Japan Trip – Day 12

Home Stay 10.20pm 01/10/15

Unfortunately I don’t have any photos as we were not allowed to photograph the kids.

Today was the day I had been dreading. It was a trip to a primary school – that meant ‘little kids’. I dislike young children, but today I had no choice but today I had no choice but to grin and bear it. It turned out better than I was expecting. I actually had a little fun – making origami, playing the Japanese version of ‘Pin the tail on the donkey’, playing with a cool toy I can’t remember the name of, playing an exciting card game and dodging the brutal throws of the 9 year olds in dodgeball. Yes, a lot of playing. But tonight is our last night at home stay and I must admit, it is quite saddening to have to leave, even though I have just met this wonderful family. After, dinner, they presented us with gifts of Japanese food and other omiage (souvenirs). I have truly enjoyed this brilliant experience.

Until next time.

-World Spin

Japan Trip – Day 11

Home Stay 9.40pm 30/09/14

Possibly the most nerve-racking part of the trip was finally here. After a relaxing morning at Utano Hostel, we caught a train to Lake Biwa. While we waited for our host families to come and pick us off one group at a time, we practiced ‘Home among the gum trees’ in preparation for tomorrow’s trip to a primary school.

Lake Biwa on a slightly stormy afternoon.

A lady walked down the road, and it was our names that were called. We grabbed our gear, introduced ourselves and made our way to her car. Not five minutes had passed as we gazed at the beautiful countryside and rice fields, and we were there. As we entered, it could easily be seen that this was quite a traditional style house with tatami mats, kneel-down table and futons. The introductions with her son were made. The rest of the night was filled with a mixture of Japanese and English, a delicious dinner and the Asia Games on TV. Now it’s time for a much needed rest.

Until next time.

-World Spin

Japan Trip – Day 10

Shinkansen 3:25pm 29/09/14

The great Himeji Castle; a very unique building and national monument, easily recognisable by its bright white colouration shining in the sunlight.

There it is in all it’s glory.

Some of its special traits include 27 towers, 15 gates and 32 clay walls, not to mention the main keep which is comprised of 8 national treasures. This was definitely built as a heavy duty fortress to protect the Emperor and Royal family.

To cool down from such an exciting experience, I enjoyed a refreshing Dark Mocha Chip Frapachino and am now on my way to Kyoto Station for dinner and Karaoke, watching funny sleeping poses the whole way.

The entrance…

Utano Hostel 10:00pm 29/09/14

After arriving back at Kyoto Station, the teachers let us roam free for a couple of hours. My group and I decided to climb Kyoto Tower. Towering high, yet much smaller than Tokyo Skytree, above the city, it provides a great view of Kyoto.

Just reflecting back on my trip.

Dinner was paid for, but we as a group had to decide where it would be. How could we pass up a chance for fresh okonomiyaki and yakisoba? It was a great bonding experience as I got to chat with some friends more than I have before. To finish off the night, Karaoke was on the agenda. 2 hours of singing madness and a special ‘Happy Birthday’ tribute for a special person. This trip is going too fast.

Until next time.

-World Spin

Japan Trip – Day 9

Utano Hostel 10:10pm 28/09/14

Ah. Nara; home to approximately 1200 deer and the sight of an overwhelmingly huge bronze Buddha statue.

The structure that encapsulates it.

Standing, or sitting rather, at almost 15m tall, this national treasure has been rebuilt twice and, at present, is only two thirds of the size of the original.

She makes you feel so small.

Apart from admiring this enormous monument as well as the surrounding guardian statues and aggresive deer, I also had the opportunity to crawl through a hole in a pole the same size as the Buddha’s nostril.

Bit of a tight squeeze. (Not me by the way)

And yes, I did fit…just.

The hand of peace. (replica of Buddha’s hand)

The rest of the day was filled with Maccas, a shop called Tokyu Hands filled with weird and wonderful things, and dinner at a secret ninja restaurant.

Until next time.

-World Spin

I’m Back

Sorry everyone for the lack of posts lately. I just got back a few days ago from a holiday in the great New Zealand – “The middle of middle-earth.”, and yes, I did keep a log of every glorious and not so glorious day spent there. That will be coming just as soon as my Japan Trip gets uploaded by me.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year, or whatever you celebrate, and I look forward to a great 2015.

Until next time.

-World Spin

Japan Trip – Day 8

Utano Hostel 9:15pm 27/09/14

After a refreshing, early-morning shower, we were on the move yet again. This time, our first destination was the one, the only, Toei Kyoto Studio Park.

Two actors..I mean Samurais having it out.

It was kind of like a Japanese Movie World, except without rides, and the movie scenes had actually been shot there. The haunted house was a bit of a let-down, but having to find all the secret doors in te Ninja Mystery House made up for that. Due to all the excitement and sugar in our bodies from training to be Ninjas, we had to have a calming cool-down time.

The only plant life in this garden is moss.

Ryoanji Temple wa just the place, with its featured Rock Garden and the many surrounding rainforest-like gardens which were extremely peaceful and relaxing. Toot toot! All aboard the Sushi express bound for grumbling tummies. Lunch was great. Alas, the day was not complete. (Yes, I know ‘alas’ means unfortunately and no it was not unfortunate that the day was not complete. I just wanted to sound cool.)

Just breathtaking.

The unforgetable Kinkaku-Ji was a sight to see. Also known as ‘The Golden Temple’, it is difficult to take a bad photo of this beautiful, gold-leaf covered temple. Finally, to top off the day, Yakiniku was on the menu. All in all, a fantastic day.

Until next time.

-World Spin

Japan Trip – Day 7

Utano Hostel 8:00pm 26/09/14

Woooshh! All aboard the shinkansen! We were off again. Off to another city, on an another adventure.

Boarding the Bullet

Kyoto this time. First stop; Yodobashi Cameras – a huge multi – multi story technology shop. A nerd’s dream. I picked up a 16GB 95Mb/s SD card and a camera case, both partial gifts for Dad.

The beautiful architecture surrounding the train station.

After raoming around heaben for about two hours, we caught a 45 minute bus trip to our accommodation for the next four nights. Apart from that, today has been quite a relaxing day.

Until next time.

-World Spin

Japan Trip – Day 6

Ikawa Ryokan 5:30pm 25/09/14

Deer diary,

Didn’t even cost a buck.

Today we visited the acclaimed “Most beautiful place in Japan.” and I can honestly say that could very well be true.

The great Torii Gate.

On top of all the stunning temples and famous Torii Gate that sits in the shallow ocean, the wildlife and environment are picturesque.

Such a beautiful view of the surrounding forest.

So much so that weddings are held there almost everyday, and today was no exception. There were at least two that I know of.

Man I love this angle.

Oh deer me, how could I almost forget the magnificent meal of okonomiyaki we feasted on. That was one great dish! Unfortunately though Doctor Fish was unavailable, so we had to ‘moisturise’ our feet with seaweed at low tide.

Amazing! The Torii Gate isn’t too bad either.

Insert coins here for good luck.

What else is there to say? It was ferry amazing!

Aged beautifully over time.

Until next time.

-World Spin

Japan Trip – Day 5

Ikawa Ryokan 9:10pm 24/09/14

8:15am, August 6, 1945.

8:15am

The residents of Hiroshima are just going about their daily business. In an instant they are either incinerated, burned horrifically or subject to extremely high radiation levels. This moment saw the death of tens of thousands of people and caused a massive outcry against the use of nuclear weapons.

The bringer of death.

Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum today was a truly insightful and saddening experience. I enthusiastically joined the petition against such events reoccurring.

The only standing structure left after the bomb stole Hiroshima.

On another note, browsing the 100 yen store, as well as others, and enjoying pizza for dinner was great. I especially enjoyed the typhoon-style rain we endured on our walk to tonight’s accommodation.

Until next time.

-World Spin

Japan Trip – Day 4

Shinkansen 9:15am 24/09/14

“The happiest place on earth!” “Where dreams come true!” Yep! You guessed it. Yesterday we visited Mickey and friends at their Japanese home-away-from-home, Disneyland Tokyo. For some it was the highlight of their trip, but waiting around all day in the hot sun for rides and wasting money on expensive food and souvenirs doesn’t really tickle my fancy.

Disneyfied Star Wars

However, I am glad to have had the experience which could be once in a lifetime. The night light show was rather spectacular and almost sent me into a fit due to all the flashing lights covering huge sculptures of Disney characters.

I found him!

This happens every night.

The highlight of my day though would have to be the friendly duck that joined our group as we took our positions ready for the parade and fireworks.

He had a quacker of a time!

Note: I am writing this the day after as we arrived back at the ryokan very late.

Until next time.

-World Spin