Our default plan for today is actually Fuji Five Lakes. But, we decided to go to Hakone the night before. We did the planning after we went back from DisneySea.  .

We took one & a half hour of train from Shinjuku (10am) to Hakone. We bought the Hakone Freepass which cost ¥5000. (valid for 2 days, you can get a 3 days pass @ ¥5500) This pass allowed unlimited ride for all types of transportation in the Hakone area.

Shinjuku ~ Odawara ~ Hakone-Yumoto ~ Gora ~ Saunzan ~ Owakudani ~ Togendai ~ Hakonemachi ~ Hakone-Yumoto ~ Odawara ~ Shinjuku

We arrived @ Hakone-Yumoto Station around 11:30am and transit straight away to the Hakone Tozan Line.

Hakone Tozan Line is the Japan’s first mountain railroad where it is capable of climbing one meter vertically for every 12.5 meteres of horizontal distance. (max slop of 8%). The line was designed to limit the impact on scenery as the line is traverses Fuji-Hakone_Izu National Park. This line is actually perform 3 switch-back where the train actually travel in zig-zag manner front-back 3 times.Therefore, the front & back train captains will switch their places 3 times throughout the journey. Switch-back manner is actually a way of climbing hills with a minimal need for tunnels & heavy earthworks.

We arrived @ Gora around 12:15pm (40 minutes journey).

We stopped @ Gora for about 20 minutes for quick lunch.

After that we took Hakone Tozan Cablecar from Gora to Sounzan which takes about 10 minutes.

From Sounzan, we took Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani.

Owakudani is the area around the crater created in the last eruption of Mount 3000 years ago. Sulfurous fumes, hot springs & hot rivers can be experienced on a walk around the area.

Of course, we never forget to try the special black eggs ~ Kuro-tamago(黒玉子) which is boiled in the naturally hot springs, are said to prolong one’s life by seven years. The boiled eggs turn black & smell slightly sulphuric. Eating one adds seven years to your life. haha.. since one packet contains 5 eggs, thus, I ate 2.5 eggs which should prolongs my life up to 17.5 years? unbelievable.. We only realize eating a third 1 is actually highly unadvised after we finished all the eggs.  . 1 package is selling @ ¥500.

You should know why I was wearing the rain coat.

We were advised not to stay here long as a lot of volcanic gas are drifting around this Owakudani trial.

We spent some times for souvenir. Of course the cake is not our souvenir, is for our supper. Our souvenir is the 箱根清酒 which cost ¥2400. The packaging is nice right?

Wow… finally we managed to get the view of Mt. Fuji after we came out from the Souvenir Shop. Even though its still a bit blur.. but we were lucky enough as the weather is bad today.

Finally, we took Hakone Ropeway down towards the Togendai to catch the Ferry trip @ 5pm. We took Hakone Sightseeing Cruise to Hakonemachi. This Ferry ride is one of the main attraction of Hakone where you will be able to get a fine view of Japan’s most famous peak ~ Mt. Fuji & enjoy Hakone’s rich scenery relected the lake’s calm surface if the weather is good. However, the time we took the ferry is already sun set. Thus, we were not able to enjoy the nice scenery.  . This ride took us around 40 minutes.

We took Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakonemachi back to the Hakone-Yumoto Stations

** Tips for hakone trip:
~ Please remember to check the weather forecast, else you won’t able to get the nice view of Mt. Fuji.
~ if you plan to go for 1 day trip, please start your trip @ 8am. We started our trip @ 10am is actually too late because sun set @ 5pm in Autumn. Do not skip the hot spring if you have time. 
~ Recommended Route @ Hakone:
Shinjuku ~ Odawara ~ Hakone-Yumoto ~ Motohakone-ko ~ Hakonemachi ~ Togendai ~ Owakudani  ~ Saunzan ~ Gora ~ Hakone-Yumoto ~ Odawara ~ Shinjuku
**

As we will back to M’sia (actually is I because chen hoong is going back to Singapore) the next day, we stopped by at Ueno to find the way to go to Kensei Line from Hibiya Line in order to avoid we lost again. Because flight will never wait for you.    .

We got back to hotel around 10pm and enjoyed our supper @ the living room ~ Cheese cake (we bought from  owakudani) & a cup of 3-in-1 Coffee (of course we brought it from M’sia) after done with our packing.

Next day ~ we took Kensei Line from Ueno to Airport (¥1000) early in the morning. Blur thing happen again ~ I only realize my flight should departed from Terminal 2 five mins before I reach Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the last destination of the train.  . Of course, I shopped around in the airport after I check in. My flight departed on time ~ 10:30am (Japan time) & reached KL @ 5:05pm (M’sia time). I met Tokosui Maeda (new japanese friend) on the flight & we chat through out the whole journey (roughly 7 hours). He told me a lot of thing regarding japan including their culture & spot of interest in Japan. In fact I should met him on the way to Japan.

From the station, we made a right turn to go to the Disneyland. (In fact, our destination of the day is DisneySea). We just went to Disneyland for some photo shot outside.

After that, we walked back to the Maihama Station direction as I knew DisneySea should be at the other side of the Station. Disney Resort Line is just few steps from the Maihama Station. We decided not to take the monorial as we thought DisneySea should be walking distance from the Station. We came out from the station and walked down to the main road. We followed the direction of the Road Sign (turn right.. in fact we should not follow the Road Sign because the Road Sign is for car..   ). From there, we reached Disneyland again.(about 7 minutes walk). Now, we realize DisneySea is not walking distance from Disneyland. Therefore, we have to take monorial from Disneyland to DisneySea (¥250 ~ Single Trip). This monorial has unique Mickey Mouse-shaped windows & hand straps adorn Disney Resort Liners, which each sport a different acc color on the nose and sides (blue, yellow, purple, green & peach). ** Note : If you wish to get around within Tokyo Disney Resort, the Disney Resort Line is a convenient option where you can get a day pass of ¥650 **

Here we reached the main entrance of DisneySea. We queue about 15 minutes to get the chance to get a photo shot @ this entrance. .However, we were lucky enough where all the Disney Characters came out while we were @ the main entrance. (They only appear to public for about 45 mins. )

After shot photo with all the Disney Characters @ the Main Entrance (Not all actually, is some… Some is not appear @ that time.. ). We met pluto, goofy, donald duck, chipmunk.. (Do you realize we didn’t met the main disney character ~ Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse?)

Mediterranean Harbor is the first stop in DisneySea. We met the band performance there.

We took the Big City Vehicles (Picture below) from Mediterranean Harbor to American Waterfront

We walked through the Port Discovery to Lost River Delta in order to meet the Disney pals there. We managed to meet up with Mickey & Goofy. But they left when we still on the queue. We only managed to take photo with Donald Duck & Minnie Mouse.

After that, we proceeded to Mermaid Lagoon.

Here we reached the another world ~ Aladdin World (Arabian Coast).

A lot of popcorn stall available in the Park. But each stall is selling different flavor. We walked through the whole park again in order to find the Caramel flavor popcorn. . We passed by the Mysterious Island while looking for the Caramel flavor popcorn. We actually walked back to somewhere around the main entrance in order to get the popcorn. hehe… from there, we walked back to the Lost River Delta again in order to catch the disney charater greeting for second times. However, the session is finished. (In the end, I didn’t get any chance to take photo with Mickey Mouse ) After that we took the DisneySea Transit Steamer Line to enjoy a leisurely non-stop voyage around the Park on boats.

After the Transit Steamer Line ride, we rush to the Venetian Godolas (pic below), but the session is already suspended and only will re-operate @ 9pm. I missed that ride.. So sad. . This ride actually gives you the chance to enjou a relaxing ride along the waterways of Mediterranean Harbor on an authentic gondola operated by gondoliers.

After that, we proceeded to the Tower of Terror ~ main attraction of disneysea.

Finally, I met with duffy family @ one of the souvenir shop. hehe.. of course, i brought one of them home as well.

Here is my small duffy..

Our activity end with the DisneySea Electric Railway ride from Port Discovery to Waterfront Park (few steps from the entrance).

We walked from DisneySea back to the Maihama station which only took us about 10 minutes. (In fact, we doesn’t need to take the monorial in the morning ). We took the train back to Hochobori & dine in @ one of the shop nearby. ~. We actually just have to select the food & pay @ the machine before we order. This is the japanese fast food.

Our day started @ Tsukiji market early in the morning. Tsukiji Market is one of the world’s largest fist markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. A lot of restaurants available along the way to the market

 A visit to Tsukiji Market best combined with a fresh sushi breakfast at one of the restaurant. We picked the one as below ~

We just ordered one of the Sushi set available in the shop ~ Sushi with Miso Soup ~ Tokutoku Nigiri which cost ¥1260.

We proceeded to Ginza after we finished our sushi breakfast. Ginza is the most famous upmarket shopping dinning & entertainment district in Tokyo. A lot of branded shop available here.

We met him when we arrived @ Ginza. We were given a box of free orange..

Enjoyed our orange before travel around Ginza area.

We hanged around for about one hour in this area.

Our next destination is Imperial Palace. My default plan is actually taking Marunouchi Line from Ginza to Tokyo Station. But, we lost our way in Ginza area again. Somehow, we walked from Ginza to Tokyo Station.

We stopped by @ one of the shopping center near Tokyo Station for our lunch ~ MC-D. This is the first time I tried the Cinnamon Melt which I like it very much.  

We proceeded to towards Kokyogaien National Garden area. This garden is part of the Imperial Palace which divided into 3 sections ~ Garden Plaza directly in front of the Imperial Palace, Kitanaomaru Garden area located due north of the Imperial Palace & twelve scenic moats which surround the Imperial Palace, the Garden Plaza and Kitanomaru area.

We walked around the Imperial Palace grounds, of course taking photo along the way too. Here is the Status of Kusunoki Masashige situated @ center of the Park. We saw a lot of beggar in the Park. Err.. they just sleep in the Park actually.

We met a tour guide from Hong Kong leading a small group, thus, we just tag along. This tour guide really furnished us with lots of information on the different aspects & history of the Palace. This Palace is actually destroyed during World War Two & rebuilt in the same style afterwards.

The pic below shows the Nijubashi, which are two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass bridge). The bridge in the back was formerly a wooden bridge with two level, from which the name Nijubashi (Double Bridge) is derived.

The palace buildings & inner gardens only open to public on New Year (2nd Jan) & Empleror’s Birthday (23 Dec) where visitors are able to see the members of Imperial Family who make several public appearances on a balcony.

After that, we took metro to Kamiyacho Station which is 7 mins walk to Tokyo Tower. This Tower is 50 years old this year. Visitors can ascend to the main observatory @ 150m (¥820)  & the special observatory @ (¥1420) 250m to her a bird’s eye view of Tokyo. Tokyo Tower is slightly taller than the Eiffel Tower of Paris (333m)

Night view of Tokyo Tower.

Here we reach the second last destination of the day  ~ Shibuya which is the popular shopping area amoung young generation. Busy junction @ Shibuya (Picture below)

We skipped Harajuku from our default plan since its already 6pm after we left Shibuya. Finally, we reached the last stop of the day ~ Shinjuku. Shinjuku Station is Japan’s busiest railway station. We stopped by @ Beard Papa’s for tea break.

We walked around in Shinjuku area for an hour.

Kabukucho is the major entertainment town in Shinjuku. A lot of restaurants, theaters, movie theaters & game arcades available here.

~ Route of the day ~

Shinjuku ~ Ueno ~ Minami-Senju ~ Aizuya Inn ~ Asakusa [Kaminarimon ~ Sensoji Temple ~ Nakamise ~ Asahi Building] ~ Ueno [Ameyoko ~ Yushima Shrine ~ Ueno Park] ~ Akibahara [Akibahara Shopping Area] ~ Shimbashi ~ Odaiba-Daihinkoen [Odaiba Area] ~ Daiba ~ Shimbashi ~ Ueno ~ Minami-Senju ~ Aizuya Inn

We arrived at Tokyo on 5 Nov morning around 7 @ Shinjuku Station. err.. actually is still quite blur at that moment as I just wake up from my sleep. In order to wake up myself, we decided to have breakfast @ Mc-D.. hot roasted coffee..

After that, just as what I have plan, I bought the Tokyo Free Kippu(JR + Metro day pass) which cost ¥1580.

From Shinjuku, we took JR Yamanote line to Ueno & change to Hibiya Subway link & stop @ Minami Senju. same thing happen again, we lost our way while we look for our hostel (Aizuya Inn) eventhough map is on my hand. We arrived @ Aizuya Inn around 10am. This hostel is great actually, have japanese homestay feel. As I mentioned previously, the only downside of this hostel is we have to pay ¥100 for 5 mins shower.

After taking bath & do some preparation then we left our luggage in hostel & start our journey in Tokyo…

We started @ Asakusa. We took bus no 42 from our hotel to Asakusa station which cost us ¥200 each person. (not included in Tokyo Free Kippu). Nakamise Shopping Street is just opposite Asakusa Station.

This street is actually lead to Sensoji Temple(also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) which is the famous buddhist temple in Asakusa area. Here we reach the Hozomon which is the Main Gate of the Sensoji Temple.

We noticed all the devotees are collecting the heat from the extinguished incense & spreading through them. We did the same thing as well. For blessing purpose.

We met a geisha when we left the Sensoji Temple.

After we left Sensoji Temple, we go through the Shopping Street (Nakamise) of over 200m along the way to the Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate) which is the outer gate of the Sensoji Temple. Typical Japanese souvenirs such as yutaka & folding fans, various traditional local snacks from Asakusa area are sold along the Nakamise.

Ningyoyakin is actually a small cake with red bean paste filling

Osenbei (rice crackers). 8 pieces ¥500. We allowed to mix any of 2 flavors of the rice cracker.

Kibidango – skewered kibi-balls covered with soybean powder

Kaminarimon Gate ~ Outer gate of Sensoji Temple

** Note : Actually the usual route for visitors should be enter through the Kaminarimon, going through the Nakamise which leads from outer gate to the temple’s second gate (Hozomon). We did it the other way round.. **

Before we left Asakusa area, we proceeded to the ferry terminal area where we can get a splendid view of the Asahi Building.

The next stop of the day ~  Ueno (interchange that we go through everyday). We left the Ueno Station & turned to Ameyoko. Ameyoko (short form for “Ameya Yokocho”) is a busy market along the Yamanote Line tracks between Okachimachi & Ueno Station.

Various products such as clothes, bags, cosmetics, fresh fish and dried food are sold along Ameyoko.

From Ameyoko, we turned our way to Yushima Shrine which is a very popular shrine amongst students who visit the shrine regularly to ask for blessings in their studies. This shrine is believed enclose with the God of Studies.

After that, we proceeded to Ueno Park.

Ueno Park is famous for its more than 1000 cherry trees. During the cherry blosson season (end of March OR early of April), Ueno Park becomes one of the country’s most popular spots for cherry blosson viewing (hanami in japanese). Japanese likes to setup the picnic area in the park, relax & enjoy snack during that season. They welcome any tourist that would like to join them. (This is what I heard from the Japanese I met on the flight )

We stopped by @ Akibahara before Odaiba. Akibahara is actually an electric city of Tokyo. Hundreds of electrics shops of various sizes can be found here. They offer everything from newest computers, camera, televisions, mobile phones as well as home appliances to 2nd hand goods.

We depart to Odaiba in the Evening around 5pm.

Route @ Odaiba area : Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station -> Rainbow Bridge -> Fuji TV Headquarters -> Daiba little Hong Kong(pass thru) -> Deck Tokyo Beach (pass thru) -> Aquacity(pass thru) -> Palette Town(pass thru) -> Telecom Center -> Oedo Onsen Mongatari -> Aquacity -> Daiba Station

We took Yurikamome Elevated Train from Shimbashi & stopped @ Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station (cost ~ ¥310). From the Station, we walked through the beach (Odaiba Seaside Park) (just try to get a nice shot of the Rainbow Bridge). Along the beach runs a broadwalk dotted with couples, as this area considered the most romantic spot in Tokyo. This park also contains a copy of the Statue of Liberty which is just outside the Fuji TV headquaters. We passed through the Aquacity Shopping Center & walked towards the end till the Telecom Center. We made a right turn from the Telecom Center, Oedo Onsen Mongatari (大江戸温泉物語) is just few steps from the Telecom Center. This Onsen is the Tokyo’s newest & largest hot spring complex. However, we didn’t stop by for the hot spring bath as the time is already late. Therefore, we left the Onsen after some photo shot. We went back to Aquacity for our dinner.

 I lost my ¥5,000 along the beach @ Odaiba 

Hotel Raizan South ~ Osaka ~ Hommachi ~ Tanimachi 4-chome [Osaka Castle] ~ Osakako [Cruise on Santa Maria] ~ Hommachi ~ Dobutsuen-Mae  [Shinsekai] ~ Ebisucho [Tsutenkaku Tower] ~ Nippombashi ~ Namba [Dotonbori Street] ~ Shisaibashi ~ Dobutsuen-Mae ~ Hotel Raizan South ~ Tennoji [bus to Tokyo] ~ Tokyo

Today is our last day in Osaka. We check out from the hotel in the morning & kept our luggage @ Hotel. Our journey for today around 9am. Actually we have planned our first activity of the day should be Osaka Bay Cruise “Santa Maria”. But, we realize the Cruise only start @ 11am, thus, we just change our plan immediately  when we were in the train on the way to Osaka.

From Osaka, we took Subway to Hommachi & transit to Tanimachi 4-chome. We passed by the Osaka City museum while on the way from the subway to the castle. We didn’t go in to the Museum eventhough the entrance fee is included in the Unlimited Pass because I’m not really interested.

Here we reach the Osaka Castle. The original castle has been destroyed & this is actually the rebuild of the castle in the last century. This castle is really contrast to Himeji Castle which I visited 3 days ago where elevator leading to the top floor is available & the interiors of the castle is modern looking.

You can learn more about the life and history of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a federal lord who unified the country in the castle.

Osakajo Park Tram is actually available from Osaka castle Park to  Osaka Castle donjon (Otemon gate & Sakuramon gate). But service is actually close on Mondays (or the next day when it falls on a national holiday). Since 3 Nov 2008 (Monday) is national holiday of Japan, Thus this service is close for today.

Second activity of the day ~ Cruise on Santa Maria. We took Subway from Tanimachi 4-Chome to Osakako. The Osaka Port is about 10 mins walk fro Osakako Station. We bought our lunch @ one of the Bento Shop along the way to Osaka Port.

Here is our bento set. ¥400 (left ~ Chicken Set) & ¥530 (right ~ Mix)

We enjoyed our lunch @ the Osaka Port while waiting for the cruise. The Cruise on Santa Maria departs on 1pm.

The fees is actually ¥1,600 (included in Osaka Unlimited Pass). The ship lasts for about 50 minutes & you are able to enjoy a magnificient view of Osaka from the sea.

After the cruise, we were back to Shinsekai (新世界), which is few steps from Dobutsuen-Mae Station.

A lot of Billiken Statue along the way to Tsutenkaku Tower.

Billiken God is believed as a god that bring us happiness

hehe.. I bought a Billiken toy from the Dotonbori Gokuraku Shoutengai (place visited later) as well. Hope that my wish will come true when I scratch his sole of foot.

Here is the day view of Tsutenkaku Tower. The top of Tsutenkaku Tower provides panoramic & unobstructed view of Osaka with admission fees ~ ¥600 which is included in Osaka Unlimited Pass as well.

Since we planned to shot the night view of the Tsutenkaku Tower as well, thus, we left Shinsekai & go to Dotonbori Street for our last day shopping @ the street. We visited Dotonbori Gokuraku Shoutengai which is a food entertainment park where you can enjoy unique gourment cuisine & a retrospect atmosphere of Osaka. Admission ~ ¥315 (included in Unlimited Pass).

We were given a card when we entered the park where you can order any food available & pay at the counter before you left the park. Similar concept with marche @ The Curve.

We just tried one of the food that available in the park.

Rest Area is available in the park for you to rest & enjoy your food.

After we enjoyed the food, we hanged around in the park for about half hour before we left the park. Here is the cashier available for you to make payment before you left the park.

After Dotonbori Gokuraku Shoutengai visit, we hanged around Dotonbori Street & tried some of the local food there as well. We passed by Don Quijote Dotonbori Branch “Ebisu Tower” along the way to Shinsaibashi Street.

After that we back to Shinsekai for night shot of Tsutenkaku Tower.

We end our Osaka trip @ Shinseikai. We back to Hotel to get our luggage after a quick dinner @ 7-11. We depart from hotel around 9am in order to catch our bus @ Tennoji Station to go to Tokyo. We lost our way when we came out from Tennoji Station. From the map, we knew the bus station is just few steps from Exit 3 (JR Railway). However, we got out from Exit 3 of subway station which took us 10 mins to find the location of the bus station. We arrived @ the bus station @ 9:30pm sharp. Err.. the whole bus is waiting for us.. . We took bus from Tennoji to Umeda & change another bus to go to Tokyo.

Tokyo ~ I’m coming…

Hotel Raizan South ~ Tennoji ~ Nishikujo ~ Universal City [Universal Studios Japan] ~ Nishikujo ~ Osaka [Umeda Sky Building] ~ Namba [Dotonbori Street ~ Shinsaibashi Street] ~ Shinsaibashi ~ Dobutsuen-Mae ~ Hotel Raizan South

As we planned to go to Umeda Sky Building today. Thus, we walked from our hotel to Tennoji Station (10 mins walk) in order to get Osaka Unlimited Pass (Osaka Unlimited Pass only sold @ certain station ~ Tennoji is 1 of them).

This Osaka Unlimited 2-days Pass (¥2700) provides :

1. Unlimited ride of Osaka City Subway, New Tram and Bus for two days!
2. Free admission to 27 popular sightseeing spots in Osaka!
3. Discount at 13 popular spots
4. Special after at approximate 50 places,restaurants,shops and etc.

We bought the USJ Pass @ Tennoji station as well because we scared there will be long queue @ USJ ticket counter. USJ 1-day Pass cost us ¥5800. After we bought the Pass, We took JR from Tennoji to Universal-City Station which cost us ¥190. Universal Studios Japan is just few steps from the Universal-City Station.  Today is actually the last day for Haloween theme. yeah.. you will see everything is in Haloween mode. 

Expected~ Long queue @ the USJ ticket counter. (luckily we bought our ticket already) ~ Today is actually public holiday but we doesn’t know. . Long queue for the rides & show as well. So try not to choose public holiday or weekend when you go to theme park.

We took around 6 hours explore around USJ. We stopped by @ Popcorn Papa shop when we left USJ.

Here is our Caramel & Nut Popcorn(¥480) + Ice brended Orange (¥260)

After we left USJ, we continue to our next destination of the day ~ Umeda Sky Building which located 10 mins walk from the Osaka Station. The 173 meter tall building consists of two main towers which are connected with each other by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor. The observatory offers a great view of the city for a ¥700 admission fee (included in Osaka Unlimited Pass).

We end our day @ Dotonbori Street which is 5 mins walk from Namba Subway station. We had our dinner @ the street.

Make sure you Don’t Forget to try the famous food @ Street when you travel to Japan.

Here is the Octopus Ball & Okonomiyaki that is very famous in Japan. We bought a set of 6 octopus ball for ¥400 and a set of Normal Okonomiyaki that cost ¥300.

Another Shopping Street is available @ the end of Dotonbori Street called Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade which spans a length of 600 meters.

This Chocolate Cream Puff look delicious right? You can get this Cream Puff @ Shinsaibashi street which cost ¥130.

We hanged around @ Shinsaibashi Street for a chile before we got back to our Hotel.

Hotel Raizan South ~ Shin-Imamiya ~ Osaka ~ Kyoto ~ Arashiyama ~ Kameoka [Sagano Romantic Train ~ Bamboo Groves ~ Togetsukyo Bridge ] ~ Arashiyama ~ Kyoto ~ [Kiyomizu-dera temple] ~ Kyoto ~ Omihachiman [SATY Shopping Center] ~ Osaka ~ Shin-Imamiya ~ Hotel Raizan South

We woke out around 7am in the morning. After simple breakfast, we start our day 2 trip around 8:30am. Our destination today is Kyoto. We took Subway to Osaka and then transit to JR & proceed to Kyoto. We visited the information center @ Kyoto Station & confirmed the top sights to be visited @ Kyoto.

Arashiyama ~ Kiyomizu-dera temple ~ Kyoto Tower ~ Omihachiman

Our first stop of the day is Arashiyama (嵐山). We took JR from Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama Station then transit to Kameoka.

We arrived @ Kameoka around 11:15am. Since we already bought the Romantic train ticket from Kameoka to Arashiyama which is 12:15pm. Thus, we just stop by @ Lawson for simple lunch.

Cold Beverage selling @ Lawson ~ wow.. Starbucks coffee is available here as well…

Another surprise for me, they selling hot drink in can. This shelf is actually hot.

After lunch, we walked to the Kameoka to catch our Sagano Romantic Train on 12:15pm. The Sagano Romantic Train clostly follows the course of the Hozu River though the idyllic canyon from Kameoka to Arashiyama. (You can choose to take the train from Arashiyama to Kameoka as well). The journey takes approximately 25 minutes & cost ¥600.

Another pleasant thing to do in Arashiyama is taking a two hours boat tour down Hozu River. Due to timing problem, we skip this ride and proceed to Bamboo Groves. Bamboo Groves are found behind Tenryuji Temple and along the trail to the Okochi Sanso.

You will see a lot of tricycle along the way

After leaving Bamboo Groves, we continue our way to Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋) which literally means “Crossing Moon Bridge”, Togetsukyo with Mt. Arashiyama as backdrop is the symbol of Arashiyama.

Riverside parks provide space for a pleasant break.

We left Arashiyama around 3pm & ahead to our next stop ~  Kiyomizu-dera temple. We took JR from Arashiyama to Kyoto & takes 206 bus from Kyoto to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺)

This temple is up a hill and it takes another 10 minutes of walking from the bus station. A lot of shop available along the way to the temple.

DON’T FORGET green tea ice cream when you travel to Japan. Its only ¥200

Here is the Main Hall of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Behind Kyomizudera’s main hall stands Jishu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deity of love.

In front of the shrine are two rocks, placed several meters apart from each other. This stone is called “Love-fortune-telling” stone. Successfully walking from one to the other rock with your eyes closed is said to bring luck in your love live.

We left around 5pm and got back to Kyoto station. The view of Kyoto Tower from 10th storey of the station.

From Kyoto, we go to our last destination of the day ~ Omihachiman. We had our dinner @ one of the Ramen shop in Saty Shopping Center. This meal is only cost us total of  ¥1800.

We shop in the SATY after our dinner before we got back to our hotel. From Omihachiman, we got back to Osaka. This is the time we only realize JR train is available from Osaka to Shin-Imamiya which we doesn’t know previously. :s.

~ End of 2nd day ~

In fact, our plan today should include Kinkakuji Golden Temple as well. But, we skip that due to timing constraint.

KL ~ Kansai Airport ~ Tennoji ~ Dobutsuen Mae ~ Hotel Raizan South ~ Shin-Imamiya ~ Namba ~ Imamiya ~ Shin-Imamiya ~ Osaka ~ Himeji [Himeji Castle] ~ Kobe [Kobe Port] ~ Osaka ~ Shinsaibashi [Shinsaibashi Street & Dotonbori Street] ~ Hotel Raizan South

My flight is 11:55 @ night, therefore I just put my luggage @ Storage center @ KL Sentral which only cost me RM6 as I still working today. In fact, I was quite rush after work because I’m not able to finish my job. I met up with my sis @ KL Sentral for dinner @ Secret Recipe ~ Chocolate Cheese Cake + 1 cup of Ice Latte ~. At the same time, I continue my job there before departure to Airport (sound pity right?). I took 9:30pm KLIA transit to airport. since there is still 3 hours to go, so I decided to transit @ Cyberjaya, means KL Sentral -> Cyberjaya -> KLIA. which cost me total RM15.7 only (normal fare is RM35 per trip). I arrived @ KLIA around 10:40pm.

The flight departure on time @ 11:55pm 31 Oct. I manage to rest well on the flight as the stewardess offered a row of empty seat for me where I can lie down & sleep. nice right?

I arrived @ Kansai airport 6 hours later ~ around 7am (M’sia time 6am). Go through custom & took my luggage. Of course, they did check my luggage & ask me some question. Anyway, everything goes smoothly. I came out from airport around 8am & is still early as my friend will only reach @ 9am. So I just walk around in the airport while waiting for Woon. The weather here is slightly cold, around 16 degrees. Is just a nice weather for travel I think.

I met up with Woon around 9am & we bought JR 2 days pass @ airport with cost ¥4000.

This pass is only for a foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad under “temporary visitor” entry status. We took JR train from Airport to Tennoji station & transit to Subway to Dobutsuen Mae station (Subway : ¥200). Our hotel is just 1 min walk from Dobutsuen Mae station. But, we lost our way when we came out from the station. haha, so 1 min became 10 mins. We arrived @ Hotel Raizan South around 11am.

Since this is a budget hotel, thus, we were provided with 24-hours capable individual shower. Japanese public shower is provided in this hotel as well.

Here is some tips about how to take bath in Japanese Public Bath.

1. Take off your clothes in the changing room.
2. Put clothes in the shelf.
3. Enter the bathroom with a small towel and your amenities.
4. There will be a bucket beside the tub, scoop out some water and pour it over yourself to rinse your body before getting in the bathtub.
5. Soak in the bathtub. Remember not to bring anything into the tub, not even a towel.
6. Get out of the tub and wash your body or hair in front of the faucet. (It should be done outside of the tub.)
7. Rinse off soap and shampoo well.
8. Get in the bathtub again if you want.
9. Rinse your body with clean warm water in front of faucet.
10. Dry your body with your small towel before you go to the changing room.
11. Dry your body with your bath towel and dress in the changing room.

We start our journey after short break in the hotel.Our journey start from Shin-Imamiya station which is around 2 mins from our hotel (around 1pm). We took subway from Shin-Imamiya to go to Osaka which cost us ¥170 each (in fact, JR train is available for this route but we doesn’t know. ).

This signboard seems complicated right? because the track is shared by different destination. (Tips : rectangle symbol means that you can enter the train @ the entrance with rectangle symbol). haha~ eventhough we know we should wait for the 13:15 train, but we still took the wrong train and go to Namba (actually is only 1 station away from Shin-Imamiya), therefore we try to get another train to back to Shin-Imamiya, but, in fact the train we took from Namba did not stop @ Shin-Imamiya but stop @ Imamiya. So, we have to take another train to back to Shin-Imamiya in order to catch the train to go to Osaka. BLUR~~ Our first stop of the day ~ Himeji ~ Himeji Castle

Some histories about the castle ~ Himeji Castle is widely considered Japan’s most spectacular castle. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires and survives in its original form. In the 14th century, a fort was first built on the current castle site. Over the centuries, the various clans, who ruled over the region, gradually enlarged it. The castle complex, as it survives today, was completed in 1609. The well defended castle and its wooden interior are fascinating, and the castle’s sight is spectacular, especially during the short and crowded cherry blossom season, that usually takes place in the first half of April. We took around 3 hours to explore the Himeji Castle (including photo shooting). Entrance fee ~ ¥600.

This castle gives people an illusion that there is only 5 levels from the exterior but in fact there are 6 floors & there is an indoor shrine on the top floor of the castle. There is some story behind as why the shrine has been shifted into the castle.

After that we continue our trip to the next stop ~ Kobe ~ which is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of Japan’s ten largest cities. Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is also considered one of Japan’s most attractive cities. Kobe was almost destroyed during the earthquake on year 1995but it was rebuilt rapidly. Thus, most of the buildings we see now is actually less than 13 years old.

Kobe Port was one of the first Japanese ports to be opened to foreign trade in the late Edo Period, and the city remains one of Japan’s more cosmopolitan cities. Actually Kobe is very popular with beef, but I’m not a beef lover, therefore I didn’t try the beef there. After leaving Kobe, now is the best time of the day after whole day walking around ~ My first dinner @ Japan ~ 串烧.

This shop is located @ Shinsaibashi which is about 7-8 mins walk from Shinsaibashi station. We ordered Grilled chicken set ,1 NANIWA set & Grill Atka Mackerel. Of course, we ordered beer as well. This meal cost us ¥3087.

This Grilled Chicken set cost ~ ¥577

This NANIWA Set is basically a value set of skewer which include beef, chicken, octopus, egg, white leek, lotus root & octopus ball ~ ¥766

Here is the Grill Atka Mackerel which is actually a grilled fish which cost ¥714

After dinner, we tried to walk from Shinsaibashi to our hotel which took us around 40 minutes (Quite long distance right? In fact we thought our hotel is somewhere near. ). You never know it is far if you never try. We went through den den town, sinseikai…. & we got back to hotel around 10pm. ~ Long day ~

~ Tokyo – Kawaguchiko -  1700 yen
~ Kawaguchiko – Mt. Fuji 5th Station – 1500 yen

Route : Minami-senju -> Ueno [Hibiya Line] -> Tokyo [JR Yamanote Line] (Yaesu South Exit)-> lake Yamanaka(2.5 hours) / Kawaguchiko Station (around 3 hours) [Bus] -> Mt. Fuji 5th Station(1 hour) [Fujikyu Tozan Bus]

Fujukawaguchiko Tourist Information
Kawaguchiko Station : 3641-1, Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minami-tsuru-gun, TAmanashi
Tel : (0555)72-6700
09:00 – 17:00

Five lakes : Yamanaka-ko, Kawaguchi-ko, Sai-ko, Shoji-ko, and Motosu-ko

Route : Lake Yamanaka-ko -> Lake Kawaguchi ko -> Lake Sai-ko -> Lake Shoji-ko -> Lake Motosu-ko

Lake Sai-ko ‘Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba’

Lake Shoji-ko

Lake Motosu-ko