that confront the problem of decreased number of Japanese exchange students in the US. Some of the takeaway points were that initiatives need to be made in both countries to promote foreign languages, especially English in Japan. Although Japan is a very advanced country and English is an obligatory language, many of its residents don't know English. I believe if English was more heavily emphasized in Japanese schools, then the interest in western societies will rise as a result. There is also the problem of the two countries having different school schedules. It's summer in America, but Japanese students are still early in their academic year.

After the conference, we rushed to the city of Noda where we toured the Kikkoman soy sauce factory.

When I first found out we would be touring a soy sauce factory, I was a little disappointed because: 1. It's soy sauce, an everyday object for me, 2. I expected the factory to be some rinkydink metal building.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by the accommodations and tour of the Kikkoman factory. It was super modern, clean and they made learning about the soy sauce making process very entertaining.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 2)

Japan Foundation | National Museum | Kappabashi | Asakuza Shrine | Shinjuku Shopping

A healthy breakfast to start the day. I wish we had rice, miso soup and fish available for breakfast in America. I would totally wake up early for that.

I tried naoto (fermented soy beans) for the first time. The taste is neutral but the texture is the interesting part - all plasticy and stringy like cheese. Although I heard it's good for you, I don't think I will be eating it again anytime soon.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 1)

Shinjuku (Hotel, Dining, Arcade)

This summer I am taking part in the JENESYS/ Kakehashi Project - a youth-exchange program between Japan and North America. As part of this trip, a group of 24 students including me will be touring Tokyo and Chiba, and visiting local universities. We were told to keep a blog about our experiences. Because I will be taking pictures of almost every experience, I'll look even more touristy in Japan. (There were times where I had to refrain from taking pics of Japanese vending machines and airline food)

After a grueling 11 hour airplane trip from LAX to Narita International Airport, we were friendly greeted by our host of this trip. It was the first time I had ever had someone holding a sign at the airport - It felt good. Along with Sato-sensei and Mr. Jose Narbona (2 Rice teachers), he will be accompanying us on our entire journey and providing hilarious & honest commentary.

London (Day 4)

Harrod's (Tea Time, Laduree)

On Monday, we started the day off visiting the National Gallery so we woke up super early to make sure there was enough daylight to do everything. There are no pictures from there because you weren't allowed to take photos. Have I already talked about my excitement for being able to recognize many of the paintings in the Gallery?

Afterwards, we took the bus to Knightsbridge and visited Harrod's, Europe's largest department store, chock full of expensive main brand wear. Needless to say, our visit was mostly for the tourist value. The inside was beautiful each brand got their own decorative space. Even the escalator hallway was bejeweled and Egyptian themed.

London (Day 2)

Borough Market | Tower of London | Tower Bridge | Eye of London

When Box Rabbit first started out, it was meant to be a fashion blog but I've developed it into a blog that collects my experiences through photos and description. Rather than just posts of my outfits, I want it to reflect the multitude of different things that intrigue me whether it be fashion, art, travels, food etc.

So here's Day 2 of my London Trip.

Photos taken from official Borough Market gallery. They don't belong to me.

CRAZY AUSTIN TRIP - Gourdough's

Late night food at Gourdough's - I split a Mother Clucker and a Mama's Cake doughnut with my friend and it was delicious. I never knew a friend chicken doughnut could taste so good~ I miss it already. :(

CRAZY AUSTIN TRIP - The Shack

Shirt - Thrifted | Scalloped Shorts - Lucca Couture | Necklace - Chanel | Belt - XXI

Spring break started for my school so my friends and I decided to take a trip to Austin, Texas. To dress for the occasion, I wore a cowboy inspired ensemble...which to me just means a blue jean shirt and black boots!

On the way, we stopped by the Shack for dinner. They had some wild burgers with donuts for buns.