Nature Walk In Tokyo

Many friends asked me where to go shopping for  external hard drive when they are planning for trips to Japan or where the best Ramen or sushi places they can go to, but rarely do people asked about taking nature walks or going hiking in Tokyo.  For those who are planning to stay in Japan for longer than a month - you must not miss taking in the sights and scenery one of the most beautiful nature walk in Tokyo - Mt Takao.   I was told that going during the late spring is the best because of the fresh and bright greenery and the many different kind of flowers you can find there.  It is also the best weather to go for hiking.

Tsunami Warning In Japan

The tsunami warning issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center includes parts of Central and South America, New Zealand, Russia, Japan, the Philippines, Hawaii and a number of Pacific islands.  When my friend from Japan wrote about it on her facebook - i cannot helped but put away my reading of spring plungers and went online to check about the upcoming disaster and tragedy.

“Sea level readings confirm that a tsunami has been generated which could cause widespread damage,” reads a bulletin issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. “Authorities should take appropriate action in response to this threat.”

The Center issued specific warnings for the entire state of Hawaii, saying the first wave of a tsunami could hit at 11:19 a.m. local time.

In Japan, broadcaster NHK quoted experts who predicted a tsunami could hit Japan in less than 24 hours, and could be tens of centimetres high. In 2001, a tsunami that hit Japan after an 8.4-magnitude earthquake near Chile measured 28 centimetres.

A Different Kinda Donut

Krispy Kreme is not the only famous donut place in Tokyo - there is another place for special donuts like the ones above - it’s the Barieta Donuts.  The blueberry creme cheese one has creme cheese in the middle and glace with blueberry on top - now who can resist that right?  When i stayed in Japan - I’m always envious of my co-workers because they are all super slim and they eat stuff like that all the time - i bet they have some secret diets for quick weight loss that they weren’t sharing though.  While the rest of us grew fatter and bigger - they stayed so petite .. you wanna shake them around a bit at times.. hahahha!  So yes - if you are in Tokyo - try ou the Barieta Donut.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Japan is an amazing place - recently I found out that my girlfriend who had Anchorage homes for sale went to Japan for a long break.  She had called to ask where she must visit.  In which i replied the Okinawa Churami Aquarium. It is also known for being the world’s second largest aquarium behind the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

The aquarium is made up of four-floors, all sorts of sea creatures can be found there - from tropical fishes to sharks and coral and it hold up to a total of 77 tanks.  Water for the saltwater exhibits is pumped into the aquarium from 350m offshore 24 hours a day.

The main tank called the “Kuroshio Sea” holds 7,500-cubic meters (1,981,290 gallons) of water and features the world’s second largest acrylic glass panel, measuring 8.2 meters by 22.5 meters with a thickness of 60 centimeters. Whale sharks and manta rays are kept amongst many other fish species in the main tank.

Chi Chi Island

Well, it isn’t really called the Chi Chi Island.. but that was what my co-workers in Japan called it..  we all worked with some term life insurance ppl and they had brought us out to Chichijima Island for a tour.  Sitting at the entrance of Futami Ko - you see a Welcome rock near the harbor of Chichijima.  The Ogasawara Islands are currently being evaluated for World Heritage status, and if its granted (a decision will be made in 2011) an increase in tourism, particularly by non-Japanese, is expected.

Chichijima Island has one of the most spectacular scenery.  Most ppl don’t visit or rather not because the ferry is the only way to get there.  It’s a 25hrs ride on the ferry and about 25,000 yen - nope, no airport and no high speed Cat to get there either.  Well, you can take a private cruise or a helicopter i guess - but those must be a lot more expensive.

Well, the Thais have their Phi Phi Island which is just as beautiful and so here the Japs have their on Chi chi island.

One can go snorkeling or walk around the quaint looking town and shop and eat.  There is more to Chi Chi Island.. and you shouldn’t miss it if you are there for some time.

Hiking In Japan

When people think of visiting Japan - they first think of the shopping and the electronics they can buy or visiting DisneyLand and Sanrio Land but it is only folks like us who’ve stayed in Japan for a good number of months who wants to do the outdoorsy stuff like hiking and my g/f who had spine surgery Mexico is one of them.

There are many places to hike besides going to Mt Fuji - temples are a plenty in Japan - besides the usual tourist places that your travel agent brings you and one such place is Kamakura. Kamakura is located in Kanagawa, Japan about 50 km from Tokyo.

Depending on the day you go for your hike, it can get quite crowded but overall, it is a good experience and lots of fresh air.

And of course, one can do away with the souvenir shops eh.

Chinese Food In Japan

Someone asked me the other day - if there were any Chinese restaurants in Japan and if there were some - to please give him the address.  Well, lots of ppl are mistaken that in Japan, you can only find Japanese food - but it’s not true.  There are over 200 chinese restaurants in Japan - and they are easier to spot and find in Japan then under eye cream.  My friend had also asked me if they were authentic chinese food and I’m pleased to report to you that some of these restaurants are owned by folks who were from Hong Kong and China.  So yes - if you are migrating or going to work in Japan for a long time - like i did once upon a time - head over to China Town in Japan and you will find just about anything there.

Snow Fest In Japan

The annual snow fest in Japan is held in Hokkaido this year.  My best girlfriend who works with the Toronto hotels would love to travel for the show and was afraid that she couldn’t get a room because of the snow fest.  The snow fest is one of the biggest show in Japan and given that it is entering it is entering its 61 yr - it is an overwhelming experience for even the Japanese much less a foreigner like you and I.

The snow fest will take place from Feb 6 to Feb 11 and if you haven’t booked your hotel yet - you better do it quick because it not only attracts the local but it’s well known internationally too.  I hear that more than 2 million ppl visits during these shows.   One can look forward to ice sculptures, stunning snow decoration and fixtures/buildings, lots of entertainment and of course sample Japan’s most wonderful and delicious cuisine.

The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 by a group of high school students who sculpted six statues along the Odori Park and over the last 61 years, has grown into an international phenomenon rivaled only by Harbin Ice and Snow Festival and the Quebec Winter Carnival!

Tokyo In The New Year

Tokyo, Japan is many things - from good food, good place, good people, can’t really complain except that they sure need some good water softener even in the good hotels that we stayed in.   This is at Tokyo Dome during the New Year - Tokyo is one of the most lighted up city in Japan .. and even though I’ve been there so many times, these Japanese never failed to amaze me with their talent.

Amazing shape, color and lighting right? Yes it was beautiful!

Rainbow Bridge

I was surprised.. i didn’t show you a picture of the Rainbow Bridge.  It named because of its changing nighttime lights, Rainbow Bridge spans the bay from Minato-ku to Odaiba one of Tokyo’s premier wining and dining areas.

Construction started in 1987 and was completed in 1993, the bridge is 798 metres (2,618 ft) long with a main span of 580 metres (1,903 ft).  The towers supporting the bridge are white in color, designed to harmonize with the skyline of central Tokyo seen from Odaiba. There are lamps placed on the wires supporting the bridge, which are illuminated into three different colors, red, white and green every night using solar energy obtained during the day.