Japan in Pictures: Day 3 (Wednesday, 29 January 2014) Part 1

We decided to reserve this day for sight-seeing in Kyoto, so we left the hotel by 7:30 AM only to be caught in the rush-hour traffic as throngs of locals rushed to get to their workplace. 

Compared to the subway day-pass which we had purchased the previous day, I would say that this JR-West Rail Pass was less tourist-friendly, simply due to the lack of English. It took us a long while to get a hang of the entire railway system but by the time we left Osaka, we were very grateful for this pass. 

The pass that saved us from airport taxi fare on our way back

The temperature was really cold (much colder than Osaka) when we arrived at Kyoto station.

Kyoto Station with its impressive architecture

Our initial plan was to follow the itinerary recommended by TripAdvisor: Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (The Golden Pavilion), Ginkakuji Temple (The Silver Pavilion), Philosopher's Path, and Kiyomizu Temple. 

Do refer to this site if you are keen on making the trip on your own: Highlights of Kyoto 

It sure seemed very ambitious for a one-day trip. We purchased the Kyoto City Bus all-day pass which cost 500 yen each and headed straight to our first destination: Nijo Castle.

500 yen for an all-day bus pass 

Spot #1: Nijo Castle

If you are a fan of traditional Japanese culture and parks, you will have a great time here. We were one of the earliest to arrive.

We were so early that the doors to the castle had not even opened.

Interesting work of art at the entrance

We couldn't take photos within the castle itself but one very outstanding feature which intrigued me was the 'nightingale floors'. Some parts of the castle had wooden floors that creaked like nightingales. The purpose was to alert the inhabitants of any possible intruders lurking around.

A very unique gutter

To be honest, though, it was the surroundings outside the castle which took our breath away. Just look at the trees, for a start!

Mesmerizing trees in the castle compound

I have heard people raving about Japanese gardens and all but I guess I had never really seen a more serene one than the gardens over here. One could easily spend hours just walking around and enjoying the beauty of nature. Words can hardly explain the peace you feel as you walk around the pond.

Serene landscaping all around

Yet another weird-looking plant

A bird's-eye view from an unfinished 5-story tower

The moat surrounding the castle

No doubt, Nijo Castle is one of the most popular places for cherry-blossom (sakura) viewing. I would give almost anything to see this path filled with cherry blossoms. Since it was winter, I could only rely on my limited powers of imagination. =(

Imagine how pretty this scene must be when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom

We ended up spending much more time here than we thought we would. Even so, we did not get to walk the entire compound. There was a bus to catch and places to go. 

When St. Valentine meets Chap Goh Mei

There is evidently something cruel in the air that causes relatives and friends to be extra nosy, extra noisy, and also extra naggy during Chinese New Year. Sure enough, year after year Chinese singles will always be plagued with questions like "Why aren't you married?", "Don't you want to look for a partner?", "Don't study too much, else nobody wants you", "You think you're still young, ah?", "Told you to go lose some weight", "Go get your nose fixed and your Prince Charming will come," blah, blah, blah.

 

I have had many years of handling such situations. In fact, I think I have become an expert in this area. Either of these two options has always worked fine for me: a) shutting these people up with some offensive remark, b) shutting my own ears by choosing not to hear anything.

 

I find it highly amusing, though, whenever they say, "Make sure this is your last year to receive ang pow from me, ah?" My mind goes, "Seriously? But why? You mean you're not planning to live till next Chinese New Year? What a pity!" O_o

 

Mandarin oranges complete with contact details

Every year, I get many 'reminders' from non-Chinese male friends (who seem to regard this whole business as a joke) to throw mandarin oranges into the river/lake/pool/bath tub during Chap Goh Mei. If you are not familiar with this weird custom, you may want to read this: http://www.thestar.com.my/story.aspx/?file=%2f2012%2f2%2f6%2fcentral%2f10680941

 

In short, the person who picks up the oranges from the other side of the lake/river/what have you will be a perfect match for the thrower.

Well, if I had a good mandarin orange in my hand, I wouldn't throw it into any river. The orange would have been in and out of my digestive system before anyone even knows it.

When St. Valentine meets Chap Goh Mei

 

I suppose that the pressure may have intensified for many single men and women this year because Chap Goh Mei coincides with St. Valentine's Day celebration. I, on the other hand, am just pretty contented so long as I have received my 15 days' worth of ang pow, and eaten all the mandarin oranges and cookies.

 

But just in case any keh poh chee (busybody) chooses to ask me those questions again this year, I will certainly direct that person to this particular blog entry where I will provide 10 reasons why I am not a shopaholic. What has shopping got to do with being single? If you had ever gone shopping with me, you will have a clue. And with a pinch of imagination, you will be able to read this list as 10 reasons why I am still single or not in a relationship, instead.

 

 

#1 I have never fancied shopping

Unlike most girls, I do not dream of shopping. If there is a shop nearby, and there is something I need, I will walk in. I have never spent sleepless nights over shopping.

 

 

#2 I do not hang around at the right shopping malls

I tend to patronize obscure stores where the majority would not even enter.

 

 

#3 People call me a fussypot shopper

I can spend hours just to choose 10 apples. If I am paying for the apples, they jolly well better be flawless, or at least the best 10 apples of the lot.

 

 

#4 I may end up not purchasing anything even after trying something for a thousand times

'Peng' (inexpensive), 'leng' (beautiful), 'zheng' (attractive) has always been my policy.  

 

 

#5 Yes, sometimes I do go home with regrets of not buying something

I would imagine how life would be like if I had purchased that product.

 

 

#6 But the very next time when I do go back and am determined to buy, it is no longer as satisfying

 

 

#7 I tend to get distracted

Oh, the times when I would set out to replace a torn handbag only to come home with a pair of new shoes instead!  

 

 

#8 I am never around when there is a major sale

Not that I am rich, but I tend to get claustrophobic. I do not shop when others do.

 

 

#9 I have got the most peculiar taste

I only use a certain brand and particular design of toothbrush.

 

 

#10 I often find that I am not the right fit

All my life, I have hardly had any clothes, shoes, or bags that fit me well. I am not of the regular size where I can easily get things off the shelves. I cannot squeeze into a pair of size 5 shoes if my feet are actually a size 8, can I? 

 

 

Snobbish? Perhaps. Have I looked at myself in the mirror lately? Contrary to what you may think, I have. More often than not, though, shopping is not just about the shopper but also about the shops around the vicinity. Sometimes, the shopper may be denied entry into certain shops due to impropriate dressing or behaviour.

 

One good habit that I hold on to, though? I don't look into other people's shopping cart when I am in a shop. Okay, perhaps I may be guilty of now and then stealing a quick glance at the counter when it is already too late but that is all there is to it. Else all you nosy aunties and attached keh poh chee (busybodies) would have to hold on dearly to your partner. =P

 

So if you have a partner this year, I wish you a Happy Valentines' Day and Happy Chap Goh Mei but there is no need to sulk big time if you do not. Life still has to go on. And you know what? It can still be as beautiful.  

 

Japan in Pictures: Day 2 (Tuesday, 28 January 2014)

We woke up to a smashing view of the city from the hotel room the next morning.

 

Our first sunrise in the land of the rising sun

 

I would never leave the hotel without my essential quartet. These items have served me very well throughout the entire journey. (No wonder the straps on the knapsack gave way the moment I reached home.) 

Essential quartet: a knapsack, a bottle of water, a sweater, and a pair of winter boots

Our first stop was at the Osaka train station. We decided to stay in Osaka city for the day and to only go to Kyoto the next day. On the way to the station, we could see rows of bicycles parked at the roadside. It was a culture shock to us, indeed. We were not used to the idea of sharing the same path with cyclists. 

 

 

Bicycles are a more common sight in comparison to cars

One of the entrances to a subway station

Osaka Business Park: A very strategic station

An extremely helpful porter at the subway introduced us to this 2,550 yen pass which not only entitles us to a full day access to all the subway within its network, but also covers the entrance fee to Kaiyukan Aquarium.

A whole day pass on subway and free entrance to the aquarium

We stopped by a Japanese fast-food outlet, Sukiya, to have our brunch.

 

 

Our first (and coincidentally also our last) restaurant in Japan

 

 

The food in this outlet is the most affordable, ranging from 390 yen onwards. Service in any Japanese restaurant is always excellent. Furthermore, there is no need to purchase any drinks. As long as one is a patron, one will be served either green tea or plain water (freeflow, mind you). The beauty of it all? Whatever tax that is charged has already been included in the price that is displayed in the menu, so there is no need to exercise one's math skills again.

 

I always find visits to aquariums very attractive and thrilling. It is such a joy to see all kinds of fishes, big and small, swimming gracefully above one's head. The Kaiyukan Aquarium is indeed one of the best aquariums I have been to. If you are ever in Osaka, you should take a trip there.

 

The Kaiyukan Aquarium

 

The escalator that takes visitors to the 8th floor

Otters cuddling up to each other

This seal is not dead. It's just being lazy, I guess.



Been to Australia and New Zealand but this is my first encounter with penguins



This dolphin is so quick that it is difficult to catch a photo of it as it swims past

A school of fish going round in circles whole day long

An enormous 9-metre deep tank with large fishes like stingrays and whale sharks 

An aquarium staff taking time to pose while cleaning the tank

Mesmerizing iceberg-like deco on the ceiling

Jelly fish: A rare sight

There are many more pictures but it is imposible to upload ALL photos. Plus, photos may not be able to capture the moment and the thrill.

A fire-juggler performing outside the aquarium

The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel which I wanted so much to ride but for the lack of company

 

The streets are as clean and as quiet as can be

 

Saw this stall that sells some kinda fried bread. Strange but tasty.



When you're in a foreign land, even the trees look attractive

We had a late lunch at the subway station. These tempura meals cost 750-800 yen and each bowl is sufficient for 2 people.

 

 

Tempura meal at the subway station



Shamefully, we got lost on our way back. Language is a a great barrier in this country. Even if we were able to ask for directions (and the listener can usually comprehend our questions), we were not able to follow their reply in Japanese. In the end, we decided to seek help from the local police.



Friendly police in Japan

After showing the police our hotel address (typed in Japanese), one of them took us right to the skybridge leading to the hotel. I am not saying that our Malaysian police is not as friendly or helpful but I wonder how many are actually willing to walk us to the hotel like their Japanese counterparts did.

Sure we could have covered more places on the this day but I guess it was just right, considering that my parents' legs were already exhausted.



Japan in Pictures: Day 1 (Monday, 27 January 2014)

As mentioned, here is an attempt to present a pictorial account of my trip to Osaka and Kyoto, Japan.

True, a picture does paint a thousand words but don't you agree that sometimes, the right caption and appropriate explanation enhances and brings more meaning to the pictures? Feel free to skip the lengthy description if you think it is too wordy.  

A night-view of the hotel.

Someone once gave my brother a piece of advice: A lousy arrival on the first day can affect the entire trip. Bearing this in mind, we decided to take a late-night cab from Kansai International Airport to Hotel Monterey La Soeur, Osaka. Despite the language barrier, taxi drivers in Japan are very oblinging and professional. No doubt we were initially reluctant to splurge 15,050 yen as taxi fare but considering that it was already past midnight and the driver had already given us some discount (as compared to the amount stated on the meter), we felt grateful to arrive safely and comfortably after almost an hour's drive.

Hotel La Soeur Osaka is a business hotel situated in the city. The service is splendid and the entire hotel is very strategic and clean. I would certainly want to stay here again.

My dad at the entrance to the hotel, although this picture was only taken the next day.

Clean and comfortable beds

If you're going to stay in a hotel for 6 days, the toilet has better be well equipped

From body wash to shampoo to face and hand wash, to toothbrush, comb, facial sponge, etc. It didn't have a shower cap, though.

That was the first night. Here is the link to the hotel if you are interested: http://www.hotelmonterey.co.jp/lasoeur_osaka/