This was the day that I was depleted...
All those rushing and non-stop plans of mine were backfired on me. Today I felt very very tired and depleted and I could hear someone in my head saying "I told you so" (you know who you are). I think it might be a little too much for me not to have something relax between this intense trip plan. So, note to self, put something easy half way of your trip!
Today I cut down a lot of stuffs that I was supposed to be doing and picked to only the highlight ones. First stop is Nijo Castle (pronounce Nee-Jo). To get there, it's recommended that you use the Subway Train and stop at Nijojo-Mae station. (don't forget to buy day ticket unlimited rides from the information centre).
The first thing you'll notice is that the castle is quite tiny. However, all the exquisite decorations on the door will wow you.
Inside the castle, you'll see even more beautiful unusually ornate interiors, however, there's no camera allow. So, I didn't have any thing to show you here. :(
Even though it looks tiny from the outside, you'll spend a good 20 minutes walking around it, longer if you really read the story. The floors in this castle make noises. They're called the Nightingale Floors as they make noise as you step on them. No matter how hard I try to be very soft and slow on the floors, they still make noise. It's the notification system to detect intruders. Clever them. :)
I came out and walk around a bit more. The areas are quite large actually, and filled with trees and nice Japanese Garden.
There are a few more mansions around as well, but they're not open.
As I walked around, I noticed the a sign for "Tea Ceremony" plus all the tiredness start to take over, I thought it might be a good idea to rest for a while. I paid the fee to go in I think it's around 840 Yen.
Just past thru the gate, there are more nice Japanese garden. Looks very peaceful and relaxing. Sighhhhhhhh
After I walked in, there's a lady with full kimono came out to collect the ticket and asked whether I want my tea hot or cold. I choose cold for this time. And a few moments after they're served to me.
There's way to drink tea properly. First hold the bowl with your right hand and place it in the palm of your left. Turn it clockwise about 90 degrees, raise it with both hands, then empty it in THREE gulps. It's too hard? heheheh To my surprise, it tasted quite good and the desert that come with it blend in with the tea very well.
It's now time to continue my journey. Next stop is the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-Ji). Best way to get there is by bus. Check your Bus map (it'll come with the Day pass) for bus stop location. It'll only take 10-15 minutes to get there.
Walked thru the gate and the tree-shaded path, there it was... the wow factor.
It looks stunning and peaceful. It's three-story building that covered in gold that surrounded with water and garden. I also heard that it will look even more stunning in winter with snow fall.
After strolling around a little bit, it's time to move to the next destination, Nanzen-Ji Temple. Best way to get there is by Train and stop at Keage station. After the station you you need to walk about 10 minutes more to reach the Nanzen-Ji. However.... my stomach started to cry out loud. So, I had to make a detour at the restaurant along the way. :P
I picked the restaurant on the left hand side, I simply had no idea what it's called as I was very very hungry. I crawed my way in expected to just fill in my stomach.
However, as I walked in, it's kinda look fancy. With beautiful garden.
The waiter was so polite and invite me in. I looked at the set menu and picked one in a hury without much thoughts. It was the Hana set 3,000 yen with 5 different dishes.
I know the star of the show would be the "Yudofu". It's one of the famous dish in Kyoto that my friend Leslie forced me to eat.
Yodofu came in the pot. And had be be boil for awhile. The Tofu was very soft and tender. It's very refreshing even though it's only tofu. A few more dishes kept coming including Tempura and Dengaku.
Once my stomach was happy, it's time to continue my turture travelling plan. The first thing you'll notice once you step into Nanzen-Ji area is the gigantic gateway (Sanmon)
It was very very big. it also allow people to got up by stair at the back side.
I walked around the area a little bit more but I knew that my body could not take it much longer and I need to rest very soon. So, it's time to call it a day.... sadly.
I know I've been badddddddd. It's been forever since I've updated my blog. :P
Lets get to the business, shall we? :)
From Miyajima Castle, I've arrived in Kyoto in the afternoon. Kyoto station is hugeeeeee. It also connects with a big department store. The station itself is worth walking around if you have time.
I went out to check in to my hotel first to unload all my luggages. This time I stayed in Apa Horikawadori Kyoto (Check Apa Hotel Kyoto from https://b2b.hotelclub.net) for A$73.63 a night. It's very close to station, only 5-7 minutes walk. The hotel also have Sauna and Onsen at the top level for you to use for free. The room is tiny but very clean, no complains there considering the cost. :)
After checking in, I left the hotel in a hurry as I didn't have much time left to travel. I rushed back to the Station for information centre for maps and recommendation. I knew that I've arrived quite late and there're not many places that opened til 6 pm except for one... the famous "Kiyomizu-dera Temple". That's might be the only place I be able to manage to go for such a limited time. I asked for direction from the information centre. The best way to get there is by Bus. The fare one way is 220 Yen and if you travel more than 2 times, I would recommend you to buy a day ticket 500 Yen with unlimited ride. The bus day ticket can be purchased from the information centre.
The bus stopped at the bottom of the hill. You have to walk up the hill yourself. And trust me, don't run up... Along the way I saw this man-powered vehicle, it looks very interesting but I didn't have time to find out about it.
I made my way up there to the entrance and start the first thing you'll notice is the big red gate. But I thought to myself.... "hmmm not a big deal, what's so special about this temple?"
I was rushing further up to this over thousand year old temple without really enjoying much of it which is very bad. But I slowed down and enjoy more when I reached up the top of the main building... No matter how rush you are, when you see the view from the top, it'll stop you!
The 2 main buildings were surrounded by very lush greenery. And since they're both up very high, it just like like they're floating in the air. I took a lot of pictures there and stopped to enjoy the view for awhile. It's really worth it. :)
Coming down as before I went out the gate, I've noticed this little shrine where people drinks the water that came down from the roof.
"Looks authentic, lets do it" I thought. So, I joined the line and grab this cup with longgggg handle and got the water and drank it. Oh wowwwww, much better taste than the water in the bottle. I highly recommend for you to try. :)
Japanese believe that drinking this holy water to cleansing yourself and give you good luck, so drink up people. Oh and they have the "Ultra violet machine" to clean these cups, so don't have to worry much about hygien. :)
I went out the temple and headed to Ginza area for my dinner... which will be continued later. :)
Himeji-Jo, the Grandest of Japan's 15 remaining feudal castles.
There are many way to go to Himeji, but I would recommend Shinkansen. From the station, there is a information desk that will give you English Map and other information if needed. So, from the station just walk straight on the main road (Otemae Street) for 10-15 minutes till the end of the road. Very easy even for the one who get lost easily like me. :)
I reached Himeji around lunch time, so, a little lunch break wouldn't hurt. After all the Army march by stomachs. I asked the information desk about where's to eat the Ramen (yeah I'm a Ramen Whore) and she wrote the direction on the map and looks very easy to follow and then off I went. From the station, walk on Oemae Street past 2 small lanes and turn right. Keep going straight for 100 metre. It'll take less than 3 minutes from the station.
The shop looks like an average ramen shop. I got in and again, had to order from the machine. But this time it's better with pictures for each Ramen. I picked the most obvious one heheeh. After picking the what and pay at the machine, less than 5 minutes the Ramen was served. The stock was think and tasteful and sophisticating, Noodle was just right and very nice and tender pork. The owner was very friendly and at one stage came to sit down with me. He told me that his Ramen shop is in "lonely planet" recommended place to eat in Himeji. :)
It's time to finally go to the castle. Instead of getting back to Otemae Street, I was stopped by this endless shops mall on Miyuki Street (parallel to Otemae Street). From the Station til the castle, this mall was filled with shops, all kinds of shops. It's also in shades, so, any one who likes to walk little cooler and, this street is a must.
Then I've arrived at the entrance of the castle, tickets can be bought from the vending machines or at the counter. It'll take at least another 10-15 minutes walk to reach inside the main tower from the gate, map and suggested route will be provided whey you buy the ticket.
The reason why this is the only Castle in my trip that I want to get in is simple, it's been unharmed. Somehow this castle can dodge all the wars or natural disaster and maintain its greatness until today. It's also got the nick name of the White Egret Castle (Shirasagi-Jo).
There are a lot of section within the castle wall for you to explore before the main tower. It will take at least 30 minutes out from you. Walking around to see and imagine what these will be like back then is very fun.
The main tower of the castle really stand out with it's white plaster like colour outside. Going inside is almost the opposite. It's quite dark inside even with all windows opened. Almost all the timber floor are original from when it first built, creates very authentic looks and feel. On each floor, there are the show cupboard showing some items such as original armour, weapons or painting from the old time.
The main tower has six floors and a basement, climbing up from floor to floor is very challenging as the stair is very steep.
I made my way slowly floor by floor til I reach the top. But before that, there're a lot of "Am I there yet"
At the top, they opened all the windows on every side for people to enjoy the 360 degree view and scenery. There are chairs for people to sit down resting and recover from those steep stairs.
After absorbing all the experiences in this castle, it's time to head to the station for Kyoto. But before that... those steep stairs were even more scary going down....
Lets explore the Miyajima Island in the day light!
But wellllll lets start with breakfast. hehehe
The Japanese style breakfast at the hotel was served very promptly and the looked and tasted wonderful especially the egg dish. Highly recommend.
My Miyajima walkaround plan is very short as I had to rush to Himeji Castle next. I started from the Otorii Gate again. And as you can see from the pictures that there're deers around. So, watch out for your map or anything paper.
Next stop is Itsukushima Shrine. The whole shrine was painted with colour red/orange. And it looks very standout when you see from afar. There's entry fee, just pay for the ticket at the counter. :)
There are a few staffs of the shrine around doing some ceremony. They wore these Japanese tradition clothes. To be very honest with you... it's a nice shrine beautiful to take pictures both inside and outside... but nothing more. You can walk thru another side of the shrine for more places to visit.
There are 5 or more attractions that you can visit on the east side, however, I was running out of time and cut thru many of them, during this route, I walked thru the "Natural Promanade Walk" (asebi walk). It was very nice and quiet filled with tall trees esp Maples. I'm sure it will look very nice when they change the colour. :)
I came out to Tahoto Pagoda which located quite high from the sea level. The view is beautiful from there but the Pagoda is quite small.
Then I made my way back to the westside of Itsukushima Shrine to see Five-Storied Pagoda and Senjyoukaku and they're standing next to each other.
At Senjyoukaku, there's an entry fee for 100 Yen. Inside this old building there are a lot of old paintings hanging close to the roof. The building is quite big as they said you can put 1000 tatami mat inside, so, it'll take 10 minutes at least to walk around. :)
The time was up and I had to run back to my hotel. On my way back I found this giant object and made me wonder what the hell is it... Turned out it's the Miyajima's Giant Rice Scoop, the biggest rice scoop in the world. It's the symbol of Miyajima, the birth place of rice scoop. It's 7.7m in Length, 2.7m width and weight 2.5 tons. Do I hear some Green people screaming? :P
Then it's time to say goodbye to Miyajima, I had a great fun on this Island and wish to re-visit one day with more time. :)
The beautiful and peaceful island....
I left Hiroshima for Miyajima Island in the afternoon. Please checked the time table for your plan but you do not have to worry much for connections between train and ferry as the ferries come quite often. The train will take around 26 minutes from Hiroshima to Miyajima-Gochi station and you have to walk for only 5 minutes to reach the ferry.
The ferry service is under JR so, you can use your JR pass. The ferry is quite big, it will carry cars across as well. The traveling time to Miyajima Island is only 10 minutes, so no need for seasickness medicine.
Along the way you'll see some Oyster Farming which really made me hungry.... and could not wait to have my dinner. I pre-booked this hotel called Yamaichi-Bekkan which I heard from my friend that it is a Restaurant as well. I also pre-booked the 5000 Yen dinner (They have 3000, 5000 and 8000 Yen options) and 1000 Yen breakfast.
The hotel is sooooo close to the station. But it's got no English sigh that can be seen easily. I struggled to find this place a bit before I asked the local who was very kind and took me there. I was greeted and took care quite nicely, the staffs are very warm and welcome. After checking in and everything I went up to the room... It's half of the size of the one in Beppu but I did not really mind at all. It's only a place for me to sleep, as long as it's clean and safe :)
And now, it's feasting time! The dinner was served promptly as the time I told them at the check in.
The presentation was great and so as the taste for the first two sets. :)
When the lady served me the Tempura, she was trying to tell me about the radish needed to be put in the sauce... she's mistaken me for a newbie of Japanese Food hehehehe
And now the last set arrived, some kind of fish dish, clear soup and Unagi. After I finished everything I was thinking..... it's a big expensive for 5000 Yen.... hmmmm BUT I found out later on that the tiny fish dish was very special and seasonal. The tiny bowl alone can cost 1500-2000 Yen. Opps... And I didn't even like it. But over all everything was great. :)
Then it's time for a walk around. Just only 5 minutes from the hotel you can reach the Otorii Gate which is one of the most photographed site in Japan. Along the way there are a lot of shops which still open quite late.
And then there it was...
It's amazing to see the real thing!
And since I was trapped on the Island and have no place to go, I could spent as much time as I wanted to photographed it. hehe HOWEVER, during the time that I enjoyed taking photographed... the bloody deer (there are a lot of them around the island) went to my bag and
ATE my map! So, you guys just becareful for this though look cute and harmless creature. You're warned. sighhhhhhh
Not far from the Gate, you'll see the Itsukushima Shrine which is very beautiful at night too.
After pressing the shutter for hundreds of times, it's time to go back to the hotel and rest. I will continue more of Miyajima Island soon.
Hiroshima, a peaceful city.
I slowly made my way up and back to Western Honshu. And the more I went up, the more tourists I saw. During my Fukuoka - Beppu, I didn't really see many tourists at all. In my original plan, Hiroshima city is only the passage way to go to Miyajima Island, but since I was there quite early I made a brief stop and browse around the city a bit.
Hiroshima was a well known city but not for a good reason... It was the first city that experienced the horror of the Atomic bomb during WWII causing hundreds of thousand death. So, I decided to go visit the peace memorial not far from the station.
Again, do not forget to pay a visit at information centre at the station as they will provide English Map, the best way on how to get to the places that you want. As I will go to Miyajima Island next, they also provided the time table for trains and ferries in and out of Miyajima Island... Perfect!
For Large Version: Click Here
The best way to commune around Hiroshima city is by tram service. The fee paying system is just like the general bus system around Japan. And you can catch it just infront of the station. The city map will also show where the tram will stop. And again, every stops at the light, the drivers will turn the engine off, so don't be alarmed. :)
Only 10 minutes the tram will arrive at the Peace memorial site. The park is huge and very quiet and peaceful, even with a lot of group tourists. The first thing you'll see is the "A-bomb Dome", it's all that remains of the old bombed city.
Less than 5 minutes walk across the bridge to reach "The Cenotaph", erected in memory of the victims of the bombing.
Children peace monument also not far. Japanese made a lot of Paper Cranes surrounded it at one point and they're all kept in the show boxes as you can see in the background.
During that time, there's a Japanese kid handed me this postcard of peace and I'm very touched and I promised him to spread his message around. :)
As I still had a bit of time left, I walked out of the Peace Memorial site to have a glimpse of Hiroshima Castle. I knew that I could not go up close and personal so, I settle with a few pictures from a far.
Just a few notes here: this castle was completely destroyed during WWII and it was reconstructed and completed in 1958.
I was glad that I made this detour at Hiroshima. Now it's time to move on to Miyajima Island.
One of the hi-light of my trip...
When I started planing my trip, Mount Aso (Asosan) was very high on my list to visit. There are several things that attracted me. The most important one is it's the Largest Active Volcano in Japan that you can see the crater.
Firstly, stop by at the information centre at Beppu station for "How to get to Aso", they'll give you a piece of A4 paper telling you every possible way to got to Aso from Beppu.
Click Here for Large version
You can reach Mt Aso from Beppu by Train or Buses. However there are only 4 trains scheduled to go to Aso each day, so, please check the train time table and plan your time wisely. :) Coz I didn't and missed the train, so, the next best thing is to catch the Oita - Kumamoto Bus. There is also bus going to Aso from Beppu but it'll take 3 hours! There are many trains going to Oita from Beppu and it'll take around 15 minutes. The Bus will depart at "Tokiwa Department Store" that A4 paper will have the map and every details how to get there. :) The fare for one way to Aso is 2050 Yen.
I jumped on the 13:00 bus scheduled to reach Aso at 15:00. Along the way the views were breath taking!!! Very green and countryside, I did enjoy them very much. However, half way through, the mist started to cover the area. I thought "Shit, I'm not going to see the mountain". But as we moved closer to Aso things started to get brighter again. Phewwwwww
At Aso station just next door there's an office that sells the ticket for bus to go up to Aso Moutain. Or you can DIY at ticket vending machine. It will take around 30-40 minutes for one way.
As you can see the view along the way is beautiful, the windows on the bus can be openned quite easily for taking pictures.
The Bus will stop at Aso station and I had to catch another bus to go up the mountain. Again, check that A4 paper. :) The bus will make 2 stops, 1 at Kusasenri, Grass Land and Volcano Museum (They're one place) the driver will give you 10 minutes for a toilet break here and the last stop at Asosan-Nishi where you can catch a Cable Car to go up the crater.
I bought a return ticket for the Cable Car with a warning that I might not see anything as the mist came down very badly. But well, since I was there already why not. :)
The rope way will only take 5 minutes to go up to the Crater (it's called as Mt Nakadake). I heard the lady said the last cable car is at 15.50 I nodded and went on. When I came out of the station.... the warning is true... it's very misty and several areas were closed due to the high level of Volcanic gas (Sulfur Dioxide or SO2 )
However, once in awhile, the sky did open!!! I was so happy and fired my camera non-stop. It was really out of the world view and I loved every minute I spent there watching the scenery.
I walked around the area a bit and came back to the station at 15:45 to found out that... the cable car was finished................. the last one was 15:15 not 15:50 Argggggghhhhhh All of sudden my face went pale. As if I did not make it on time down to Asosan-Nishi I would also missed the Last Bus down to Aso station!!!
Luckily there was a Japanese tourist that I helped him taking pictures before still there. So I asked him for whether he can help me and he did. Phewwwwwww I was on his motobike down to Asosan-Nishi safely and on time for the bus. I learned later that I was very lucky as Japanese Do Not take hitch-hiker. I came back to Aso Station and got the train back to Beppu safely. What a day!!! But very well worth it.
Though if I had more time I could have explored the area a bit more, the Grassland looks very nice and peaceful and there's also the Komezuka which is a gentle beautiful hill. I guess I have to come back. ;)
PS: People with Asthmatics, Bronchial Disorders or Heart Trouble ARE NOT ALLOWED to go up to Mount Nakadake.
