Well, Japan was not really a place of interested however while we were still in a state of the holiday blues after our 12 month get away our fingers were busy researching places to visit next. When all of a sudden Jetstar had their famous two for one sales. We talked with each other and said well why not?
Leading up to the time we left for Japan we were not swinging one way or another in terms of excitement of a new place to explore. Perhaps we didn't have any expectations or maybe we have been really spoilt for choice with the places we have been and we weren't overly keen on another 'Asian' country. Anyway it was a good idea at the time ! ! ! ! ! !
We are yet to discover Japan, we may even fall in love with the place. Only time will tell !!!!
Saturday 12 September we boarded our plane in Christchurch after having a night there to catch an early flight. We saw Richardson's at the airport as we departed through customs. We had a brief stopover in the Gold Coast. But when I say brief it seemed like the longest brief stop over. I think the fact that this airport had nothing expect a huge lounge, dismal shops and one cafe.
As we flew into the Gold Coast we did wonder why we weren't having two weeks here. The golden sand, inviting waters and the warm temperatures that appealed so much!!!!!
On board our plane en route to Japan we had to wait two hours for the crew to fix our in flight entertainment and received a complimentary orange juice on Jetstar for the inconvenience. Which we were shocked as they never give out things for free.
We arrived in Tokyo where we were greeted with humidity. We walked to Terminal two where we caught a train and undressed into cooler clothes as we still had on our warm clothes from the freezing Christchurch temperatures. One pretty neat thing we noticed at the airport is they have various stands for umbrellas that you can take for on a rainy day to use in between walking to the terminals. (Picture later in the blog)
After three trains to get to the hotel we arrived in the area at 10pm. Up and down the stairs we went. Down to the metro and out. Although cheap for the flights with only having carry on luggage - Bags with wheels. You would think that we would of remembered the hassle of this the first time we went to Europe together. Lesson learned AGAIN!!!! Small packs next time. Although they were relatively light still a huge inconvenience.!!
We tried to locate somewhere that was quick and easy before checking into our hotel. Our first stop was in a restaurant that you sat at the counter however you have to pre-order your meal on a touch screen kiosk. Did they have a word of English? NO!!!! We gave up after trying to appear that we knew what we were doing so decided to leave as no one came to help us. We then found a restaurant that we could choose from pictures and then they produced an English menu. Success !!! We had deep fried prawn, fish, squid, beans, pumpkin with rice.
We checked into our Hotel about 10 pm. To find they had already tried ringing us and emailing us threatening to cancel our reservation in poor English as they thought we weren't coming due to the late check in. Despite stating this in our initial contact.
Sunday we had breakfast at a local cafe which was a couple of blocks away from where we were staying. Latte, Toast, Crossiant and pizza bread. NO not all for me.!!! : ) It was a different breakfast and the Japanese seem to have more European breakfasts rather than rice or noodles. That's what we found anyway.
We caught 4 metros then realised we had plenty of time before meeting Paul Schofield. Where we then got off at the Shibyus station which is famous for the pedestrian scramble. Seen in many movies.
Also located there is the famous Dog - Hachiko. He is the dog from a Dogs tale. A drama based on the true story of a college professor's bond with the abandoned dog he takes into his home. Every day the dog walks from their home to the station to greet his owner and walk with him back home. When the owner died he would continue to go to the station every day until the dog died.
As we flew into the Gold Coast we did wonder why we weren't having two weeks here. The golden sand, inviting waters and the warm temperatures that appealed so much!!!!!
On board our plane en route to Japan we had to wait two hours for the crew to fix our in flight entertainment and received a complimentary orange juice on Jetstar for the inconvenience. Which we were shocked as they never give out things for free.
We arrived in Tokyo where we were greeted with humidity. We walked to Terminal two where we caught a train and undressed into cooler clothes as we still had on our warm clothes from the freezing Christchurch temperatures. One pretty neat thing we noticed at the airport is they have various stands for umbrellas that you can take for on a rainy day to use in between walking to the terminals. (Picture later in the blog)
After three trains to get to the hotel we arrived in the area at 10pm. Up and down the stairs we went. Down to the metro and out. Although cheap for the flights with only having carry on luggage - Bags with wheels. You would think that we would of remembered the hassle of this the first time we went to Europe together. Lesson learned AGAIN!!!! Small packs next time. Although they were relatively light still a huge inconvenience.!!
We tried to locate somewhere that was quick and easy before checking into our hotel. Our first stop was in a restaurant that you sat at the counter however you have to pre-order your meal on a touch screen kiosk. Did they have a word of English? NO!!!! We gave up after trying to appear that we knew what we were doing so decided to leave as no one came to help us. We then found a restaurant that we could choose from pictures and then they produced an English menu. Success !!! We had deep fried prawn, fish, squid, beans, pumpkin with rice.
We checked into our Hotel about 10 pm. To find they had already tried ringing us and emailing us threatening to cancel our reservation in poor English as they thought we weren't coming due to the late check in. Despite stating this in our initial contact.
Sunday we had breakfast at a local cafe which was a couple of blocks away from where we were staying. Latte, Toast, Crossiant and pizza bread. NO not all for me.!!! : ) It was a different breakfast and the Japanese seem to have more European breakfasts rather than rice or noodles. That's what we found anyway.
We caught 4 metros then realised we had plenty of time before meeting Paul Schofield. Where we then got off at the Shibyus station which is famous for the pedestrian scramble. Seen in many movies.
Also located there is the famous Dog - Hachiko. He is the dog from a Dogs tale. A drama based on the true story of a college professor's bond with the abandoned dog he takes into his home. Every day the dog walks from their home to the station to greet his owner and walk with him back home. When the owner died he would continue to go to the station every day until the dog died.
This area is also a well known meet up for the young ones. We then continued our next stop and met up with Paul. We walked 17 minutes to the morning meeting where we were shown and pointed things out on the way that were of interest. He also told us that there was a 5.5 earthquake the morning that we arrived. Thankfully we were not there.
He showed us the flower that is commonly used for funerals. One person he was telling us took them to someone in hospital unknown what the significance of this certain flower was but took it as a kind gesture.
We met with Joanne (from USA - Seatle) and Seishei. We took our shoes off and into slippers and walked the narrow 4 flights of stairs. We were joined by another two ladies. (2-3 more usually come). We stayed for lunch. Salmon, cream cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese bagels with a green smoothie. Followed by a coffee, pineapple ice block and chocolate. Not so Japanese.!!
We walked about their vicinity and to a near by Temple/ Shrine. There located was a Kamikaze plaque with some of those pilots that killed themselves in the suicide bombings.
We drove to the Gospel Meeting located at Paul and his companion's batch. 20 altogether and then a few stayed behind for a coffee afterwards. Paul then walked us to the station. The G. Meeting was at 1pm this is for those ladies that have to travel for hours where their husbands don't come and this allows them not to be away from their families for the whole day.
The rest of the day we went exploring.
Shrine - Meiji
Takesjita St - This is one of the busiest streets and felt so claustrophobic walking down it.
Toykio Meopolitian govt building which is a free entry where you go up 45 stories and get an amazing view of the sunset over the city
Crossing again but this time as a pedestrian then came back after dinner when it was more busy.
These photos are just to show that some stations at some parts of the date are completely empty with just one or two people compared to the thousands that are usually there.
Then we have sushi for dinner.
We were able to get a good view from Starbucks without having to buy a coffee. We climbed the stairs and were fortunate there was a space by the window.
Monday we had breakfast at our local and then met up with Paul at Ashusa. We walked to the Asahusa culture info center to another free observation deck. Paul had never been here before.
Kaninanimen Gate which is the oldest in Tokoyo.
Nalconise shopping street
Sensoji Temple and garden beside
Walked to the river and then got a metro and trained to Komagome, Rikuien Gardens. This was a beautiful Japenese garden. It was hard to imagine the serenity of such a quiet and peaceful location in the middle of one of the largest cities hustle and bustle.
We had lunch with Paul and then departed ways. From then we headed to Otemachi where we walked around the front of the Palace to the famous bridge. Lots of people were around and had the same idea. Then we went back to Tokyo station where we picked up our rail passes for the time we were in Japan as we had pre odered them online. Then crashed at our Hotel.
After a bit of napping we headed out again and went over rainbow bridge, statue of liberty and there was a mall which was done up with an Italian themed. We enjoyed a coffee and Galato and pretended we were back in Italy. Why Japan when we could have gone back to Italy?
Tuesday was an early start we were up and headed to the Sumo Wrestling arena before breakfast so we could purchase tickets for a match later in the afternoon.
It is recommended that you buy tickets first thing in the morning to guarantee a ticket as it is always a sell out when you return later when it starts.
We then headed to the fish market where we got some breakfast and wondered around the market. Interesting to see all the different fish, see the types of people it attracted and not to mention the smells. Unfortunately because we needed to purchase the tickets early it meant that we missed seeing the huge fish being auctioned. This is usually done about 5am. (Both places required early presence and I was not keen on braving it myself. I would have got lost for sure!!).
We looked around and negotiations were still taking place on some items. As soon as you get off the metro and up and out at street level you are greeted with a fishy stench. There was no doubt you were in the right place!!
We grabbed a croissant from a store at the market which was as good as the European ones and an iced coffee from the vending machine on the side of the road. We then continued to catch a few metros and grabbed some lunch before returning to our hotel for some R & R.
We grabbed some snacks and headed to watch some sumo wrestling. Quite an interesting experiences. # fatties They have a very particular diet and exercise regime. Lots of fatty soup then they go and have a sleep then exercise then eat and then back to sleep etc. After a few hours we left and made our way back to the Karinmon Gate where we got a few chop sticks.
We went to another free observation deck. Prior to this we went into a tourism place as we had heard about this but couldn't remember where and what it was called. It took three people to help us find it and they must of been amused as they kept repeating themselves and the "condition is : very tall and free".
Decided to get Italian dinner however we instantly regretted it. It was not Italian at all just the Japaneses take on it. Went to the see the view from the 'very tall and very free building' then headed to bed.
Wednesday another early start. Needed to get to the station by 0700 to catch a bullet train bound for Osaka. At 0733 on the dot (which is when it was meant to leave). Very punctual. Not far out of Tokyo we started to see less dense housing with stand alone houses. We also got a clear view of Mt Fuji (about 40 mins into our journey). We changed trains at Osaka then got on the wrong train. We had the platform correct however got on the earlier train than scheduled. Fortunately it stopped at some of the stations that the one we were meant to be on also stopped at. So we looked at the schedule at got off the next stop and waited for our train. (Kobe station). Changed again at Shin Tosu on Kyshu Island where it started to rain. Our final train to Nagasaki was a local train and much slower. It has leather seats and wooden floors which we have never seen before.
We arrived and walked to our hotel and then headed out for tea. Found a big arcade and walked through Chinatown (Possibly the Oldest in Japan)
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| Umbrella stand outside many shops and at the airports |
Thursday we had breakfast at Starbucks followed by a walk to the station to inquire about a bus up the hill as the cable car is closed for maintenance. We caught a tram to the Atomic Bomb Museum. It was very interesting having been to Pearl Harbour in Hawaii and now seeing the devastation on the receiving end.
The museum was full of school children but was able to work our way around exploring, reading boards and listening to stories. Such devastation however it is amazingly displayed in such a way that didn't portray any blame.
We walked around the surrounding monument park and then headed to the mall for lunch and crepes.
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| My attempt at making a crane |
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| Berry Mille Feuille and Apple pie crepes |
We trammed back to our hotel until it was time to catch the bus.
We caught the bus up to the top of Mt Inasa where it had monkeys and deer fenced off. We walked a scenic route up to the observatory deck where we took some photos, watched the sun set and had dinner. After dinner we went to the top with lots of others to capture some night time photos. This place is very similar in Wellington. A city built around the harbour.
We bused back and walked around the mall over the road from our accommodation. Brought some snacks for breakfast as another early start in the morning.
Friday up early and onto the train heading towards Kagoshima with a train change at Shin Tosu.
One thing we didn't mention about the trains in depending on the direction the train in heading, the seats have a leaver that they swivel on themselves so they can be changed to the direction the train is headed. Haven't seen this before and didn't end up taking any photos of this sorry.
Checked into our accommodation however way too early. So we dropped our bags and headed for the Ferry. A 15 minute ride on the ferry which took us to Sakurgima. We walked to the visitor center stopping on the way at a free foot spa ( Longest in Japan).
We watched a short film about the volcano and the island is known as the island of 7 colours. Houses now have concret shelter for when it erupts, school children wear yellow helmet to and from school which has become the norm and part of their uniform. Great vegetation and growth are visiable with some of the best fruit and vegetables being produced. Their threory is to do with the lava enriched soil. We walked about the coast which is through lava formation and walked to a look out. It was 29 degrees with humidity and there was no one else doing this walk so we were completely alone.
At the view point we rested under the shelter for 40 minutes for the bus. While we were there we were able to see the mountain puffing away. We were so lucky as per the tourist place as there had been no activity seen in the past 2 days.
We caught the bus a hop on and off type one which stopped at various places along the way while it waited for you. At the top we got amazing panoramic views.
The bus then took us back down, ferried back, McD's for lunch where we then were able to get into our room and rested and had tea from the supermarket just across the road from us. Tea boxes. Early night as another early morning.
Up and at the nearby station by 0630. Caught local train to Shinker station then left Kagoshima at 0703. Nice views of the volcano.
We met Dan at Hatsukaichi station. (2.05 M tall) so there was no way we would miss him. We walked 10minutes to their bach. His companion was staying in another feld but combined they cover both. We had cold ice tea, packed our small bad with a few snacks before returning to the station bound for Miyajima.
The house in which they have their bach belongs to a family affected and were invloved in the Hiroshima bombing. Mother and Tadeko (who was on mothers back at the time of the blast ( Approx 8 years old). Both sister and mother were walking along. Tadako being on the back of her mother was saved from the full brunt of the blast meaning her mother took it. To this day she appears uneffected phyisically. Sisters clothing inprinted onto her skin and brother (? may not have this intirely accurate - a roof time severed into leg.) He was young aswell similar in age ?8ish but had enough knowledge to dorze a matress with water to put out the fire and help his siblings. Sister died at the age of 40 (who the workers stay in her house). Brother and mother died also. Some years later.
We arrived at Miyajima by ferry with thousands of other people. Tame deer roaming around trying to grab food. We caught the cable cars up and hiked to the summit then hiked all the way down. We were trying to catch up with a boy from Australia who was in Japan on an exchange and going to be at the mountain the same day as us. However we never ran into him. We had a look at some souvenir shops, had some shaved ice then returned home via ferry + Train. Dan then cooked us a Japanese dinner.
Sunday early breakfast 0700. We walked, trained, bused and walked to the meeting. Lots of these people that were here had met Wes and Lianna at convention when they were here.
We were again intrepreted for. After the meeting we were given gifts. One lady Hashuaka San had mde a wee bag out of a used Kimono material. She works in a sewing shop. Another Yoshimoto San made us a card a drawing and busicuts. We all went out for lunch together except the lady of the house where the meeting was. She was on home O2.
We then went to Yoshinoto-san's house for a cold drink, Dalton and Andrew (an American working in Hiroshima) played the piano to her and she played and sung too. Dan, Andrew and us caught a bus to the Peace Park Museum to look around. Some of it had renovations so we couldn't see all the rooms. We were there with at least another 1000 people or more! We had a brief look around, it was becoming rather unbearable and claustrophobic. We were glad that we had time without the crowds at the Nagasaki Museum as it was quite similar. We went to another part of the Museum which isn't as popular, but Dan knew of it as he was here for the 70th anniversary memorial in August. We watched the testimonies of some of those affected.
We then walked around the Atomic Dome Building and then made our way towards the centre of town where we met Dan's companion. We then enjoyed an Okonomiyaki for dinner, famous in this area, and then headed home.
Monday we had another early start with breakfast at 6.20am! Then Dan and his companion (name) walked us to the station. Kimicho met us at Hiroshima main station as she wanted to wave us goodbye and we were changing trains here. We had just under half an hour with her with minimal English but was lovely of her. We caught the train to Himeji then walked 15 mins to the famous Himeji Castle. When we walked in a sign said "4 hour wait time", no way were we queuing for hours so we just walked around the grounds. It is a very impressive castle even from the outside. We got some photos of the typical Japanese triangle hats on boats and then we walked back to the station where we enjoyed a coffee at Starbucks overlooking an Avenue. We looked at a few shops then caught the train to Kyoto.
We were going to go to a nearby lake but was way too busy everywhere so we headed to the hostel as we couldn't face so any people. We had a restful afternoon then went for a walk in the early evening. We did a big loop past a big temple and then tried to find somewhere for tea but everywhere was full! Queues out the doors for metres. Thank you but no thanks! We weren't prepared to queue, the Japanese don't mind queuing for long periods of time if they know its a good restaurant. After an hour of searching we were over it, hungry and couldn't be bothered facing anymore people so we settled for supermarket sashimi and McDonalds!
Tuesday we had breakfast at the hostel which consisted of croissants, toast and an option for soup and rice which we weren't so keen for! Then we jumped on some bikes hired from the hostel for 500YEN ($6.50) for the whole day and we could return them by 10pm. We met the workers after a short ride on the bikes - Dalton and Tsutomu-san. By the end of the day we had covered 45km around Kyoto seeing a great deal of things! Points of highlight:
- Higashiyama (narrow, traditional streets)
- Philosopher's Path
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- Kinkaku-ji (Gold Pavilion)
- Arashiyama (Bamboo groves)
We had Ramen noodles for lunch which is well-known for this area. Tsutomu-san didn't join us for the afternoon ride but we met up with him later. He does well for 74 years old hooning around the streets on his bike! We rode out into the countryside where we saw a snake on a fence and numerous rice paddies. We enjoyed an icecream from a vending machine.
Before tea we went to a Japanese Onsen (bathing house)! This was quite an experience, there were more sausages than a butchery. There are even people who walk around asking if you want your backs massaged and scrubbed! No photos of this for obvious reasons!!
We had tea at the bach then biked home (after 45kms) and crashed into bed!
Wednesday we went to a Japanese hand-craft souvenir centre suggested by Joanne (in Tokyo). You can often see them making things but they weren't doing this at the time we were there! We got a few things then headed to the bach where Dalton was making curry for lunch with a few friends and her daughter.
After we went to Fushimi-Inari Shrine (thousands of orange Torii gates), we caught the train to Judy and ... where they have the Wed mtg at 6pm. We enjoyed a delicious lasagne dinner after and then we retired to bed. We slept on typical Japanese beds - a mattress on the floor which was actually rather comfortable! We wouldn't have had this opportunity if we didn't have such special connections and able to enter in to their culture.
Thursday we all had breakfast together. It poured with rain all night and was still raining this morning. The husband dropped us off in Uji as he was heading to his patch of land (their garden is about 45mins drive away from their house!). We looked around Byodoin with Dalton and had an Italian lunch before going seperate ways. We enjoyed our few days with Dalton and were able to recreated the two Dalton's photo which was taken 20 years ago in Scotland.
We caught the train south to Nara and walked up to a temple. There were deer everywhere just freely roaming around. By this time we were castle and temple-d out and they were all starting to look very similar. We got some more escargots from an Italian restaurant (why these are considered Italian I'm not sure, but they were yummy anyway!) We then caught the train to the airport, we were so thankful that the plane was 2/3 empty and we were able to get a whole row each and slept!
We Arrived in Cairns bright and early before sunrise! There was lots of media coverage about customs staff on strike all around Australia so expected delays however we used the smart gates and were from the plane to outside in under 15 mins. We got a taxi from the airport to the Esplanade where we dropped our bags at a scummy hostel and then watched the sunrise from the seaside before having breakfast at McDonalds (the only thing open at such a ridiculous hour!)
We walked around the waterfront to where we caught the ferry to Green Island. We went straight to the beach once we got there where we rested for the rest of the day, snorkeling, swimming and went for a rainforest walk around the island on boardwalks which is around 20mins. This is the only island on the Great Barrier Reef with rain forest on it. Snorkeling wasn't overly fantastic as most of the coral was dead however lots of different kinds of fish. Dalton had another snorkel near the jetty just prior to leaving which was much better and brilliant, live coral. We got the ferry back and had a swim in the lagoon and then met up with Helena at the hostel.
We had tapas for tea at a waterfront bar then a coffee on the esplanade while listening to a busker who was actually really good.
On Saturday we got up and had a coffee nearby then looked at a few of the markets in town before heading 35 mins inland to Kuranda. We parked our car and then walked a loop through the rainforest, along a river into town and had a look at some more markets which were a bit hippy-sh. We then met Janice and Lindsey off the train! We all had lunch together and looked at some more markets. There isn't really much other than markets in this town. While we were having lunch a group of young Aboriginals came and were performing next to us. We completed the rest of the rainforest walk back to the car and then drove to the Barron Falls lookout before heading back into Cairns.
We relaxed by the lagoon in the afternoon until dinner where we joined Janice & Lindsey for tea at a Steakhouse.
On Sunday we got up early and had birthday breakfast at a cafe and then Helena dropped us at Cairns airport where we caught a flight to Auckland and then on to Wellington arriving home by 10pm. Grandad met us at Auckland airport and we had tea together. The flight from Cairns had wonderful views of the Great Barrier Reef as we flew over it.
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