Today was more eventful than expected.

The first part of Japanese class proceeded normally.  The second, however, was a spontaneous trip to two nearby shrines.  This trip was on foot, though it was actually far too hot to do that sanely.



The first shrine we stopped at had this pond outside.

And this rice field.  The water is apparently very, very clean, but the presence of fish keeps anyone from drinking it.

This is the shrine.  Nothing too special in terms of Japanese religious sites, beyond the fact that this building is 400 years old.

Here's the second one we went to.  It had something to do with archery that I didn't catch because I was too busy dehydrating, probably.

Anyway, this was lunch:

One Piece fans take note, as the main course is part of 7/11's One Piece food event.

Sona stopped by the lounge and showed everyone her final project for a class  Isn't it neat?

After that, Wesley and I had agreed to go to dinner with Yukiko, Misaki, Alex, and Lars.  Here's the restaurant where we ate:

It's empty because it was the second floor.

That's Alex in the middle and Misaki on the right.

We had this plate of fried things,

this plate of skewered things,

and frog, which I didn't have because I don't really like it.  It's like a poor man's chicken in terms of taste.

Faces were made.

Food was had.  Also, this girl showed up.  I think her name is Chizuru.

Alex can do that thing that Kayo and Misaki were doing earlier this week.

Here's the outside of the restaurant where we ate.
We all decided to go for karaoke afterwards, because that's what you do in Japan.  The place we ended up going to was... oddly traditional

Usually you just have a sectional sofa in these places.  Here they had not just that, but a very Japanese table with cushions for seats.

I know Lars didn't end up in any of the pictures, but he was there.  I promise.

See?  There's his arm.

This is the headquarters of some religious group we saw on the way back to the station.  They apparently made a movie.

Anyway, I got home very tired and desperately in need of a bath.  having done that, all that's left is to go to sleep.  My plans for tomorrow are nonexistent, save for the fact that I need to make a fan for the After School concert on Sunday.  I'M VERY EXCITED.