The time finally came to leave my temporary home of Kyoto behind, and it really was kind of sad—I feel like I “belong” there somehow. Fittingly, it was gray and raining when I left. I did enjoy chatting with the cab driver on the way to Kyoto Station (frankly, I was amazed at myself that I actually could converse with him—sometimes I find it astounding that can actually speak Japanese, at least simple Japanese…).

But then it was a really swift trip on the Shinkansen to the world’s biggest and busiest megalopolis: Tokyo! I was kind of fearful, but far more excited. Just pulling into the station was quite exhilarating—there’s just so much going on and so many people. I was instantly fascinated and can’t wait to see what the next few days will bring. Of course, it’s raining here too…

I arrived fairly early, but easily made my way through a large and bustling Tokyo Station to the Chuo line and the Nakano Station where I was to meet Kuno-san who took me to my rental apartment. It’s an easy walk, and not too complicated to remember where to go; in fact, it was surprisingly simple. The apartment is quite comfy too and will be a very convenient base of operations.

I went for a short stroll around the neighborhood, which includes a nice shopping street (complete with a really cool anime/model shop). I started feeling a bit tired, so I did grocery shopping at the nearby supermarket and ate dinner in.