Japan (Nara) April/May 2008 D-8

Travel Highlight – Lake Hamanako, Nagoya Bridge, Ninja Village & Nara

This morning, we had to pack up our luggage as we had to leave Shizuoka and stayed in Nara for two nights. Also, Mochan had to pick up another CS member from the JR Shimizu Station to join our bus trip to Nara.

After the pick up, we headed to the Tomei Express Highway and made a stop at Lake Hamanako. This is a popular tourist spot and an ideal place for long distance travelers who need to take a short or visit the toileto (toilets) and grab some food or have a cup of Starbuck ko-hi (Coffee) or drinks to recharge their energy.

On our way to Ninja Village, we passed the Nagoya Bridge. Along the hidari (left hand) side of the highway, I saw a large public car park and a huge Ferris wheel & roller coaster in the background. After the Nagoya Bridge, we had a brief stop at a rest house and I bought a stick of sausage & snack for Y300 (RM9) for a quick bite.

We arrived at the Ninja Village, Iga City around mid-day. Iga City is about 8 hours by car from Tokyo, 2 hours from Nagoya, 1 hour from Nara and 2 hours from Kyoto.

I believe many of us are familiar with Ninja & Ninjutsu as we see them all the times in movies, TV and cartoons. A Ninja was the name applied to those who used the martial arts of Ninjutsu to outwit their enemies. As we entered the Iga City, a tall signboard with three Ninja figures poised in standing and lying positions greeted us. Along the main street, we could see local visitors and families dressed in Ninja uniforms heading or returning from the Ninja Village visit.

At the front entrance, we met a group of our local members, led by Kazuki , one of our CS host in Tokyo. We paid Y600 (RM19) for entry to the Ninja Residence and the House of the Ninja Art and Ninja Tradition (Museum). At the Ninja Residence (an old farm house), a female guide narrated to us the various tricks and traps of a typical Ninja house. This residence contained features like revolving walls, secret passages, and hidden doors. After 15 minutes talk, we visited the House of the Ninja’s Art and shown a Ninja film using their skills to penetrate the Ueno Castle and the method used to enter and exit the castle. The final part of the Ninja Museum houses the largest collection of Ninja documents, uniforms, weapons and tools used during the feudal period of Japan. For an additional Y200 (RM6), visitors were taken to a Ninjutsu Demonstration Arena to witness real Ninja engaged in combat exhibition. The demonstrators shown us how Ninjas used the various weapons like throwing stars, Katanas, Sai daggers and Bola sickles.

After the show, we took a stroll to the Ueno Castle, which was rebuilt in 1935.

We arrived at Nara in the evening and checked into Mayumi’s (our CS host in Nara) 2 storey café/premises. We paid Y2,000 (RM64) per night to our host for our stay including a breakfast and dinner. As the premises we stayed do not have a shower room, we had to take our bath in a public onsen (hot springs), located within walking distance from Mayumi’s premises. We paid Y380 (RM12) for this steaming bath.

After a delicious dinner (steamed rice with egg and pork meat; fried chicken satay), a small group of us decided to take a stroll to the old Nara area and historical sites. After more than two hours of walking, we began to feel tired. We headed back home and it was closed to 23.00 – a good time to sleep! Oyasumi-nasal (good night)!

No one is in charge of your happiness except you. When you are in Ninja Village, put on your Ninja costume, you will see happy faces everywhere!

Japan (Nara) April/May 2008 D-9

Travel Highlight – Nara (Old Naramachi, Kofukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple & Nara Park)

Today, we spent a full day in Nara, visiting a number of UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites. Nara was the old capital of Japan from 710-784. It was the cradle of Japanese culture, art and crafts. Buddhism was first introduced here under the strong patronage of successive emperors / empresses. Nara is 42km, minami (south) of Kyoto.

After our breakfast at Nara’s café, we started our morning walk to the old Naramachi & Noborioji St, lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, bookshops and gift stores etc.

The first UNESCO cultural site we visited was the Kofukuji Temple. We paid Y600 (RM19) for entrance fee. The temple has four main gates facing different directions ie kita (north),higashi (east), minami (south),nishi (west) gate and each of the gates is used as lecture hall, learned center, monk dormitories, and housed the various Buddha statues. The 3 storey and 5 storey temples were first built in 730. The existing 5-storey temple (50.1 meters high) is a restoration, which was completed in 1426. Both temples were the oldest in the world and had been declared as the national treasures of Japan. The temple is supported with four big wooden pillars and has a unique roof design & structure.

The second UNESCO world heritage site we visited was Todaiji Temple. We paid Y500 (RM15) for the entrance fee. This temple was completed in 752 and was the head temple of all provincial temples in Japan. Due to fire, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt in 1692. Todaiji is the largest wooden temple in the world and its magnificent structure has attracted a lot of visitors. As we entered the temple, two huge stern face god statutes in standing position greeted us. The temple was packed with worshippers offering prayers to a large bronze Great Buddha statute. There were a number of well-preserved large standing ancient artifacts (in the shape of a flower, petals, vase) and lanterns on display at the main hall. Also on display were stone carvings of religious figureheads. There was a long queue of children waiting their turn to crawl into a hole of a tall round wooden pillar. The hole (equal to the size of the bronze Buddha head) is big enough for the kids to enter from one end and come up from the other end. We were told kids who perform this act would be bestowed with good luck and fortune! As we exited from the Todaiji Temple, we took a picture of a big bell housed in a wooden structure building, located just a stone throw from the temple.

Other UNESCO cultural sites in Nara are Gangoji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Toshodaiji Temple, Yakushiji Temple and Horyuji Temple. These temples were built in the 6th & 7th century. However, due to time constraints, we were not able to pay a visit to these temples.

We also passed by the Nara National Museum and the Nara Park, which is popularly known as Deer Park for its local deer, a symbol of Nara. These tame animals roamed around the park and we saw visitors busy feeding the deer with animal biscuits bought from a nearby stall. The Park is centrally located and within walking distance to Kofukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple and Kasuna Grand Shrine. In old Naramachi, I took a picture of a stone sculpture of a deer statute standing on the side of a main road.

After the temple visit, we took a town bus and had lunch in a Japanese restaurant near a shopping street, not far from the Kintesu Nara Station. I paid Y1,000 (RM32) for a bowl of ramen noodles come with a salad dish and a plate of bean curd – a bit pricey as this place is mainly catered for tourists

We were back to Nara’s café around 18.00 and after a short rest; we walked to a nearby public onsen (hot spring) to have our bath (Y380=RM12). Prior to dinnertime, our host in Nara invited two Japanese ladies, dressed in kimono costume to sing and perform a few classical dances. Both were given a big round of applause when the performance ended.

We had a delicious dinner tonight ie stir-fried udon noodles, savory chicken and scrambled egg at Mayumi’s café. I bought a can Asahi beer for Y300 (RM9.60) and after drinking it, I slept very well that night!

Time heals almost everything Give time, time! Nara & Kyoto were once the ancient capital of Japan. Over time, both cities have emerged as a real gem to many visitors & tourists from local and overseas.

Japan (Tokyo) April/May 2008 D-11

Travel Highlight - Tokyo (Shinjuku, Kabukicho & Tokyo Tower)

Today was the last day of our bus trip and also the last day of the golden week holidays in Japan. To avoid traffic jam along the highway to Tokyo, we departed Shizouka early at around 09.00 and arrived at the Tokyo station around 12.00.

Guessed what we saw this morning? We were lucky to have a full view of Mt Fuji when we passed the Highway heading towards Tokyo. The view was impressive and wonderful especially seen on a clear day. I took a number of pictures of Mt Fuji with its peak capped with snow – a must see.

I wondered how time had flown over the last ten days! When we arrived at the Tokyo station, it was time for us to say Sayonara to Mochan. A big Arigato (thank-you) to Mochan and his Wish Club’s members for making our stay in Japan such a pleasant one! His untiring efforts, lots of energy and friendship he had showered on us had made our first visit to Japan a most memorable one! Stay in touch, Mochan! See you soon in Malaysia or we see you again in Japan in another occasion.

After our farewell to Mochan, we took a JR train to Askausa and checked into the same hostel when we stayed in Asakusa on our first day. I had three more nights left in Tokyo, whereas Hitomi & Artem had two more nights. So we had to make full use of our time left to see Tokyo as much as possible.

After checking in our hostel, I decided to explore the Shinjuku area. Hitomi and Artem headed to Akihabara to do their last minute shopping for an Ipod. Shinjuku is Japan’s busiest railway station with about a dozen railway and subway lines passing through this station, handling more than two million passengers each day. I started wondering around the entertainment, business and shopping area around Shinjuku station. On the nishi (west) side of the station, the area was dotted with a number of skyscrapers. On the kita higashi (northeast) of the station lies Kabukicho, Japan’s largest red light district with many cinemas, bars and restaurants. I spent an hour walking around Kabukicho to get a feel of the place. Young, male escorts had a busy time wooing passerby along the Kabukicho street to draw customers to their establishments – if you got hooked, be prepared to part away your hard earned money and burnt a big hole in your pocket! I had to walk ziz-zag to bypass these guys, all smartly dressed in dark suites and attire.

I had an early dinner at a franchised food restaurant and paid Y530 (RM17) for a bowl of “gyudon” – rice topped with cooked beef and salted onions.

After the dinner, I continued to explore the shopping area around the Shinjuku 3-chome. I passed a fruit shop and spotted durians (not sure whether it was from Malaysia or Thailand?) retailing at Y4,000 (RM128) per fruit – what a crazy price !

As my next visit is the Tokyo tower, I took a Toei subway train from the Shinjuku station to Akabanebashi station. After coming out from the station, I could see Tokyo Tower, which was about 5 minutes walk from the station. I paid Y820 (RM26) for admission to the observation deck, about 250m above sea level. Built in 1958, Tokyo Tower is 333m high and visitors could see the whole Tokyo at a glance from the deck. For those who want to catch a glimpse of Tokyo by night, a visit to Tokyo Tower is highly recommended. As the observation has a 360-degree view, I could see the night scene of The Tokyo Bay area (Odaiba & Rainbow Bridge) and skyscrapers such as Tokyo Mid Town and Marunouchi Building. From far, I could have a glimpse of the Ginza, Shibuya & Shinjuku districts with their dazzling neon-lit signs emanated from the various tall buildings coming from the downtown areas.

Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them. Life is like a yoyo! When you are down, travel with a friend and your heart will grow fonder.

Japan (Kyoto) April/May 2008 D-10

Travel Highlight – Kyoto (Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, Yasaka Shrine & Shijo Dori)

After a two-night stay in Nara, it was time to say goodbye to Mayumi, our host in Nara. After breakfast, we left Nara and headed to Kyoto, which was Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years. It takes 2 hours 40 minutes by Shinkasen from Tokyo to Kyoto. 

We started our tour of the Kyoto city in Arashiyama district. Across a river, a long wooden overhead bridge linked the area to a Japanese temple and as it was drizzling, we did not cross the bridge to explore the surrounding places there. Instead, we took the opposite direction and walked along a row of traditional shops promoting all sorts of souvenirs, food and handicraft items. We visited a Japanese temple (Tien Long Sze) nearby and took a few pictures of the religious stone carvings inside the temple. We had lunch at Arashiyama. I paid Y800 (RM26) for a bowl of ramen noodles with a chunk of fish in it. – The fish tasted great and I really enjoyed this meal.

After the lunch, we continued our stroll in Arashiyama and visited a Japanese bamboo garden. Both side of the small road were lined with tall green bamboo plants, a rare sight for us to take a group picture. We also visited a number of calligraphy shops, handicrafts centre. I paid Y100 (RM3) to sit beside a Geisha and took a picture of it.

The highlight of today’s tour was a visit to the Nijo Castle, the official residence of the Tokugawa shogun. This castle was built in 1603 using the Momoyama architecture of the Edo period. The castle celebrated their 400’s anniversary in 2003 and was designated as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.

We paid Y600 (RM19) for admission fee. Inside the castle, we visited the Ninomaru palace and garden. As we entered the palace building, we were fascinated by the unique wooden carving on the façade, which was decorated with pictures of phoenixes, floral, plants etc. we had to take off our shoes before entering the palace. It took about 30 minutes for us to tour and pass through the corridor to catch a glimpse of the eleven rooms in the Nimomaru Palace. No photography was allowed inside the Ninomaru Palace. As we passed the corridor, we could hear the squeaking sound of the floor. These open and spacious rooms had specific functions and in the old days, all officials had to follow strict protocol when the feudal lords paid their tributes to Shogun in this palace.

Each of the rooms has large wall ink paintings of pine tree, eagle, tiger etc. The first two rooms we passed were called the Willow and Young Pine room. These two rooms were used as waiting rooms for visiting feudal lords. Next we came to the three Reception rooms where feudal lords handed their gifts to the Shogun. We continued our tour and passed the 3rd, 2nd and 1st Grand rooms, Inner Audience Chamber, Shogun’s living quarters, Minister’s offices and the last was the Imperial Messenger’s room. Room No 6 (1st Grand Room) is the most important one in the history of Tokugawa shogun. 

In Oct 1867, it was in this room where the shogun summoned all the feudal lords to declare sovereignty to the Emperor. This was also the room where nearly 270 years of Tokugawa military rule came to an end.

At the Ninomaru garden, we took a group picture with two female palace guides, dressed in traditional Kimono costume.

In the late afternoon, Mochan drove us to visit a Japanese temple (Man Tien Kong) and the colorful Heian – Jingu, a popular shrine in Kyoto. In the evening, we had the opportunity to see Kyoto by night and spent our time doing window-shopping at Shijo Dori. I bought a pack of sushi for Y260 (RM8.30) from a nearby mini market to keep my stomach happy. I also took the opportunity to visit Yasaka shrine, though it was drizzling at night.

We departed Kyoto at around 9.00pm and began our long drive back to Shizouka. We arrived in the early morning in Shimizu at around 02.30 – well passed our sleeping time! Mochan, I really had to salute you for driving us safely back to your house at such a wee hour of the morning!

Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements: “I am thankful for … (Mochan)”. Today, I accomplishe ... (Mochan’s Japan Highlight Bus trip to Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Ninja Village, Nara, Kyoto and so on – isn’t it amazing! )

Japan (Tokyo) April/May 2008 D-12

Travel Highlight - Tokyo (Tsukiji Honwanji Temple, Tsukiji Market & Disney Resort)

We started our day early and took a Tokyo Metro / JR subway train from Asakusa to Tsukiji station. On arrival, we visited the Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, which was built in 1617 and burnt down in 1657. The present temple with a new Indian architectural design was rebuilt in 1931. Inside the temple, a group of monks was doing their morning chanting. The Japanese community here practices a common faith in Amida Buddha.

Next, we visited the Tsukiji Central Wholesale market. This large market handles the distribution of fish, fruit, vegetables, meat and flowers for the Metropolitan Tokyo. As the timing of our visit was close to 08.30, we were not able to see much action except the fish section area. We did see some frozen tuna placed on some shop floors and trucks hurrying around in the area. We were told the best time to visit the fish wholesale market is around 05.00 when the tuna auctioning is on.

However, there are a number of small retail shops and food stalls selling groceries, sundry items, knives, and native vegetables that cater for the public in business. We concluded our visit with a fantastic sashimi with noodle breakfast at one of the onsite restaurants. I paid Y880 (RM28) for this yummy sashimi meal topped with mixed slices of fresh salmon, red tuna, mackerel, salmon roe, and prawn! I added some wasabi on to the sushi. The fish slices we tasted were super fresh, as we believed the restaurant drew their supplies of raw fish materials from the nearby Tsukiji fish market.

We took a subway train back to Asakusa and our next visit was the Disney Resort, the most popular theme park in Japan. As today is the last day of their stay in Tokyo, Hitomi and Artem had to check out of their hostel this morning and carried their backpacks to the Disney Resort. Their intention was to leave the Disney Resort at closing time – around 22.00 and take a JR train from the Maihama station to Narita Airport. They were prepared to slog at the airport overnight.

From Asakusa, we took a JR Train to Hatchobori and then to Maihama station. At around 11.30, we arrived at the Disney Resort and after storing their backpacks in the locker rooms; we headed to the ticketing counter. We paid Y5,800 (RM185) each for the admission ticket. After hardly 15 minutes of walking, we got separated so I was on my own for the rest of the afternoon.

The Disney theme park is divided into 7 sections ie World Bazaar, Adventure land, Western land, Critter Country, Fantasy land, Toontown and Tomorrow land.

I commenced my tour of the Resort at the World Bazaar, where there are a number of arcades and galleries selling confectionery, pastry, gifts, camera, fashion wear, toys, magical items etc. As this year marked the 25th Anniversary of Tokyo Disney, everywhere we could see decorations highlighting the anniversary. In front of the Bazaar, there was a large floral arrangement with flowers of different colors forming a large number of 25 sitting on the courtyard. In the background, we had a row of colorful Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck figures greeting the visitors. What a great place to take pictures!

At the adventure land, I joined the Western River Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat and The Tom Sawyer Island raft rides. I wondered for sometime visiting shops selling crystal arts, perfume, candy and handicraft items.

The Critter Country section has the Splash Mountain water boat and Beaver Brothers Explorer’s canoe rides but I shown no interests in both activities.

I spent sometime at Toontown watching kids having fun in playing the Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Goody Bounce House, Gadget’s Go Coaster and Donald Boat.

At the Fantasyland, I enjoyed seeing the Mickey Mouse Revue and went on a ride on the Pinocchio’s daring journey and it’s a small world boat ride. I also enjoyed the Micro Adventure movie and Star Tours at the Tomorrow land.

At around 18.00, I bumped into Hitomi and Artem at the Mickey’s House and Meet Mickey pavilion. We said goodbye to each other and parted our way at around 19.00. I stayed on until 20.30 to watch the 25th Anniversary Electrical Parade. Over thirty vehicles, beautifully decorated and lighted with bright colorful bulbs, participated in the motorcade. All the passageways were lined with people carrying their cameras ready to snatch at each of the passing vehicles.

I took a JR train from Maihama station on a return route to my hostel at Asakusa and arrived around 21.15. My dinner tonight was at a nearby restaurant in Asakusa and I paid Y530 (RM17) for a bowl of rice topped with cooked pork and salted onions.

Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid. Food glorious Japanese food! When in Japan, you must eat steamed Japanese short grain rice with soy sauce, Gyudon (beef bowl), Sushi and Sashimi, street food and drink Japanese green tea!

Japan (Tokyo) April/May 2008 D-13

Travel Highlight – Tokyo (Tsukiji Fish Market, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Bay& East Garden of the Imperial Palace)

Today I had to travel solo as both Hitomi and Artem had left for Narita airport yesterday night to catch their flight back to Kuala Lumpur at around 14.00 this afternoon. Not satisfied with my visit to Tsukiji fish market yesterday, I woke up early this morning and took a Metro Tokyo subway train to Tsukijishijo station. This time, I got it right and managed to locate the large fish wholesale complex. Inside the complex, there were 200-300 hundred fish wholesale stalls operating under one roof. Tsukiji Market is renowned as one of the world’s largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tones of marine products per day. Many kinds of fresh fish, shellfish and other seafood can be seen displaying at the stalls. Small scooter trucks were seen hurrying around to transport the fish to freezer trucks parked outside of the complex ready for outstation deliveries. The whole atmosphere in the complex makes Tsukiji Market a popular tourist attraction. As I toured the complex, I took pictures on salmon roe, mud crabs , clams, cockles, oysters, octopus, scallops with shell, pomfret fish, live eels, chunks of sushi, live fish in water tanks etc.

As I arrived at the market around 07.30, the place was not that busy. I spotted the fish auction hall and saw a number of large blue fin tuna lying on the floor, each with a price tag sticked on to the fish body. I believed these tuna fish were waiting for collection by the successful bidder at any time. Some of the tuna fish were placed on to a polystyrene foam boxes and others were placed on to the wooden boxes.

A few wholesale stalls were equipped with electric chain saws. These tools were used to cut the hard frozen tuna fish into 2-3 portions. Others used a long chopping knife to cut the fish heads and body into half. It was quite fascinating for me to watch them in action from a distance. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this place.

Before leaving, I had a quick breakfast and paid Y650 (RM21) for a bowl of basic ramen noodles at a food stall along the main road.

My next visit was Roppongi Hills. I took a Toei subway train from Tsukijishijo to Roppongi station. Roppongi Hills is a cultural complex consisting of two hundreds up market shops, ginko (banks), restaurants, cinema, an observatory and a Mori art museum. A large spider shape sculpture attracted my attention. Tokyo Tower can also be seen from this complex. This place is also home to many of the foreign embassies.

I bought two freshly baked walnut pastries from a bakery shop and a bottle of chilled Japanese green tea from a supermarket in Roppongi Hills before heading to Tokyo Bay.

To get to Tokyo Bay, I had to take a Toei subway train to Shiodome station. From this station, I had to take the Yurikamome Line to Odaiba station. On arrival, I walked towards the Aqua City Building & Fuji TV Headquarters, which has a globe shaped observatory. At the time of my visit to Aqua City, there was an exhibition on dinosaurs.

At the top floor of Aqua City, I had a good view of Tokyo Bay, Tokyo’s harbor, waterfront and the suspended Rainbow Bridge (918m long), which connects Odaiba and Shibaura. Beside the Aqua City, I took a picture of a statue of Liberty & Rainbow Bridge. I ended my visit by taking a stroll at the Odaiba Marine Park. The white sandy beach at the Marine Park is an attraction to many families and children and also an ideal place for picnicking.

After the Tokyo Bay visit, I took a JR train from Shimbashi to Tokyo station and then walked to the East Garden (Higashi Gyoen) of the Imperial Palace (formerly Edo Castle). I spent around two hours in the East Garden, an ideal place for relaxation. I walked pass the Hyakunin - Banho guardhouse & the Tenshudai Donjon base , which was built in 1638. I left the East Garden around 17.00.

I arrived in my hostel in Asakusa at around 18.00. A new roommate from Canada checked in to my room. After taking my bath, both of us walked to Nakamise Dori (street) and had our dinner at a Japanese restaurant. I paid Y530 (RM17) for a bowl of rice topped with cooked pork. At Nakamise Dori, I bought a pack of crunchy snacks for Y570 (RM18) from a nearby souvenir food store.

Before going to sleep, I started packing my luggage, fu uku(clothing) and mono (other items), as ashita (tomorrow) will be my last day in Tokyo!

Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat broccoli, almonds & walnuts! What else? Fresh seafood aplenty in Japan!

Japan (Tokyo > Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia April/May 2008 D-14

Today is my last day in Tokyo. I had to take a JR train to Narita Airport to catch a JAL flight leaving Narita airport around 14.00. I woke up early and walked to Nakamise Dori (street) to have my breakfast. I paid Y430 (RM13.50) for a bowl of Japanese ramen topped with cooked chicken.

At around 09.30, I checked out of hostel and then took a JR train from Asakusa to Narita (changed station at Aoto). The train ticket price was Y1,060 (RM34). At around 11.30, I arrived at the Terminal 2 of Narita Airport.

Sayo-nara, Japan!!!!

To all the CS & Wish Club members whom I met in Japan, I hope to see you all again and say kon-nichiwa, be it in Japan or Malaysia ! Take care.

After the check-in and passing the immigration counter, I spent a bit of time at the Duty Free shop area. At around 13.45, I boarded the plane, which departed on time. I arrived at KLIA around 20.20 and took an airport taxi (RM49.70) back to my Subang Jaya’s house. Home sweet home at last !

Remembered you are too blessed to be stressed. My dream of visiting Japan has now been fulfilled. A mission accomplished! No stress, lot of friendship earned and blessed with caring and understanding hosts!

Having done the Silk Road (Xian - Urumqi - Kanas) in May 2006; Himalayas (Northern India, Kashmir & Ladakh) in July 07 and Japan in May 08; I asked myself , what's next ??? Tran-Siberian Train Ride ! Egypt & Jordan (chasing the wonders of the world) and Europe ! Hopefully, these dreams will come true in the near future.