Tokyo in a Breeze

Last November 25, the girls and I had one day in Tokyo before our return trip to Akita. We started our day by dropping by McDonald's for some coffee. We then visited the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji.  In the afternoon, we did some window shopping in Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

At night, we went to Shinjuku which was alive with cars, lights and billboards. This is exactly how I imagined Tokyo, Japan to be. We enjoyed the Christmas illumination display at Shinjuku Terrace City. This year's theme is "Southern Lights". 

Universal Studios Japan

Last November 24, we spent the entire day at Universal Studios Japan. It was not as big as Disney but the attractions were more interesting in my opinion. We were lucky that there were only very few people around so we didn't have to line up for so long in each attraction. The main entrance was very festive due to the Christmas decorations.

The girls were considering to ride the roller coaster Hollywood Dream. I was the only scaredy cat in the group. But later on, I gave in and said, "What the heck, I'm already here!"

When I found Snoopy Studios inside Universal Studios Japan, I was psyched.

Pink Cafe is definitely the most adorable cafe in the entire park. From the exterior alone, I could already see the color pink popping from every corner.

One of my favorite attraction was the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. I find it unique because it created an illusion that we were in Spiderman's shoes when in fact we were just riding this cool car in a dark room with our 3D glasses. 

We were able to watch several shows. One of them was the award-winning musical, Wicked. Another attraction that we got to try was inspired from the 1975 Steven Spielberg movie, Jaws.

The attraction E.T. Adventure allowed us to experience cycling in the moon. I especially liked the dark room with lots of stars. Other attractions we tried were Back to the Future and Terminator.

My favorite attraction was definitely Jurassic Park. The boat ride first gave us a mini jungle tour. Just when we thought it was almost over, our hearts sank when the wooden boat suddenly dropped several meters down. Shet it was unexpected. But it was a lot of fun so we did it one more time and this time, we raised our arms for the camera!

One of the highlights that day was the finale show. It was magical!

Kobe: Panoramic Harbor

Last November 23, we did a little side trip to Kobe, a port city in the Hyogo Prefecture. We visited the Kobe Harborland and Meriken Park. We also went shopping in the Canal Garden and Mosaic. 

Osaka: Day 2

On our second day, we passed by Namba Station on our way to Shitennoji Temple and Treasure House. The building designed like an hour glass is Namba Hips.

Afterwards, we want to Osaka's Little Korea, where we got the chance to taste some Korean food.

Around 1:30pm, we checked out the beautiful Osaka Castle. I loved the vast castle grounds.

We spent nearly four hours in Kobe until we came back around 8:00pm. We had dinner at Namba and then strolled in Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. We met a bunch of gaijins that night.

Osaka: Day 1

After a quick visit to Nara, we proceeded to Osaka around 3:00pm. The train ride was more or less an hour. We immediately went to our hostel to check in. Hotel Raizan South was really affordable and comfortable. We got individual rooms for only ¥2500.

After leaving our luggage, we went to Osaka Bay Area, a man-made waterfront island with dining and shopping facilities.

This is the Tempozan Market Place or Harbor Village.

We also visited the Osaka Aquarium or Kaiyukan. The aquarium shelters about 30,000 maritime species. The entrance fee was quite pricey ¥ 2000 or ₱ 1000.

That night, I ate my favorite curry for dinner.

Nara: Land of the Deers

We left our Kyoto Hostel at 7:30am and took the train to Nara for about an hour. Upon arrival, we left our luggage in the coin lockers in the station and started our next adventure. Nara Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to hundreds of freely roaming deers.

We went to Todaiji Temple, a large wooden temple for Buddhist worshippers. And also Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is famous for its lanterns. 

Kyoto: A Walk Back in Time

Last November 21, I had the chance to explore the southern part of Japan together with Laura and Emmy, both French, and Katherine, an American. As usual, we took the night bus from Akita to Tokyo. Upon arriving in Tokyo, we immediately took the Nozomi Bullet Train to Kyoto. The bus would have been a cheaper option but we didn't want to waste our time since we only had a few days off from school. The Nozomi Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto was a very good option because along the way, it offered a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. We arrived in Kyoto Station at 10:00am feeling all fresh and energetic.

When we got out of the station, the first thing we saw was the Kyoto Tower. We decided to get the one day unlimited bus pass since most of the attractions are more accessible by bus. It cost us ¥ 500 or ₱ 250.

We went straight to Gion to check-in at Bakpak Hostel. It is just a couple of minutes away from Minamiza Theatre. After checking in, we went to Kinkakuji Temple or the Golden Pavillion, a Zen Buddhist temple in a garden complex. 

Next, we went to Nijo Castle, which consists of two concentric rings of fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings and several gardens.

Next, we visited the Ginkakuji Temple or the Silver Pavillion which was sadly under construction. We ate dinner at a nearby Japanese Restaurant. I ordered my favorite Katsudon.

That night, we leisurely strolled in Gion, the entertainment district in Kyoto. We saw some geishas. Lastly, we visited the Yasaka Shrine, which is just beside the Maruyama Park. At 10:00pm, we called it a night and went back to our hostel.

First Winter Day

Yesterday, was the first day of winter here in Akita. I woke up early in the morning for no particular reason. When I opened the curtains, I saw snow flakes all over the place. I got so ecstatic that I immediately ran outside with my slippers and pajamas.

At night, Jam and I were at the library. We loved seeing our footsteps in the snow as we were heading back to our apartments. It's my first time to experience winter! This is really a dream come true.

Kakunodate: Kimono Experience

Last November 8, AIU organized a kimono walking activity in Kakunodate for us international students. When we got to the small town, we were welcomed by beautiful autumn leaves. We were first given a quick tour to their shoe factories and museums.

Afterwards, we started changing into our kimonos with the help of some local Japanese women. I was so excited to try on a kimono because it was my first time. Of course our entire get-up would not be complete without our colorful socks and traditional Japanese slippers that made funny clucking sounds as we were walking.

Our first activity that day was the traditional tea ceremony. It never occured to me that this ceremony bears so much significance to the Japanese people. We kneeled on tatami mats the whole time which was quite uncomfortable because of the very tight cloth wrapped around our waists. For lunch, we ate at a small local restaurant. Again, it was quite hard to eat when something seems to be pushing your stomach inwards.

Kakunodate is renowned for its Samurai Village. We went inside the former homes of samurais during the afternoon. We also visited the Cherry Bark Craft Heritage Center. Here are the Japanese and international students who participated in the kimono walking activity.

Library Sleepover

Jam and I love having sleepovers, but not in my apartment or her apartment. Instead, we love sleeping in AIU's 24-hour library just inside the campus. Night after night, we visit the library bringing our laptops, chargers, cellphones, books and a whole lot more. In short, we bring our entire house to the libary every night! Haha!

Aranami Shrine

Last November 7, we had another field trip for our "Introduction to Akita Culture" class. We went to Aranami Shrine just near Akita City. The sights really captured the beauty of rural Japan.

Tokyo Disney Sea

Tokyo Disneysea is said to be the most expensive theme park ever built (U.S. $4 billion) and the 5th most visited theme park in the world. When we went there, we saw hundreds or maybe thousands of cars in the parking lot. We were hoping that there would be lesser people than the day before (in Disneyland) because we hate lining up so long. 

There are seven themed ports all throughout Tokyo Disneysea. The Mermaid Lagoon is home to the characters of The Little Mermaid. The facade seems to resemble the Palace of King Triton with its seashell-inspired architecture. The Mysterious Island holds two popular attractions: Journey to the Center of the Earth, a thrill ride, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, a dark ride. Meanwhile, the Arabian Coast is themed after the Disney animated film, Aladdin. It recreates an exotic Arabian harbor combined with an "enchanted world from 1001 Arabian Nights". 

There are three attractions in the Arabian Coast, but Jam and I only had time to try out Sindbad's Storybook Voyage, an indoor boat ride.

My favorite among the seven themed ports is the Mediterranean Harbor. The area resembles an Italian port city like Portofino and Venice. It has always been my dream to set foot in Europe, hence I was so thrilled to see even a bit of European architecture in the theme park. 

Other interesting attractions in Tokyo Disney Sea.

The grandest show that Jam and I watched during our trip to Disney was the 25-minute Legend of Mythica show in Tokyo Disneysea. Many have said that it is the most spectacular parade ever conceived and executed at a Disney theme park.

Before we called it a night, I took one last photo of DisneySea AquaSphere, a water fountain with a large model of the earth.

Tokyo: Asakusa Shrine

Last November 3, before Jam and I went to Disneysea, we went to Asakusa to visit the Sensoji Temple, also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple. A shopping street of over 200 meters, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate called the Hozomon.

There were lots traditional snacks and souvenirs sold along the way. 

The Asakusa Temple is a Buddhist temple located at the center of Shitamachi. When approaching the temple, we first entered through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) which is the symbol of Asakusa. 

Tokyo Disneyland

Ever since I was a child, it has always been my dream to visit at least one Disney theme park. Two years ago, when Hongkong Disneyland just opened, my family and relatives went to Hongkong. Unfortunately, I was not able to go with them at the last minute because I realized my passport was already expired. Boo! When Jam and I were talking about going to Tokyo Disneyland, I got really psyched!!! Finally last November 2, this dream of mine came true!

Tomorrowland, Toontown, Fantasyland, Critter Country, Westernland, and Adventureland are six themed lands inside the park.

One of my favorite rides is the Grand Circuit Raceway.

We lined up for two long hours just to be able to try the Splash Mountain. Jam and I agreed to raise our arms for the camera!

Other interesting attractions in Tokyo Disneyland.

These are snippets from Tokyo Disneyland's very bongga 25th Anniversary Jubilation Parade.

My favorite show in the park was the Minnie Oh! Minnie Show at Theatre Orleans. The bright and energetic stage featured Disney characters dancing to the beat of spicy Latin rhythms.

At night, we watched the "Dreamlights" Electrical Parade. It was beyong amazing! It brought to life past and present Disney characters. The floats were elaborately decorated and lighted. The show ended with a fab fireworks display. Just pure wow!

The main castle in Tokyo Disneyland sparkled at night!