Hiroshima,
Day 1
We stayed in Hiroshima for 3 day`s, the hotel was great there was free coffee and free internet. The only downside was that the USB ports where turned off, so there was no way to upload my pictures from my camera. At first we scouted the local area and next the Peace memorial museum. I did not enter the museum right away because it looked like there was a long waiting line. I shopped a bit and we ate at a nice restaurant.
Day 2
Nearby Hiroshima there was a famous Tori(gate) build in the water near a island. The trip took about 2 hours to get there but it was well worth it. Not only was the scenery below beautiful, but so was the mountain. There where two ways to get up the mountain, by foot or ski-lift. There was a small danger you`d encounter some monkeys but we encountered non. The view was awesome where the ski-lift brought us, but we could even go up higher... Unfortunately only by foot. When we arrived at the absolute top we could see 360 degrees around us. If you ever find the time to visit Japan this is a place worth checking out. The way back we brave souls walked, the distance is not great just many steep stairs to conquer.
Day 3
Well, I wanted to experience the Peace memorial museum on my own so I kept this day for my self part from dinner. What I saw inside hit me hard, it was a real eye-opener, and reminded me how cruel humans can be. Still at this day there are enough nuclear weapons to destroy mankind. And don`t think its only Russia and America with nuclear weapons, but England, France, India and China (I might left out a few) too. I scouted the city a bit absentminded until I arrived at a park... but that was about it for that day, shopping is great but not as cool compared to Tokyo. Shopping was better then Kyoto thought.
zondag 16 mei 2010
Japan day 14
Deep in the mountains,
Yes, again a big change of scenery, we went by train alongside the cliffside of a mountain through tunnels towards our destination. The train made loud annoying noises at every bend in the track. It was so deafening that having earplugs or a headphone was quite the luxury to have. When we arrived at the station we went from train to cable car, that pulled us even further up the mountain. At the top we went by bus cramped together driving through sharp corners towards the temple where we would spend the night. It was really cold at the top but luckily the rooms had their on aircondictioning system so room temperature was great. The temple it self was really nice, classic wooden floors and doors that could only be opened sideways. The mountain was a holy place, this was because long ago a priest went to China returned with scrolls and apparently decided to found his own religion. This hit the people like Ikea took over Europe. When he died it was THE PLACE to be buried in. All the people from Japan envy a spot to burry their ashes along the many great historical figures. Over time it grew in a immense size and everywhere you look there are gravestones and really big trees. Given the fact that it was cold and a bit misty the place gave a magical feeling and at the same time a bit spooky, but beautiful non the less. At the end of the path you will find a temple with monks doing their dally stuff but this is where the superpriest was buried. So of course no pictures are allowed.
Well enough said, enjoy the pictures.
Yes, again a big change of scenery, we went by train alongside the cliffside of a mountain through tunnels towards our destination. The train made loud annoying noises at every bend in the track. It was so deafening that having earplugs or a headphone was quite the luxury to have. When we arrived at the station we went from train to cable car, that pulled us even further up the mountain. At the top we went by bus cramped together driving through sharp corners towards the temple where we would spend the night. It was really cold at the top but luckily the rooms had their on aircondictioning system so room temperature was great. The temple it self was really nice, classic wooden floors and doors that could only be opened sideways. The mountain was a holy place, this was because long ago a priest went to China returned with scrolls and apparently decided to found his own religion. This hit the people like Ikea took over Europe. When he died it was THE PLACE to be buried in. All the people from Japan envy a spot to burry their ashes along the many great historical figures. Over time it grew in a immense size and everywhere you look there are gravestones and really big trees. Given the fact that it was cold and a bit misty the place gave a magical feeling and at the same time a bit spooky, but beautiful non the less. At the end of the path you will find a temple with monks doing their dally stuff but this is where the superpriest was buried. So of course no pictures are allowed.
Well enough said, enjoy the pictures.
dinsdag 11 mei 2010
Japan day 13
Nijo Castle, Manga museum and Go-cafe.
Today I planned to go to the manga museum, on my way I noticed that Nijo castle was right around the corner. From my bus window it looked pretty awesome. So I visited the ancient fort and despite the bad weather it was awesome. The impenetrable walls and massive doors really showed how well it was protected in its time. When entering the main building the floors made a weird squeaky sound. This was security precaution making sure no one could sneak in unnoticed. So we squeaked down the hallway looking at incredible wall paintings and carved out frames above the doors. For me this was worth the money but another big surprise lay hidden behind the fort.... a astonishing garden with little bridges that spanned over the water making it even more beautiful to the eye.
The manga museum was a letdown, there was some history and loads of manga to read, but I did not plan to sit there the entire day reading manga so this was a short visit.
The go-cafe was cool as usual I beat the 89 year old owner but got destroyed by a 4d Japanese player that was actually 4d.
I finished the day eating at the top of Kyoto station looking over the city with Kyoto tower in the background. Awesome few but expensive food, but heck it was my last day in Kyoto so I wanted to end it in style.
Today I planned to go to the manga museum, on my way I noticed that Nijo castle was right around the corner. From my bus window it looked pretty awesome. So I visited the ancient fort and despite the bad weather it was awesome. The impenetrable walls and massive doors really showed how well it was protected in its time. When entering the main building the floors made a weird squeaky sound. This was security precaution making sure no one could sneak in unnoticed. So we squeaked down the hallway looking at incredible wall paintings and carved out frames above the doors. For me this was worth the money but another big surprise lay hidden behind the fort.... a astonishing garden with little bridges that spanned over the water making it even more beautiful to the eye.
The manga museum was a letdown, there was some history and loads of manga to read, but I did not plan to sit there the entire day reading manga so this was a short visit.
The go-cafe was cool as usual I beat the 89 year old owner but got destroyed by a 4d Japanese player that was actually 4d.
I finished the day eating at the top of Kyoto station looking over the city with Kyoto tower in the background. Awesome few but expensive food, but heck it was my last day in Kyoto so I wanted to end it in style.
Japan day 12
Bleh, still bad weather... well only one bad weather day to go and it should improve. Our goal for today was to go to Nara (old capitol of Japan). We took the slow train to Nara from Kyoto and walked from their to the park where temples where scattered across. This place was packed with dears, the reason they walk around is that a old god or something on a white dear visited the place... and it became holy. Well be careful of them critters cos they eat anything in their reach, like paper and plastic bags. Our guide told us that on one of the trips a dear ate a rail-pass and its worth is about 500 euro! I walked further in the park where a HUGE temple was located, on entering you`l face a buddha the size of Godzilla. The ear of this statue is 2 meters high... just to point out size.
Part from the giant buddha and wild animals there were Lemming like school-groups walking all over the place. Funny and cute at the same time. On my way back I met 3 Japanese schoolboys around the age of 15 again who seemed to be interested in me. We ended up going to Kyoto where they showed me some Anime shops. But for Anime one should really buy it in Akihabara. I played some arcade games with them and at the end of the day they showed me a nice place to eat udon noodles or something (thick noodles). I really enjoyed eating that with my biru (beer).
Part from the giant buddha and wild animals there were Lemming like school-groups walking all over the place. Funny and cute at the same time. On my way back I met 3 Japanese schoolboys around the age of 15 again who seemed to be interested in me. We ended up going to Kyoto where they showed me some Anime shops. But for Anime one should really buy it in Akihabara. I played some arcade games with them and at the end of the day they showed me a nice place to eat udon noodles or something (thick noodles). I really enjoyed eating that with my biru (beer).
Japan day 11
Still in Kyoto with average weather but that was expected (weather report predicted rain). Today I took a bus ride with two companions to the famous golden temple. The bus ride from Kyoto station lasted an hour and was for 90% of the trip in a straight line. The temple was beautiful but I expected a bit more, but then it happened!!! communication with the local natives errr Japanese. A group of schoolchildren around the age of 15 wanted to ask me some questions in English. Do note that the Japanese speak almost no English part from 10 words or so. Also women speak English way better then man plus they are cute so a win win situation for me ;D. First question: Excuse me can I ask you a question; I said sure
Second question: Do you speak English; Here I replied NO with a big smile and that seemed to break the tension. Before I knew it I was surrounded by schoolchildren like hyenas surrounding their prey. Of course in a polite Japanese way. So they kept asking me questions from their schoolbook and at the end they wanted my signature as proof for fulfilling their objective. Second stage: pictures. My companion offered to take some pictures... In Japan this means you have to make a picture for everyone with their own camera. I think this has to do with treating people equal for example when you leave a shop the shop-clerk thanks every single person when leaving. So there she was taking like 6 pictures.
Second stage: I walked a bit further nothing special to see part from the Golden Temple, until the other half of the class spotted me and the process described above repeated, don`t get me wrong I was enjoying myself. This time the teacher was also present and the funny part was he needed to ask his students for help with his English. Since that did not work out he changed into a super paparazzi and started to takes photos of us in every angle one can imagine.
On my way back I decided to visit a local Go-cafe, Go is a board game like chess. For those planning to do this trip its near the Kyoto station (walking distance that don`t require holes in your socks). The place was awesome not as fancy as in Hikaru no Go (anime), but the place was packed with Go-bans. I ended up destroying the master three times in a row and then a other Japanese player who was fairly strong.
For dinner this time we went to Kyoto station where we tasted the famous roller coaster sushi, you know the one where they make the Sushi in front of you and puts the plates on a transportation band... It was delicious.
Well enough spamming from me look at the piczzzz
Second question: Do you speak English; Here I replied NO with a big smile and that seemed to break the tension. Before I knew it I was surrounded by schoolchildren like hyenas surrounding their prey. Of course in a polite Japanese way. So they kept asking me questions from their schoolbook and at the end they wanted my signature as proof for fulfilling their objective. Second stage: pictures. My companion offered to take some pictures... In Japan this means you have to make a picture for everyone with their own camera. I think this has to do with treating people equal for example when you leave a shop the shop-clerk thanks every single person when leaving. So there she was taking like 6 pictures.
Second stage: I walked a bit further nothing special to see part from the Golden Temple, until the other half of the class spotted me and the process described above repeated, don`t get me wrong I was enjoying myself. This time the teacher was also present and the funny part was he needed to ask his students for help with his English. Since that did not work out he changed into a super paparazzi and started to takes photos of us in every angle one can imagine.
On my way back I decided to visit a local Go-cafe, Go is a board game like chess. For those planning to do this trip its near the Kyoto station (walking distance that don`t require holes in your socks). The place was awesome not as fancy as in Hikaru no Go (anime), but the place was packed with Go-bans. I ended up destroying the master three times in a row and then a other Japanese player who was fairly strong.
For dinner this time we went to Kyoto station where we tasted the famous roller coaster sushi, you know the one where they make the Sushi in front of you and puts the plates on a transportation band... It was delicious.
Well enough spamming from me look at the piczzzz
zaterdag 8 mei 2010
Japan day 9 and 10
Today it was raining when we took a bus ride back to the station where we went on the train back to Kyoto. When we arrived at this mega station with complete shopping mall and restaurants beneath it, we walked to our Shinjuku. Our guide warned us that this would be the worst hotel of them all, but it looks ok part from the fact there is only one shower. Now Kyoto is like Tokyo a big city, but different entirely. For example it seems that all the streets in the central area are straight and the building are not as tall as those in Tokyo. When we arrived we first checked out the main shopping district, and later with my roomie some local shops that where specialized in kimonos. Like in most stores the price goes up exponentially when its more beautiful and better quality. For a very nice looking Kimono 350 euro is a price one can expect.
The next day the weather was sunny again. We planed to visit some of the famous temples and Geisha spots. And yes you guessed it we walked so far that there are now holes in my new socks. First temple was very impressive, there where buddha Indian like thingies inside. You can compare it to the terracotta army in China. There where loads and one giant buddha with a thousands arms in the center. Too bad that making photos inside was prohibited. Next temple you could walk beneath it in a pitch black tunnels towards a stone of wisdom if i`m not mistaken. This was a fancy temple build on cliff side of a mountain on poles. Next stop was the Geisha ghetto errr I mean a hot spot, we only found 2 of em but it was getting late.... anyway enjoy the pictures.
The next day the weather was sunny again. We planed to visit some of the famous temples and Geisha spots. And yes you guessed it we walked so far that there are now holes in my new socks. First temple was very impressive, there where buddha Indian like thingies inside. You can compare it to the terracotta army in China. There where loads and one giant buddha with a thousands arms in the center. Too bad that making photos inside was prohibited. Next temple you could walk beneath it in a pitch black tunnels towards a stone of wisdom if i`m not mistaken. This was a fancy temple build on cliff side of a mountain on poles. Next stop was the Geisha ghetto errr I mean a hot spot, we only found 2 of em but it was getting late.... anyway enjoy the pictures.
vrijdag 7 mei 2010
Japan day 7 and 8
At the end of day 6 we stopped in a new hotel ryokan shinjuku mix thingy. It was a nice hotel and was famous for the village with special roofs that could withstand heavy snowfall. The onsen was nice but the place was kinda boring but a nice stop to rest and prepare for Kyoto.
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