Dear Amiyah Russell,

I will give you a guide for visiting Japan for when you come visit me. You must learn simple vocabulary before you go to Japan. Konichiwa means hello or greetings. Bowing is also a good way to greet someone, but a bow lower than the waist is considered showing respect. Verbally saying thank you is also good to know too; arigatou gozaimasu. If you want to say yes or no quickly you can just put a thumb up or down.

If you want to learn more about Japan’s science and technology, you might want to visit, The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation or better known as the Miraikan. Miraikan literally meaning “Future Museum”. There are a few main exhibits; a globe that shows real time events of weather patterns, a bunch of seismometers across Japan showing how much the ground is vibrating because of all the earthquakes, and there is also a section of meteorite that might have killed the dinosaurs. Also special exhibits are a thing too! Lot’s of topics are discussed during the special exhibits like, “The Story of the End of the World; 73 Questions to Answer”, “Making of the Tokyo Sky Tree”, and the “Toilet – Human Waste and Earth’s Future”.

The Akihabara is the perfect place to go if you love technology, games, and anime. There are lots of little side shops where you can buy all kinds of electronics and gadgets. Yodobashi department store has been dubbed one of the largest electronic store in the world, and it is in the Akihabara. If you want to find the latest technology, manga (anime comic books), or hard to find merchandise this is the place to be. Anime lovers are welcome too, there is even a Cosplay Cafe. The waiters and waitresses are dressed as butlers and maids, they don’t just treat you like you’re a customer; they treat you like you’re in your own private cafe. Women typically go to the Butler Cafe; while the men to go to the Maid Cafe.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a amazing place to go if you want to just take in nature and relax. There is 144 acres of land, with three different landscapes; Japanese Traditional, French Formal, and English Garden. Either you can picnic or just stroll through the park to relax with the atmosphere. Most people come here to relax from the stresses and busyness of everyday. You can eat there, sip tea, sit in greenhouses and use the restroom.

Just so you know you don’t just have to eat sushi, but it would be helpful to try it before you come. There are lots of food here that isn’t an animal, but if you don’t like anything the least I can do is order you some rice. Can’t wait to see you!  

Sincerely Your Pen Pal,

Ling Lang