Today's the first full day in Kyoto. To be honest, my first impressions of the city weren't all that enjoyable - I had a terrible time finding the hostel I'm staying in because of the tiny alleys
Well, I'm still in Tokyo, despite what I told everyone. I couldn't get a reservation for the places I wanted to go, so I have just stayed here, and I'll probably just head to Osaka and Kyoto, saving myself some money.
Went to Kamakura shrine yesterday. The Daibutsu of Kamakura, the Great Buddha, has been a part of my consciousness since I was a child, so to actually see it after all these years was quite an experience. It isn't as big as all the pictures make it seem, but that's not really a bad thing. It is more friendly that way, I think.
I went to the Meiji shrine today, and I have to report back, as it's really been the most moving experience I've had thus far. I can't say anyone else would feel the way I did, but for some reason the mix of natural scenery, Japanese atmosphere, Shinto, and the expectations I've had about my trip created an emotional reaction.
Yesterday was my friend Yuko's birthday, and so after my day of wandering around Shinjuku, I went to meet her and her friends for a pasta dinner and beers. We had a good time.