cynmax evanrosson day 1 in japan











cynmax:

evanrosson:

Day 1 in Japan! Interesting toilets, pay phones, my hostel, unlocked bikes, and ueno park 5 min away.

Are there any homeless in the streets of Japan?

There are some in parks, and especially on rainy days I’ll consistently find a few under park bridges. I haven’t seen any in tourist areas or city streets, though. There’s a pretty strong police presence there, so I suspect they get chased out.

It’s entirely possible that there are homeless in the cities I’m overlooking because the language barrier makes it tough for them to ask me for change. (I’m very rarely targeted by the numerous folks on city streets selling things/shouting ads/handing out flyers, probably for the same reason.)

the not deer of nara park the parks also home












The not-deer of Nara Park

The park’s also home to a giant wooden building with some massive Buddha statues inside. Apparently it’s popular for field trips, each of the yellow hats in photo 2 is a kid.

Some roads in Japan have running water next to them, no guardrails or anything. I hear these are called “foreigner traps”. I haven’t fallen in yet!

The park is also home to a cafe that videogame fans might enjoy.

the deer of nara park known for its tame deer












The deer of Nara Park

Known for its tame deer. We are encouraged to feed them “deer cookies” from vendors around the park. Antlers were usually missing. The deer don’t fear humans at all; more than once I saw one wander into a shop and then get shooed out by the owner, frighten small children, chill in the middle of crosswalks, or chase/push people with cookies (don’t run, they’ll only follow - stand your ground and push right back if needed). Some are trained to bow their heads to people with cookies, too. That said, a falling branch covered with fruit is a far better treat, and deer will take off across the park in giant herds when they hear one break.

Deer sound like squeak-toys