Mum spent about two months in front of the computer. She checked railway timetables, buses, hostels, weather forecasts, etc, and also took care of the reservations and bookings and payments. THANKS MUM!
I only read the Discovery Channel 'Insight Guides' travel book about Japan. I spent some time with a phrasebook too and it helped us a lot later on.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Day 1
Important notice : I just realized I have a serious case of short term memory loss... sheesh. I promise I'll keep updating when I actually recall something, hopefully, that is. Sorry I'll be typing brief.
Ahhh the Jidohambaiki (vending machines). They are ABUNDANT. They're just everywhere. I got tired of them so I gave up taking pictures of em. Here's one.
Our flight departed from Kuala Lumpur, then a short stop at Singapore (alright let's not even talk about the tight immigration there) another stop at Bangkok, and finally towards Japan. I love plane rides really (luckily the air pressure did not cause havoc to my eardrums this time). I enjoyed looking out the window.
A sea of clouds!
We reached Narita Airport, Tokyo around 7.20am, 23rd December 2008. We went straight to the JR (Japan Railway) office. We bought a thing called the JR Pass which is only available for us foreigners travelling in Japan and not for the Japanese. It's only for a specific period of time but within that limit we can use it as many times as we want, so the worth. Our JR Passes this time was only active as of 26th December so for the time being we had to make do with bus rides, trains and the mighty feet. No Shinkansen yet of course. It's also best to make reservations as soon as possible, that is, for bus or train or whatever else's seats. Trust me, you gotta.
We reached Narita Airport, Tokyo around 7.20am, 23rd December 2008. We went straight to the JR (Japan Railway) office. We bought a thing called the JR Pass which is only available for us foreigners travelling in Japan and not for the Japanese. It's only for a specific period of time but within that limit we can use it as many times as we want, so the worth. Our JR Passes this time was only active as of 26th December so for the time being we had to make do with bus rides, trains and the mighty feet. No Shinkansen yet of course. It's also best to make reservations as soon as possible, that is, for bus or train or whatever else's seats. Trust me, you gotta.
Ahhh the Jidohambaiki (vending machines). They are ABUNDANT. They're just everywhere. I got tired of them so I gave up taking pictures of em. Here's one.
Another two things that we needed were the Suica and N'EX (Narita Express) cards. Suica's just like the touch 'n' go cards. LOOKS COOL furthermore.
So after everything was done and we were finally ready, we headed to Mitaka from Shinjuku by train. From the Mitaka station we walked about 1km to the Ghibli Museum. It was easy coz there were road signs guiding us. Here's one at 500m.
So after everything was done and we were finally ready, we headed to Mitaka from Shinjuku by train. From the Mitaka station we walked about 1km to the Ghibli Museum. It was easy coz there were road signs guiding us. Here's one at 500m.
At the entrance, Totoro greeted us in a booth! Too bad we weren't allowed to take pictures inside the museum. It was a great experience. The place was magnificent. It was as if we were really in Hayao Miyazaki's world!
The robot from.... Laputa I think.
That Porco Rosso pig protagonist holding the cafe menu.
Then we headed to the Inokashira Koen, a garden just beside the museum.
Then we headed to the Inokashira Koen, a garden just beside the museum.
We were lucky to see these withering momiji (autumn leaves).
Torii gates beside the lake.
A mandarin duck and a koi fish.
We had some Dorayaki at the train station before going to Harajuku.
Harajuku! Look at the people! Sorry I had to go on tip toes and hold the camera really high to take this shot and it turned out blur. Edit: sorry this is Takeshita Dori, Harajuku street is further back. We went there but I can't find any pictures so probably I only took the ones along this street. Thanks to Gukichan for correcting me :)
We stopped by Ebisu and Shibuya on the way to Hamamatsu-cho to see the Tokyo Tower! At Hamamatsu-cho we took a look at a temple and (shh) I kinda played with the purifying water.
We stopped by Ebisu and Shibuya on the way to Hamamatsu-cho to see the Tokyo Tower! At Hamamatsu-cho we took a look at a temple and (shh) I kinda played with the purifying water.
Tokyo Tower
Getting nearer
At the foot of the tower, there were really pretty Christmas decorations all about and there was also a live band performance. We didn't stand a chance to go up the tower coz the queue was SO freakin long.
At last. A proper meal for the first time. It's a fast food restaurant MATSUYA. Instant because they serve so fast right after we handed the tickets (there was a ticket machine where we had to put in coins and press the orders, then tickets came out). But the noodles were really nice.
At last. A proper meal for the first time. It's a fast food restaurant MATSUYA. Instant because they serve so fast right after we handed the tickets (there was a ticket machine where we had to put in coins and press the orders, then tickets came out). But the noodles were really nice.
Good thing about the restaurants in Japan, free (GOOD) green tea and free refill. I sound so cheap haha. And also, the food were as good as they looked!!! And they're just fast food so 
About 11pm we waited an hour for the night bus to Kyoto. <--- Really simple sentence but I gotta add that there was no bus stop or whatever place for us to wait so the wind was blowing my nose off. Another thing I just HAVE to say : A lot of HOT girls with tights and short skirts (and it's winter) and ahem so okaay I'll stop here.
whoa.
Curry rice, gotta try. It's good! And it's BEEF!
Mum's Gyudon (beef bowl). This is so good too!
Mum's Gyudon (beef bowl). This is so good too!
About 11pm we waited an hour for the night bus to Kyoto. <--- Really simple sentence but I gotta add that there was no bus stop or whatever place for us to wait so the wind was blowing my nose off. Another thing I just HAVE to say : A lot of HOT girls with tights and short skirts (and it's winter) and ahem so okaay I'll stop here.
P/S: I do regret not taking pictures of them. *perv*
End of Day 1.
Day 2
December 24, 2008.
It's Christmas Eve!
The bus reached Kyoto at 8am. We saw another fast food restaurant right opposite the Kyoto Station called the NAKAU and we were kind of hungry. I'm not really used to an early breakfast, but I did not regret going there.
Curry again but I asked for udon this time. Mum was still stuck with her gyudon, and she just loved those pink pickled ginger.
Sorry when I talk about food I just get excited. Bear with me. You will see that simple meals can satisfy us, very much. We were on a low and fixed budget so we were trying to survive with these cheaper fast food places and when all else failed at least we still had the Kombini (convenience stores like Lawson, Kiosk, Family Mart, am/pm, 7-Eleven, etc) so... bright side is, we'll be alive.
Refreshed and much more awake, we went back to Kyoto Station and looked around in some of the shops. There were so many things there and they sell these Omiyage thingies(souvenir) in forms of foods or sweets or various types of things. By the way their Wagashi (Japanese traditional sweets) were exquisite! Beautiful artwork, how could they just eat them... I would have felt really sad haha.
Wagashi of the season
Some... kinda... girly stuff? I guess. Purses and pouches and I dunno, mirrors... and uh so on.
Keychains
Origami papers
Kokeshi wooden dolls and porcelain ones below
T-shirts!
These beautiful fans cost a bomb.
Kyoto Tower!
We used a very simple map mum printed out to look for the TOMATO Guest House. It was really cozy inside and woohoo the staff can speak pretty good english too.
OK now to Kinkakuji! A building covered with gold leaf. A beautiful sight! Let my pictures do the talking.
A stone pagoda
These are green tea flavoured Dango! (glutinous rice)
To Ryoan-ji next! There were a lot of people there but the rock garden still calmed us.
Mini version of the rock garden
The interior of the tea room looked real cool!
On the way to the bus stop we had a Usagi Manju (rabbit shaped red bean bun) and we went to Ginkakuji!
Unfortunately the building was having some renovation work done so it was all covered up.
Here's how it actually looked like (a poster they put up in front of the current building).
This is the Ginsyadan (silver beach). The pile of sand shaped like a little mountain at the back represents Mount Fuji, and the big one in front represents waves of the ocean (I hope I didn't misinterpret or smth).
Wooden tablets - write your wish on one and hang it up.
Make a wish and throw a coin.
On the way back we stopped for a matcha cream puff. Just look at the crust and the cream dammit. *drool*
We also ate some senbei! So fresh!
The last destination for today is Gion! I've always wanted to have a look at this place. I really enjoyed being there and seeing so many of the old traditional houses along the streets was such a happy thing. Many geishas and maikos usually go about. I got to see a few of them but I did not take any photos, I wasn't really sure if I was allowed to. *admiration*
We passed by a Japanese opera theater. Those wooden tags up there are the names of all the shows available, I think. Big whoa... and yes, we would need to spend quite a lot for a show so wipe our tears and bye bye. Ahh budget budget budget. Let's move on.
We bought some instant noodles and a chicken karaage stick (this karaage was @#$^&% taaaaaaasttty!) from LAWSON. We got back to TOMATO Guest House and checked in.
Nice tatami room!
Nice bathroom!
I LOVE THIS FREAKIN HEATER I TELL YOU. We even "grilled" our socks with this thing hehe! Ok shh.
Alright lights out.
Merry Christmas!
End of Day 2.
It's Christmas Eve!
The bus reached Kyoto at 8am. We saw another fast food restaurant right opposite the Kyoto Station called the NAKAU and we were kind of hungry. I'm not really used to an early breakfast, but I did not regret going there.
Curry again but I asked for udon this time. Mum was still stuck with her gyudon, and she just loved those pink pickled ginger.
Sorry when I talk about food I just get excited. Bear with me. You will see that simple meals can satisfy us, very much. We were on a low and fixed budget so we were trying to survive with these cheaper fast food places and when all else failed at least we still had the Kombini (convenience stores like Lawson, Kiosk, Family Mart, am/pm, 7-Eleven, etc) so... bright side is, we'll be alive.
Refreshed and much more awake, we went back to Kyoto Station and looked around in some of the shops. There were so many things there and they sell these Omiyage thingies(souvenir) in forms of foods or sweets or various types of things. By the way their Wagashi (Japanese traditional sweets) were exquisite! Beautiful artwork, how could they just eat them... I would have felt really sad haha.
Wagashi of the season
Some... kinda... girly stuff? I guess. Purses and pouches and I dunno, mirrors... and uh so on.
Keychains
Origami papers
Kokeshi wooden dolls and porcelain ones below
T-shirts!
These beautiful fans cost a bomb.
Kyoto Tower!
We used a very simple map mum printed out to look for the TOMATO Guest House. It was really cozy inside and woohoo the staff can speak pretty good english too.
OK now to Kinkakuji! A building covered with gold leaf. A beautiful sight! Let my pictures do the talking.
A stone pagoda
These are green tea flavoured Dango! (glutinous rice)
To Ryoan-ji next! There were a lot of people there but the rock garden still calmed us.
Mini version of the rock garden
The interior of the tea room looked real cool!
On the way to the bus stop we had a Usagi Manju (rabbit shaped red bean bun) and we went to Ginkakuji!
Unfortunately the building was having some renovation work done so it was all covered up.
Here's how it actually looked like (a poster they put up in front of the current building).
This is the Ginsyadan (silver beach). The pile of sand shaped like a little mountain at the back represents Mount Fuji, and the big one in front represents waves of the ocean (I hope I didn't misinterpret or smth).
Wooden tablets - write your wish on one and hang it up.
Make a wish and throw a coin.
On the way back we stopped for a matcha cream puff. Just look at the crust and the cream dammit. *drool*
We also ate some senbei! So fresh!
The last destination for today is Gion! I've always wanted to have a look at this place. I really enjoyed being there and seeing so many of the old traditional houses along the streets was such a happy thing. Many geishas and maikos usually go about. I got to see a few of them but I did not take any photos, I wasn't really sure if I was allowed to. *admiration*
We passed by a Japanese opera theater. Those wooden tags up there are the names of all the shows available, I think. Big whoa... and yes, we would need to spend quite a lot for a show so wipe our tears and bye bye. Ahh budget budget budget. Let's move on.
We bought some instant noodles and a chicken karaage stick (this karaage was @#$^&% taaaaaaasttty!) from LAWSON. We got back to TOMATO Guest House and checked in.
Nice tatami room!
Nice bathroom!
I LOVE THIS FREAKIN HEATER I TELL YOU. We even "grilled" our socks with this thing hehe! Ok shh.
Alright lights out.
Merry Christmas!
End of Day 2.
Day 3
December 25, 2008.
Christmas in Kyoto :)
We got to Nara around 11am. We saw the deer! We weren't warned though. Don't get me wrong, they were the friendliest ever, but once I bought deer food they came running after us like crazy and started nudging it was quite... um... well anyway we visited Todai-ji.
Poor mum
There were more of them!
Todai-ji (The world's largest wooden building)
Next stop Fushimi Inari Taisha! I just loved that neverending torii gate pathway. It started raining halfway back so some of the pictures are pretty messy.
Back at the station we had some really nice pastry from Vie De France
Then we filled up the remaining spaces in the stomach with these Kyo-ramen
Oh wait, we bought one of these expensive tarts from Lipton coz it's Christmas!
Back to TOMATO Guest House.
Merry Christmas once again!
End of Day 3
Christmas in Kyoto :)
We got to Nara around 11am. We saw the deer! We weren't warned though. Don't get me wrong, they were the friendliest ever, but once I bought deer food they came running after us like crazy and started nudging it was quite... um... well anyway we visited Todai-ji.
Poor mum
There were more of them!
Todai-ji (The world's largest wooden building)
Next stop Fushimi Inari Taisha! I just loved that neverending torii gate pathway. It started raining halfway back so some of the pictures are pretty messy.
Back at the station we had some really nice pastry from Vie De France
Then we filled up the remaining spaces in the stomach with these Kyo-ramen
Oh wait, we bought one of these expensive tarts from Lipton coz it's Christmas!
Back to TOMATO Guest House.
Merry Christmas once again!
End of Day 3
Day 4
December 26, 2008.
We woke up at 5.30am and went to Kyoto Station.
We went to Sanjusangendo coz we wanted to meet the thousand-handed Kannon (the bodhisattva of mercy and compasion) and her 1000 disciples. I read about their different faces altogether and the Japanese look for the face that resembles their own or a relative to make an offering. Anyway, it was too early so it was still closed. So we started with Kiyomizudera first. I've always wanted to go there so omfg. We could see the snow already!
On the way back, we had these really really really nice little donuts. They are made of soya beans and honestly after eating these, no other donuts can be compared.
Then of course back to Sanjusangendo (photography not allowed).
After that we went to Heian Jingu.
Unfortunately, Nijo Castle was closed starting December 26. What was the date again, oh yeah, today's 26. Sad luck.
To Arashiyama! I couldn't believe I was actually in the bamboo forest. It was beautiful.
We saw this beautiful pregnant geisha with her companion at a temple in the forest
Along the way we saw Tenryu-ji so yeah we couldn't pass up the chance. We felt lucky to be there.
Next stop is Osaka. We checked in to Hotel TOYO, not really a hotel more like a hostel for travellers. The old men (different shifts) at the reception were all very friendly. The place looked really old, and it got a bit cold in the room because we only got leg warmers under the blankets and no heater.
Dotonbori!
We had McD!!!!!
Do I need to say anything?
This is a restaurant!
Then to Umeda!
Pachinko
Back to TOYO around 10pm.
At least we still had those leg warmers.
End of Day 4.
We woke up at 5.30am and went to Kyoto Station.
We went to Sanjusangendo coz we wanted to meet the thousand-handed Kannon (the bodhisattva of mercy and compasion) and her 1000 disciples. I read about their different faces altogether and the Japanese look for the face that resembles their own or a relative to make an offering. Anyway, it was too early so it was still closed. So we started with Kiyomizudera first. I've always wanted to go there so omfg. We could see the snow already!
Lee Jun Ki stopped right here with his bicycle in Virgin Snow XD
On the way back, we had these really really really nice little donuts. They are made of soya beans and honestly after eating these, no other donuts can be compared.
Then of course back to Sanjusangendo (photography not allowed).
After that we went to Heian Jingu.
Unfortunately, Nijo Castle was closed starting December 26. What was the date again, oh yeah, today's 26. Sad luck.
To Arashiyama! I couldn't believe I was actually in the bamboo forest. It was beautiful.
We saw this beautiful pregnant geisha with her companion at a temple in the forest
Along the way we saw Tenryu-ji so yeah we couldn't pass up the chance. We felt lucky to be there.
Next stop is Osaka. We checked in to Hotel TOYO, not really a hotel more like a hostel for travellers. The old men (different shifts) at the reception were all very friendly. The place looked really old, and it got a bit cold in the room because we only got leg warmers under the blankets and no heater.
Dotonbori!
We had McD!!!!!
Do I need to say anything?
This is a restaurant!
Then to Umeda!
Pachinko
Back to TOYO around 10pm.
At least we still had those leg warmers.
End of Day 4.
Day 5
December 27, 2008.
Yes! We got to use our JR Passes at last! Things were much easier and faster with those cards. And we also got to ride on the shinkansen now. So mum reserved seats for one with the name Rail Star bound for Hiroshima. Sorry about the blur.
When we arrived at Hiroshima we changed to the local JR line for Miyajima. Then from there we took a ferry to Itsukushima Taisha! The shrine with that famous floating torii gate... we finally got to see it for real, and it was just breathtaking.
We got to try out some of the famous snacks there. On the way to Itsukushima Taisha and back the same way, a long street with lots and lots of food and souvenir shops accompanied us.
Momiji manju (red bean and cream cheese)
Fish cake!
Grilled oden
Ok mum loves these things but they were quite expensive
The shops
A giant wooden rice ladle
We couldn't resist the urge to try out Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki! WOW
Back to the Hiroshima station. We took a tram to the Hiroshima Peace Park. It was really cool there.
A cool tile on the station platform
A-Bomb Dome
The museum and those weird looking, er, trees
THE bomb
Sadako's memorial
We took a walk along Hondori Street
SO many different things inside
Around 8.30pm we headed to Nagasaki.
Yoshinoya!
There we started finding AKARI, where we rested and slept for the night. The place was so cozy and welcoming, I took so many pictures. I'll just post a few here.
We got these beauties from Hondori Street in Hiroshima earlier
Nightie night~!
End of Day 5
Yes! We got to use our JR Passes at last! Things were much easier and faster with those cards. And we also got to ride on the shinkansen now. So mum reserved seats for one with the name Rail Star bound for Hiroshima. Sorry about the blur.
When we arrived at Hiroshima we changed to the local JR line for Miyajima. Then from there we took a ferry to Itsukushima Taisha! The shrine with that famous floating torii gate... we finally got to see it for real, and it was just breathtaking.
We got to try out some of the famous snacks there. On the way to Itsukushima Taisha and back the same way, a long street with lots and lots of food and souvenir shops accompanied us.
Momiji manju (red bean and cream cheese)
Fish cake!
Grilled oden
Ok mum loves these things but they were quite expensive
The shops
A giant wooden rice ladle
We couldn't resist the urge to try out Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki! WOW
Back to the Hiroshima station. We took a tram to the Hiroshima Peace Park. It was really cool there.
A cool tile on the station platform
A-Bomb Dome
The museum and those weird looking, er, trees
THE bomb
Sadako's memorial
We took a walk along Hondori Street
SO many different things inside
Around 8.30pm we headed to Nagasaki.
Yoshinoya!
There we started finding AKARI, where we rested and slept for the night. The place was so cozy and welcoming, I took so many pictures. I'll just post a few here.
We got these beauties from Hondori Street in Hiroshima earlier
Nightie night~!
End of Day 5
Day 6
December 28, 2008.
First thing we wanted to do today after having our Quaker Oats breakfast was to look for interesting places near AKARI.
The Spectacle Bridge right in front of AKARI.
We walked up a slope and saw the Koei-ji temple. We also looked for a temple called Kofuku-ji. We didn't enter though because we had to catch a tram to the Nagasaki Peace Park.
We saw a rainbow!!!
There were so many great statues in the park, gifts given from many countries. Here are a few pictures I took of them. There were too many I couldn't take pictures of them all. I copied down the names and countries so I hope I didn't write the wrong things.
A Call - from Bulgaria
Joy of Life - from the Czechoslovak Republic
Monument of People's Friendship - from the German Democratic Republic
Statue of Peace - from USSR (Soviet)
Infinity - from Turkey
Constellation Earth - from America
We also saw the Urakami Cathedral from the park
This is the hypocenter. The atomic bomb was dropped onto this exact spot.
We had bento bought from a convenience store opposite the park. We sat on a bench near the hypocenter and ate these tasty stuff, and those ridiculously sweet and fresh strawberries from yesterday.
We entered the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum (no photography). The thing I remembered was that the bomb looked slightly rounder than the one from Hiroshima. They called it Fat Man if I was not mistaken.
Tram
We then headed to Hakata, Fukuoka. Why Fukuoka? So I have a confession to make. Mum and I watched 'Bambino!' a TV series about Italian food. The main character used to live and work in Hakata before moving on to Roppongi (we went there too on the last day) so there. We even had spaghetti just for the feel of it!
It was nice!
We headed back to Umeda after that and on the way back to TOYO we saw a red ferris wheel on top of a building called the HEP FIVE.
Got back around 11pm. Late... shut.
End of Day 6.
First thing we wanted to do today after having our Quaker Oats breakfast was to look for interesting places near AKARI.
The Spectacle Bridge right in front of AKARI.
We walked up a slope and saw the Koei-ji temple. We also looked for a temple called Kofuku-ji. We didn't enter though because we had to catch a tram to the Nagasaki Peace Park.
We saw a rainbow!!!
There were so many great statues in the park, gifts given from many countries. Here are a few pictures I took of them. There were too many I couldn't take pictures of them all. I copied down the names and countries so I hope I didn't write the wrong things.
A Call - from Bulgaria
Joy of Life - from the Czechoslovak Republic
Monument of People's Friendship - from the German Democratic Republic
Statue of Peace - from USSR (Soviet)
Infinity - from Turkey
Constellation Earth - from America
We also saw the Urakami Cathedral from the park
This is the hypocenter. The atomic bomb was dropped onto this exact spot.
We had bento bought from a convenience store opposite the park. We sat on a bench near the hypocenter and ate these tasty stuff, and those ridiculously sweet and fresh strawberries from yesterday.
We entered the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum (no photography). The thing I remembered was that the bomb looked slightly rounder than the one from Hiroshima. They called it Fat Man if I was not mistaken.
Tram
We then headed to Hakata, Fukuoka. Why Fukuoka? So I have a confession to make. Mum and I watched 'Bambino!' a TV series about Italian food. The main character used to live and work in Hakata before moving on to Roppongi (we went there too on the last day) so there. We even had spaghetti just for the feel of it!
It was nice!
We headed back to Umeda after that and on the way back to TOYO we saw a red ferris wheel on top of a building called the HEP FIVE.
Got back around 11pm. Late... shut.
End of Day 6.
Day 7
December 29, 2008.
We went to Family Mart near TOYO and filled some luggage delivery forms with the help of the staff. We wanted to deliver our two heavy and troublesome luggage cases straight to TOKYO BACKPACKERS in Tokyo. With that done we wouldn't have to carry those things with us for the next few days.
First one. Osaka Castle! I finally got to see a castle in Japan.
Then to the famous Tempozan Harbour Village, with that giant ferris wheel and the Kaiyukan (aquarium). We didn't enter Kaiyukan though, crazy queue.
Taken during the ferris wheel ride
Our view of the Kaiyukan building while we were on the wheel
We actually went there but did not enter
We came upon this restaurant MORIYA and saw the menu. The famous Osaka-style Okonomiyaki! We just had to try it, and damn it was really tasty.
I wish I could show you that juicy piece of beef in the middle. As you can see it's quite different from the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki. Looks neat, but just as delicious.
We went to Umeda for Thunderbird (shinkansen) heading for Kanazawa. We reached in the evening so it was getting pretty dark already. Ignoring that, we went to Nagamachi and visited the Samurai Mura, a well known samurai village there. Those old samurai houses were just beautiful, staying just the same as they were since the Edo period.
We had omuraisu there. Just look at this, oh yeah~
Back at Kanazawa station, we saw this interesting little fountain display. It's got little water spouts spelling out words and kana/kanji and also stating the time alternatively, which was way cool.
A strange yet special gate at the station
10pm we got on the NOTO Express, a night train bound for Tokyo.
End of Day 7.
We went to Family Mart near TOYO and filled some luggage delivery forms with the help of the staff. We wanted to deliver our two heavy and troublesome luggage cases straight to TOKYO BACKPACKERS in Tokyo. With that done we wouldn't have to carry those things with us for the next few days.
First one. Osaka Castle! I finally got to see a castle in Japan.
Then to the famous Tempozan Harbour Village, with that giant ferris wheel and the Kaiyukan (aquarium). We didn't enter Kaiyukan though, crazy queue.
Taken during the ferris wheel ride
Our view of the Kaiyukan building while we were on the wheel
We actually went there but did not enter
We came upon this restaurant MORIYA and saw the menu. The famous Osaka-style Okonomiyaki! We just had to try it, and damn it was really tasty.
I wish I could show you that juicy piece of beef in the middle. As you can see it's quite different from the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki. Looks neat, but just as delicious.
We went to Umeda for Thunderbird (shinkansen) heading for Kanazawa. We reached in the evening so it was getting pretty dark already. Ignoring that, we went to Nagamachi and visited the Samurai Mura, a well known samurai village there. Those old samurai houses were just beautiful, staying just the same as they were since the Edo period.
We had omuraisu there. Just look at this, oh yeah~
Back at Kanazawa station, we saw this interesting little fountain display. It's got little water spouts spelling out words and kana/kanji and also stating the time alternatively, which was way cool.
A strange yet special gate at the station
10pm we got on the NOTO Express, a night train bound for Tokyo.
End of Day 7.
Day 8
December 30, 2008.
We reached Tokyo around 6am. It was early, but just about the right time for Tsukiji Fish Market! (I hate seafood, but this place is a must-see!)
oooooh look at those wasabi (horse radish)!
After that we stopped at Minami-senju and went looking for TOKYO BACKPACKERS, the place we would be staying in for three consecutive nights starting January 2, 2009. The reason we went there this day was to confirm our luggage delivery service from Osaka.
We got there around 10am and had to wait for an hour coz they start business at 11am. Er well, don't expect much from the receptionist guy if you're getting there early to wait for the time he opens. He probably sleeps in the office every night. We were greeted by this weirdo in his boxers, crumpled up tee and the unforgettable bird nest on his head. No, don't get me wrong, you might even find it mood-lifting. I wish I took a picture. No seriously.
Alright ignore the bird nest now. First we went to Asakusa to have a look at Kaminari-mon with that huge lantern hanging in the middle. We visited Senso-ji there.
Wasabi ice cream (we wished). This is the best matcha ice cream I've ever had.
Senso-ji
Mum getting some senbei
Opera theater banners
A panda bus!
Then we went to Akihabara! That bloody haven! Huge malls selling manga, anime, DVD, VCD, CD, gadgets, mp3, phones, drives, and you know what I can just spend such a long time naming every kind of them. Lotsa people by the way.
We finally got to sample some sushi!
We went back to Tokyo station and waited for our train to Hachinohe. From Hachinohe an exchange for Tsugaru line, then finally the "brilliant" Hamanasu line. Hamanasu, "brilliant" I say. That was the night train to Aomori for the next day. It was about New Year time already and everyone wanted to get back to their hometowns. The station was so crowded. That's no problem. Reservations for the seats were all full. That's no problem still.
When we were exchanging for Hamanasu we looked around the non-reserved cars and realized those who got on late would have to spend the whole night sitting either on the floor or, I don't know, whatever position they felt most comfortable in. Now you're wondering what position we were in eh? Let's just say, now that's a problem. But guess what? The seats were being fired up by heaters, too much, that is, and the place was like an oven. People with seats : uneasy. People without seats : uneasy. So how brilliant was that?
End of Day 8
We reached Tokyo around 6am. It was early, but just about the right time for Tsukiji Fish Market! (I hate seafood, but this place is a must-see!)
oooooh look at those wasabi (horse radish)!
After that we stopped at Minami-senju and went looking for TOKYO BACKPACKERS, the place we would be staying in for three consecutive nights starting January 2, 2009. The reason we went there this day was to confirm our luggage delivery service from Osaka.
We got there around 10am and had to wait for an hour coz they start business at 11am. Er well, don't expect much from the receptionist guy if you're getting there early to wait for the time he opens. He probably sleeps in the office every night. We were greeted by this weirdo in his boxers, crumpled up tee and the unforgettable bird nest on his head. No, don't get me wrong, you might even find it mood-lifting. I wish I took a picture. No seriously.
Alright ignore the bird nest now. First we went to Asakusa to have a look at Kaminari-mon with that huge lantern hanging in the middle. We visited Senso-ji there.
Wasabi ice cream (we wished). This is the best matcha ice cream I've ever had.
Senso-ji
Mum getting some senbei
Opera theater banners
A panda bus!
Then we went to Akihabara! That bloody haven! Huge malls selling manga, anime, DVD, VCD, CD, gadgets, mp3, phones, drives, and you know what I can just spend such a long time naming every kind of them. Lotsa people by the way.
We finally got to sample some sushi!
We went back to Tokyo station and waited for our train to Hachinohe. From Hachinohe an exchange for Tsugaru line, then finally the "brilliant" Hamanasu line. Hamanasu, "brilliant" I say. That was the night train to Aomori for the next day. It was about New Year time already and everyone wanted to get back to their hometowns. The station was so crowded. That's no problem. Reservations for the seats were all full. That's no problem still.
When we were exchanging for Hamanasu we looked around the non-reserved cars and realized those who got on late would have to spend the whole night sitting either on the floor or, I don't know, whatever position they felt most comfortable in. Now you're wondering what position we were in eh? Let's just say, now that's a problem. But guess what? The seats were being fired up by heaters, too much, that is, and the place was like an oven. People with seats : uneasy. People without seats : uneasy. So how brilliant was that?
End of Day 8
Day 9
December 31, 2008.
It's New Year's Eve today!
We arrived at Otaru around 8am. We got out of the station and started walking initially towards nowhere, trying to find MORINOKI, the place to sleep tonight. It was hard to get there, not because we got lost or anything, but the snow was making it very hard for us to walk. We didn't have snow boots or those pads they usually attach at the soles. It was freakin slippery.
We finally got to MORINOKI. We were greeted by a friendly couple and two adorable dogs Peg (the friendly female) and Log (the very shy male). The boss can speak english well, so a relief.
Here's Peg with her bean bag in the living room.
Peg taking a nap surrounded by the boss's amazing collection of manga!
And here's the ever shy Log.
Here's where we had our meals.
First place today was the Orgel Music Box Museum. There were all kinds of music boxes. I think I can say "you name em they got em". They even have a service for DIY music boxes. Many tunes to choose from. Then the following steps should be the bases and cases I don't quite remember.
We passed by some glass stores. This place is well known for the glass studios. We were not allowed to take pictures in the stores. *too pretty*
We had these along the way. Chicken and egg udon for me. Mum had claypot udon. And we had the glutinous rice balls in azuki bean paste too. Mmm~!
Then to Otaru Unga! (Otaru Canal)
We took a stroller bus to Tenguyama for the snow scenes up on the hills and had a glimpse of the ski resort too.
We went to a fast food joint Lotteria at the station and had these really good black pepper beef and cheese burgers. We weren't expecting to have yet another meal later on as you'll find out!
We got back to MORINOKI around 8pm. The boss and his wife were busy preparing the New Year's Eve dinner! We were surprised and of course overjoyed. We didn't think we had a chance of tasting the real traditional home cooked Japanese Ryori (dishes) because of the budget. The food they prepared was very delicious and fresh and definitely would cost a bomb if we were to have it in a restaurant. It was just so wonderful.
I'm not a big fan of seafood, furthermore having them raw. But I did try those sashimi and roes and made our own sushi and everything else they did for us (okay except those shrimps I'm sorry I just hate shrimps or prawns or whatever they are called I don't care). The boss and his wife invited friends over by the way. The boss's mother and the mother of one of his friends came to. She can speak mandarin so well!
From left: The boss, his wife, his friend, his mother.
The boss made these soba noodles himself!
One of the boss's friends asked me if I had natto before. Then the boss's wife prepared a bowl of it right after. Honestly I thought it was gonna be so nasty I might just puke but I actually liked the taste!
It was such a great experience, just speaking simple Japanese sentences with them and having free and easy conversation. I thank my phrasebook so much *smootchie smootch*! Trying to understand what they were trying to explain was fun too. I'll remember what mum and I did on this day. We celebrated 2008 going to '09 and we did it in Hokkaido together with these people and their big hearts!
Happy New Year!
P/S: I looked so pregnant the next morning.
End of Day 9
It's New Year's Eve today!
We arrived at Otaru around 8am. We got out of the station and started walking initially towards nowhere, trying to find MORINOKI, the place to sleep tonight. It was hard to get there, not because we got lost or anything, but the snow was making it very hard for us to walk. We didn't have snow boots or those pads they usually attach at the soles. It was freakin slippery.
We finally got to MORINOKI. We were greeted by a friendly couple and two adorable dogs Peg (the friendly female) and Log (the very shy male). The boss can speak english well, so a relief.
Here's Peg with her bean bag in the living room.
Peg taking a nap surrounded by the boss's amazing collection of manga!
And here's the ever shy Log.
Here's where we had our meals.
First place today was the Orgel Music Box Museum. There were all kinds of music boxes. I think I can say "you name em they got em". They even have a service for DIY music boxes. Many tunes to choose from. Then the following steps should be the bases and cases I don't quite remember.
We passed by some glass stores. This place is well known for the glass studios. We were not allowed to take pictures in the stores. *too pretty*
We had these along the way. Chicken and egg udon for me. Mum had claypot udon. And we had the glutinous rice balls in azuki bean paste too. Mmm~!
Then to Otaru Unga! (Otaru Canal)
We took a stroller bus to Tenguyama for the snow scenes up on the hills and had a glimpse of the ski resort too.
We went to a fast food joint Lotteria at the station and had these really good black pepper beef and cheese burgers. We weren't expecting to have yet another meal later on as you'll find out!
We got back to MORINOKI around 8pm. The boss and his wife were busy preparing the New Year's Eve dinner! We were surprised and of course overjoyed. We didn't think we had a chance of tasting the real traditional home cooked Japanese Ryori (dishes) because of the budget. The food they prepared was very delicious and fresh and definitely would cost a bomb if we were to have it in a restaurant. It was just so wonderful.
I'm not a big fan of seafood, furthermore having them raw. But I did try those sashimi and roes and made our own sushi and everything else they did for us (okay except those shrimps I'm sorry I just hate shrimps or prawns or whatever they are called I don't care). The boss and his wife invited friends over by the way. The boss's mother and the mother of one of his friends came to. She can speak mandarin so well!
From left: The boss, his wife, his friend, his mother.
The boss made these soba noodles himself!
One of the boss's friends asked me if I had natto before. Then the boss's wife prepared a bowl of it right after. Honestly I thought it was gonna be so nasty I might just puke but I actually liked the taste!
It was such a great experience, just speaking simple Japanese sentences with them and having free and easy conversation. I thank my phrasebook so much *smootchie smootch*! Trying to understand what they were trying to explain was fun too. I'll remember what mum and I did on this day. We celebrated 2008 going to '09 and we did it in Hokkaido together with these people and their big hearts!
Happy New Year!
P/S: I looked so pregnant the next morning.
End of Day 9
Day 10
January 1, 2009.
Happy New Year~!
New Year morning in MORINOKI. The boss made us some nice New Year broth and also his homemade bread which was so thiiiicckkk it was just lovely!
So today we were heading to Sapporo. We visited a temple on a hill first. Up there we could see a part of Otaru. The scenery was great. Snow was deep! We loved playing with the snow!
Mum's cool facial
I was making friends with my lil snowman alright
When we reached the Sapporo station the first thing we did was... find a fast food restaurant! Aha! We haven't had enough of it yet! Ok I can read "Hokkaido Soba" from the shop sign but the other kanji characters... I gave up.
Once we got out of the station we headed straight for Odori Park. Did I tell you how much we loved the snow there? Ok anyway, it was still daytime so the beautiful lights weren't swtiched on yet. We had to wait till it got darker.
We went to the ISHIYA Chocolate Factory and when we entered we felt like little kids. There were tiny houses everywhere and A LOT of other cool decorations. The buildings there were really amazing. There was a clock tower. Alright pictures INCOMING!!!
Teacup collection
Collection of labels
Some dated posters
A tunnel!
Old cans/packages
The DIY section only for kids
OMFG this is a very old model of the Kawasaki engine. That "dude" riding on it was f***ing COOL. The best part was, everytime we got near to its front, the engine started by itself and the rider's eyes glowed bloody red. I was delighted to see some girls frightened by this. *evil*
They have an entire HALL of glass cases filled with these collections of outdated toys I only posted one picture. There were too many.
We sat down for ice cream. The vanilla was ok, but the chocolate part was simply outstanding.
Cakes~
The star of the Chocolate Factory, Shiroi Koibito (White Lovers).
At night
On the way back to the Sapporo station we passed by Odori Park again and this time, it was illuminated!! PICTURES!! INCOMING!!
There was a weird kind of glowing aquatic living thing that was really interesting. I forgot the exact name of them but I think it was smth like "water angel"? Er... anyway those thingies were really something!
One other thing was the Marimo. They looked like some kinda moss to me, and I really wanted to bring one back but I don't think that kind of thing would survive in my country.
Sapporo city at night.
Alright, we took that night train again, heading for Tokyo. Remember this name HAMANASU. Beware. I won't say more. On the train we had some snacks before going to sleep. We had some Komekko (scallop flavoured senbei snack) and a sesame coated Daifuku (glutinous rice cake).
No. I did not pretend I forget to brush my teeth. I brushed my teeth.
P/S: The following pictures were taken during a train ride but I'm not sure when it was. The scenery was so beautiful~ look at those mountains and the clouds.
End of Day 10
Happy New Year~!
New Year morning in MORINOKI. The boss made us some nice New Year broth and also his homemade bread which was so thiiiicckkk it was just lovely!
So today we were heading to Sapporo. We visited a temple on a hill first. Up there we could see a part of Otaru. The scenery was great. Snow was deep! We loved playing with the snow!
Mum's cool facial
I was making friends with my lil snowman alright
When we reached the Sapporo station the first thing we did was... find a fast food restaurant! Aha! We haven't had enough of it yet! Ok I can read "Hokkaido Soba" from the shop sign but the other kanji characters... I gave up.
Once we got out of the station we headed straight for Odori Park. Did I tell you how much we loved the snow there? Ok anyway, it was still daytime so the beautiful lights weren't swtiched on yet. We had to wait till it got darker.
We went to the ISHIYA Chocolate Factory and when we entered we felt like little kids. There were tiny houses everywhere and A LOT of other cool decorations. The buildings there were really amazing. There was a clock tower. Alright pictures INCOMING!!!
Teacup collection
Collection of labels
Some dated posters
A tunnel!
Old cans/packages
The DIY section only for kids
OMFG this is a very old model of the Kawasaki engine. That "dude" riding on it was f***ing COOL. The best part was, everytime we got near to its front, the engine started by itself and the rider's eyes glowed bloody red. I was delighted to see some girls frightened by this. *evil*
They have an entire HALL of glass cases filled with these collections of outdated toys I only posted one picture. There were too many.
We sat down for ice cream. The vanilla was ok, but the chocolate part was simply outstanding.
Cakes~
The star of the Chocolate Factory, Shiroi Koibito (White Lovers).
At night
On the way back to the Sapporo station we passed by Odori Park again and this time, it was illuminated!! PICTURES!! INCOMING!!
There was a weird kind of glowing aquatic living thing that was really interesting. I forgot the exact name of them but I think it was smth like "water angel"? Er... anyway those thingies were really something!
One other thing was the Marimo. They looked like some kinda moss to me, and I really wanted to bring one back but I don't think that kind of thing would survive in my country.
Sapporo city at night.
Alright, we took that night train again, heading for Tokyo. Remember this name HAMANASU. Beware. I won't say more. On the train we had some snacks before going to sleep. We had some Komekko (scallop flavoured senbei snack) and a sesame coated Daifuku (glutinous rice cake).
No. I did not pretend I forget to brush my teeth. I brushed my teeth.
P/S: The following pictures were taken during a train ride but I'm not sure when it was. The scenery was so beautiful~ look at those mountains and the clouds.
End of Day 10
Day 11
January 2, 2009.
We reached Tokyo around 9.15am. We took the Nikko line from Utsunomiya. We went into a fast food restaurant (we were so not tired of them) with the name.. er.. I can't read Kanji. Anyway, the udon was WOW considering they're not the home cooked type.
When we got to the Nikko station, we walked about 30 minutes before we reached the famous "2 Shrines and 1 Temple". We first visited the Rinnoji Sanbutsudo Temple.
Then the Toshogu Shrine. We did not get to see the Sanzaru (three monkeys gesturing "Hear No Evil, Say No Evil, See No Evil") because we didn't enter a particular part of the shrine that required admission fee. So they're probably in there.
Next is the Futarasan Shrine.
We made it to the Rinnoji Taiyuin Temple too and got out just as they were closing the gates. Phew.
We got hungry so we stopped by the stalls for some oden and buttered potato.
This is the Shinkyo Sacred Bridge. Nobody's allowed to go on it.
We saw a smiley moon on the way to TOKYO BACKPACKERS.
We got back to TOKYO BACKPACKERS around 8pm.
Yawn.
End of Day 11.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Day 12
January 3, 2009.
This will be a short one. I'll be posting the pictures and say just a little. This day we missed a train, we miscalculated the time. But you know what? We realized we were so lucky to be able to view Mount Fuji in such a beautiful sunny weather. We were pretty worried initially that we might not be able see the mountain because we heard that usually during the winter it's harder to see it, fog perhaps or something else? We heard of cases about people going there and they didn't get to see anything in the end. So, thank you SUN!
About 10am we took a train to Gotemba for the GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS.
We could already see Mount Fuji from there.
Can you see us in this picture?
After that we headed to Yamanaka-ko, one of the five lakes circling near the foot of Mount Fuji.
We also went to Kawaguchi-ko, another one of the five lakes. But when we got there it was late in the evening so we couldn't take any pictures of the mountains anymore. Also, I think I've taken quite enough pictures of Fuji already haha.
But we finally got to eat the famous Houtou noodles! Sorry I just love curry. It's curry rice again with that ridiculously nice pickled ginger.
We took a 6.40pm bus back to Shinjuku. Back to TOKYO BACKPACKERS.
End of Day 12
Day 13
January 4, 2009.
We visited the Ueno Park first. It was pretty big and there were a lot of small temples and a kiddie amusement park Kodomo Yuen and then there was also a zoo. Pandas were the main attraction!
We then went to the Imperial Palace gardens! That place was really beautiful and I couldn't believe I was actually standing so near to the palace where Princess Masako resides. We weren't allowed in to the palace grounds of course but the east gardens took my breath away anyway. Sorry I really like taking pictures of trees without leaves. That's why I love winter. Weather's cool, and I see bare arcane trees. Ignore me.
We headed to Meiji Jingu. We walked on the famous Harajuku bridge where there were many cosplayers hanging around.
Meiji Jingu. Look... at... the... people...
We then went to Venus Fort by the new transit YURIKAMOME. The view on the way to Venus Fort was great. We passed by Tokyo Bay, saw the Rainbow Bridge, but we didn't see the Statue of Liberty on our way to Venus Fort.
I don't know what this building is but it's cool.
The Rainbrow Bridge
Venus Fort is in Palette Town, a really really big shopping "town" as they named it. They've got everything over there.
Fountain in Venus Fort
We had some really delicious curry rice from a place called PARK AVENUE.
Mum had white curry and I had the omuraisu with curry.
It was only until the way back that we saw the Statue of Liberty. Come on, I couldn't really just pass up the chance so we headed back one stop and I took some pictures of her with the Rainbow Bridge behind her AND also the Tokyo Tower in the background. Night view was PERFECT.
We walked around Roppongi, and then finally to Ginza.
We got back to TOKYO BACKPACKERS around 9pm.
We packed our stuff and ensured everything was done right. We turned in early. Tomorrow we would be waking up really early to get to Narita Airport and fly home.
Sayonara. I'll be back.
End of Day 13.
We visited the Ueno Park first. It was pretty big and there were a lot of small temples and a kiddie amusement park Kodomo Yuen and then there was also a zoo. Pandas were the main attraction!
We then went to the Imperial Palace gardens! That place was really beautiful and I couldn't believe I was actually standing so near to the palace where Princess Masako resides. We weren't allowed in to the palace grounds of course but the east gardens took my breath away anyway. Sorry I really like taking pictures of trees without leaves. That's why I love winter. Weather's cool, and I see bare arcane trees. Ignore me.
We headed to Meiji Jingu. We walked on the famous Harajuku bridge where there were many cosplayers hanging around.
Meiji Jingu. Look... at... the... people...
We then went to Venus Fort by the new transit YURIKAMOME. The view on the way to Venus Fort was great. We passed by Tokyo Bay, saw the Rainbow Bridge, but we didn't see the Statue of Liberty on our way to Venus Fort.
I don't know what this building is but it's cool.
The Rainbrow Bridge
Venus Fort is in Palette Town, a really really big shopping "town" as they named it. They've got everything over there.
Fountain in Venus Fort
We had some really delicious curry rice from a place called PARK AVENUE.
Mum had white curry and I had the omuraisu with curry.
It was only until the way back that we saw the Statue of Liberty. Come on, I couldn't really just pass up the chance so we headed back one stop and I took some pictures of her with the Rainbow Bridge behind her AND also the Tokyo Tower in the background. Night view was PERFECT.
We walked around Roppongi, and then finally to Ginza.
We got back to TOKYO BACKPACKERS around 9pm.
We packed our stuff and ensured everything was done right. We turned in early. Tomorrow we would be waking up really early to get to Narita Airport and fly home.
Sayonara. I'll be back.
End of Day 13.
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