My Japan Trip 2008

Day 1: Universal Studios Japan

Ah min and I arrived at USJ.  The first cartoon character we see is Popeye and Betty boop. Of course, we rush up to take picture with them. It was a fun place!

Day 2: Kyoto

We took the Shinkansen, bullet train to Kyoto, to visit the Kiyomizu Temple. It is beautiful.  You need to wash and rinse your hands and mouth before praying.  After that, you can drink some water from the temple for blessing.

Day 3: Kanazawa

We went to Omicho Market, a busy and colourful market with about 200 shops selling seafood, vegetables, fruits, flowers, regional specialties and more.

Then, we visited Higashi Chaya Gai to explore its narrow winding streets and latticed windows. Much of the old architecture is lovingly preserved by the residents.

Next, we visited the Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, acclaimed as one of Japan’s 3 great gardens.

Thereafter, explore Shirakawa-go village, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site to view its old farmhouses with steep roofs resembling two hands folded for a prayer.

Day 4: Takayama

We took a morning walk through a local fresh produce market.

Thereafter, we went  to Ramen House to see how ramen is made and enjoy sampling a free bowl of the region’s authentic ramen.

Next, we proceed to view the Hirayu Waterfall, one of 3 most spectacular waterfalls in Hida.  However, it was snowing, so we didn’t went all the way up to see it.  We had fun playing with the snow.

Ah min tried soaking her feet in the hot spring foot bath located near the waterfall where its water is believed to be therapeutic. She moan that the water is too hot for her delicate feet tough.

 

We tried some Japanese fruit wines at the Azumino Winery and visited Daio Wasabi Farm to see how wasabi is produced.

 

That night, we had a sumptuous dinner!   We stayed in a tatami style room.  It was a new experience for me and I enjoyed it as I can see Mt Fuji from my room’s window… breathtaking!!

Day 5: Disneyland

We visited the Mt Fuji tourist information center.  Thereafter, we traveled to Tokyo to Disneyland.  It was a long long journey. By the time we reached there, it about 11am.  Disneyland is V.V.V.V.V.V.V.V CROWDED.  Human SEA.  People are cleaning out the food, games and merchanise store.  Everywhere I go, I see long queue.  Ah min and I tried to get a fast pass for a ride say about 11+am, by the time we managed to reach the front, all fastpass for the day were given out, so too bad for us.  We then tried a kiddy ride, snow white and the seven dwarf, a ride that is about 10 mins I think, we queued for 40mins.  I wanted to eat Curry Rice for lunch, but the queue is ridiculously LONG, so we ate BURGER instead.  Luckily for us, we managed to get a seat and even got a good view to see the Disney parade show, which may people had already sat down along the parade route up to 1 hour plus efore the parade.  I am amazed and impressed by the patience of the local.  They don’t mind the crowdedness and the long wait for everything.  They are always so polite and pleasant to everyone.  We even queue to take photo with statues/monuments around the park.  We were very tired at the end of the day.

Day 6: Tokyo

We visited the over 1,300-year-old Asakusa Kannon Temple. It was raining and cold.  The temple was crowded with people.  We went over to the street where they sell souvenirs and local food.  We bought some muahchee lookalike kueh… with red bean paste inside (100yen ea).  DELICIOUS!!!!  After that we babe goodbye to out tour group and head for our next 3 Days Tokyo Free and Easy. 

This is the part I feel the real holiday of adventure had started as from then we need to find our way around places to go, food to eat and things to see.  We took a cab, around 740 yen to our hotel.  Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku.  Nice hotel located near the south exit of Shinjuku JR station.  Very convenient for us!

We spend the rest of the day at Shinjuku, Isetan and Takashimaya.

Day 7: Tokyo

We went to the beads factory (cant remember which station) and purchase lotsa beads… especially ah min, cos she loved the beaded rings and necklace.  We spend half a day there before proceeding to Ueno to buy tidbits.

Day 8: Tokyo

We went to Harajuku, there we found good buy at 315yen accessories shop.  Bought some necklaces.  Ate a delicious crepe at the stall along the street.  We walked, shopped all the way to Shibuya, where we visited the Kiddyland(a lot of kitty stuff) and Burberry blue label.  Shibuya has a crossjunction whereby you can see sea of people crossing the road… it’s a spectacular sight…lol.  We spotted a couple taking their wedding shot in the middle of the pedestrian crossing during the green light.  After that we went to the TOKYO 333 tower.  There we can view the Tokyo in a 360^o magnificent view. 

Day 9: Tokyo

Last day, we went to Isetan, there I bought a Agnes B bag, about 100+.  Helped Mee-C Min buy a limited edition black M.  Ah min bought one hotpink too.  She also purchased a $300+ plastic bag and a kitty bag.

 

That’s the end of my Japan trip.  Its tiring but fun.  Hope I can get to visit Japan again in near future.  Some pics were not uploaded as its in Ah Min's camera...