Lots of creative evenings, one sore hand and one hour’s wages later, and all my hand painted post cards are finished and in the post! My postcards are being sent all over the world from Hawaii to England, from Spain to America. I really hope they brighten your day, and who knows one day I may become famous (I wish!!) so treasure it… just in case. I am really looking forward to some replies.

Hand painted postcards - all written and in the post!

My birthday is fast approaching and over the last few days I have come home to an air mail package each day; it is the best feeling ever! I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family. So if anyone fancies sending a little note or even stretch those pennies to buy an English chocolate bar (milkyway, terry’s chocolate orange, kinder beuno) I would love you forever. 

Japans most iconic image sits right on my door step, the now dormant volcano is a spectacular sight to wake-up to every morning. I was treated to a wonderful day out last week with Sumie-san and Noriko-san around Fuji Go-Ko (Fuji Five Lakes) and Shibazakura. To start off our girl’s day, I was treated to a delicious brunch at a local bakery; I had a delightful slice of pizza followed by a blueberry and cream cheese pastry. It really reminded me of home as James likes to eat at least 4 pastries a day!! We then stopped off to say hello to Sumie-sans late father and mother. Both lived well into their 90s, and before they passed away they asked Sumie-san to always pop by when the flowers are in full bloom, so we did just that! This is a picture of the flowers in full bloom nearby the cemetery.

As we headed towards Fuji Go-Ko, our travels took us through Aokigahara, also known as the sea of trees or suicide forest. It’s a 35 kilometre forest that lies at the North West base of Mt Fuji. It is a very dense forest and as a result many people get lost in this forest, it is very difficult to get out as you lose all sense of direction and complicating matters further is the common experience of compasses being rendered useless by the rich deposits of magnetic iron in the areas volcanic soil. Why people commit suicide there is unknown, many unravel tape so that others might recover the bodies, some change their minds, however, and use the tape to navigate themselves back out of the dense forest. From its parameters it seems like such a beautiful vast forest, but it hides a rather haunting history. Although we only briefly passed through if you know the history of this forest it sends shivers down your spine.  

The Fuji Go-ko region is a post-card like area around Japans northern foothills; its lakes act as natural reflecting pools for the mountains perfect cone. The largest of the lakes is Yamanaka-ko, followed by Kawaguchi-ko, Sai-ko, Shoji-ko (the smallest) and Motosu-ko (the deepest). Whilst on our way to the Shibazakura festival, we did a whistle stop tour of the lakes, they were beautiful and they make a great overnight trip, for leisurely strolling, hiking and relaxing. I plan on exploring the lakes before climbing up Mt Fuji in July so I will give some more detail on the lakes later on in the year. 

You may have seen many picture perfect postcard photos where a snow capped Mt Fuji is framed by a lush carpet of red, pink and purple shibazakura or moss pink as far as the eye can see. If you are looking for a destination to enjoy the beautiful spring scenes, one of the best spots to view shibazakura is located near Lake Motosu at the foot of Mt Fuji. Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri is currently held at the Fuji Motosuko Resort in Fujikawaguchiko-town, Yamanashi until June 2nd 2013. The best time to visit it is usually mid-April when the flowers are in full bloom. 

Whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings, you can tuck into some traditional delicacies. Some famous local dishes from the area are Yoshida udon (a thick and firm noodle based dish, in a broth with cabbage) and Fujinomiya yajishoba (noodles cooked on a hot plate and served with cabbage and pork) both are healthy, tasty, hearty and simple. I tried both and they were delicious. For something sweet, try sakura-flavoured roll cake or shibazakura manju both are very popular treats. Wash it all down with a glass of pure spring water from Mt Fuji, which is known for its healing qualities and purity. 

Entrance is 500 Yen, and many shuttle buses run from local train’s stations including Kawaguchiko sation and Shinjuko station. I have painted this scene for many of my postcards and its definitely worth a day out to.

Last weekend I went to Disney, so lookout for my next post about Disney Sea Tokyo!

I hope all my British readers had a great bank holiday weekend,

Marion

Now that I have been teaching for almost two months, I feel that I can finally give a little insight into my role as a teacher in Japan. I hope I may entice you to come out here and teach.

My mum said that she thought I was always born to be a teacher, and I think this becomes more apparent to me every day. Usually to teach in Japan your mother tongue needs to be English, you need a university degree and a teaching qualification of some sort is desired but not essential. You require a working visa in order to work and earn money in Japan.

I hear that most teaching positions will come with an apartment or small house already organised for you, rent prices vary. This was the case for me; I have also been given a bicycle so I can get from school-to-school easily. I usually work about 25-28 hours a week. Whilst I won't state my own personal wage, wages are good in Japan, you can live comfortably every day, travel Japan and hopefully go home with some savings (this depends on how luxuriously you live your life in Japan). I did a quick bit of research into teaching figures and on average teachers earn about 3 000 Yen an hour in Japan. Say this is £20 an hour you can do about half the hours of a standard working week in the UK (40 hours) and earn the same as a basic salary of £20 000 in the UK. But you do have to up roots away from family and friends and the best way children will learn English is with an English speaking teacher.  However, my motivation to come here was not about money, but the experience of teaching and also immersing myself into another culture. Having worked in recruitment, I strongly believe that you should never do a job because of the money.

Private language schools for English are known as eikaiwa. Often teachers will teach private lessons and are also contracted out into kindergartens, primary schools and private companies. This is my case. I work for a private language school (Hosaka English Academy), and students range from kindergarten to adults and working shifts range from day to evenings shifts. My earliest lesson of the day is 11:00am, which are always my adult’s lessons. Many of my adult’s lessons are free conversation classes; I often talk about our week, recent news articles, hobbies and interest. I really love these classes it’s a great way to learn about adults and even ask about the best places to travel in Japan. My students love to give me travel tips and advice, so it’s a great opportunity to find out about those secret Japanese gems which are off the tourist track, ready for my big summer adventure.

In fact, one of my private adult lessons this week inspired me to do my next piece of art. My student is now retired and enjoys going to art lessons. Unlike my art he does quick 5 minute watercolour paintings with ink which is applied using a either chop sticks or bamboo. I have a wonderful network of friends and family at home and some for various reasons are unable to read my blog, so I am sending 15 family members and friends at home a home made postcard. This time I have used water colour straight from the tube, and each is done within 5 minutes. I think they turned out quite well.

5 minute water colour and pen sketch of a temple in Ueno Park, Tokyo. 

5 minute water colour and pen sketch of My Fuji from Numazu (my home city)

As I have mentioned in a couple of posts, giving gifts to teachers is quite common. This week I have received a few lovely gifts as a little token, and it really brightens my day. When I go on my summer trip around Japan, I hope to buy a few little goodies in return.

After my 1 hour morning class, my main teaching day begins around 4:00-5:00pm. I usually have about 4-5 hours teaching in the evening depending on the day, and most classes are children (16 years old and younger). Children are grouped depending on their ability and class sizes are small, the biggest group class I teach is 4. A teaching year is April to April, and you are teaching the same topics e.g. family members, phonics and actions over and over again to engrave it in their memories. These classes are always different; obviously every child is different so some classes are very energetic and fast paced whereas others are more reserved.

I am also sent to different kindergartens across the city. I absolutely love these classes. The class sizes are much larger (up to 30 children) compared to the private/ group classes. I literally threw myself into it from day one; there is no way you can afford to be shy in front of 30 kindergarten children. The more of a clown you are, the more they will think you are the best teacher. Every week I try to use big animated expressions, silly noises and voices, dancing and songs.

I have learned that you really have to be enthusiastic and eager to teach, and you certainly can’t have an off day in teaching because it effects the children’s education and ability to learn. Of course at times it can be frustrating when a child can’t pronounce ‘a’ properly or ‘the.’ Patience is a virtue. It’s about repetition constantly, this requires patience’s because you are doing the same thing over and over again. But I found that you have fun and they learn more if you actually spend time thinking of new games or activities for each month otherwise it is boring for the children and productivity declines as time goes on.

Have fun!!!

Best tip I have learnt yet: if you are playing a game and you can’t decide who won the point, scissor, paper, rock solves everything! Promise!

I personally do not find this job stressful at all, it’s a rewarding job where you meet really interesting people and learn a lot. I admit that there are days where I miss my family and friends, and particularly my very supportive boyfriend of almost 4 years James, not every day is going to be ‘the dream.’ There is no standard 'teaching in Japan' experience, each experience is different and everyone can look forward to a unique role within a workplace. Whilst I cannot compare this experience to teaching in another country, I can genuinely say you would not be disappointed teaching in Japan. I hope that I can give a little insight that may help if you are considering moving our here.

Have a lovely evening,

Marion

P.s If anyone wants a home-made postcard let me know!  

Tokyo! 

Chaotic yet organised, hyper-modern yet utterly classic, garish yet demure, unique yet unquestionably Japanese. Tokyo is always ahead of the pack, it’s certainly a city like no other. From reclaiming miles of swamp land to transforming war-torn areas into ultra-modern skyscraper districts, Tokyo hungers for improvement, which has resulted in the modern tapestry unlike anywhere else in the world. The construction of the Sky Tree was completed in May 2012 and it is one of the latest additions to mark the skyline. It is now the tallest free standing broadcasting tower in the world, standing at a whopping 634 metres. 

The Japanese have recently just finished Golden Week which is a collection of four national holidays within seven days. In combination with well-placed weekends, the Golden Week becomes one of Japan's busiest holiday seasons. Visiting Tokyo seemed like the best idea for our holiday. We will be travelling against the crowds as most people flock to the countryside and sea leaving the bustling city behind.

We arrived in Tokyo, and tackling the subway was the first step. Now, it is quite straight forward once you get used to it, although please note that there are private lines and subway lines, if you mix your journey using the two different networks your fare will soon get rather expensive. So if you start your journey on the private line, stay on the private line to your location or buy a buy as you go card (like the Oyster card in London).

Lantern at Asakusa and The Sky Tree

I have used the subway map as a background to a couple of sketches of the Sky Tree (as it’s pretty hard to miss it) and also the large lanterns at Asakusa (as it was my favourite place in Tokyo).  

We stayed in a capsule hotel called the Capsule inn Kinishicho. I have always thought it is something you must do in Japan!! Why not?! It is difficult to find a capsule hotel that will accept females, as most are for men only as they are designed to accommodate business men that have missed the last train home. The capsule was very cheap considering the great location, for two nights it was 6000 Yen (roughly £40), there was a common room, WIFI, good washing facilities and all products (shampoo etc.) provided. It was very comfortable and not too cramped at all. We did opt for the capsule cabin, which we assume is slightly larger than the normal capsule. If you are going to Tokyo its definitely worth it, there is so much to do in Tokyo you will only need somewhere to rest your eyes for a couple of hours, the city never stops. I would definitely recommend this capsule hotel too, great location – I had a great view of the Sky Tree from our balcony, English speaking staff, easy access by JR line and subway, male and female accommodation and cheap prices.

Capsule hotel with a view!!! 

There is just so much to do in Tokyo! On Friday we went to the Imperial Palace and strolled around the beautiful gardens. It seems like the perfect place to start your sightseeing, located right in the centre of Tokyo; it’s open to the public in daylight hours and is free to get in. We also visited Akihabara also known as electric city! It is district famous for its electric shops; it has more recently gained recognition for anime and manga, with many establishments lining the streets. It is definitely worth hunting for a good bargain on electronics. We saw many weird and wonderful shops, whether you find the lights tacky, garish or beautiful this is a great district to visit and easily accessible by subway or JR line (local line).

We visited a couple of restaurants, but I would highly recommend the vending machine restaurants. You put in your money, select your dish (pictures are provided so it makes things so much easier for travellers) and sit at your table. About 5 minutes later, a freshly cooked meal (usually rice or noddle based) is brought to you. It is so cheap, a large bowl of ramen (noodles and meat in a stock) may set you back 400-500 Yen (£3.50) and it’s delicious.  Get away from the tourist traps and down a small ally… you will find all the gems.

After visiting a local bar, my first night in the capsule was… interesting. I banged my head on the in-built TV, and my toes slightly poked out the end of the curtain. I am tall for an English girl, so these Asia sized capsules were snug. I seemed to struggle with the lift most of all, getting many weird looks as I tried to get off at the men’s floor several times!

On Saturday we decided to spend most of the day in Ueno Park, this park is home to a wonderful conglomeration of museums, shrines and seated areas. It is also the most popular site for hanami (blossom viewing) in early to mid-April. Museums include Tokyo National Museum, Shitamachi Museum, National Science Museum, National Museum of Western Art and much more.

Tokyo zoo is also based in Ueno. It was Greenary Day (4^th May) so entrance was free, although usually it costs only 600 Yen. Greenary Day is a national holiday in Japan, the day was originally created to celebrate the Emperor Shōwas birthday, but following his death it was changed to Greenary Day, a day to appreciate nature. The zoo was packed!! Whilst the others went to the Science Museum I decided to visit a small university art gallery, visit a few more shrines (all have free entry), and go back into the zoo later in the afternoon to join the 90 minute queue to see the world famous giant pandas. Thankfully and luckily a park ranger told me to walk with him to the front of the queue, so there was no waiting for me! There were many other animals, my favourite being the polar bear!

Giant Panda

The polar bear was loving the camera

Later that afternoon we visited Asakusa (close to our capsule hotel and the sky tree). The area is most famous for the Senso-ji, a Buddhist temple. It is Tokyos oldest temple.

When you approach the temple, you first enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). A shopping street called Nakamise leads from the outer gate to the temples second gate, the Hozomon. You can buy typical Japanese souvenirs such as folding fans and tapestries to various local traditional snacks. Beyond the Hozomon stands the temples main hall, a huge lantern hangs from the temple and the area is engulfed with the scent of incense burning.

I did get a group of about 10 lads asking to take my photo whilst I walked around, I have no idea why? Maybe they just thought that I was funny looking and tall!

After tasting a few local treats, we walked back to our capsule hotel for a quick break and to get ready for a night in Shibuya on the West side of Tokyo. Shibuya is loud, and the centre for young teenagers and adults to hang out. Swarms of local people mill about all times of the day. The areas centre piece is the famous Shibuya crossing. It is one of the world’s busiest intersections, with an estimated 100 000 people passing through every hour. It is so worth just stopping for a moment and getting a bird’s eye view of the crossing (maybe from the Starbucks which is located on the crossing). As the lights go green, thousands of people cross, and there is no point in following the zebra crossings, just go for it before the lights turn red again!

Ali and I at Senso-ji temple

We had pizza for dinner, and decided to venture slightly off the beaten track into the small alley ways to find a watering hole. Now a top tip in Tokyo is to walk down the main straight and then take a few small streets off and you will find somewhere half the price than the main street. We went to a tiny little bar, 400 Yen for a drink! Now I enjoyed it, until Ali spilt my drink all over me! Ha. But he bought me two more drinks in return, so a result in my eyes.

I painted one of the streets in Shibuya, the area is just so vibrant, full of life, colour, sounds! I have tried to capture this in my painting.

A painting of a street in Shibuya

Like most cities, public transport stops about midnight so we hopped on the last subway home! I got talkeing to a few people in our capsule hotel, it’s a great way to meet new people so if you are a loan traveller capsule hotels are like youth hostels in the UK.

Our final day took us to Tokyo Tower. Same great views as the Sky Tree just not as high but a lot cheaper. To go up the Sky Tree is roughly 3000 Yen half way (£20) and an extra 2000 Yen (£14) to the top. Whereas, to go up Tokyo Tower, it is 800 Yen half way (£5) and an extra 600 (£4) Yen to the top. Tokyo Tower is a replicate of the Eiffel Tower just 13 metres taller. It is a rather retro, old school, sort of ugly tower, but it’s a great opportunity to see Tokyo on a beautiful clear day. If you are lucky you can also see Mt Fuji. Don’t miss the glass floor too!

View from Tokyo Tower looking out to Tokyo bay and
 Disney Land 

Me at the top of Tokyo Tower

All in all Tokyo has to be high at the top of my list of the best cities I have visited yet. It is clean, garish, modern, high-tech, safe, exciting, lively, and bustling with life. I can honestly say do not be daunted by the size of Tokyo.

I feel that not enough young people want to travel this incredible country; it’s not expensive if you don’t make it expensive and everyone will offer a helping hand. I can guarantee if you pull out a map because you are lost, a Japanese person (regardless if they speak English or not) will ask whether you need help, and rather than pointing they will often walk you to where you want to be. 

There is still so much to see and do in this city, and I can not wait to go again with my sister and boyfriend in July.

I hope you have enjoyed my Tokyo update! – I hope this blog post makes you want to visit Tokyo!

Have a great evening

Marion

Today I want to wish my wonderful boyfriend a HAPPY 23 RD BIRTHDAY!!!! Over the last few weeks I have been collecting a few Japanese things, and creating a few bits and bobs to send over to England!

So, naturally the first thing I made was a birthday card! I have made James a birthday card every year for the last four years, so this year I tried to build and my Japanese skills and learn to write his card in Japanese. I know this sounds a little geaky, but James told me about how artistic and unique the post stamps are in Japan, and how much he liked them. So I thought I would make my own stamp in a similar style featuring Mt Fuji. I also send over a pair of chop sticks so he can get practising for his trip out here in July and a few origami things I have been making in my Japanese lesson. We never think that spending loads of money on each other is important, or ever makes a good gift. To us its all about the thought and meaning.

Birthday Card for James.

My Japanese stamp. 

My blog will not be soppy. But I am so grateful to have such a supportive and loving boyfriend. I miss him lots, but the days are ticking along nicely until we are re-united.

Over the last two weeks I have received some lovely cards and letters from my friends and family back home. Thank you so much!! They really make my day. It got me thinking, receiving a card is always a lovely feeling, so if anyone would like a card from Japan please send me your address! You don't have to write back in return, but something back would happily be welcomed.

Last weekend I went to karaoke  Now, I know it was popular in Japan, but oh my goodness what an evening. You have your own private karaoke booth,  food, unlimited alcohol,  fancy dress costumes, musical instruments and a huge array of English songs, of course it was a fantastic night out!

Pretty much sums up our night! 

I am off to Tokyo early tomorrow morning for Golden week, so expect a big update next week with lots of art work too!!!














Have a great Golden weekend (if your in Japan) and a great weekend everyone else.

Marion

p.s Just look at that view!