Autumn Bliss in Japan Part 7 - Tokyo Tower and Meiji Shrine

Hi all, I just want to wrap up the year with my final photo blog post instalment of my Tokyo trip. Ever since I watched the Japanese drama series Tokyo Tower, I had always wanted to visit it.

It didn't matter that we only got to the Main Observatory as the Special Observatory was closed for maintenance. From Shinjuku, we went on the Tokyo Metro again, this time on the Oedo Line to Akabanebashi. Once there, it was just a five minute walk up the hill from the exit of the subway. It looked pretty awesome from the intersection.

How cute are these little Tokyo Tower lights? They are adorable. I wanted one but it wouldn't have fitted in my suitcase!

Once inside on the main floor, we could see that many people had bought those little wooden card to write down their wishes, hopes and dreams to hang it up. I didn't get one because my dream was already coming true with this trip to Japan. I spend my money on souvenirs instead. My Tokyo Tower soft toy is ever so cute!

You can see Tokyo in 360 degrees, in all directions when you walk around the Main Observatory. In one of my photos, you can see Rainbow Bridge. I imagined a night time view would be pretty spectacular!

Next stop, Meiji Shrine. On our last day we went Harajuku. From the station, we walked to the shrine and then back to Takeshita street for lunch. Just as well we stop there, I found Daiso and went a little berko with buying Japanese stuff. I bought some cutesy Japanese fabric pouches to put my camera lenses in it. Clever, no?

We were lucky enough to see so many Japanese families in traditional outfits visiting the shrine. I love their kimono fabrics. I haven't found any fabric shop yet which was disappointing.

Just after the entrance, a little walk along, we saw the famous sake barrel display. These were donated to the shrine from companies and large corporations. I guessed even big companies need a prayer or two, right?

Along the path, I read and took photos of the storyboard of Empress Shoken. It was quite interesting to read through the boards and I learned that she was truly a Queen of Hearts, loved by her people.

It truly is tranquil here. Emperor Meiji was not wrong. You would not believed that this part of land was still in Tokyo

And how happy was I, standing by those Sake barrels? My Tokyo trip came to an end and so I have to bid Japan, "Sayonara", but I shall return, again and again. After all, I had barely scratched the surface, the wonder of Japan.

Autumn Bliss in Japan Part 5, Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

On our last day in Kyoto, I was panic stricken as I hadn't completed my bucket list for sites in Kyoto. I ended up deciding to go to Golden Pavilion before we head back to Tokyo on the Shinkansen at midday. I was devastated that I couldn't fit in the Inari Shrine at Fushimi. Oh well, I must returned to Kyoto one day. It is truly a must place, to visit.

I think I was even envious of the ducks in the pond. Imagine living here and having that view every day till the end of your life. That would be perfect! I was so sad to leave Kyoto, so many places to go and so little time.

The gardens are beautiful and magical, I wouldn't mind getting lost in here one bit. The autumn colours are so bright and vivid. I just had to pause and reflect on the life and beauty and wonder of Japan. It was just such a contrast, from the rushing madness of Tokyo's city life to the stillness of Kyoto where time just stood still. I have to come back here again.

More info on the Golden Pavilion here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkaku-ji and also on the JNTO website

Here is a Map to Kinkakuji

Autumn Bliss in Japan Part 3 - Exploring Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto

Hello again, continued from last post.....

The next day, we left Tokyo for a little side trip to Kyoto, I booked this tour months ago through Japanican and I am so glad that I did, while our Aussie dollar was going strong. These guys were so thoughtful in the booking of our seats on the Shinkasen. We were seated on the right side of the carriage and on a clear day, we had the most amazing view of Mount Fuji.



I bought some lunch for our little train trip. It wasn't a very long ride. Just three hours to Kyoto. I was busy snapping photos, and before we know it. It was time to get off at Kyoto. The train went on to Osaka. Maybe next time, I will go to Osaka. Have a look at my amazing bento lunch. It was delicious!

We took a taxi from Kyoto station to our hotel, and checked in. Hmmm, nice little hotel with Starbucks next door, sweet! My only problem was it only has wifi in the lobby and I had left my laptop back in Tokyo. We didn't waste time in Kyoto as there were too many places that I had wanted to see. I learned a little too late that we should have spend a week here as Kyoto was truly amazing and beautiful in Autumn. Lesson learnt. Must planned better next time.

We managed to see most of what I listed down. I did missed out on the night time illumination because of the long queue going all the way back downhill in one of the temple and Fushimi Inari shrine. I didn't get to see my vermilion gates at the Inari shrine.

We visited Kiyomizu Temple on the first day that we arrived in Kyoto. It was certainly magnificent to see the Autumn colours in its glory.

It got dark pretty quick, we watched the sun went down in Kyoto and then headed back to our hotel because the line for the night time illumination was too long to wait.

To be continued... the next morning we went to Arashiyama town :) which I totally loved by the way! Be sure to come back here for more of Kyoto.

Kiyomizu as below and also at Map

Autumn Bliss in Japan Part 1

Hi all, I just got back from a Japan holiday. It was a bit a rush really. I wished I could have stayed for longer. Perhaps better planning, next time around, when I go solo. I have always love Japan, it is a beautiful place and what foodie doesn't like Japanese food, right?

We arrived in the morning and took the Limo Bus from Narita airport to Shinjuku where we were staying. On our first day in Tokyo, we spend the day exploring Shinjuku and went into the stores from floor to floor. I especially loved the food basement shops in Odaikyo, next to Keio store. You can easily go nuts shopping for food in here. There are so many choices and my eyes was bigger than my stomach. I bought bento lunch box, sushi rolls, french pastries and matcha icecream just for that first lunch ;)

On our second day, we brave the world and took on the Tokyo Metro subway system. To be truthful, there's nothing to it. If you don't have the exact change, the machine spits out your change after you insert your Yen note. The Info booth is never too far and someone will always help out if you seemed a bit lost, in translation or otherwise.

The photo above was taken at Sensoji Temple, in Asakusa. We enjoyed our day out strolling at Nakamise Street, just looking at the souvenir shops and cooking stalls. I watched the making of rice crackers and it was sold fresh, unlike your commercially packed "Sakata" crackers from the supermarkets.

After the Sensoji Temple, we took the Tokyo Metro subways again, this time to Daimon. My son had wanted to go to Pokemon Centre, ever since he was little. He is now a grown young adult, and thankfully, he still likes them. Yes, it did take me awhile to save up for this trip, our Australian dollar is now strong and made it possible for this trip.

To be continued ...next post, how to get to Pokemon Centre :) and some foodporn.

For more information about Japan, please visit JNTO. Sensoji Temple is located at Asakusa.