Earthquake Hits Japan Again!

I was pretty worried about some friends who are living in Japan permanently when i read about the Earthquake that hit japan on today.  For those who are not aware of this.. Japan is a country very prone to Earthquake - some 10 years ago,  an earthquake in Kobe killed thousands.  Even if everyone in Japan had a car with gps i doubt they can get out to safety quick enough.  I love Japan .. but mother nature is not at all kind to this country.   This time I heard a Tsunami warning was issued but was lifted shortly after an hour later.   My friends are safe..  for now .. but what about the next time.

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!

Designer Hotel In Tokyo - Claska

Unlike the hotels punta cana this designer hotel called Claska sure didn’t looked too impressive from the outside.  With 9 rooms for guests like you and I .. i hear it’s impossible to get a room.  But they have 26 permanent residential rooms for long staying guests… so i’m guessing that makes up for the lack of ordinary guest rooms.

They did have some kinda exhibit when i was there.. something about japanese living..??

And a coffee and souvenir shop as well on the ground floor.

One of the guest rooms .. pretty interesting.. and yes.. pretty designer look.

Autumn Leaf Viewing

The different seasons in Japan is much admired by the Japanese.. and they make a big deal outta it.  I remember going for mountain climbing with co-workers.. just to view the autumn leaves.  The autumn leaf viewing also known as momiji gari means the changing of leaf colors.  Almost all Japanese tries to make a picnic outta every season they can think of .. it seems.  I even got my insurance quote during one of this seasonal picnic.  The autumn viewing seems to be a lot more quieter.. than cherry blossom viewing i noticed.

It was quite cold.. if i remember.. when we were up in Mt. Gassann and we didn’t really stay too long.  Luckily we used the lift chairs.. and didn’t have to climb all the way up to the top.

Fruit Sandwich & Juice Shop

You have to love the Japanese for their food and the presentation of their food.  Japanese takes pride in what they produce and you can rarely go wrong with specialty food stores and cafes like the Senbikiya.  This fruit shop is located in Tokyo and they specializes in fruits.. and beautiful food at that.  Very yummy .. but i cannot say it is the most healthy..  but very ex lor.It is customary to bring gifts when visiting a friend in Japan - so these sandwiches comes handy and there is always something for every occasion you can think of.

Juice are also very good.. and many flavors to choose from the menu.  Some sandwiches i heard .. are not only made with real fruit slices ..and sour cream but only lemon buttered breads.

Halloween @ Asakusabashi

Shinjuku is a great place to shop but if you want the really good stuff, I would recommend Asakusabashi - a wholesale area and also known as the handicraft town.   Halloween being round the corner, you can see a lot of Halloween stuff on sale now.

Mt Yotei @ Hokkaido

Hokkaido is another place in Japan that I loved very much.  Great for those who loves the outdoors.. but don’t go during the winter - winter is rather harsh .. in Hokkaido.  Love their water filters there .. as everything is just so clean .. and ready to drink.  Summer is a great time to visit Hokkaido .. because it doesn`t get humid or too hot.   That’s Mt Yotei that you see in the picture above. It has an active volcano located in Shikotsu - Toya National Park.  Also known as Yezo Fuji and is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan.

Some scenery on the way to Milk Kobo

One of the more popular summer tour destinations in Niseko is Milk Kobo in Higashiyama,(on the road to Niseko Hilton).

Horse-riding anyone?

Sunrise @ Mt Fuji

Mt Fuji is officially open for climbing from July - August, although you can climb throughout the year if you like a challenge. More than 200,000 people climb Mount Fuji each year, and approximately 30% of them are foreigners. It can take anywhere from four to ten hours to ascend the slope, and two to six hours to descend. If you decide to go, you’ll have your choice of trails to the top. Mount Fuji is divided into ten stations, with station one at the foot of the mountain and station ten at the top. Paved roads reach up to the 5th station, and many decide to begin their hike from this point for the convenience. There are four 5th stations, on different sides of the mountain. The most popular of these is Kawaguchiko 5th station but no live chat there.

Most people time their climbs so they can view the sunrise from the top of Mt. Fuji. There are two ways to do this: climb at night, or sleep part way up the trail. If you plan on hiking at night, make sure you take a flashlight and extra batteries. You’ll likely leave the 5th station around 10:00pm, hike through the dark, and arrive at the summit in time to greet the sun. If the adventure of a night hike is too much for you, you could also hike to the 7th or 8th station and sleep in one of the huts. Then you could finish the walk early the next morning to reach the top for the sunrise. Don’t forget… sunrise comes pretty early up on the mountain, so you’ll want to be in place around 4:00-5:00am.

Breath-taking is the sunrise.. and even though we had to sleep in sardines in the sardine cans.. it was worth it.

Exhilirating ! does not even describe how one can feel when you are up there.

Visa To Japan

So you wanna visit Japan for a holiday.. ?? or some of you are thinking of going to Japan to be an English teacher.  Many years ago, visiting Japan and getting a visa.. is like going to visit the Nazis.. hahahha!! i kid you not..  :)  when i was there.. in 1999 .. i had to wait for a visa for so long.. and go thru’ an interview and all.. it was really like visiting a 3rd world country.

But since 2008, Japan listed like 62 countries.. that doesn’t need Visa when entering Japan, so make sure you check if you need the paperwork.  Since I have a Singapore Passport and am a Permanent Resident in Canada.. that would include me as well.   Ok.. so you are waived of the visa.. but be sure to know .. how long you can stay in Japan .. and even if you are waived.. you can still be turned back at the airport and custom.. if you are considered a risk .. or have intend.. to overstay in Japan.  Alot of tourists do that..  and I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

Ruby Grapes

If you think Orlando vacations are expensive.. think about this bunch of ruby grapes at $2,250 auction off to a restuarant owner in Ishikawa Prefecture who hoped that the news reports about the auction would give some attention to his business.  Crazy as it may sound.. this is Japan you are talking about ..  and the Japanese do love their premium fruits.. !!   So fruits or vacation..?? i’ll choose a vacation anytime.  Hahahah!!