Day 4
Woke up and packed for check out..ask the hotel to courier our big luggage to Tokyo! They use Yamato kurone which cost about Y1700.. Definitely worth when think back how we have to carry it walking flights of stairs and crossing roads..
We then proceed to Osaka jo for sightseeing.. I sacrifice my cup noodle museum visit for this because I was unwell on the first day arrival in Osaka. Place our luggage in a locker at osakajo koen station. Have to walk quite a bit to get to the castle. Due to baby has to get to the washroom we coincidentally passby a plum tree garden!! It was so pretty!! My first time seeing bloomed plum trees..very unexpected because as we know there aren't much plants to see during winter.. Glad we were there..
When we were about to reach the castle, it started to drizzle..we left our umbrella at the locker >< , so we took shelter at a nearby restaurant. After for about 10min we decided to make a move n ran ourselves to the castle
Main building which is call 通天阁. Once inside it was fully air-conditioned and I registered for my free audio guide. Entrance fee is 600Y. We follow the route and toured a few floors. I put quite an effort to learn about the builder of this castle - toyotomi. Of course I have a good lecturer who guide me through all the floors !! We earned a few 'stamp' before leaving the place.
We then travelled back to Osaka station to look for a post office near umeda, en-route we chose to have lunch in a smoking cafe :( waiters were helpful although he doesn't speak English. I guess he must be surprise why foreigner can found his shop in this corner! Lol .. Lunch was omelette rice as there aren't many choice and I'm lazy to translate.. Bleh! Had a relaxing post card writing time at post office! They provide chairs and table for usage, so nice yo! After settling postage we proceed to take the JR super rapid to kyoto because we're lazy to get to shinosaka for Shinkansen. It took 30 min to reach Kyoto! What an express! It was near 5pm..
Kyoto station is not hard to walk around.. First thing we did was to get a day bus ticket for next day. Then we use our limited knowledge to look for our ryokan which is about 10 min from the station. I guess luck were always with us, we find it using our instinct ! Geng or not?? Lol! Check in was a breeze.. The guy showed us our room and explain a little on the operation of aircon etc..shortly after he left, another personnel send us some Ginger tea.. very nice touch! The room was the biggest during whole trip.. Futon were great! Large bathroom n separate toilet..only curfew is they lock their entrance after 12pm and it's advisable not to shower or use the hairdryer after 10pm :) there is a big bath downstairs we did not use..
We went out to hunt for food at Kyoto station..walk around isetan and found the roof top is a great place for dating <3 after taking a night view there we continue to search for the ramen street. Finally decided to settle down in a ramen shop named 宝屋. It's a Kyoto local name. Our first time playing with vending machine to order. As it was early we were given a place immediately. I saw on forum that these ramen shop need to queue for a while :p Me ordered a classic while bb ordered a thick soup type. I wasn't able to finish up as they gave quite s generous portion of noodles. Cost us about 800Y per bowl. Tasted quite ok but I prefer Kyushu style ;)
After the meal we went shopping in isetan and some shops around the station.. Did not get anything as it was quite expensive! I was surprise that chocolates are freaking popular in departmental stores approaching v-day! Ladies grabbing it like no tomorrow!! Crazy!! I realise that isetan in japan is damn high class one lor... They even sell Burberry bedsheets or Celine's towel wtf! -_-ll
Decided to rest early so we tapau-ed some supper and breakkie from lawson on the way back to ryokan. My first day in Kyoto ended...
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Devastated
Before I could continue blogging about my dream trip..I express my deepest condolences to all the families and friends in japan who lost their love ones in this disastrous quake & tsunami..it was such a heartbreaking news..yes , I was lucky that I just got back exactly 3 weeks ago. I've never encounter any disaster here, I think I'll be panic max! Japan to me is like my second home after Bangkok..I would really love to pay a visit again next year! Be strong !!
I truly pray for everyone in the world for safety and peace ! NMHRGK..
Fay
Friday, March 04, 2011
Dream trip
Day 1
Reach airport just on time for check in..although I have done web check in but still the drop baggage queue was long..due to holidays I guess..running out of time we had a quite bite inside the departure hall..there were two security border to pass before boarding aax..one at the gate another in front of the plane..found it weird..finally we're on board but stupid passenger went missing that caused a delay for about 20min..Finally took off and saying goodbye to my homeland...dozed off,makan and dozed again..
After 7 Hours..captain gave announcement of arrival..i can feel the cold out at the window..omg reaching soon! Runway was lit in colourful led lights..amazingly beautiful!! The moment we land, I have a feeling of unbelievingly myself landing on Tokyo international airport !!! Just felt like crying..I'm not exaggerating here!!
Got off the plane and took a bus to the terminal..once there quickly got ourselves into immigration as we wanted to rush for the train..queue was average..and before you clear custom u have to fill in a declaration form..(hassle)..we look for keikyu line signboard n follow it to the gate..problem arose!!! I don't know how to buy a ticket from the machine! As the crowd there got bigger..I quickly peep how the jap buy thier ticket and I tried it myself..voila!!got it!! Ran our way to the platform..took pics while waiting for train..we stayed at otorii, two stops from haneda. We had trouble locating the hotel at first actually we were both ばか!!the hotel was just next to the station!!東横inn is small but with full amenities..Bigger than expected!! RM225 a nite is definitely a steal! After check in we went to 7-11opposite the hotel to grab supper..had yakisoba and assorted sausages..yummy!!
Retiring for the night..
Day 2
Woke up around 7something packed and went downstairs to check out and have free breakfast..selection of breads, miso soup, potato salad, juice and coffee..we only had a bit as we're out of appetite..we got a PASMO card from the machine and started our journey to Tokyo Station. We're suppose to do a Otorii - Keikyu kamata - Shinagawa - Tokyo route (25 min) but............we took an hour half to get there....-__- super baka in taking trains...we were lost in halfway...haha..what an experience..after reach Tokyo station...* FAINT...soooo big soooo many ppl...after about 20 minutes of searching we finally found ourself to the Yaesu Central JR East office to exchange our JR Pass..the attendant was very helpful..finally we got our reserved seats ticket on the shinkansen to Osaka at 1030am..Phew..bought a Bento called Nihonbashi for breakfast and it was the suckiest bento in my life..cost me 1200 YEN(RM46). Had a very comfortable 3 hours journey down to ShinOsaka. He went to meet Mr.Chow all the way while me nap on and off..Shinkansen was really pleasant..just like sitting a plane..except that it's more more comfortable..the toilet is super clean, there's even a makeup room, vending machines, pay phone and attendant who sells snacks and drinks on a TRAIN!
Once we alighted at Osaka, we headed to the JR West Midorinomadoguchi ( Green window office) for reserving upcoming shinkansen seats and also purchase our USJ - universal studio japan tickets Y6100. Remember that this USJ ticket allow you a direct entry to the park, you don't have to queue to exchange a ticket there. I was told that we are not able to reserve seats to/from gala yuzawa because it was sold out =( After settling the ticketing we proceed to find our way to the hotel..we first wandering around osaka station and i decided to follow the way to Umeda first..dragged our luggage pass through numerous underground road and finally we reach Higashi Umeda without paying subway fare! From Higashi Umeda we took a subway to Minamimorimachi, where our hotel was located at..Check in was a breeze..while in the room i was totally unwell and exhausted...we were suppose to go to Osaka-jo but the plan failed..it was already 4pm! I rest myself for a short while and we walked out to hunt for lunch..we walked further and further until i saw a familiar name "Chibo" the famous okonomiyaki chain..so we went in to have our lunch/dinner..i was quite disappointed because they do not cook in front of us..tasted so so..i should have try the branch in dotonbori..
After dinner we continue walking again..until we reach Osaka station! Decided to go Shinsaibashi to locate a Disney Store there..From Osaka -Namba..at Namba JR follow the Midousuji road sign you will reach Shinsaibashi in about 15 minutes..As i did not have a very clear map of the area we just walked around and took pictures there..Saw the famous Glico man, Kani douraku, takoyakis stall etc..as we were walking the shops is getting ready to close..=( but we were in time to get to Disney store to get our tickets! Hurray! We bought cakes from a shop called Dalloyau..it was recommended by many forum..expensive but totally worth it! Decided to go back to get some rest after that..
As my flu was not recover yet..we decided to take a bath at the Onsen..the purpose of choosing this hotel - Dormy Inn Higashi Umeda is because they have a in house 'natural' hot spring..take note when you book online..some hotels offer public bath but Might not be natural spring water...hotel's onsen is on the top floor, women need a password to get in..so it's quite secure..got in and i started to undress and take a hot shower...which is SUPERB..they provide you with Shiseido bath products and Pola facial products..i think it's not bad..there are 3 pools there one hot indoor bath, indoor cold bath and a rotemburo (outdoor) . I tried the indoor and later the outdoor...So relaxing..but got aunty sharing with me =P Did not use the sauna though..Can't take pictures..so u might wanna see it here:
http://ameblo.jp/yoshiohgx4v-per/entry-10099424226.html
After a relaxing hot spring bath we went back to have supper - cakes and noodle =) Yummy although i wasn't feeling well ..
Day 3
Woke up bit late as we were too tired..change trains n finally we reach usj-universal studios japan! The crowd is really scary ...mostly students because it's their school holiday over there..we queue for about 20minutes just to get into the park ! I remember it was already 1030am. We went for shrek 4d, jaws,space fantasy,backdraft and lastly we played terminator and back to future! All was enjoyable..we had a quick lunch in amity before meeting up my friend Megumi. She had booked us into the panasonic lounge before the "terminator" starts..feel good to become a VIP ! We used the special elevator and priority entrance! It was sad that most game briefing are in Japanese so we couldn't enjoy to the max! Was glad to meet her and her bf takashi. They both came all the way fromFukuoka and Nagoya..I'm not sure will I do a trip to ipoh just to meet a friend!
The park was quite enjoyable and relaxing..but it closes at 5pm.. We farewell on the train..what a hardtime..I wish i could spend more time chatting with them or perhaps visiting okasan in Fukuoka next time..Naoe was sick too, no chance meeting her and her new born yuto!
The night we went to shinsaibashi again for shopping..too bad it started to rain..we tried takoyaki and grill crab legs..crab legs were awful..we then bought umbrella becuz of the rain..decided to go back hotel for another onsen session.. This time I was all alone in the bath!! Great privacy!! We had supper in the room after that..end of the day..
Reach airport just on time for check in..although I have done web check in but still the drop baggage queue was long..due to holidays I guess..running out of time we had a quite bite inside the departure hall..there were two security border to pass before boarding aax..one at the gate another in front of the plane..found it weird..finally we're on board but stupid passenger went missing that caused a delay for about 20min..Finally took off and saying goodbye to my homeland...dozed off,makan and dozed again..
After 7 Hours..captain gave announcement of arrival..i can feel the cold out at the window..omg reaching soon! Runway was lit in colourful led lights..amazingly beautiful!! The moment we land, I have a feeling of unbelievingly myself landing on Tokyo international airport !!! Just felt like crying..I'm not exaggerating here!!
Got off the plane and took a bus to the terminal..once there quickly got ourselves into immigration as we wanted to rush for the train..queue was average..and before you clear custom u have to fill in a declaration form..(hassle)..we look for keikyu line signboard n follow it to the gate..problem arose!!! I don't know how to buy a ticket from the machine! As the crowd there got bigger..I quickly peep how the jap buy thier ticket and I tried it myself..voila!!got it!! Ran our way to the platform..took pics while waiting for train..we stayed at otorii, two stops from haneda. We had trouble locating the hotel at first actually we were both ばか!!the hotel was just next to the station!!東横inn is small but with full amenities..Bigger than expected!! RM225 a nite is definitely a steal! After check in we went to 7-11opposite the hotel to grab supper..had yakisoba and assorted sausages..yummy!!
Retiring for the night..
Day 2
Woke up around 7something packed and went downstairs to check out and have free breakfast..selection of breads, miso soup, potato salad, juice and coffee..we only had a bit as we're out of appetite..we got a PASMO card from the machine and started our journey to Tokyo Station. We're suppose to do a Otorii - Keikyu kamata - Shinagawa - Tokyo route (25 min) but............we took an hour half to get there....-__- super baka in taking trains...we were lost in halfway...haha..what an experience..after reach Tokyo station...* FAINT...soooo big soooo many ppl...after about 20 minutes of searching we finally found ourself to the Yaesu Central JR East office to exchange our JR Pass..the attendant was very helpful..finally we got our reserved seats ticket on the shinkansen to Osaka at 1030am..Phew..bought a Bento called Nihonbashi for breakfast and it was the suckiest bento in my life..cost me 1200 YEN(RM46). Had a very comfortable 3 hours journey down to ShinOsaka. He went to meet Mr.Chow all the way while me nap on and off..Shinkansen was really pleasant..just like sitting a plane..except that it's more more comfortable..the toilet is super clean, there's even a makeup room, vending machines, pay phone and attendant who sells snacks and drinks on a TRAIN!
Once we alighted at Osaka, we headed to the JR West Midorinomadoguchi ( Green window office) for reserving upcoming shinkansen seats and also purchase our USJ - universal studio japan tickets Y6100. Remember that this USJ ticket allow you a direct entry to the park, you don't have to queue to exchange a ticket there. I was told that we are not able to reserve seats to/from gala yuzawa because it was sold out =( After settling the ticketing we proceed to find our way to the hotel..we first wandering around osaka station and i decided to follow the way to Umeda first..dragged our luggage pass through numerous underground road and finally we reach Higashi Umeda without paying subway fare! From Higashi Umeda we took a subway to Minamimorimachi, where our hotel was located at..Check in was a breeze..while in the room i was totally unwell and exhausted...we were suppose to go to Osaka-jo but the plan failed..it was already 4pm! I rest myself for a short while and we walked out to hunt for lunch..we walked further and further until i saw a familiar name "Chibo" the famous okonomiyaki chain..so we went in to have our lunch/dinner..i was quite disappointed because they do not cook in front of us..tasted so so..i should have try the branch in dotonbori..
After dinner we continue walking again..until we reach Osaka station! Decided to go Shinsaibashi to locate a Disney Store there..From Osaka -Namba..at Namba JR follow the Midousuji road sign you will reach Shinsaibashi in about 15 minutes..As i did not have a very clear map of the area we just walked around and took pictures there..Saw the famous Glico man, Kani douraku, takoyakis stall etc..as we were walking the shops is getting ready to close..=( but we were in time to get to Disney store to get our tickets! Hurray! We bought cakes from a shop called Dalloyau..it was recommended by many forum..expensive but totally worth it! Decided to go back to get some rest after that..
As my flu was not recover yet..we decided to take a bath at the Onsen..the purpose of choosing this hotel - Dormy Inn Higashi Umeda is because they have a in house 'natural' hot spring..take note when you book online..some hotels offer public bath but Might not be natural spring water...hotel's onsen is on the top floor, women need a password to get in..so it's quite secure..got in and i started to undress and take a hot shower...which is SUPERB..they provide you with Shiseido bath products and Pola facial products..i think it's not bad..there are 3 pools there one hot indoor bath, indoor cold bath and a rotemburo (outdoor) . I tried the indoor and later the outdoor...So relaxing..but got aunty sharing with me =P Did not use the sauna though..Can't take pictures..so u might wanna see it here:
http://ameblo.jp/yoshiohgx4v-per/entry-10099424226.html
After a relaxing hot spring bath we went back to have supper - cakes and noodle =) Yummy although i wasn't feeling well ..
Day 3
Woke up bit late as we were too tired..change trains n finally we reach usj-universal studios japan! The crowd is really scary ...mostly students because it's their school holiday over there..we queue for about 20minutes just to get into the park ! I remember it was already 1030am. We went for shrek 4d, jaws,space fantasy,backdraft and lastly we played terminator and back to future! All was enjoyable..we had a quick lunch in amity before meeting up my friend Megumi. She had booked us into the panasonic lounge before the "terminator" starts..feel good to become a VIP ! We used the special elevator and priority entrance! It was sad that most game briefing are in Japanese so we couldn't enjoy to the max! Was glad to meet her and her bf takashi. They both came all the way fromFukuoka and Nagoya..I'm not sure will I do a trip to ipoh just to meet a friend!
The park was quite enjoyable and relaxing..but it closes at 5pm.. We farewell on the train..what a hardtime..I wish i could spend more time chatting with them or perhaps visiting okasan in Fukuoka next time..Naoe was sick too, no chance meeting her and her new born yuto!
The night we went to shinsaibashi again for shopping..too bad it started to rain..we tried takoyaki and grill crab legs..crab legs were awful..we then bought umbrella becuz of the rain..decided to go back hotel for another onsen session.. This time I was all alone in the bath!! Great privacy!! We had supper in the room after that..end of the day..
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