With the turning of a light to green, thousands of people would all start walking, crowding through the center of the street and all points in between. Then they'd start to run as the little green man blinked his way to red and the allowance of moving autos once again. Then nothing. Then the rush of cars hurrying to their destination.

I also remember climbing up one of the many large towers in the city and gaining the most spectacular nighttime view. An ocean of lights and dark shapes flowed out as far as the eye could see.

A Bum Washing

We stayed in a youth hostel in Tokyo. It was about what one expects from a hostel (if your knowledge comes from places other than Eli Roth films) excepting a few niceties. All of the beds were provided with little curtains that gave a good bit of privacy in very non-private rooms. Anyone who has ever had to get undressed in front of a dozen or so backpacking Europeans will tell you this is a great thing indeed.

The toilets were most exotic to mine eyes (and cheeks.) The first thing I noticed when I entered the restroom was the strange electronic control panel next to the toilet. It made the seat look a bit like the command chair from the space ship of an old science fiction movie. When I sat, two things struck me simultaneously. The seat was warm. Refreshingly warm. Not the warmth that comes from a recent passenger, but serious warmth, as in a heated seat. At the same time I immediately noticed an electronic buzzing sound. It is a frightening sound coming from a toilet, and I was afraid I might take off, but nothing happened except more buzzing.

Not being one to leave electronic gadgets alone, I began pressing buttons on the side of my seat. One button caused more buzzing and a small device came out from under the toilet seat and sprayed my underside with water. I was shocked at first. I jumped out of my seat only to watch the spray leap out of the toilet and onto the floor, wetting my pants as it went. I then decided if I was ever going to feel warm water washing my bum-hole, this was the time to do it and tried again. It was the most peculiar sensation I have ever felt - yet oddly pleasant.

On Warriors and Castles

From Tokyo we started our seven-day train pass with a day trip south to Himeji and their spectacular castle. Having visited a few castles during our travels in Europe, I was anxious to see the Japanese version. While European castles tend to be enormous, cold, and nothing but stone, this Japanese castle was more graceful with accommodating wood flourishes while still maintaining its mighty defenses.