 |
 |
 |
Travel Highlight – Tokyo (Asakusa, Ueno Park, Akihabara & Ginza)
A close friend of mine recently sent me an email with a text saying the following:
“You may have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride. LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH, LIFE is a Present – Unwrap it” – Here goes my travel story on my recent trip to Japan:
A close friend of mine recently sent me an email with a text saying the following:
“You may have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride. LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH, LIFE is a Present – Unwrap it” – Here goes my travel story on my recent trip to Japan:
On Friday evening, 25 April 08, three Couch Surfing (CS) members from Malaysia (Cheng, Hitomi & Artem) met together, hajime-mashita (first time meeting) at the KLIA awaiting to board a JAL flight (return economy air ticket RM2,309) from KLIA to Tokyo direct. This Japan trip was made possible when our Japanese CS member, Mochan-san (Mr) of Wish Club visited Kuala Lumpur / Penang in mid March 08. Fifteen CS members from Malaysia & overseas met up with Mochan for the first time at an Indian restaurant located opposite the Sentral Station. Hitomi and I had earlier spotted a bulletin in Mochan’s CS website:http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/mochiww.couchsurfing.com/people/mochiing.com/people/mochi extending invitations to overseas members to join his Japan highlight bus trip, which carried a tagline “Want to have a trip with overseas travelers and locals?”
The 10-day trip is to commence from 26 April – 6 May 08, which coincided with the golden week holiday in Japan. The travel program includes a welcome party, sightseeing in Tokyo, Shizuoka, Mt Fuji, Ninja Village, Nara & Kyoto. To me, this was just “sugoineh” (wonderful). This was a golden opportunity especially for CS members who had not been to Japan before! So here we are, ready to board our plane to the Land of Rising Sun! After checking in our luggage at JAL counter, we passed the Malaysian Customs clearance and then took the airport shuttle train to the departure hall (C4). Our plane departed KLIA at 2300. After flying off for 30 minutes, we were served with Japanese style sandwiches on board and this late supper was a blessing for gluttons who had yet to take their dinners at this late hour! For me, the worms in my stomach were having a jolly good time!
While watching a movie, I asked for a coke. As the airhostess was busy, she said chotto matte kudasai (just a moment, please). Realizing watasi (I) had to learn some basic Japanese language when in Japan; I started to refer to my travel journal on Japan and learned some common Japanese words such as hai (yes), ie (no), dozo (please), tasukete (help),wakarimasuka? (Do you understand?) wakarimasu, (Yes, I understand), sumi-masen (excuse me). Others useful phrases are: Ikura desuka (how much?), wa doko desuka (where is it?), kore wa nandesuka (what is this?), kore o kudasai (I will take this) and yasuku de kimasuka (can you reduce the price?). ima nanji desuka, (What is the time now?) do-itashi-mashite (you are most welcome). A big learning curve for me and I knew that my nightmare would start soon when I stepped on the Japanese soil. Thanks god, Hitomi was well prepared for this as she has mastered some Japanese prior to the trip!
Ohayo Gozaimasu(Good Morning), Tokyo ! Our flight on JAL 724 arrived at the Narita Airport on time at around 0700. As I did not have a good sleep the previous night,Watashi (I) was so eager to get out of the plane to stretch my legs. But my two travel partners, Hitomi and Artem seemed to sleep well and I heard snoring sound from them as I sat next row - I really envied them! However, the weather in Tokyo was very cool at 18c so I believed it would not be that tiring for me to move around in Tokyo today despite a lack of sleep. As we walked out of the plane towards th immigration check point, we were greeted by a sign "Welcome to Japan" –Yokoso Japan and a patio with a garden and two adult size figures, one danshi (male) and one onna (female) dressed inKimono sitting next to a tea table. Their kneeling position was poised to greet all passengers who walked pass this area. An artificial sakura tree stood next to the patio. We could not resist this good gesture background setting and quickly took our first picture at the Narita Airport. It took around thirty minutes for immigration clearance, as the queue was quite long at the foreigner’s lineup. We got back our passport without much queries and collected our luggage at the baggage delivery area located one floor down.
Next, we proceeded to the Keisei Line ticketing counter and bought a Keisei Limited Express train ticket for Y1,060 (RM33.90) to Asakusachikatetsu (subway station) in downtown Tokyo where our hostel is located. Anata (You) could also buy the tickets from the vending machines. A Limited Express train only stops at major stations. After buying the ticket, we walked to the automatic ticket gate. I inserted the ticket into the slot and walked through the gate and then picked up the ticket on the other side. Inside the train, it was interesting to see that most people were taking power naps, reading books or checking their SMS messages. The train was very spacious and we all seated to enjoy the ride and the outside view. On both sides of the train windows, I saw rows of residential houses built near the railway tracks and after about 20 mins drive, I saw rice fields and vegetables / flower farms. We changed train at Aoto station and took another Keisei line to Asakusa. The entire trip took one and a half hours from Narita to Asakusa.
At 10.00 we alighted at Asakusa station (Exit 4), which was within walking distance to our hostel. We passed the red Azumabashi Bridge overseeing the Sumida River and the Asashi Brewery Office building, which looked like the shape of a beer glass with an adjacent gold object pointing towards the direction of our hostel. After asking a few guys and with the help of a passing Samaritan, we finally found our hostel (Khaosan Tokyo Smile Guesthouse). As check in time was 15.00, we left our luggage at the reception area. This hostel is ideal for back-packers and also its tokoro (location) is very benri (convenient) for us to move around in Tokyo and for our departure to Narita Airport.
At 1100, we decided to explore the touristy places in Asakusa. During the “Edo” period in the 17th century, Asakusa was a flourishing downtown. It used to be the main entertainment and red light district of Tokyo, a hundred years ago! As it was a weekend, this place was packed with tourists and holidaymakers. The first tourist site we visited was the Kaminarimon Gate located at the entrance of the temple area. A big hanging red lantern written with two Chinese words “Looi Men” literally means “Thunder Gate” lied in front of us. Next we passed the Nakamise shopping arcade lined with 90 yatai (roadside) stalls on both sides. The stalls sell food, souvenirs, handicrafts, snacks, drinks, Japanese dolls, facemasks etc. As we were getting hungry, we had our lunch at the Nakimise Shopping Arcade and I ordered a plate of fried Japanese udonnoodles for Y500 (RM16) from an eating stall. At the end of the arcade, we came to the Sensoji Temple. Built in 628, Sensoji is said to be the oldest temple in Tokyo. I saw a crowd of visitors surrounding a large incense burner in front of the temple. I noticed that they were waving the smoke of the incense towards their nose to feel the sensational incense smell! I performed this act too just to satisfy my curiosity of this incense smell! On the migi (right) hand side of a temple, I inserted a coin of Y100 (RM3) into a metal box and started shaking so that I could pick a chance paper, which would tell my fortune. Guess what I had picked up a bad one and to get rid of the ill luck, I had been told to tie the paper to a nearby tree to rid the evils away! At the Sensoji temple, many visitors offered their prayers to the Goddess of Mercy. We were told the area around Sensoji temple was once a fishing village during the old days and some of the prayer and exhibit items had something to do with the sea! We also visited the Demboin Temple, a five storey Pagoda, the Hozomon Gate and the Asakusajinja Shrine in the temple area.
Ohayo Gozaimasu(Good Morning), Tokyo ! Our flight on JAL 724 arrived at the Narita Airport on time at around 0700. As I did not have a good sleep the previous night,Watashi (I) was so eager to get out of the plane to stretch my legs. But my two travel partners, Hitomi and Artem seemed to sleep well and I heard snoring sound from them as I sat next row - I really envied them! However, the weather in Tokyo was very cool at 18c so I believed it would not be that tiring for me to move around in Tokyo today despite a lack of sleep. As we walked out of the plane towards th immigration check point, we were greeted by a sign "Welcome to Japan" –Yokoso Japan and a patio with a garden and two adult size figures, one danshi (male) and one onna (female) dressed inKimono sitting next to a tea table. Their kneeling position was poised to greet all passengers who walked pass this area. An artificial sakura tree stood next to the patio. We could not resist this good gesture background setting and quickly took our first picture at the Narita Airport. It took around thirty minutes for immigration clearance, as the queue was quite long at the foreigner’s lineup. We got back our passport without much queries and collected our luggage at the baggage delivery area located one floor down.
Next, we proceeded to the Keisei Line ticketing counter and bought a Keisei Limited Express train ticket for Y1,060 (RM33.90) to Asakusachikatetsu (subway station) in downtown Tokyo where our hostel is located. Anata (You) could also buy the tickets from the vending machines. A Limited Express train only stops at major stations. After buying the ticket, we walked to the automatic ticket gate. I inserted the ticket into the slot and walked through the gate and then picked up the ticket on the other side. Inside the train, it was interesting to see that most people were taking power naps, reading books or checking their SMS messages. The train was very spacious and we all seated to enjoy the ride and the outside view. On both sides of the train windows, I saw rows of residential houses built near the railway tracks and after about 20 mins drive, I saw rice fields and vegetables / flower farms. We changed train at Aoto station and took another Keisei line to Asakusa. The entire trip took one and a half hours from Narita to Asakusa.
At 10.00 we alighted at Asakusa station (Exit 4), which was within walking distance to our hostel. We passed the red Azumabashi Bridge overseeing the Sumida River and the Asashi Brewery Office building, which looked like the shape of a beer glass with an adjacent gold object pointing towards the direction of our hostel. After asking a few guys and with the help of a passing Samaritan, we finally found our hostel (Khaosan Tokyo Smile Guesthouse). As check in time was 15.00, we left our luggage at the reception area. This hostel is ideal for back-packers and also its tokoro (location) is very benri (convenient) for us to move around in Tokyo and for our departure to Narita Airport.
At 1100, we decided to explore the touristy places in Asakusa. During the “Edo” period in the 17th century, Asakusa was a flourishing downtown. It used to be the main entertainment and red light district of Tokyo, a hundred years ago! As it was a weekend, this place was packed with tourists and holidaymakers. The first tourist site we visited was the Kaminarimon Gate located at the entrance of the temple area. A big hanging red lantern written with two Chinese words “Looi Men” literally means “Thunder Gate” lied in front of us. Next we passed the Nakamise shopping arcade lined with 90 yatai (roadside) stalls on both sides. The stalls sell food, souvenirs, handicrafts, snacks, drinks, Japanese dolls, facemasks etc. As we were getting hungry, we had our lunch at the Nakimise Shopping Arcade and I ordered a plate of fried Japanese udonnoodles for Y500 (RM16) from an eating stall. At the end of the arcade, we came to the Sensoji Temple. Built in 628, Sensoji is said to be the oldest temple in Tokyo. I saw a crowd of visitors surrounding a large incense burner in front of the temple. I noticed that they were waving the smoke of the incense towards their nose to feel the sensational incense smell! I performed this act too just to satisfy my curiosity of this incense smell! On the migi (right) hand side of a temple, I inserted a coin of Y100 (RM3) into a metal box and started shaking so that I could pick a chance paper, which would tell my fortune. Guess what I had picked up a bad one and to get rid of the ill luck, I had been told to tie the paper to a nearby tree to rid the evils away! At the Sensoji temple, many visitors offered their prayers to the Goddess of Mercy. We were told the area around Sensoji temple was once a fishing village during the old days and some of the prayer and exhibit items had something to do with the sea! We also visited the Demboin Temple, a five storey Pagoda, the Hozomon Gate and the Asakusajinja Shrine in the temple area.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
After Asakusa, we took a Metro Tokyo subway train to Ueno, which took 5 minutes to arrive. Ueno is another popular tourist place. As we alighted from the Ueno Station, we walked to the famous Ameyayokocho Dori(Street), crowded with stores selling clothing, food etc. Not far from this place is the Ueno Park, a great place for picnicking when cherry trees are in full blossoms. TheSakura Matsuri festival is held in this Park in early spring (March –mid April) each year. Although we missed seeing the cherry blossoms but felt nice after visiting this beautiful Park. This Park has the Ueno Zoological Garden, The National Museum of Western Art, National Science Museum, The Ueno Royal Museum, and the Tokyo National Museum. Due to time constraints, we did not enter the museums. Ueno Park is a great place to visit especially for visitors who like to learn more about the history, science / technology, art and culture of Japan. We ended our visit at the Keneiji Temple. I took a picture of the Statute of Prince Komatsunomiya-Akito, which was near the Ueno Zoo.
At around 1430, we took a JR train from Ueno to Akihabara, an area selling the most advance electric and computer products. It has a nickname called Electric City. We walked into the Yodobashi-Akiba complex, as Hitomi and Artem were keen to buy a latest model of Ipod to bring back home. Each floor of this complex was stocked with a comprehensive range of electrical products and the place was very crowded with anxious buyers lining up to pay at the cashier’s counter. After Akihabara, we took a JR & Toei subway train back to Asakusa.
At around 1430, we took a JR train from Ueno to Akihabara, an area selling the most advance electric and computer products. It has a nickname called Electric City. We walked into the Yodobashi-Akiba complex, as Hitomi and Artem were keen to buy a latest model of Ipod to bring back home. Each floor of this complex was stocked with a comprehensive range of electrical products and the place was very crowded with anxious buyers lining up to pay at the cashier’s counter. After Akihabara, we took a JR & Toei subway train back to Asakusa.
 |
We had an early dinner at a small Japanese restaurant at Asakusa. I paid Y500 (RM16) for a set meal comprising of a miso soup, pickled vegetable, sticky brown beans, steam rice and ramen noodles with tempura. After the dinner, we were back at the Khaosan Guesthouse around 1730 and checked into our room. Three of us shared a room for four people and each paid Y2,400 (RM76) for a night stay.
As this evening we had to attend Mochan’s Wish Club welcoming party, we took a Tokyo Metro line from Asakusa to Shimo Kitazawa station (changed station at Yoyogiuehara) and reached Shimo around 19.00. On arrival, instead of using a koushudenwa (public phone booth), we borrowed a mobile phone from an onna (female) bystander to contact Mochan. Within minutes, Mochan came up from the party dressed with a Kimono and took us to the 7th floor of a high-rise building where the welcome party was held.
The Party was well attended with 30-40 CS & Wish club members from overseas and local. There was a variety of food, snacks, nama (fresh salads), sake (liquor) and fruit drinks for us to try and taste! Mochan displayed his great PR skill in entertaining the guests and we were thrilled with his comic face and sense of humor. It was a starry starry night for us with lots of fun and interaction among us. The Malaysian team presented a Twin Tower souvenir and a glass mug to Mochan at the party when a group photo was taken. The Party ended around 22.00 and we took a subway train from Shimo Kitazawa to Ginza.
As this evening we had to attend Mochan’s Wish Club welcoming party, we took a Tokyo Metro line from Asakusa to Shimo Kitazawa station (changed station at Yoyogiuehara) and reached Shimo around 19.00. On arrival, instead of using a koushudenwa (public phone booth), we borrowed a mobile phone from an onna (female) bystander to contact Mochan. Within minutes, Mochan came up from the party dressed with a Kimono and took us to the 7th floor of a high-rise building where the welcome party was held.
The Party was well attended with 30-40 CS & Wish club members from overseas and local. There was a variety of food, snacks, nama (fresh salads), sake (liquor) and fruit drinks for us to try and taste! Mochan displayed his great PR skill in entertaining the guests and we were thrilled with his comic face and sense of humor. It was a starry starry night for us with lots of fun and interaction among us. The Malaysian team presented a Twin Tower souvenir and a glass mug to Mochan at the party when a group photo was taken. The Party ended around 22.00 and we took a subway train from Shimo Kitazawa to Ginza.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous up market shopping, dining and entertaining district and its properties are the most expensive in Japan. Big designer labels & depato (department stores) eg Cartier, Louis Vutton, Chanel, Hermes, Guggi, all have their elegant showrooms here and we were delighted to see the bright neo-lights and colorful sign boards making our Ginza walk by night along the Chuo-Dori (street), most fascinating and memorable one. We were amazed at a building, which changed colors every 5 minutes from pink to yellow then to purple … we snatched a few pictures on this building and left Ginza with awe! As my cheap Kodak camera was not that sophisticated, Hitomi and Artem were very sporting and offered to take some nice shots for me. Today, we spent the longest hours in Tokyo. We were eating, walking, partying, photographing, and hopping from one subway station to another for close to 18 hours from the moment we set foot in Narita Airport at 0700 till we retire to bed at well past mid-night!
Oyasuminasai (Goodnight), everybody. In my dream tonight, I probably had screamed " Tokyo ! Tokyo ! Tokyo !" , I have fallen in love with you - lah"
Try to make at least three people smiles each day. This evening at KLIA, Hitomi, Artem and myself will be smiling at each other, as we will be flying off to Japan soon …. an unforgettable travel experience!
Oyasuminasai (Goodnight), everybody. In my dream tonight, I probably had screamed " Tokyo ! Tokyo ! Tokyo !" , I have fallen in love with you - lah"
Try to make at least three people smiles each day. This evening at KLIA, Hitomi, Artem and myself will be smiling at each other, as we will be flying off to Japan soon …. an unforgettable travel experience!
No comments:
Post a Comment