Interview
How do you like Fushimi Inari Shrine?
I actually enjoyed Fushimi Inari. I actually had seen it before on the website and the magazines and I just couldn't believe that I was actually here. And it was very fulfilling to come here on my own. First time as a solo travelor and as a woman. So I didn't get lost and then when I got here it was just so breathtaking and the Torii are just so wonderful. There's just so many--copy, paste. But then I was just making my way up, and I wanted to reach the top but I couldn't go anymore because still I had to go, probably to Kanazawa. So I need to save up my time. But I wished I could stay longer but I will definitely come back and bring a friend or two.
Why did you come to Fushimi Inari Shrine?
I have lots of friends who've already been to this place, to Fushimi Inari, so I decided that I should go on my own also and see it for myself how beautiful it is.
Have you been anywhere else in Japan?
I came from Nagoya. I watched "Death Note the Musical," so it was fun. Then I came here by Shinkansen to Kyoto. Then I went to different places in Kyoto. First I started at Kyoto Eki-mae, and then I went to try a ryokan beside ○○ shrine, which was a beautiful place and then I went to Northwest Kyoto to Myoshinji Temple to spend two nights at Shokoin to try the zen buddhism experience, and then I'm back in Kyoto Eki and I'm just going to finish it off with here, Fushimi Inari, and then hopefully I can go to Kanazawa.
Why did you come to Japan for a second time?
Well, my father loves Japan and I love Japan. I love anime, I love the culture, I love the way people here have so much rich history, and the way they do things have a lot of meaning, which in a way is kind of reflective of who I am as a person: I also have a lot of ... when I do things it has to have a lot of meaning, it has to mean something. I like the value and the history that's part of Japan, like Bushi-do and all the integrity and respect and doing good. I think it's just a wonderful positive energy and I'm just happy to be here and absorb it. And bring it home.