Misc

Nishiki

Gion and Dinner

Kinkaku

Ginkaku

19 Dec 07 - Philosopher's Path

After Kiyomizu, we took a bus to this place called the Philosopher's Path. It is a nice, serene, quiet path that leads to Ginkaku Ji. There's a story behind this place. Can't really recall off hand. Will see if I can find out more infor and post it here at a later date. Meanwhile, do enjoy the photos I took of that path.

(Left: One of several Shrines along the Path. Small scale, quiet, but nice. Right: bridge leading to yet another Shrine.)

(There's a stream running along the path. Pristine, clean water awaits. Nice and relaxing stroll. You might also see mandarin ducks)

(Another Shrine photo)

(The Path is dotted with interested shops and cafes along side. It was not peak season the day I went, so it was kinda quiet and some shops were closed. If you do visit this path, do spend sometime in these shops)

(This is a rather interesting Shrine. You have 2 stone statues of what appeared to be like a mouse and a fox look alike animal)


(Another shot of the stream)

(The thing about Japan is there are such machines everywhere.)

(Papa Bear and Little Bear enjoying some time by the stream. Kawaii ne!)

19 Dec 07 - 清水寺 (Kiyomizu Temple)

After breakfast and getting lost yet again, we took a bus to Kiyomizu Temple. This temple is my personal favourite. For students of Japanese language, this temple will almost always feature in your textbook. I have read about this temple back in my Uni days and finally managed to visit it in 2002. So, this is actually my 2nd visit. Besides really liking this place, I felt the need to bring my Cloud here. How can a trip to Kyoto be complete without a trip to Kiyomizu Temple right?

Unlike other famous temples like 金閣寺 (Kinkaku Ji) and 銀閣寺 (Ginkaku Ji), this temple is still functioning as a real temple where believers would go and pray and make offerings. It is real and majestic. The temple covers a sprawling ground. When I was there, it was turning winter and I could still see remnants of Autumn with the red leafed trees.

I didn't take any photos of the road leading to the temple, but it is actually a bustling street with interesting shops and lots of people. I heard that during New Year's Eve, this place is packed back to back.

The background is where followers come and write their wishes on the wooden plaque which is hung up so that their wishes will come true. There's also a shot of the main buddha. It was kinda dark inside, so couldn't really take a clear shot.

Several shots taken of the main hall from afar. For the background, it is the view from the main hall. Isn't the main hall just so grand. Can't recall specifically, but this temple is like hundreds of years old. The wood used to construct this temple, especially this main hall, apparently came from this island off Kagashima, called Yakushima. I hope to make a trip there someday. What's so famous about this island, well, it has this 1000+++ year old tree and is recognised by UNESCO World Heritage. There are probably lots of infor online about this place. Do check them out.

I mentioned in my earlier post that each Shrine in Japan is famous for certain aspect. In Kiyomizu Temple, there's this shrine pictured above, which is famous for love. Alot of young and old Japanese come here to pray that they will find their soul mate. (Top Left) The stone you see on the top left actually comes in a pair, both a distance apart. On most days, you would probably see giggling school gals and boys coming to this shrine, specifically to this stone. Why? Well, it is believed that if you can close your eyes and walk from one stone to the other without any help nor difficulty, you will meet your soulmate soon. If you need someone to guide you, then you will need someone's help to find your dream lover. I think this is more or less how it goes. Well, at least basing on my rather limited Japanese ability. (Top Right) At the altar, there is this big bellied statue. You are supposed to close your eyes and rub the part of the statue for whatever you are wishing for. For women who are pregnant and is praying for safe delivery or for a child, you rub the tummy. For money, you rub the bag. I remember during my first trip there back in 2002, with my really screwed up Japanese then, I read wrongly and rubbed.......the belly! So embarassing!!! A guy rubbing the belly for safe delivery!!! (Bottom Right) Finally, check out the gal in black on the left. She's really cute!!! That's the one big part I like about Japan. Everywhere you turn, you see pretty gals!

Although it was supposed to be winter, we could still see autumn red leaves. It was so pretty!!! I wanna go back there soon!

19 Dec 07 - Breakfast in Gion, Kyoto

After a good night's rest, we walked from the ryokan to Gion for breakfast. It was a nice morning stroll, a bit cold though, but no complaints. After getting lost, a common activity in our trip, we came by this cute little cafe in Gion area. It sells cream puffs. I am not a big fan of cream puffs, but it was not too bad. I suspect this place might be opened by a retired geisha. There was a maiko san having breakfast with this salaryman. And the ladyboss was probably her geisha senpai (Senior)? Can't remember the exact place nor name of this place. Wouldn't really recommend any gaijin going there unless you happen to come across it and are dying for creampuffs. The ladyboss felt kinda distant and somehow, I felt rather unwelcomed in there. Might be she was not comfortable speaking to gaijins. But, I am an Asian and I speak a fair bit of Japanese. Probably she was a bit of a xenophobic I suppose. Nevertheless, some photos to share.

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18 Dec 07 - Fukuoka to Kyoto (平岩旅館 - Hiraiwa Ryokan)

From Dazaifu, we went to Hakata Station to catch our Bullet Train ride to Kyoto. The journey took about 3 hours. By the time we got to Kyoto Station, it was already dark. After figuring our way and asking around, we caught a bus to Hiraiwa Ryokan. This ryokan is really value for money. It is located midway between Kyoto JR Station and downtown Kyoto where the action takes place. For those who enjoys walking, the ryokan is about 20mins walk to the shopping areas in Kyoto, including Gion area.

Extracted from frommers.com is this short and accurate writeup on Hiraiwa Ryokan for your reading pleasure - This inexpensive ryokan, halfway between Kyoto Station and downtown, is one of the best-known and oldest members of the Japanese Inn Group. Although they speak limited English, the Hiraiwa family has been welcoming foreigners from all over the world since opening their doors in 1973. The tatami guest rooms, spread through the 80-year-old traditional main building and a newer annex, are spotless. Note that a Japanese breakfast, which includes kamameshi (rice casserole), miso soup, and tofu, must be ordered a day in advance, but you can have coffee and toast until 9am. Shower and bathing facilities are limited (you might opt for the neighborhood public bath and sauna just around the corner) and toilet stalls are unisex, affording little privacy for the shy. And since there's no lounge, there's no chance to meet other guests unless you pass them shuffling down the hall to the bathroom. If you're traveling with a group of friends and would like to hang out in a communal room, stay elsewhere. (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/kyoto/H30892.html)

Apparently, this ryokan caters only to gaijin (Foreigners). So for native Japanese or those travelling with local companions, you might want to double check with the ryokan first. There shouldn't be any problems though for travelling Japanese companions. This place was recommended to me by my Okaasan who had stayed there with some American friends.

Pricing wise, it is considered reasonable. For double occupancy, it is about 4,200yen per person. The rooms kinda small, but cozy and clean, which is fine. The rooms are traditional Japanese tatami rooms, so, you will have to sleep on the floor, on futons of course. For those who hates the grassy smell of tatamis, you might have a problem, otherwise, you will enjoy your stay there. Other alternatives would be to find a youth hostel. The last time I was in Kyoto, I stayed in Higashiyama Youth Hostel. Can't remember the rates, but it was reasonable. Only thing is you have to share your rooms. The communal dinning was fun though at the youth hostel. You get to meet people from aroun the world and share notes on where to go and where to give a miss.

I am really particular about toilets of places I stay. They have to be clean. At Hiraiwa, there's a unisex toilet at the 2nd floor. You basically wash up at the wash basin and behind you are 2 cubicles for bigger chores. It is fine as long as no one's stinking the toilet up while you are brushing your teeth! The showers at the ground floor. You can lock the shower from inside. There's a washing basin, a standing shower and a bath tub for a nice hot soak. For travelling couples, the shower's big enough for 2.

For those interested in checking out the place, do check out their website at http://www2.odn.ne.jp/hiraiwa/Index_e.htm

Following are a series of photos taken of the Ryokan, its surrounding and rooms. I like to take photos of places I stay :-D

(Bridge a shortwalk from Hiraiwa. There's a small stream flowing there. Peaceful, nice, cooling sight to have, especially during winter evening)

(The stream - seems a bit dirty from here. It's not that bad really)

(Hiraiwa Ryokan. For a location map, check out their website via my provided link above. There are instructions on how to get there too. At Kyoto JR Station, there's also a very helpful tourist information centre. The staff there would be more than happy to help you out)

(More shots outside Hiraiwa. Apparently, you can rent a bicycle from a shop behind the ryokan. I never figured out where the shop was)

(Main entrance)

(Reception cum Concierge Counter)

(The room. Small but cozy. The ryokan's website has more photos. Or, do a google. This ryokan seems quite popular with gaijins)

(Tea corner with TV. I only noticed the TV now while looking at the photo. Too tired when in the room for TVs anyway)

(The futons tidied by us. No room service provided if you were wondering)

(The futons - Next morning. Rise and shine. It's time to explore KYOTO!)

(A short walk, say 5mins from Hiraiwa, there's a Konbini (Mini Mart). Bought the onigiris there. My cloud had a sudden onset of hanger pang one fine midnight. The walk out was kinda quite, cold and a bit scary. Images of me being mugged replayed itself repeatedly in my mind. Fortunately nothing happened. This is not surprising actually. Japan's a very safe country. You can roam the streets at night and it is relatively safe. Of course, it always pays to be safer than sorry, especially when in foreign land. My alert attenaes were all up during that midnight walk)

(Cute? That's my Cloud's piggy feet)

(The feet kinda of a camwhore huh :-D)

(One last pose before calling it a night)

(Less than 5 mins walk from Hiraiwa, you come to this river. So nice!!! You can walk along this river and reach the main shopping areas)


(Cute doggy. Not sure of the breed name but this dog looks like an indiginous Japanese dog. Many natives walk their dogs along this river)

18 Dec 07 - Dazaifu (太宰府) here We Come!

Shortly after touchdown and lunch in Tenjin with Okaasan, she decided to bring us to Tenmanguu (天満宮) in Daizaifu (太宰府), a short half an hour train ride from Tenjin. This is my 2nd trip here. But this time round, the weather was so much better compared to my last trip in 2002, during Summer. Tenmanguu is a Shinto Shrine. Its deity is known for education and many Japanese students would make a trip there before major exams to pray and seek blessings and luck. More on the story behind Tenmanguu later.

HOW TO GET THERE
The most convenient way to get to there would be to catch a train from Tenjin. The entire journey should take you around 45mins, at about 390Yen.

• Go to Tenjin. From there, walk to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (西鉄福岡) (Around 5 mins)

• At Nishitetsu Fukuoka, board a train from Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Sen (西鉄天神大牟田線) and alight 10 stops away at Nishitetsu Nishi Ka Ichi (西鉄二日市) to change to Nishitetsu Dazaifu Sen (西鉄太宰府線)

• 1 stop away is Dazaifu Station. Alight and follow the signs to the temple. It is a short walk to the temple. After you get out of the ticketing gentry, walk straight out of the station.

• Walk straight on for about 4mins. You will come to a junction. Turn right and walk straight to the temple. Along the way, there will be shops on both sides of the alley. Do shop around. It's fun and interesting.

(After walking out of Dazaifu Station, you will see this monument. Walk towards it and you should see the road leading to Tenmangu)

(The road leading to Tenmangu)

You will notice a series of Torii (鳥居) along the way. These are as depicted in the above photos, 2-legged standing gateway. You will see Torii in all Jinjyas. This Torii marks the entrance to the sacred space in Japan. For Tenmangu, the Torii lined road leading to the main hall is lined with shops on both side. This is the same for some other Shrines in Japan. From my classes while in Kyudai (Kyushu Uni), I was told that the road leading to the main Shrine is supposed to be a gravel path without any plants or anything at all. This has got to do with the Japanese concept of purity and zen if I do not recall wrongly. It was believed that any form of plants, or items left along this path is a form of impurity.

(Shops along Torii lined road to Tenmangu)

(This photo was taken in 2002. During my 2007/8 trip, it was still there. I thought it was an interesting photo to depict the coexistence of the 'Kawaii' culture and the traditional)

For those who want to drive or take a cab, this should help;

(楼門 - Ro Mon) - Main gate to the Shrine grounds. Notice the stone lanterns on both sides. These are called Toro (燈籠) and are a common fixture in Japanese Shrines.

Story of 天満宮

The renowned Daizaifu Tenmangu Shrine is located in Saifu, Daizaifu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture, and is famous for enshrining the deity of Sugawara no Michizane (a scholar, poet and politician of the Heian period). The shrine is also known for possessing the national treasure, 'Kanen Kandai Sanju-ichi' ('The Thirty-first Writing of the Kanen').

Michizane was a high-ranking government officer He was demoted because of the slander and political chicanery of his rivals, the Fujiwara Clan, and was exiled to this land following false accusations by the Fujiwaras. He endured a life of extreme hardship and misery in exile at Dazaifu, yet preserved his character continuing his scholarly studies and never developing the hatred for those who had exiled him. He died in 903 at the age of 59.

His funeral procession was a melancholy occasion, attended only by his faithful follower Yasuyuki Umasake and a few neighbors. The coffin was carried on a cow carriage led by Yasuyuki, according to the legend the ox suddenly came to a halt and refused to budge despite threats and entreaties. The burial therefore took place on the spot, and this became the site of the Tenmangu's main shrine visited today by so many admirers.

After Michizane's death, Kyoto experienced many disastrous plagues and abnormal weather; people feared this was Michizane's curse. Daizaifu Tenmangu Shrine was built on Michizane's grave to alleviate and break the curse. Since then, Michizane has been recognized as an excellent and brilliant scholar in life, and then posthumously enshrined as the God of Scholarship and Knowledge.

Michizane is celebrated as a man, pure in heart and deed, and after his death he was deified and worshipped as a God. Many people visit the shrine today. Daizaifu Tenmangu Shrine, along with Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and the Hofu Tenmangu Shrine in Hofu, are considered the San-Tenjin (The Three Great Gods of the Heavens).

Taikobashi (太鼓橋) and Shinjiike (心字池) (Taiko-Bridge and Shinji-Pond) - The bridge is formed from three elements, the first arched bridge represents the past, the flat bridge the present, and the second arched bridge the future. It is typically a Buddhism in conception, reflecting the idea that one thought only should be held at the given time. Beautiful Shinjiike is a pond shaped to resemble the ideogram for "heart."

(太鼓橋 - Taiko Bashi)

(太鼓橋 - Taiko Bashi)

(Carps in 心字池 - Shinki Ke)

(心字池 - Shinji Ke)

Shoubuike (Pond of Iris) - Just to the right of the bridge is this pretty pond, seen to best advantage in June, when irises are in full bloom.

Honden (本殿) (Main Shrine) - Two years after the death of Michizane, his follower Yasuyuki Umasake built the first shrine in 905. A larger structure was constructed by the Fujiwara clan in 919 but was burnt to the ground during the one of many civil wars. The main shrine visitors see today dates from 1591 and is a fine example of Momoyama-styled architecture.

The Honden is the building that contains the goshintai (御神体), literally, "the sacred body of the kami". You don't get to see the honden itself. The above photos are probably the heiden (幣殿) or hall of offerings, where offers and prayers are presented, and the haiden (拝殿) or hall of worship, where there may be seats for worshipers. The honden is considered the most sacred place of the temple.

(Unlike other religion except maybe Islam, Shinto Shrines do not have statues of its deity. It is symbolised by a mirror like above)

Plum Trees - There are approximately 6,000 plum trees of 197 varieties in the vicinity of Tenmangu, reflecting Michizane's lifelong affection and regard for the trees and their blossoms.Perhaps the most famous is the one to the right of HONDEN (main shrine). Known as TOBIUME (the flying plum tree), legend has it that after Michizane left Kyoto for a life in exile, this particular tree yearned so much for him that, uprooting himself, it flew to reunite with him in Dazaifu.In early January each year, TOBIUME (飛び梅) is always the very first tree to blossom, and the thousands of other trees quickly follow, producing an incredible sight when the Tenmangu is covered in small pink and white flowers.

Kusunoki (Camphor tree) - There are many camphor trees in the area, and the one towering to the left of the main shrine is estimated at least 1,500 years old. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos of it.

Photos of Ema (絵馬) - Ema (絵馬), like the ones below, are common fixtures in Japanese Shrines and temples. They are wooden plaques where worshippers write their wishes to the Gods. Tenmangu is famous as the Deity of Knowledge. As such, the plaque below is asking for blessings to pass an exam. The Emas are hung on a wooden structure as seen below.

Misc Photos

(Our shadows :-D)

(We had tea here. This is a traditional Japanese teahouse just outside Tenmangu. )

For those interested to know more about Tenmanggu, do visit the Shrine's official site (I got lots of my infor there actually) - http://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/

18 Dec 07 - Touch down in FUKUOKA and Wonderful Lunch

18 Dec 07, the start of my holiday in Japan. I can still remember vividly my excitement that morning. My last trip to Fukuoka was in 2003. Been 4 long years since I visited and met up with my Okaasan and Otousan. A pity thou I didn't get to meet up with my friends from Kyushu University. Have kinda lost touch over the years. Schedule was tight anyway to really meet up. But I really miss my time in Japan back in 2002 and again in 2003. This was my Cloud's first trip to Japan. She's was so looking forward to it. For my next trip, I will do near real time blogging! This is more fun than doing it retrospectively. But nvrmind, I was still a 'gundu' then (Frog in a well towards blogging).

Ok, enough talk. Picture paints a 1000 words. Some local scenes;

Leaving Fukuoka International Airport and starting my WINTER WONDERLAND JAPAN TOUR!!! I was so excited! How I miss the winter cold air breeze gently caressing my cheeks and turning them pink red. The air was so refreshing. What a wonderful way to start the day and to put behind memories of my daily interaction at work back home with possibly the greatest IDIOTs alive

Reliving memories of my short time spent in Fukuoka as an exchange student. While some may think street scene shots are boring, I find them really interesting, cos, you are seeing what the locals see and use daily, and not some scenes created solely for tourists. This is the real Fukuoka you are seeing. The most interesting part of visit a country and walking/driving around the neighbourhood is that you never really know what shop's round the corner.

Salarymen starting their day of long working hours. This scene is really mild compared to Tokyo. The good thing about Fukuoka is, you don't really get caught in the human traffic mayhem like in Tokyo. That's good for me. I am a crowd phobic. How nice to see people getting off to work while I am just starting my holidays! Mean but NICE feeling! But hell, I am now back at work. So sad!

Bicycles bicycles bicycles! These are common fixtures in Japan. You see it everywhere in Japan, especially at the train stations. Public transportation in Japan is really really good and convenient. You really don't need a car, well, unless you stay up in some isolated, deserted corner of Japan, even then, I wouldn't be surprised to find a bus service driving by your house. It's really that good. And so, the best, economical way to go to work, school, etc, is to cycle to the nearest train station and hop onto a train. Well, except during summer when the temperature is BAD!

(He's the chef for our lunch)

Okaasan brought me and Cloud to this small eatery near Tenjin, at the outskirt of Tenjin actually. The shop is selling a Kushi Age shop (Japanese Deep Fried Skewers). Rather similar to Kushi Yaki, only that it is deep fried instead of grilled. At first, I thought it might be too oily and heavy, but, surprisingly, there was no oily, heavy, bloated feel after eating the fried skewers. In fact, I thought the feel was rather light. I don't think Kushi Age is commonly found outside Japan. This is a must try food in Japan. I think Osaaka is rather famous for its Kushi Age.

(Chef busy at work)

(Miso soup and rice. I need rice)

(The raw food waiting to be fried)

(And yes, finally, So so hungry!!!)

(The picture can't describe how delicious they tasted. Go try and find out for yourself!)

18 Dec 07 - 5 Jan 08 Winter Wonderland in Japan

Had a wonderful, fabulous, shiok, nice, fun, a bit expensive and tiring winter wonder holiday in Japan. Half a year have passed and I am missing it. Looking forward to another one soon. In around 3 weeks, Moonies and his Cloud travelled the entire stretch of Japan. We visited;

1. Flew to Fukuoka
2. Day trip to Daizaifu
3. Kyoto
4. Tokyo
5. Hakodate
6. Sapporo
7. Asahikawa - Asahiyama Zoo
8. Biei
9. Back to Sapporo
10. Overnight train to Tokyo
11. Osaka
12. Morning train back to Fukuoka
13. Car ride to Kumamoto
14. Back to Fukuoka
15. Day trip to Yamaguchi Ken for New Year
16. Day trip to Arita Ken - Famous pottery town
17. And finally, back to Singapore

Now, let's enjoy the photos. I wished I had taken more. Well, will do so for my next trip! :D

If anyone have the opportunity, you should really try a journey like mine. It was fun, real real fun! Contrary to what most people think, Japan is not all that expensive a place to visit if you do your research properly before flying over. The language barrier might be a problem for non Japanese speakers, but, in larger cities, it shouldn't pose much of a problem. Hopefully, this blog will help make your coming trip an equally wonderful one. Do let Moonie know if you know of some must go places in Japan!

Can't seem to figure out how to create categories to better arrange my post. Will just upload some entries of my holiday with photos 1st to spice up my rather boring blog.

And YES, for those who like what you see and read here, be nice and click on the ADVERTS k!!! I can do with some extra cash for my next trip, however little! :-D

Japan Holiday Resource Centre

Ok...now, where shall I start? Hmmm....let's start with JAPAN! You see, I really enjoy going to Japan. So far, I've been there 3 times. The 1st was in 2002 when I joined this UMAP Summer Leaders Exchange Program with Kyushu University. I was there for 3 months and enjoyed myself beyond words description. The 2nd was the following year in 2003 before I entered my honours year in Uni. I was there for 2 months and it was really really fun. My last trip was over X'mas and New Year just, from mid Dec 07 to 1st week of Jan 08. I was there for 3 weeks.

So what's so nice about Japan? Well, the food's really good. You can almost just go to any eatery and you will not be disappointed. The thing about Japanese chiefs is, they take extreme pride in what they do. You can almost taste the pride from the food. Besides food, the scenary's really nice. For a cosmopolitan feel, there's Tokyo, Osaka. For history, there's Kyoto. For a cosmo feel without feeling lost in translation, there's the smaller but no where inferior Fukuoka. For nature, there's Hokkaido. Actually, you can find wonderfully nice pristine nature almost everywhere in Japan. And how can I not mention the gals! Japanese gals are well, Kawaii! It is eye candy feast everywhere. Thou sometimes I wonder how much of that beauty is a result of mastery of cosmetic application and good fashion sense, how much is their real beauty. THen again, who cares right?

The thing about Japan is, contrary to what most people think, it is not all that expensive, provided you know where to go and how to save. And for non Japanese speaking people, it is really not that daunting to visit Japan, as long as you are adequately prepared. And to do so, well, visit my blog more often.

For those who have visited my blog might remember reading I am a freak for planning. As I am typing, this freak in me is thinking of how to present information in this blog in the most user friendly manner. But, I shall resist temptation and simply just blog whatever I feel like. Maybe one fine day, I will start to tidy up this blog. That is when I get so frustrated with my own mess and if I have figured by then how to do it.

Holiday Holiday Holiday --- Welcome to Moonie's Holidays

Welcome welcome.....to my new blog! That is if I get any visitors at all!

So what's this blog about? Well, it will be about my holidays and places I wish to go next. You see, I love to do research on places before visiting. In the process, I gather rather useful information. So, this blog will be like a one stop resource centre for myself, and anyone who cares to visit. If you do visit, and know of interesting places in countries I've featured in here, or even other countries, do let me know. Drop me a mail!