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 3

Daimachi Homeikan Ryokan 9:00pm 22/09/14

Ah. The sweet feeling of knowing you’ve made someone happy. In my case, giving Aussie keyrings to the ryokan staff.

Fish cakes, dumplings, nashi, some sort of potato salad, rice, green tea and miso.

Oh my, this ryokan is amazing: a traditional breakfast, a beautiful hot bath, scented tatami mats and marshmellow like futons.

Specially designed to withstand earthquakes.

So what were the sights for today? Tokyo Skytree! We rounded the corner and bam!

There it was in all it’s glory, swaying slightly in the breeze.

The shadow this monument casts is rather impressive.

350m later we were viewing Tokyo from the city’s highest man-made structure.

Only for the thrill seekers.

There was even a section of glass floor for the thrill seekers. So what next? Asakusa Temple of course! And what better way to celebrate this moment than to inhale an unknown incense and get your fortune told?

I am an army commander. Obey me!

According to my “Regular Fortune”, “Thousands of soldiers obey me without failure.” Finally, after surveying the surrounding souvenir shops, we finished off the day with a ride on the Thunder Dolphin and some dinner, all within the Tokyo Dome – LaQua.

Until next time.

-World Spin

Japan Trip – Day 2

Daimachi Homeikan 8:15pm 21/09/14

Bururu bururu! Bururu! “Ohayou. This is your morning wakeup call.” The day kicked off with a 6:00am wakeup call. Breakfast was up next with some bacon, coffee and a banana. After an hour long bus trip to the buzzing maze of highways and a quick stop at tonight’s ryokan, we were off to explore Shibuya, most famous for the scramble crossing used in ‘Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift’.

This was taken from the Starbucks cafe 4 or 5 floors up.

The crossing is very quickly filled with many people wanting to get to the other side.

I can’t remember what this was called but it was ‘totemo oishii!’

Picked up a copy of ‘Sword Art Online – 1’ for XaXa and tasted some traditional Japanese cuisine.

The crucial first moment when the sumo fighters make contact.

2:00pm arrives and Sumo is next on the itinerary. Apart from baka gaijin standing in the way constantly, it was an amazing cultural experience.

Mmmm! Octopus balls. Balls made of octopus, that is.

Final stop; dinner at Tokyo Dome and a bit of shopping. All in all, a great start to the trip.

Me just hanging with my mates.

Until next time.

-World Spin

Japan Trip – Day 1

Plane Flight JQ11 3:00pm 20/09/14

Only 4098km to go now. A little tired after an early start this morning and rushing around grabbing last minute items. This turbulence is the worst thing for writing a JOURNAL (not a diary everyone). The takeoff was as exhilarating as previous, but more exciting for the plane noobs next to me. Passing time is the most difficult part at the moment. This includes watching movies, eating, being a pillow, reading, eating, listening to music and attempting to write this while listening to half of Cat Empire. I still love this feeling of cruising on 60.1 meter wings 40000ft up.

View of the plane’s right wing through the window in the rear door.

Narita Tobu Hotel Airport 9:00pm 20/09/14

After nine hours air time and a five minute bus ride to the hotel for the night, I am exhausted. We are now officially running on the Japan Clock. Just want to get some sleep so I can really enjoy the real adventure tomorrow. P.S. Just bought my first item in Japan.

View of the plane’s cabin from my seat situated all the way at the back.

Until next time.

-World Spin