Where to See Autumn Colors in Japan

My favorite season is autumn and it's autumn now so Yay! I love the coolness in the air although I'm not really looking forward to the winter chill.

So why do I love autumn? 

First, autumn air reminds me of Christmas time in the Philippines. 

Second, autumn hints of romance and love. I just wish my love one is here.

Third, autumn in Japan signals the end of the year. And I really want this year to end. 

Last, the colors all around are just amazing. 

I won't explain my first three reasons but I'll just share the best spots for autumn colors viewing.

How to Climb Mt. Fuji with Mr. Typhoon

I climbed Mt. Fuji while a raging typhoon passes. I wish I could say "How cool is that?" but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone. Unless you have a death wish or something, scaling that big rocky mountain in a typhoon is not safe. The experience was horrible and insane. I'm just grateful to survived it without any injuries. The people I climbed with went home safely with only tender muscles and freezing hands to deal with. Miracles do happen!

So for those climbing Mt. Fuji,  more than anything, WAIT for the RIGHT WEATHER CONDITIONS. Before climbing, you must certainly put on the right climbing gear, spend some days for cardio training and gather reliable people to climb with. But all these will be useless if the weather is against you. I had the right gear from head to foot but they're not enough to block the winds. I regularly jog and work out but I almost died of hypothermia. (I had to stop a couple of times and put my hands inside my pants cause they're already swollen and purple.) There was even an instance where my left hand froze while holding my walking stick. I had to ask my friend to help me unclench my hands around the stick.  I had great cheerful people with me but the weather dampened (and soaked) their spirits. We didn't even have a picture together on the summit.

The worst part of this ordeal is this: We climbed for almost 8 hours against the wind, rain and common sense. But we didn't see the breathtaking sunrise Fuji is famous for- the very reason we're climbing. The summit took our breath away in a different terrible way. How frustrating it is to reach the top without even a consolation of a view! It's like walking to a restaurant tired and hungry you could almost taste the food in your mouth only to be told it's closed for the day.

It was almost 4 am when two of my friends and I arrived at Mt. Fuji's peak. If the weather was fine, we would be probably screaming for joy. But the winds became stronger, the rain became harder and the cold became colder. Upon reaching the top, all we wanted to do was to go down again and just go home. Instead of immediately going down, we gave Mother Nature a chance to change her mind on the weather. We waited for 3 hours on Mt. Fuji's peak hoping for a glimpse of the sun and a touch of some warmth. Seeing that weather's not going to improve anytime soon, we decided to risk descending the mountain with zero visibility. All I can see were rocks- sharp, jagged, big and small all look threatening to me. I went down shivering and praying "Lord, I don't want to lose my hands from this cold. I still have to blog about this whole thing." It was almost 11 am when I reached the 5th Station where the climbers are headquartered. Most of my friends have gone and only one was with me to go home with.

On the train back home, I talked with a group of Indonesian men who also climbed Mt. Fuji the same night we did. No one in their group reached the summit because of the harsh weather. When I heard this, a tinge of pride rose in me. I'm so skinny and weak compared to those men but I reached the top despite of the terrible weather. Maybe my resolve to reach the summit was stronger than the winds. I would be more frustrated had I not reach the top. I can't help the sense of accomplishment I'm feeling until now. I may not have seen the spectacular sunrise but I finished the course. I guess sometimes in life, our efforts won't be rewarded with trophies and medals but only with the finish line. And I think that's okay as long as I'm in one piece. It only means I can try again next year... or maybe not.


Check these links on how to really climb Mt. Fuji. I personally used them as my reference in preparation for the climb.

Climbing Mt. Fuji

What to Bring and Wear on the Mt. Fuji Climb

Fujiyoshida City 

Mt. Fuji Explorer

Mt. Fuji Climbing

PS: I'll probably add my own tips once my fingers feel better.  :)

How Not to Have a BBQ Party in Japan

I thank God for giving me patience and understanding last Saturday.

A friend (Friend A) invited me to join a BBQ party along a river. There would be food and we can swim in the river. I've no reason to say no. I didn't ask any details thinking that everything is settled. After all, I was just a guest. 

The BBQ plan was vague. I was just instructed to go to a friend's house (Friend B) the night before the BBQ.  Her place is nearer the river. I did what was I told and that's when the "need-for-patience-and-understanding" situations begun.

Chaos the Night Before: Do not go to a BBQ Party without knowing what you're supposed to do

It was 10 pm when I arrived at Friend B's place. I was informed that we still have to shop for ingredients to make chicken sandwiches. We also have to cook rice. I don't mind making chicken sandwiches but considering the time and all the shopping, boiling and spreading, we're bound to sleep late.

Adding to my annoyance is that Friend A decided to finish the movie she's watching when I arrived. Then while shopping for food, she spent some time looking at shoes, spent more time hesitating to use plastics to put the rice in because it wasn't presentable. I put my foot down and told her, if we'll use heavy containers, she'll be the one carrying them. I don't like to carry heavy stuff if there's a way to avoid it.

We made it back at Friend B's place past 11 pm. Friend A has no sense of urgency and talked with someone on the phone. She was convincing him to join us tomorrow which she had been doing on the way back. In my head, if that person doesn't want to come, let him be. Because I really want to sleep by that time, I took control and started what need to be done while masking my irritation.

Good thing that Friend B is a jolly person so it was easy to just let things go. In the end, we slept at almost 2 am. And we have to wake up at 6. Phew!

Chaos in the Morning: Do not go to a BBQ without knowing where you're supposed to go

We woke up at 6 am, cooked the rice and prepared ourselves. Friend B and I ignored Friend A's complaints of how tired and sleepy she was. We're supposed to leave at 8 am.

Guess what? We didn't leave at 8 am. We left at 9:30 because there were two other people joining us who woke up late. I can't blame them though. They worked late the night before.

Not only we left later than the planned time but it turned out that nobody knows how to go to the actual place. Thankfully, I've been assigned in that area two years ago so I'm familiar with the transportation system. (I know I'm sounding like the superhero of this story. But this is my story and the others can tell their own if they want to be superheroes too).

We arrived at river at 11 am. In a way, I'm glad we didn't arrive earlier cause the other people  that we're supposed to meet there were also late.

Chaos at Lunch until Goodbye!: Do not go to a BBQ party without expecting boo-boos

Let me start this part by saying that the place was a disappointment. Not because it wasn't nice but because there were better rivers which are nearer. Most of us spent more than 1000 Yen for transportation one-way just to get to the place. The river was also a 15-minute walk from where we're stationed. But because we've come this far, I decided to just make the most out of it.

At this point, I shouldn't have been surprised by further delays but I am. We ate lunch at past 2 pm because the others did not bring any cooked food. If they were planning all along to cook, we should have come earlier is all I'm saying.

It was past 3 pm when we finally swam in the river. It was past 5 when everyone decided to head out but we still have to change clothes and pack things. With everyone helping, we're packed in no time except that Friend A and another lady took their own sweet time changing clothes and putting on make-up. I'm just dying to go home and I can't be patient any longer. I decided I had enough, stood up and prodded everyone to move. And that's how we've finally, finally started our way home.

Along the way, they were discussing how to get to their Japanese class at 7 pm. My thoughts were: "You should have thought about that!" In the end, they just saw the fireworks at Nishikajima. They wanted me to join but I think I had enough of chaos.


How I Could Have Avoided the BBQ CHAOS

Next time I'm going to a BBQ, I'll make sure I know the details. I'll ask where we're actually going, what we're actually doing and who are we going with. 

Had I known where we're headed, I would have suggested a nearer place.

Had I known that we're supposed to make sandwiches and cook rice, I would have gone to Friend B's place earlier. Had I known the other people planned to cook all the lunch food, I would have eaten a lot at breakfast.

Had I known that I'm going with people with no sense of time, I wouldn't have gone at all or I would have braced myself for chaos.

I'm very time-conscious even in parties. I want to have slept well before a trip, eat lunch on time, have enough time for swimming and be home early enough to rest.

I don't want to sound racist against my own race but usually, when I go out with Filipinos, I almost always get annoyed by the delays, tardiness and disorganization.

There's Always a Bright Side, Look at It!

Even if the people were disorganized and have no sense of time, they were friendly and warm. It was my first time to meet most of them in that BBQ party but they made me feel welcome and included. It felt great too to communicate again in my native language.

Also, I think that most of the people there were just exercising patience and understanding for the delays that a few have caused. They're making the most of the situation just like any how most Filipinos are. They may not have said it but I can sense it in their sighs and smiles. I know this because I also sighed and smiled the same way they did. I'm not alone with these feelings, after all. Thank God, for that!


How about you, what do you do when you're annoyed with how things go?

Sumo Wrestling: Japanese Culture in Massive Bodies

I was part of a large crowd gathered to see massive bodies wiggle and jiggle, slam into each other and try to outdo each other’s massiveness. Big booties were bared along with man boobs.

Guess where I am? In a sumo competition! 

Search for Sumo Tickets

I’ve mentioned in my summer list how a friend wanted to see sumo on her birthday. Her wish was granted last Monday! And I really mean that it’s a wish because getting a sumo tournament ticket is hard. You see, sumo is so popular that once tickets are sold online, it just gets sold out after a day or two. We had no choice but to get up early, fall in line to get the day’s ticket hoping we’ll get one. In reality, a very kind Japanese friend did this getting up early and falling in line for us. By the time we arrive at Nagoya, we already have tickets. (Thank you, Japanese friend!)

So if you’re planning to watch sumo, better watch out for tickets online or have a very kind friend.

I only want to watch sumo because it’s very Japanese. I’m not interested in the actual sports. It’s one of those things you do just because it’s unique and rare like eating balut (eggs with a chick inside).  I only want to take pictures I can post on FB and make people say “Hey, that’s so cool.” (I’m boastful like that sometimes.)

Uber Ceremonial, Sumo is

Sumo is a great reflection of Japanese culture. I shouldn’t be surprised since it’s an authentic Japanese sport.

It was originally establish to please the Shinto gods. Even until today, the rituals done during a sumo tournament are rooted in Shinto practices. Example would be the throwing of salt of the wrestlers before competing which is symbolic of purification. The entrance of the yokuzuna is also parallel with entrance of mikoshi in festivals.

In fact, sumo is so ritualistic only a fraction of the time is spent on actual fighting. Sumo wrestlers do a lot of posturing for more than 5 minutes then they’d fight for less than 2 minutes. Even if the fight is intense, there’s still more posturing than fighting. This is very Japanese. Japan place more value on the process than the product. They’re more focused on the how than on the what. 

In Japan, they have a tea ceremony but it’s just basically tea time. They have a lot of ceremonies in schools which are almost ritualistic. They do exactly the same thing year in, year out. Only the years and faces change but not the flow of ceremonies. Don’t matter even if half of the people fall asleep. They have to stick to traditions. Even eating Japanese food feels ceremonial to me. This is the way to eat onigiri, this is the way to natto, this is the way to  whatever-food-you-want. The same with sumo. It’s is basically just like wrestling but less intense, just like karate with less moves. But what makes it different are the rituals. Very Japanese, indeed.

Most Polite Fighting Sport

Not only sumo is full of rituals, for a fighting sport, it’s actually very polite- a well-known Japanese trait. From the 20 matches I’ve seen, only 1 match showcased an aggressive player. He repeatedly hit his opponent’s face to push him out of the dohyo. And he’s a foreigner.  (He lost, though) The other players used the usual grappling or making the other person lose his balance. I don’t even think the players would hurt so badly after a match. I think I’ll hurt more from a pillow fight with my siblings.

There’s a silent rule in Japanese culture which is Do Not Be the Source of Inconvenience. Thus, everybody seems to be polite. Everybody falls in line. Drivers give way to other drivers. People try to be quiet on trains.  Bosses don’t directly tell how bad you are as an employee. Friends won’t tell you that your breath smells bad. At the extreme, people would rather suffer than ask for help. This is the kind of Japan I see and this is how I relate it to sumo: The wrestlers seem more concerned in keeping themselves inside the ring than pushing their opponent. From an observer it seems like they don’t want to hurt each other. It’s like their movements are out of defense. They don’t really like to hurt the other player. 

I remember reading a commentary how the Japan team were not aggressive enough during the World Cup in Brazil. They lost because of it. A case of politeness, I think. In fact, the top sumo wrestlers are foreigners. Ironic for a Japanese sport, isn't? Maybe because the Japanese wrestlers are not aggressive enough. Sports that require a degree of aggressiveness such as basketball and boxing are not very popular here. Maybe it has to do with that polite mentality.

One-Chance Game

The bad thing about sumo is that it’s a one-chance game. Each match only lasts for one round. So once a wrestler is out of the dohyo, that’s it! Just one fighting chance. This one-round, one-chance game seems to reflect how second chances is not in the Japanese vocabulary.

Ever heard of hara kiri? It means cutting of the belly. It’s how defeated samurais kill themselves when they’re defeated. They’d rather die than be captured by their enemies.

How about kamikaze? These are the pilots in WWII who flew their planes in the enemy camp because they were being defeated. Again, death is better than living with defeat.

At present time, Japan has one of the highest suicide rates among developing countries. Old people jump on train tracks. Unemployed people go at the  foot of Mt. Fuji to kill themselves. Ostracized and bullied students forget to breathe,( according to their parents.) The underlying similarity with these suicides is the Japanese mentality of no second chances. They think once unemployed, always unemployed. Or once bullied, always bullied. Once defeated, always defeated. No chances of recoveries.

Even in elementary schools, all students must be a winner in a simple activity. Otherwise, they’ll just cry and feel bad all day.  I don’t know what they’re crying for when they can try again next time. I don’t know why they can’t at least make sumo matches a best of three game. If I were one of the wrestlers, it would be nice to be given another chance if I got pushed out the first round. It sucks to suck and not be given a chance not to suck. Even in real life, it's more freeing to live knowing you can have another shot. 


For a more comprehensive facts on sumo, check this. 

7 Things to Do in Summer

It's almost summer! I'm soooo happy!

Except for the suffocating humidity, I love summers in Japan. First, I have a month-long vacation. (Actually, it's not really that long. I just feel like it's that long.) Second, my friends are also on vacation. Last, there are a lot of traditional things going on it's easy to fill my calendar. Because with these summer events, I've realized that about this time last year my entries have become far and between. I didn't find the time to write.

To make sure I'll write my summer experiences this year, I'll publish my list of activities. (This blog forces me to do things, I think.) Who knows, someone out there might want to join me this year. This list might also give you an idea of things to do this summer.

This summer, I will...

1. See the Lantern and Fireworks Festival in Kanzanji

Kanzanji Lantern and Fireworks Festival
photo credit: http://shizajet.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/shizuoka-hanabi-2011/

I saw a beautiful picture of my friends in this festival last year. The sight of a thousand lanterns was lovely. I was envious so I'll go this year. This would be on the last Sunday of July.

Lantern festivals are common in Japan during the summer. They coincide with the Obon season. Obon is a time when the dead spirits visit their families, according to Japanese belief. The lanterns are supposed to guide these spirits to their homes.There's also traditional dancing to entertain the dead. I leaned from an old Japanese man that they have to please the dead spirits so bad things won't befall on them. Interesting, I think.

If lanterns are not your thing, summer is the time for Hanabi or Fireworks Festival. Starting this month, there'll be fireworks festivals all over Japan almost every weekend. This would last until the last week of August. In Hamamatsu, the Bentenjima Fireworks Festival draws large crowds every year. Japan Guide has a schedule on the major fireworks festivals in Japan.

2. Watch a Sumo Competition

PHOTO CREDIT: http://blog.instagram.com/post/73775162513/ryogoku-kokugikan-2014

Japan's the only country that has a sumo tournament so might as well see it while I'm here. I've been planning to watch since last year but nobody wanted to go with me. The ticket prices are also expensive. Then I learned that one of my friends wanted to celebrate her 32nd birthday watching a sumo competition. Sumo tournaments happen every other month starting in January. However, they take place in different cities. My friend's lucky cause the Nagoya tournament happens in her birth month. It'll start in July 13 and ends in July 27. She's leaving Japan in August and this would be our last time together. This is a good reason to forget "EXPENSIVE" and just savor the remaining time with a good friend.

3. Go camping!

I enjoyed camping last year at Akiha so I'll do it again this year. It would be better if I can find a different camping ground. There's a campsite I've been wanting to visit- The Tatsuyama Campsite in the mountains but I need a car to get there. How will I have a ride is something I still have to  figure out. <cross fingers>

Japan's a safe country to go camping as long as what you do is within the bounds of common sense. It's easy to find camping sites even for the whole family. To find camping sites in your area, visit your local tourism office. In Hamamatsu, the Bentenjima camping grounds by Lake Hamana is accessible by JR Train.

4. Have a barbecue party by the river

The Keta River in Haruno

A friend invited me to join a BBQ party in August. It'll be in one of the rivers in Hamamatsu. I attended a few BBQ parties last summer and all of them are by the river. I guess, this is a popular summer activity in Japan. The river provides a cooling effect during the hot day. Fishing, sort-of-swimming and some feet dangling are usually allowed in most small rivers.

5. Assist in a Youth Camp

Summer is also the time for youth camps. My church will have one in the second week of August. I've had summers in my youth spent in Christian camps. This time, I won't be a camper anymore ( which means I'm getting older) but one of team leaders. I don't know any details yet except for the dates.

In Japan, language schools also offer English camps to young people. Some ALT's earn extra by helping out in these camps. I've helped in an English camp once but it was in winter. Most activities are indoors but I still enjoyed helping out. I bet summer camps will be more fun with more outdoor exercises. Check Gaijinpot for a summer camp position.

6. Climb Mt. Fuji!

Mt. Fuji from the train

The only thing I look forward in climbing Mt. Fuji is reaching the top. The only reason why I'm doing this is for the sake of saying I've done it! (Yeah, it's pride talking.) I think most people scale Mt. Fuji for this reason, too. Who would happily subject themselves to this exhausting venture? Most people I know who climbed it once are happy to have done it but they wouldn't be forced to go again. Good thing that I've three more friends who haven't climbed it yet so I'll have company. One of my friends will be flying all the way from Hokkaido to climb it with us.

Climbing Mt. Fuji is a popular summer activity in Japan. The Shizuoka tourism office is expecting more than a hundred thousand climbers this year especially on the Obon week- the second week of August. There are tour operators if you want to climb with a group. You can also gather a group of friends who don't mind some adventure this summer.

For more information on climbing Mt. Fuji, click here, here and here.

7. Cycle the outskirts of Hamamatsu

Cycling has become my favorite summer activity since I discovered how lovely summer nights are around my neighborhood. For the past two weeks, I've been cycling almost every night. This gave me an idea to spend 3 or 4 days cycling around the outskirts of Hamamatsu. (Actually, I've originally planned to cycle around Shizuoka prefecture but I think that's too ambitious!) Though I've been in Hamamatsu for almost two years, I still haven't seen a lot of places because of transportation issues. I should have thought of cycling sooner.

Safe roads for cycling is one of the best things about Japan. Anyone can do it in whatever part of Japan. I know a couple who cycled around Shikoku for a few days. They said it was lots of fun until the guy toppled over his bicycle. It wasn't anyone's fault but him. Be careful is what I'm saying.


I'll end this list here. I think it's more than enough to fill my summer vacation. If I add more, I might not have the time again to write.

Happy summer!

The Golden Week and Hamamatsu Festival

The best thing about May in Japan is the Golden Week. It's a week of consecutive holidays (April 29, May 3,5 and 6) which means no work. For the hardworking Japanese, this week is indeed golden.

In Hamamatsu, this is also the time of the Kite Festival and the local Festival. Hamamatsu Matsuri is a 3-day long event filled with revelry of the entire city. Morning festivities are concentrated in Nakatajima Sand Dunes where gigantic kites battle for victory. Late afternoon to late night celebrations shift to the city center and various chos or towns. The whole 3 days is just filled with happy chaos.

Hamamatsu Kite Festival
photo credit: http://www.inhamamatsu.com/recommend/cat2/5/hamamatsu-festival.php

(For my last year's experience of the festival, click here)

So, if you're around the area and no definite plans yet, drop by and join the party at Hamamatsu Festival!


(For more information of the Hamamatsu Festival, click here)

Wanted: English Speakers

Just before the spring break ended, I visited Kamakura with a friend. Kamakura is this place in Kanagawa Prefecture with the biggest buddha in Japan. It's a popular tourist place since it's just near from Tokyo and Yokohama. There's also a nice island there called Enoshima with a lot of things to do. We've only seen the Great Buddha or Daibutsu though. No time to see Enoshima but people are saying great things about it.

The Great Buddha at Kamakura
(Daibutsu)

Well anyway, on our way to see Daibutsu an old Japanese man with a bicycle suddenly stopped us. We were on a crowded street so we didn't panic or felt afraid. We were just taken aback by the suddenness of his appearance in front of us.

Japanese Man:  Excuse me, can you speak English? 
My friend and I:Yes, we can. 
Japanese Man:  Okay good. 

(He reached something from his bicycle basket and handed a scrap-bookish letter to us.)

The old Japanese man's letter

He just wants to correspond with an English speaker. He said he doesn't know a lot of English speaking people here in Japan. It would have been personally creepy to me if he's younger but he's grandfatherish old so I'm more open to corresponding with him. I have yet to post my first letter to him though. I'm just thinking if it's smart to put my home address. If I don't, it would be just me sending posts. If I do, I don't think it's safe and wise. So I don't know yet.

Sakura-lined street leading to Hachimangu Shrine at Kamakura

Garden pond at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura

That encounter with that old man was the strangest part of the trip until we got on the train on our way home. In one of the stops, another old Japanese man with a briefcase sat beside me. He slept for the first 20 minutes while my friend and I chattered the trip away. Then, he just suddenly talked in clear perfect English.

Another old Japanese Man:    Excuse me, I have a question. 
My friend an I:                        Sure. 
Another old Japanese Man:   (Asked a question related to grammar which 
                                                               is too long to put here. )

His question is actually not a question but an anecdote. We listened to him anyway. We welcome the break from each other's endless chatter. Then from that question, my friend and I began to have a conversation with this another old Japanese man.

We learned that he lives in Shimada and that he works for Shizuoka Tourism Office. He also lived in the US for almost 15 years. He lived in Chicago and LA. He also shared that he had always love speaking in English and he even won a speech contest in Junior High School. The most interesting thing about him is that his real name was used in a James Bond book. That book hasn't been made into a movie yet but the title is Man with Red Tattoo. He's one of the main Japanese characters in that book.

The Man with the Red Tattoo cover
credit: http://www.japanreview.net/review_james_bond.htm

That man didn't stop talking to us until he reached his stop. He also handed us his business card just in case we'll drop by at Shimada or Shizuoka. He said he's happy to have met us. It's a rare chance for him to speak in English. He'll be happy to see us again. We're happy that we've made someone happy just by speaking English.  Perfect way to end the day.

Tourist Spot in Shizuoka: A Thousand Steps Up Nihondaira

A super late post on Nihondaira.

The clear blue skies and cool weather made last Monday a perfect day to do some sightseeing. It was a holiday. No classes, no work. Just the right excuse to go out of Hamamatsu even for just a day. My friend, Ydi (pronounces as Ee-dee) and I have been feeling stuck in our little city for quite some time. With a little planning, we decided to visit Nihondaira at the nearby Shizuoka City.

White, White World in Nagano

I finally got to see snow! This is a dream come true for someone who's from a tropical country. And the snow I saw was not just dandruff-like white flakes dissolving before they hit the ground. (I've seen these in Nagoya in December 2012.) What I saw was massive SNOW covering the ground, the trees, the rooftops and the mountains. Everything was white and lovely. The whole whiteness reminds me of Narnia. I wasn't in Narnia though. I was in Nagano.

lake at Hakuba, Nagano

Hakuba, Nagano-ken

How to Get to Nagano? 

Route to Hakuba

Nagano is in the central portion of Honshu. It's in Chubu Region, the same region where I live (Hamatsu-shi, Shizuoka-ken). Though it's quite close to Hamamatsu, there's no direct route going to Nagano. My friends and I either had to go towards Tokyo or Nagoya before reaching Nagano. It took us more than 7 hours before we reach Hakuba, Nagano. (We took the local trains. There are Shinkansen routes to take you there in half time.) The sight that greeted us was worth that long journey.The loveliness of the white mountains and of just everything were breathtaking. Even my friends from the UK and USA who are familiar with snow said that Hakuba, Nagano was breathtaking.

What to Do in Nagano?

The best thing to do here is winter sports. It was the site of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. I've never seen snow and I've never skied but since I was there might as well do it. I took 2-hour ski lessons at Goryu Iimori Ski Resort. This is the best place to learn, according to our innkeeper, Dave. There's a gentle slope that's great for beginners. There are also slopes for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders (which my friends are).  The two-hour lesson proved to be helpful. I was already skiing nicely (I think) after the lessons. I fell a couple of times but as my ever-supportive friends say it's part of the learning process. Let me also warn you that sore legs and feet were also part of the learning process.

random skier at Goryu Iimori

Beginner slope at Goryu Iimori

The second day, we went to a different place. It was in Iwatake. The area wasn't as expansive as Goryu but it has a beginner slope on top of the mountains. This allowed me to be in the same area with my friends. In Goryu Iimori, the beginner slope is at the bottom of the mountains so I spent the entire first day on my own. I didn't realize how sore I was the previous day until I tried to ski again the next day. After finishing a slope twice, I decided I have enough of skiing. A friend who joined us that day went with me to build a snowman and make snow angels instead.

cloudy and snowy day at Iwatake

the supposedly Snowman that ended looking like a Yeti

A dip in an onsen (hotspring) would be great to ease my muscle pains. There was actually an onsen place across the foot of Mt. Iwatake but I was too lazy to walk there. There's a place in Nagano called Yamanouchi where monkeys bathe in onsens together with people. I would have loved to see that but it's kinda far from Hakuba.

Also in Yamanouchi, Nagano are snow monkeys. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to see time. The people who were with me have seen them though. One of my friends described them as unashamed and a little naughty. They're used to being around people. (They're the same monkeys that bathe with humans.) One whole day is needed to see these animals if you're coming from Hakuba.

An Aussie local said that the snow lasts until early April. Just when other parts of Japan are already clothed with flowers, Nagano is still basking in white beauty.

The Kobe Luminarie 2013

I'm excited this coming weekend. I'll be going to Kobe and watch their famous light festival- The Luminarie. Based on my research, this light festival was a product of the Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. Thousands of people died in that year and power supply was cut off for sometime. The idea of lighting a thousands lights acted as a symbol of recovery and hope for the area. Such a heartwarming story behind the festival, I think.

Here are some of the pictures from the internet:

credit: http://cms.visitjapan.jp

photo credit: www. reportersmagazine.com

photo credit: www.wherecoolthingshappen.com

photo credit: http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/kobe-luminarie-night

Just looking at the pictures makes me think how beautiful it would be up close and personal. Can't wait for the weekend! (And to think it's only Monday...)

For more details of the Kobe Luminarie, here are helpful websites: 

http://kobe.travel.coocan.jp/luminarie/

http://www.kobe-luminarie.jp/

Summer Camping at Akiha

It was Marine Day last July 15th so there were no classes and work. My friends, Helen and Joel,  and I made the most of it by camping for 2 days at Akiha Campsite.

mountains and river along the road

Akiha is in the northern part of Hamamatsu in the Tenryu-Haruno area. It's way up in the mountain but can be accessed by public transportation. The place is surrounded by lush green mountains which I think would be lovely in autumn.

From Shin-Hamamatsu Station, Joel and I took the red train going to Nishikajima. Helen joined us at the Sukenobo Station. We got off at the Nishikajima Station which is the last station so it's impossible to miss it. Then, we boarded a bus going to Akiha just outside of Nishikajima Station. Make sure to ask the driver if it's going to Akiha campsite because there were several buses there. After more than 40 minutes, the bus dropped us off directly at the campsite.

The campsite is a large rocky area with the Keta River meandering on the side. Tents can be rented along with barbecue grills, fishing gears and small kayaking boats. There were also basic accommodations for families with small kids Toilets and wash areas are available.

the campsite in the early morning

Joel crossing the other side

(More on Places in Japan, here.)

We dipped in the water to ease the heat of the noonday sun. Some people were fishing and sitting on the edge of river. There were a bunch of kids swimming on the safer part of the river. The river's current is quite fast so actual swimming is not really recommended.

Keta River on a cloudy afternoon

After an hour or two, we hiked to the nearest shrine. It was a few minutes away from the bus stop. There was a more famous shrine- the Akiha shrine, up in the mountains but it would take us two hours of walking to get there. If you got a car, Helen highly recommended to drop by and visit.

Then, the campsite owner offered to take us to the public bath and onsen just a few minutes away from the site. The fee was really cheap- 100 Yen. It seemed to be a relatively new bathhouse but small with only 5 shower stalls. We had to wait for Joel because he said there were lots of kids in the male's bath. The water temperature was perfect though. The bath is only open until 5 pm.

Along the way, the owner also showed us the largest tengu in Japan. It was given 20 years ago after a tengu festival in Kyoto. It was impressive.

In the late afternoon, we had  a barbecue. I suggest you bring your own coals if you can. The coals in the site took more than an hour to heat up. The owner had to help us ignite and heat it.

Barbecue with friends

(More on Hamamatsu here)

It wasn't really quiet during the night as I have expected. Birds were humming and tweeting in a non-disturbing way. A few passing cars was a welcome sound since we were the only ones who camped for the night. The night sky was clear and perfect for star gazing.

The following day, the owner took the effort to bring us breakfast and drive us to the bus stop. He was overwhelmingly kind.

This was my first time to camp in Hamamatsu and I'm glad that I went out there and see another side of this place.

Affordable Accomodation in Nagoya: Eco Hotel Nagoya

I needed to stay in Nagoya overnight but I don't want to splurge for a few hours of sleep. Thanks to Eco Hotel Nagoya, I had a comfortable night without spending too much.

The best features of this small hotel is its affordability and accessibility.I stayed in a single private room for 2500 Yen. There are dorm rooms available for 2100 Yen. Also, Eco Hotel is just across Nagoya Station, exactly in the heart of the city so transportation wouldn't be a problem. 

Eco Hotel Nagoya's facade

The room had a small bed, good for a light to medium-built person. My bed creaked a little but since I don't really move when I'm asleep, it didn't bother me. There was also a small refrigerator, a TV and air cleaner. Toiletries were provided. What I didn't like was the subtle scent of tobacco. It was stuck in the room even after the cleaning lady sprayed air freshener. Opening the windows was not an option because of the outside noise. I just got used to it eventually with my few hours of stay. 

single private room of Eco Hotel Nagoya

Toilet and bath are shared. There are toilets in all floors along with water heaters. Showers are in the basement together with the washing area. Even if they were shared, they were clean and provides some amount of privacy so bathing and going to the toilet weren't uncomfortable. 

shared shower area at Eco Hotel Nagoya

individual shower stalls

Breakfast is not included but there's a restaurant and bar on the first floor of the building. Also, just next to it are 711 and Denny's Family Restaurant. Then since it's in downtown, you can have varied food choices within a few minutes walk. 

There's an English-speaking receptionist who also provided me with maps and helped me with how to get to the place where I was supposed to go. 

Overall, for a single night or two, Eco Hotel is an acceptable accommodation. You can make reservations through email or through other hotel booking websites 

Going Solo in Kyoto: Part 3- Temple Hopping

It's hard to miss temples in Kyoto for they are just about everywhere. I feel like in every turn in the corner, a temple pops up. Because there are just so many temples to see and each claiming its significance in Japanese history, it's important to decide what temples you'd like to see.

I considered two things. I have to see the Kinkakuji Temple- the temple covered in gold dust and I'll also look at the temples around that area. The other ones, maybe I can see them next time. Japan Guide has a great guide on where to go and how to get around in Kyoto. 

From Kyoto Station, buses are available to different temple districts. Bus guides in English are all around the bus terminal so it's easy to know which bus to take. 

A one-day bus pass worth 500 Yen for adults is available at the bus station. This can only be used on the City Buses and not on the JR Buses. 

Kyo-Ramen

After having a brief lunch of Kyo-ramen at the Kyoto Station, I marched to the bus terminal and boarded a bus to Kinkakuji. The ride is about 40 minutes with 230 Yen fare. Bus announcements are also translated in English so English-speaking tourists would know where to get off. 

(Going Solo in Kyoto Parts 1 and 2 here)

From the bus stop, the temple entrance is a 3-minute walk. Entrance is 400 Yen. The temple is truly worth the 40-minute bus ride. It was lovely sitting amidst a pond with a mountain backdrop. It was cloudy when I visited but I'm sure it would look stunning in a hot midday afternoon sun. I could imagine the golden glow of the temple. 

Kinkakuji Temple
(Kin means gold in Japanese)

Close Up of Kinkakuji

After almost an hour in Kinkakuji, I headed to the next temple which is Ryoanji. From Kinkakuji, board a bus passing the street in front of the temple. I was planning to walk up there but I'm glad I didn't because it's quite far for a walk. 

Ryoanji boasts of its Zen Rock Garden. The entrance is 500 Yen which I regret paying. The Rock Garden was a disappointment for me. It was small (probably just the same size as my Leo Palace Apartment.) I also some of the other foreigners with their disappointed faces. 

Ryoanji's Zen Rock Garden

temple interior at Ryoanji

After that disappointing visit, I walked towards Ninnanji Temple. It's a 15-minute walk from Ryoanji. There's a bus going there but it's not as often, I think. Entrance is 500 Yen which is a fair price for the sights you'll see. 

The temple garden was spacious peppered with small temples. There's also the historic five-story pagoda. And the Zen Garden of the main temple was soothing and relaxing. 

Kyoto's five-story pagoda

Ninnanji Temple's Garden
(Bigger and better than Ryoanji's)

Top view of Ninnanji's Temple Garden

After more than an hour, I left Ninnanji and head back to Kyoto Station. I would have loved to see Ginkakuji Temple (It's the silver temple.) and the geisha house next time. But for this trip, I had seen enough of temples and I had to be back to Hamamatsu by 8 pm. 

(More of Places in Japan, here)

I was glad I had my first year celebration in Kyoto. It was the perfect place to feel that I am truly in Japan. 

Going Solo in Kyoto: Part 2- Reliving a Geisha at Inari Shrine

One of the best scenes in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha is when the young girl was running along a path in between numerous torii gates. It stood out on my mind because of the lovely cinematic effect with matching background music. That scene stirred a mixture of sadness and hope for me and I don't know exactly why. Maybe that scene was like the young girl's attempt to run for her innocence or reliving those times. So because of that movie scene, I promised myself I would visit that place when I get to Kyoto.

Sayuri running through the torii gates at Inari Shrine
photo credit: www.groovyjuvy.com

Inari Shrine is about 15 minutes away from Kyoto Station via the JR Nara Line. The fare is 140 Yen. The shrine is just across the station and lots of people visit that place. The entrance is marked with a big torii gate that it is impossible to get lost.

in front of the Main Gate
(thanks to a gaijin I had a full body picture)

This shrine is famous for its thousand torii gates that make a path on a mountain. Welcoming the guests on the big Main Gate are two large foxes with scary facial expressions.

"You can't get this key" said the fox.
I replied, "Fine, I'm not trying to!"

On the right side of the Main Gate's entrance, are two splitting torii paths which leads to the same area.

splitting torii gates at Inari Shrine

I didn't know before that the torii gates make a very long path. I also didn't know that there are several stops where you can head back. I just kept on walking until I realized I was tired and only a few people were walking with me. It was a two hour walk! It was worth it though. The mountain view and the unending red path made me feel I was in an unknown beautiful vacuum.

a man taking picture while I took a picture of him ^-^

After the unexpected hike, I am more than ready to have lunch and start the temple walk.

Going Solo in Kyoto: Part 1- Morning in Arashiyama

To celebrate my first year in Japan, I took a day tour in Kyoto. Two reasons why Kyoto- I've never been there and I feel like a loser for haven't been there since it's a "must-see" place in Japan after Tokyo.

Boarding an overnight bus from Hamamatsu on May 31st, my short trip started. Travelling by bus is one of the cheapest means but to do it overnight is almost a misery. I was half-conscious while sleeping so I didn't sleep really well. The reclining chair wasn't too comfortable and to top it all, the guy behind me snored quite loudly. I just have to thank God that I arrived safely at Kyoto station before 5 am. 

So what did I do at 5 am in the station? Took some pictures, explored the nearby sleeping areas, had breakfast and tried to talk to some Japanese girls. Good thing that Kyoto Station is quite impressive it made me excited to start my sightseeing. 

Kyoto Tower overlooking a temple

breakfast at Cafe Veloce beside the Kyoto Post Office
(very affordable food!)

A few minutes past 7, I boarded a train going to Arashiyama. It's the train bound for Kamaoka. The fare is 230 Yen.

Arashiyama is in the Western part of Kyoto, a touristy district with several temples and natural sights. I got off at Saga-Arashiyama station. There's a map just across the stairs of the station so visitors can navigate the district on their own. 

SL and Piano Museum at Saga-Arashiyama Station
(I don't know why their display is like that)

A narrow street just beside the Piano Museum leads to the road going to the Tenryu-ji (a temple), Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Groves. There are signs but they are in Japanese. A kind lady helped me figure out where I was supposed to go when she saw me looking puzzled perhaps. 

From the end of the street, the Tenryu-ji Temple is a few blocks away on the left. I didn't find it impressive maybe because I've seen a lot of Japanese temples already. There was also an ongoing construction on the main temple. I visited it because it's a World Heritage Site and it's one my way to the Togetsukyo Bridge. And oh there's no entrance fee so might as well see the place. 

a statue in Tenryuji 

interior of one of the temples in Tenryuji 

From Tenryu-ji, I continued walking seeing the Togetsukyo Bridge just a few minutes away from me. This bridge is supposed to offer a spectacular view of mountains. When I reached the bridge, the view was lovely but not as majestic as I have expected. I think that the best time to appreciate this place is on spring and autumn when everything is filled with colors. 

The Togetsukyo Bridge after the spring

A view from the park below Togetsukyo Bridge

Going on the opposite direction, I headed to the bamboo groves. This is my favorite place in Arashiyama. The bamboo trail has a misty glow to it. I feel like I was being led to a mystical place. The downside was I had a bike with me. I rented a bike for 1000 Yen thinking that I had to walk a good deal. I wish I hadn't because the bamboo trail was uphill. 

The Bamboo Groves in Arashiyama

There were other spots and lots of temples in the Arashiyama district. It would take a day at least to see everything. Since I didn't have the luxury of a day, I finished my tour in the bamboo groves and head back to Kyoto Station and go to my next stop- the Inari Shrine.