We got another early start this morning, leaving Kyoto Station @ 7:42am and arriving in Hiroshima just after 9:30am.
Hiroshima`s street car system seems to be the most efficient (ok, easiest) way to get around the city, though it could use some modernization and cleanup.
We checked into the J-Hoppers Hiroshima Trad Guesthouse (converted hotel), then were off for Miyajima Island for the day.
We got to the island for lunch, where we feasted on a could of rice dishes with egg (raw, according to Sarah) and a huge serving of sushi, including Sarah`s favourite Octopus and Eel. : )
We visited the Senjokaku (Pavilion of 1000 mats) and got a close-up look at the 5 storey Pagoda next to it, something I didn`t have time to do on my last visit.
Next was the Itsukushima Shrine, where we were lucky enough to witness a traditional Japanese wedding.
We started up the trail, that Stacey and I had previously climbed, to find out that it was closed for extensive restoration after the damaged caused by a typhoon last year. The entire base of the path appeared to have been washed out, as well as, areas further up. So we added an extra kilometer to our hike, by having to walk to another trail.
The trail we ended up on was 2.5km long ascending to the peak of Mt. Misen which stands 523m high. Needless to say Sarah enjoyed the beer from the dilapidated look-out point at the top. Sarah has now joined the ranks of Stacey (2), Paul (1) and myself (2) who have ascending the mountain.
We arrived at the ropeway 15 minutes before it shut-down for the evening. Paul and Stacey missed it on their climb. Ha, ha!
There were no monkeys to be seen, but we ran into three Canadian gentlemen. When I asked them where they were from one of them said Cambridge, near Toronto. They had to make sure they said Cambridge, Ontario, when we said that`s where we were from. Of all the places. They were brought over (1st class) by Toyota for meetings and work on the Corolla and had the weekend off to tour the country (all paid for). We took the ropeway down with them and had a good chat.
As we were walking back to catch the ferry, the tide was out and people were walking out to the torii gate. After some coxing, Sarah and walked out and got some unique shots.
It began to shower as the ferry departed the island.
Another full and tiring day ended with a stroll back to the Hostel, through the Peace Memorial Park.
4/21/2007
4/20/2007
Higashiyama Walk
We began the Higashiyama Walk from the base of the Kiyomizudera (Pure Water Temple), which is another UN designated World Heritage Site and trying to become one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. (http://www.new7wonders.com)
This was by far the most impressive stop of the trip, thus far. It was also the biggest tourist trap.
While taking in the view of Kyoto, we were literally cornered by a small group of students, doing an English assignment, which required them to ask us some questions about why we were visiting Japan. With the hundreds of other Japanese students visiting the temple, we were wishing for some sort of sticker to indicate we had already been interviewed. However, to our pleasure that was the only group that stopped us.
We continued our walk sampling some local sweets, pickles and green tea ice cream.
After a brief stop at the Heian Shrine, we caught a bus to Ginkakjui Temple, then made the long bus ride across the city to see the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavillion), which we had missed on the 19th. Both of these temples are also World Heritage Sites.
In the evening, we strolled another area of the Gion district and spotted several Geisha as they made their way to their respected Tea Houses. It was like being a paparazzi photographer, trying to get shots of the ladies as they ran through the streets.
With the beautiful sunny weather and the vast historical sites, we wished we had planned to have stayed in Kyoto another day.
This was by far the most impressive stop of the trip, thus far. It was also the biggest tourist trap.
While taking in the view of Kyoto, we were literally cornered by a small group of students, doing an English assignment, which required them to ask us some questions about why we were visiting Japan. With the hundreds of other Japanese students visiting the temple, we were wishing for some sort of sticker to indicate we had already been interviewed. However, to our pleasure that was the only group that stopped us.
We continued our walk sampling some local sweets, pickles and green tea ice cream.
After a brief stop at the Heian Shrine, we caught a bus to Ginkakjui Temple, then made the long bus ride across the city to see the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavillion), which we had missed on the 19th. Both of these temples are also World Heritage Sites.
In the evening, we strolled another area of the Gion district and spotted several Geisha as they made their way to their respected Tea Houses. It was like being a paparazzi photographer, trying to get shots of the ladies as they ran through the streets.
With the beautiful sunny weather and the vast historical sites, we wished we had planned to have stayed in Kyoto another day.
4/19/2007
Goodbye Tokyo (Rain), Hello Kyoto (Sunshine)...
We departed Tokyo on a JR Shinkansen (bullet train) @ 7:36am on another overcast morning.
To our surprise and happiness, after the disappointment in Hakone, we were able to clearly see Mt. Fuji, as we sped past in the train.
We were greeted at Kyoto Station with our first sunny / warm weather, another pleasant surprise.
After about a 15 minute hike from the station, we dropped off our packs at our new accomidations, K`s House Kyoto, and were quickly out again exploring.
Mistakenly thinking we were closer to the Nijo-jo Castle than we actually were, we began treking the city. After some realignment, we hopped on the Kyoto subway system.
Nijo-jo Castle was beautiful. Unfortunately I wasn`t allowed to take any interior shots, because of the fragility o the interior artwork. Sarah was intrigued by the chirpping floor, which was built to sound like Nghtingales in order to notify of intrusions to the castle.
After the castle we grabbed the JR train, to the northwest end of the city with the intent to visit the Kinkajui, Ryoanji and Ninnaji Shrines. The distance from the train station and early closings of the Shrines limited us to visiting only the Ryoanji Shrine and Zen Garden (the most famous in Japan), which is designated as a World Cultural Site. To spell it out clearly, we paid 1000 Yen to view 15 rocks.
We then headed back into the city in hopes of seeing some Geisha, as we walked the narrow streets of the Gion district. We just saw a bunch of tourists.
To our surprise and happiness, after the disappointment in Hakone, we were able to clearly see Mt. Fuji, as we sped past in the train.
We were greeted at Kyoto Station with our first sunny / warm weather, another pleasant surprise.
After about a 15 minute hike from the station, we dropped off our packs at our new accomidations, K`s House Kyoto, and were quickly out again exploring.
Mistakenly thinking we were closer to the Nijo-jo Castle than we actually were, we began treking the city. After some realignment, we hopped on the Kyoto subway system.
Nijo-jo Castle was beautiful. Unfortunately I wasn`t allowed to take any interior shots, because of the fragility o the interior artwork. Sarah was intrigued by the chirpping floor, which was built to sound like Nghtingales in order to notify of intrusions to the castle.
After the castle we grabbed the JR train, to the northwest end of the city with the intent to visit the Kinkajui, Ryoanji and Ninnaji Shrines. The distance from the train station and early closings of the Shrines limited us to visiting only the Ryoanji Shrine and Zen Garden (the most famous in Japan), which is designated as a World Cultural Site. To spell it out clearly, we paid 1000 Yen to view 15 rocks.
We then headed back into the city in hopes of seeing some Geisha, as we walked the narrow streets of the Gion district. We just saw a bunch of tourists.
4/18/2007
Hakone & Mt. Fuji
We took a day trip to Hakone to see Mt. Fuji and to escape Tokyo. Yet another very early start to the day! (4:30am)
As we made our way into the mountains by train, the skies were clear and it looked like a beautiful day was ahead of us. On our way to the Mt. Fuji lookout, I spotted an Open Air Museum that looked intriguing, so we decided to make a pit stop and look around. The museum turned out to be this huge art gallery with several unique works of art from Henry Moore, Carl Miles and Picasso.
As the museum took so long to go through, by the time we got to the Ropeway to the Mt. Fuji lookout the clouds had rolled in, so there was absolutely nothing to see, except for the falling snow. We, sorry I however, enjoyed a unique treat of black eggs.
After the lookout we descended to Lake Ashi, which we crossed in a Pirate Ferry. We completed our tour walking through the pouring cold rain and along a magnificent Old Cedar Pathway.
As we made our way into the mountains by train, the skies were clear and it looked like a beautiful day was ahead of us. On our way to the Mt. Fuji lookout, I spotted an Open Air Museum that looked intriguing, so we decided to make a pit stop and look around. The museum turned out to be this huge art gallery with several unique works of art from Henry Moore, Carl Miles and Picasso.
As the museum took so long to go through, by the time we got to the Ropeway to the Mt. Fuji lookout the clouds had rolled in, so there was absolutely nothing to see, except for the falling snow. We, sorry I however, enjoyed a unique treat of black eggs.
After the lookout we descended to Lake Ashi, which we crossed in a Pirate Ferry. We completed our tour walking through the pouring cold rain and along a magnificent Old Cedar Pathway.
4/17/2007
Tsukiji Fish Market, the Sony Building, and the Imperial Palace...
We visited the Tsukiji Fish Market in the very early morning. The maze of vendors, customers, equipment and fish made for an overwhelming experience. We were glad to escape to the shops and restaurants outside the main selling area. Breakfast consisted of some kind of rice dough pastry mixed with broccoli, shrimp and Sarah`s favourite, Octopus.
We then walked up to the Ginza district in order to visit the Sony Building. Unfortunately we arrived a little after 9am and it didn`t open until 11am. We toured around the district and finally were able to walk into a 9 storey mall that had opened at 10am. We were somewhat out of place wearing our backpacks and hiking clothes, while wandering by Louis Vuitton and Gucci stores. The roof offered up the pet store, outside golfing lessons, vending machines and of course a shrine. When we finally got to tour the Sony Building, it was a bit of a let down. There wasn`t that much that stood out, as being out there technologically. But they`re still at least a few years ahead of us on certain gadgets.
Only the East Gardens are open to the public on the Imperial Palace grounds, so we only made a brief stop.
Finally with two hours until closing, we arrived at the National Museum park. Tired and not really wanting to visit anything else, we forced ourselves through a couple of floors at the National Science Museum.
It was definitely a full day of cramming in as much as we could!
We then walked up to the Ginza district in order to visit the Sony Building. Unfortunately we arrived a little after 9am and it didn`t open until 11am. We toured around the district and finally were able to walk into a 9 storey mall that had opened at 10am. We were somewhat out of place wearing our backpacks and hiking clothes, while wandering by Louis Vuitton and Gucci stores. The roof offered up the pet store, outside golfing lessons, vending machines and of course a shrine. When we finally got to tour the Sony Building, it was a bit of a let down. There wasn`t that much that stood out, as being out there technologically. But they`re still at least a few years ahead of us on certain gadgets.
Only the East Gardens are open to the public on the Imperial Palace grounds, so we only made a brief stop.
Finally with two hours until closing, we arrived at the National Museum park. Tired and not really wanting to visit anything else, we forced ourselves through a couple of floors at the National Science Museum.
It was definitely a full day of cramming in as much as we could!
Sensjoi, Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Rain
Sarah and I were amazed to see how slow the city is to wake up on a work day. There were very few vehicles on the road and only a couple pedestrians, as we made our way towards the Sensoji and the Asakusa area. We were expecting the busyness of Toronto, but instead found it to be more like Hagersville.
We decided to begin the day at Denny's, in order to slowly adjust our diets. A good choice, as our waitress spoke fairly good English and our Japanese, unfortunately, might as well be non-existent. Mmmmm... orange yoked eggs.
The Asakusa Kannon Temple and surrounding grounds were quiet, but slowly came to life as people stopped for a prayer on their way to work and school. I got a good laugh out of watching a couple of the children going into the Kindergarden, which is located in the Temple grounds. One grabed the exterior gate with both hands, as their mother dragged them in screaming.
On our stroll back to the hostel, to grab someone's sweater and mittens, we were lucky to dodge a shattering fluroescent lightbulb, which a garbage man accidentily missed throwing into the garbage truck. He had an excuse though, as the trucks aren't any bigger than a mini-van.
After some frustrating searching and the best pastry/donut ever (Mister Donut) , we grabbed the subway to the Shinjuku shopping district. This is were we got to see the true Tokyo, with skysrappers and wall to wall pedestrians. We grabbed passes for our trip to Hakone on Wednesday and then began the argeous search for the JR Travel Service Center, where we picked up our JR Rail Passes for full train and ferry service for the rest of our trip.
Wanting to escape some of the hustle of the area, we walked to the Skinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo's largest parks, where it proceeded to start raining heavily. After a few pictures of traditional gardens and cherry blossoms, we made a dash for the subway to Harajuku.
Harajuku is the center of Japan's most extreme teenage fashion styles and cutures. Unfortunately with it raining so much all we really got to see was umbrellas, though I'll admit there were also alot of mini-skirts/shorts and heels. Just no pictures, sorry guys! They seem to sacrifice comfort for style, as we constantly saw them staggering and tripping, because of the heels.
After fighting for space on the subway during rush hour, we slowly made ourway back to the hostel, where I suggested we take a nap before dinner. Dinner never happened! Hey, I was up early blogging!
Check-out the web-site for some pictures.
We decided to begin the day at Denny's, in order to slowly adjust our diets. A good choice, as our waitress spoke fairly good English and our Japanese, unfortunately, might as well be non-existent. Mmmmm... orange yoked eggs.
The Asakusa Kannon Temple and surrounding grounds were quiet, but slowly came to life as people stopped for a prayer on their way to work and school. I got a good laugh out of watching a couple of the children going into the Kindergarden, which is located in the Temple grounds. One grabed the exterior gate with both hands, as their mother dragged them in screaming.
On our stroll back to the hostel, to grab someone's sweater and mittens, we were lucky to dodge a shattering fluroescent lightbulb, which a garbage man accidentily missed throwing into the garbage truck. He had an excuse though, as the trucks aren't any bigger than a mini-van.
After some frustrating searching and the best pastry/donut ever (Mister Donut) , we grabbed the subway to the Shinjuku shopping district. This is were we got to see the true Tokyo, with skysrappers and wall to wall pedestrians. We grabbed passes for our trip to Hakone on Wednesday and then began the argeous search for the JR Travel Service Center, where we picked up our JR Rail Passes for full train and ferry service for the rest of our trip.
Wanting to escape some of the hustle of the area, we walked to the Skinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo's largest parks, where it proceeded to start raining heavily. After a few pictures of traditional gardens and cherry blossoms, we made a dash for the subway to Harajuku.
Harajuku is the center of Japan's most extreme teenage fashion styles and cutures. Unfortunately with it raining so much all we really got to see was umbrellas, though I'll admit there were also alot of mini-skirts/shorts and heels. Just no pictures, sorry guys! They seem to sacrifice comfort for style, as we constantly saw them staggering and tripping, because of the heels.
After fighting for space on the subway during rush hour, we slowly made ourway back to the hostel, where I suggested we take a nap before dinner. Dinner never happened! Hey, I was up early blogging!
Check-out the web-site for some pictures.
4/16/2007
And Away We Go...
After leaving the house on Saturday morning at 6:00am (Thanks for the ride Adrianne!), we arrived at the Tokyo International Hostel at 6:00am Eastern Standard Time on Sunday, a full 24 hour door to door journey.
The flight from Pearson was delayed by a 1/2 hour, for some undisclosed reason, though Sarah says that no flights appeared to be leaving during that period of time. I was already having a nap!
We arrived at O'Hare International Airport late, providing us with just enough time to leisurely walk from the one end of Terminal 1 to the other and board our flight for Tokyo. Another 1/2 hour delay was experienced when a heat sensor from one of the engines needed to be replaced. Great!
The 13 hour flight to Tokyo, afforded us the time to catch up on some of the movies (Blood Diamond, The Holiday, and Happy Feet), as well as some extremely uncomfortable sleep!
Japan appears to be about a month ahead of our spring, as grass is green, the trees have leaves and flowers are blooming everywhere. The 1 hour train ride from Narita International Airport into Ueno Station showed us that we weren't in North American any longer.
Trying to buy a simple Tokyo-Metro ticket for 160 Yen ($1.50 CAN) became my biggest challenge of the day! Having read the maps and watched others purchase tickets from the vending machines, I stepped up to the plate. Inserting 1000 Yen bill, I selected 2 tickets for 160 Yen each. A "pass" for 3000 Yen popped out, then an alarm on the machine and a light started to flash. Not sure what had transpired, I quickly walked away, knowing I didn't have what I wanted, but not knowing what I had either. Sarah and I watched from a safe distance as a couple of people walked up to the machine and were unable to get it to work. In less than 1 1/2 hours, I had already wrecked something. Luckily we picked another machine and got the proper tickets. The "bonus" pass will definitely come in handy.
We arrived at the hostel by dusk, freshened up and went out for a tour of the area. We got our first laugh, venturing into the first floor of a four storey mall, where we saw a brand of baby clothes called "Laugh & Cheap". That brought up one of Sarah's memories from teaching in Korea, where a young female student was wearing a t-shirt that said "Just do me!", trying to innocently copy Nike's "Just do it!" advertising. Ah, the art of translation!
We gained our next experience, walking back towards the hostel, as an older gentlemen was watering some of those nice blooming flowers mentioned earlier.
Finally, we chose a 180Yen Noodle restaurant for our first meal. Luckily for us, we also pointed to the right dishes to eat!
As it's 4:30am, I better head back up stairs and grab another hours sleep, before todays adventures begin!
The flight from Pearson was delayed by a 1/2 hour, for some undisclosed reason, though Sarah says that no flights appeared to be leaving during that period of time. I was already having a nap!
We arrived at O'Hare International Airport late, providing us with just enough time to leisurely walk from the one end of Terminal 1 to the other and board our flight for Tokyo. Another 1/2 hour delay was experienced when a heat sensor from one of the engines needed to be replaced. Great!
The 13 hour flight to Tokyo, afforded us the time to catch up on some of the movies (Blood Diamond, The Holiday, and Happy Feet), as well as some extremely uncomfortable sleep!
Japan appears to be about a month ahead of our spring, as grass is green, the trees have leaves and flowers are blooming everywhere. The 1 hour train ride from Narita International Airport into Ueno Station showed us that we weren't in North American any longer.
Trying to buy a simple Tokyo-Metro ticket for 160 Yen ($1.50 CAN) became my biggest challenge of the day! Having read the maps and watched others purchase tickets from the vending machines, I stepped up to the plate. Inserting 1000 Yen bill, I selected 2 tickets for 160 Yen each. A "pass" for 3000 Yen popped out, then an alarm on the machine and a light started to flash. Not sure what had transpired, I quickly walked away, knowing I didn't have what I wanted, but not knowing what I had either. Sarah and I watched from a safe distance as a couple of people walked up to the machine and were unable to get it to work. In less than 1 1/2 hours, I had already wrecked something. Luckily we picked another machine and got the proper tickets. The "bonus" pass will definitely come in handy.
We arrived at the hostel by dusk, freshened up and went out for a tour of the area. We got our first laugh, venturing into the first floor of a four storey mall, where we saw a brand of baby clothes called "Laugh & Cheap". That brought up one of Sarah's memories from teaching in Korea, where a young female student was wearing a t-shirt that said "Just do me!", trying to innocently copy Nike's "Just do it!" advertising. Ah, the art of translation!
We gained our next experience, walking back towards the hostel, as an older gentlemen was watering some of those nice blooming flowers mentioned earlier.
Finally, we chose a 180Yen Noodle restaurant for our first meal. Luckily for us, we also pointed to the right dishes to eat!
As it's 4:30am, I better head back up stairs and grab another hours sleep, before todays adventures begin!
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