Sakura Memories: March 2012

Why Japan, and My Love for All Things Anime/Manga

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been interested in Japanese culture. The name of this blog: Sakura Memories goes along with my feelings for the country. Sakuras/Cherry Blossoms are very ionic in Japan, but they have a very important meaning to me as well. Due to all of the Sakura Blossoms in the Japanese related interests I have, it has become a symbol of how my love for Japanese culture began. Therefore, these memories are the reasons I want to Travel to Japan.

How I was introduced to Japan Culture:

When I was around 5 years old, I started watching a child based tv show called Hello Kitty (which a very famous Japanese figure). During this time, a lot of Japanese shows started to appear on TV (at the time, I was too young to understand that they were Japanese). Anime shows like Dragon Ball, Sailor moon and Card Captor Sakura were the anime (Japanese cartoon shows) that started by fixation with all things Japanese.

After these shows ended, I started to watch more anime shows such as Pokemon, Digimon, Inuyasha, etc. All of these shows were English dubbed, and it wasn't until High School that I started to watch the orginal Japenese episodes with English subtitles (much better!!). It was also around this time I was introduced to my current number one anime/manga: Naruto. Manga is the word used to designate any Japanese comics. It was only a couple months later, that I was reading weekly manga updates on Naruto and others series.

I was usually drawn to Shonen mangas, which is usually a ‘boy’ focused genre due to the amount of violence and action. The most popular mangas internationally are Shonen (ex. Dragon Ball, Naruto, Bleach), and the subject matter varies widely going from super heroes to high school student adventures. These types of action stories were always interesting to me since, in manga, heroes are usually naive and pure at heart. Enemies, on the other hand, are evil but due to the hero’s influence they end ip revealing their good side. In comparison, Western superhero comics, the good stays good and the bad stays and dies a bad! (I would know since I also read a lot of Marvel comics when I was younger...yes, I’m a nerd)

Although manga started to become very popular, and sold in every bookstore, I never found anyone with the same interest as me (This could also be due to living in an area with no minorities...). When I came to University, this all changed. I met my roommate Alex, and it was awkward at first, since she was alittle hard to approach. It wasn’t until I was reading my weekly naruto update (and trying in vain to hide it from her), that she snatched the computer and turned to me with a squeeled; “You read this too?!” We then had an OMG moment, and became fast best friends.

With another manga/anime fan, I had no need to hide it, and soon enough other anime lovers on my floor started to approach us. Mansi and Lisa, were the next girls that I related to and made my love for Japanese culture grow more. Mansi introduced me to my other favourite shonen manga: Bleach, and she soon started to introduce me to other shonen anime/manga. Alex, on the other hand, only likes one or two shonen but loves her shojo mangas. Shojo manga are directed to teenage girls and are best described as Japanese love focused soap operas in comic book form. Before Alex, the only shojo genera I loved were Card captor Sakura and Sailor moon (although these have alot of action in them, more so then regular shojo manga). Lisa was a little bit different in broadening my interest in Japanese culture. She introduced me to Jpop (Japanese pop) and Jdoramas. Japanese dramas, Jdoramas, are the interconnection of manga, anime, movies and music. Most famous dramas are based on a manga, but many have original storylines. These dramas are usually 10 episodes long, and can be best described as a mini-series or sitcom.

After becoming friends with these girls, we had a dream to go to Japan together. Before all of us turn 30, we would go to Japan, since it’s been a place that has been influencing us in so many ways since childhood. It would be my final childhood dream, before I officially become an adult.

Left to Right: Sakura blossoms, Bleach, Inyuasha, Card Captor Sakura, Naruto,
Death Note, Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, Dragon ball, Vampire Knight, Hello Kitty

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Trip Logistics and How Much This All Will Cost

As I already said, I’ll be taking this trip with my three other best friends. Since I can’t speak for them, much of the things I’ll discuss in this blog are going to be reasons why I’m going to certain areas, or seeing particular places. There are some attractions that I know my friends would love to see in Japan, so I’ll add that, but mostly it will just be my own point of view. Anyways, one thing we all agreed upon is where to go. Since we are anime lovers and shopping fanatics, good chunk of our time will be spent in Tokyo. Although if we want to learn all about Japan, only going to Tokyo isn't the best. Instead we need to soak in the richness of Japan's culture through its temples and shrines, foods and customs. All in all, the perfect amount of time we picked is 15 days in Japan. Here is our plan for these 15 days:

Itinerary

Day 1=Toronto to Narita Airport to Shinjuku, Tokyo

Day 2 + 3 +4= 3 full days of sightseeing in Tokyo

Day 5= Side trip to Nikko from Tokyo

Day 6= Tokyo to Hakone

Day 7= Hakone to Kyoto

Day 8 + 9= 2 full days of sightseeing in Kyoto

Day 10= Side trip to Nara from Kyoto

Day 11= Kyoto to Osaka

Day 12= Osaka to Hiroshima to Miyajima

Day 13= Miyajima to Shibuya, Tokyo

Day 14= Full day in Shibuya, Tokyo

Day 15= depart Tokyo for Toronto

So Tokyo is a large amount of our trip, and due to this, our budget has to increase a bit. Tokyo is one of the most expensive places to rent a hotel, so a large amount of the budget will go towards that. The rest will be for transportation, and entry fees for certain attractions. The budget, which includes the flight ticket, should be around 3500-4000 CAD. The ticket is currently around 1900 CAD on delta air (the cheapest flight to Japan from America). This flight actually departs from Toronto, stops in New York; and then its non-stop from New York to Tokyo, making it a 17 hours and 30 minutes flight! Wow!! I better bring an ereader/ipad to kill some time. Although with my girls, we’ll just talk half of the trip and/or sleep.

Along with the 4000 CAD budget, I’ll be taking 300 to 400 CAD equivalent to Tokyo’s yen which is around 25 500- to 34 000 Yen. The current exchange rate is 1 CAD = 85 Japanese yen, but I have to take into account, that this will probably change by the time I go to Japan.

When am I planning for this trip? I want to go when school is completely done and I have a good job, which I believe would be 5- 7 years from now. This is the same thoughts my friends have, where we all believe this will be our last big hurrah before going into the ‘real world.’ Having a job will help with saving for such a large budget, but thankfully my parents will be paying for the trip. Depending on when I’ll go, it will either be a graduation present or ‘Congrats on Your First Job’ present. I don’t ask for much for my parents, but this is something they know I have wanted to do since I was a child. Me waiting until after I finish University and get a job, showed them how responsible and sensible I was. Therefore, they believe this is a trip I deserve, especially after all the work I’m doing in school/work (And I couldn't agree more!).

So thanks Mom and Dad! I’ll be putting this present to good use for sure!!

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Preparing for the Big Trip!

There are a couple things I have to prepare for, before I go to Japan. First I will need to take a couple months, before the trip, to indulge myself in as many Japanese speaking shows, animes and films. Even though I know a couple words here and there, it’s not enough for a country uses next to no English. Through the large amounts of Japanese dramas I’ve watched, Japanese people are extremely polite and respectful in everyday interactions. To be able to blend in with crowd, I need to at least know arigato (thank you), sumimasen (excuse me), konnichiwa (hello), and onegai shimasu (please). These are very much the basic need to know Japanese words that can get you by in many situations. Another way to be prepared for the language barrier is to download a translator on my ipad. These things are speedy and convient (since it’s so light), so we can take it with us where we are. It’s a great way to translate what others are telling you, but also to translate what you’re saying to someone else who may not understand English very well.

Some Japanese phrases every Travellor needs to know,
from A Geek in Japan (Hector Garcia)

In the post before I touched on the fact that I’ll need to bring a good amount of cash on me. The smartest thing for me to do is to exchange the Canadian amount at Narita airport, since the exchange is far better in Japan then outside of the country. Another reason to bring cash, is that fact that not a lot of places will take my debit or credit card. And while there are some places, like convenience stores in Tokyo that do, I rather be save then sorry. Although I will bring a card with me in case my money runs out (hopefully that doesn’t happen!)

The other part of the budget is coupled with accomdation, airfaire and transportation in the country. It’s best to buy a ticket between two to three months before the travel date, and same goes for making reservations for hotels. Thankfully, I know when I would like to go to Japan, making it easier reserve sports and book plane tickets. The time we would be going is early April, and this coincides with Cherry Blossom season. This time is the perfect time to see all the trees all abloom with pink flowers, and its one of the only times in the year that isn’t coinciding with a Japenese holiday season or a rainy season. Cherry blossoms and good weather makes early April a perfect time to travel around Japan.

The other part of the budget is transportation, which is one of the most expensive things in Japan. A good deal instead is to buy a 14 day Japan Rail Pass (45 100 Yen/534 CAD), which is really beneficial to us due to the long distances we’ll be covering. The pass covers all Japanese Railway trains (JR trains), the shinkansen/bullet train, ferries and local JR buses. The railways are everywhere, and it’s one of the easiest mode of transportation to get around, so the pass will absolutely be worth it. The Pass will be apart of the 4000 budget, and (*a reminder to myself*) JR passes can’t be bought in Japan. Rather it would be better to get the pass when paying for my plane ticket.

In terms of what to pack, it would be better to pack light. This is because of the numerous times we will be hopping on train to another to get to another city. We will have to take our luggage with us each time, and it won’t be fun to lug around a 50 pound suitcase. Another thing is cell phones, which before visitors were only able to use a rented Japanese cell phone from the airport, but now phones with 3G can be used in Japan! Hopefully in five years, more cell phones can work there. Due to the fact that many hotels offer wi-fi, I’ll be taking my laptop (or just the Ipad) and with other electronics, we’ll need to bring a universal plug.

Basically to get by in Japan, or any country for that matter, we need to learn about its customs and culture to be able to get the most from that country when we actually visit it. With all of the Japanese themed things we watch, we 4 girls feel like we already know a lot of the culture. However there is a difference, from virtually going there through the television then actually going there. No matter how prepared I’ll try to be, there will still be that culture shock; but at least this preparation will lessen the shock, and not keep me from floundering.

Next we’ll get into the virtual trip days!! These days will be as detailed as possible, so that one day I'll look back and actually take this trip!

Source: A Geek in Japan by Hector Garcia Buy Here

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Shonichi/ Day One- Cherry Blossoms on the First Day

After a couple hours in immigration, we should be out of Narita Airport by 11 AM. The time to check into our hotel is 2pm, so we’ll have some time to spare. Taking our luggage, we will take the JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku where we’ll be staying during the first couple days in Tokyo.

If I were to compare New York to Tokyo, Shinjuku would be like Manhattan. It’s filled with the skyscrapers and neon signs. One of the main reasons we want to stay in Shinjuku, is that it appeared in a lot of movies, manga and anime we’ve read and watched like Death note (One of our all time favourite!)

Once reaching Shinjuku, we’ll get off the North South exit at Sinjuku Station, and take a short walk to Sinjuku Gyoen. Since its around late March to mid April, it’s Cherry Blossom season, and the Sinjuku Gyoen is one of the most popular and pleasant hanami spots to view the blossoms in Tokyo. At the beginning of April, the blooming of sakura blossoms is quite an event for tourists, as well as for locals. The word hanami, is translated to ‘to see flowers,’ so a hanami spot is a spot to allow individuals to sit and gaze at the cherry blossom trees.

At the station, before heading to Shinjuku Gyoen, we’ll pick up a bento. When settled in our hanami spot, we’ll dig this Japanese take-out meal. Bento is a ready-made lunch box sold at almost every convience store and train station In Japan. A typical bento conists of rice, fish or meat and vegetables.

After finishing our lunch, we’ll leave the park for our Hotel: the Best Western Sinjuku Astina Hotel. One 2 twin bedroom is 127.54 dollars per night (this is one of the most affordable hotels!), and it’s a 5 minute walk from the west entrance of Shinjuku station. This will make it much easier to get along in the city.

Top Section: Traditional Bento, Odaiba Ferris Wheel, Shinjuku Gyoen and examples of hanami spots
Bottom Section: Rainbow bridge at night, Venus fort shopping center, Fuji TV building

After settling into our hotel, we’ll take a trip to Odaiba which is known for its futuristic entertainment. The JR Saikyo line, will take use directly to Odiaba from Shinjuku. To get in and out of the area, we’ll need to go over the rainbow bridge, which is a really beautiful site at night. Another attraction we’ll head to is Odaiba’s ferris wheel, the largest in the country, standing at 115 metres tall. All four us will be able to ride together, since one cart holds 6 passengers.

Odaiba Jump Shop

The next place is Fuji TV Building and the Dragon Ball and One Piece Museum. This will be our first anime/manga experience in Japan, and what place better to go to then the building that broadcast Dragon Ball Z and now One Piece (the current longest running manga series). In the building is a museum where we can buy merchandising from both series as well as other series Fuji TV broadcasts. Close to the Fuji TV building is the jump store. For people who may not know, Jump is the current most popular manga magazine that contains the most popular Shonen manga series (i.e Naruto, Bleach, One Piece). We all are jump fans, since our favourite series are distributed by it, and it’s a great place to buy some items from these shonen jump series.

Hello Kitty Amusement Park in Odaiba: I know I'll be almost 30 if I go to Japan as planned.....but it's a Hello Kitty Amusement Park!

Another reason why we want to go see the Fuji building, is that it was the area in which Digimon (a popular anime), used as a setting place in Seasons 1 and 2. Knowing what Odaiba looks like with the help of one of my favourite childhood anime, gives a greater meaning to the city.

Anime series Digimon, and its various scenes with the Fuji TV building: Oh the childhood memories are already coming back!!

Odaiba Source
Images: Google Images

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Futsuka-me/ Day Two: Heaven on Earth for an Anime fan!

This day will be soley focused on Anime/Manga type activites, and what place better to go to then Akihabara. This is Tokyo’s ultimate otaku district, and its famous for its electronic centers, computers, manga, anime and figurines. It literaly is, heaven on earth for geeky kids that are into comics, gadgets and cartoons (pretty much describes me and my three travel mates!). We will take the JR Yamanoate Line to Akihabara Station, and exit at the "Akihabara Electric Town" exit. When exiting the Akihabara station, we will go directly to Don Ouijote which is a shopping center filled with anything and everything from makeup, clothes and accessories. After some time there, we’ll be going anime crazy at Animate and the Figurine Shops. Animate is Akihabara’s biggest manage and anime store. It’s an entire building filled with manga, figurines of manga/anime characters, DVD boxed sets, posters, etc. If we can’t find a find a figurine of our favourite character, we can go to the Figure Shops around Animate. These shops have figures from Godzilla and Batman to Naruto and Son Goku (Dragonball).

After lunch, we will have some manga fun when we travel to Nakano Broadway, by taking the Chuo line to Nakano Station. This is a very entertaining street filled many shops, but we’ll be heading to Mandarake Store which is considered to be the largest manga store in the country. This store has every anime and manga related merchandise new or old! This will be agreat opportunity to get some DVD sets from older manga/animes like Sailor Moon and Dragonball. Around 5pm, we’ll head back to Akihabara for any last minute shopping at Don Ouijote. When the mall closes, we’ll head to the famous Sega Game Centers. I’m not a great gamer, but it would be amazing to play the newest games to old style arcade games like my favorite Street Fighter. Even if we aren’t that great, it’s going to be fun to see the spectacular skills of the Japanese regulars.

Top Row: Dragon Ball Z posters, Nakono Boardway entrance, Akihabara's vibrant streets, Inside Sega Arcades
2nd Row: Dragonball Z figurines, Don Quijote
3rd Row: Akihabara Animate shop, figurine store
4th row: Sega Arcade, Mandarake Store, Large Picture: Manga Magazines on Sale

One thing we must do while at Akihabara is to go to a Meido Kissas ('Maid Cafe'). These a special types of coffee shops where young women, dressed in maid outfits, serve their customers. Before it was only men that were costumers, since these maids were to fulfill a fantasy for these anime loving men. Although a fantasy, men were not allowed the touch the maids. In recent years, women and couples now go to maid cafe either for curiosity or enjoyment.

These maids usually greet the costumer with a bow and a "Welcome home, Master/Mistress." For extra fees, they can give back massages, clean your arms/legs and even play cards or video games with you! Due to the influx of women patrons, there are now some maid cafes with male waiters. These men due to the same thing as the female maids, but instead call the female customers 'queen.' For Alex and Lisa, this would be their Ouran High School Host Club fantasies come to life!! (Ouran is an anime based on beautiful boys playing host to female students). For me, this is just another aspect of anime culture, that I would love to take part in!

Examples of Maids in Maid Cafes, and Anime Ouran Host Club

Source: A Geek in Japan by Hector Garcia Buy Here

Pictures: Google Images

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Mitsukame/Day Three: Cosplay at Harajuku

Today, we move to spend some time at Harajuku and Omotesando, and this is a trip planed for Sunday. To get to Harajuku, we have to take the JR Yamanote line, with Harajuku Station being two stations south of Shinjuku station. Before heading to Harajuku, we will go to Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yogogi Park, which is a short walk away from the station. The Meiji Jingu is one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines, and although it’s not the most beautiful, it’s surrounded by lush woods giving it a powerful ambiance. On a Sunday, our chance of witnessing a Shinto wedding ceremony is very likely. After the shrine, we’ll take a stroll in Yoyogi Park where on Sundays, many people gather to practice their favourite hobbies, such as acting, sparring with swords, playing in a band, etc.

Top: Meiji Jingu Shrine
Bottom: Yogogi Park

Next is Harajuku and Omotesando, and since we are planning this trip for a Sunday, a simple stroll on Harajuku’s streets is the perfect day for people watching. As anime and manga enthusiasts, we are well aware that people love to dress up as their favourite character for conventions (Lisa and Maansi actually went to a couple Toronto anime conventions where they dressed up as various anime characters). Role playing, or cosplay, is usally seen at events but every Sunday, youth cosplay various anime characters on Harajuku’s Cosplay bridge. Anything from video-game cosplay to the most bizarre gothic Lolita outfits can be seen (prefect for taking some pictures and learning about the Youth culture in Japan!). Examples of types of people we might see:

Visual Kei- a rock movement in Japan, and they are characterized by their over the top make-up and outfits

Lolita- a precociously seductive girl, taken from Vladimir Nabokov’s novel Lolita. Different types of Lolitas are Gothic (sinster but innocent and carry crosses, leather handbags, heavy makeup), Sweet (have a more childlike look, very influenced by Shojo mangas), Erotic (a sexy look with short skirts and high boots) and Wa style (a mix between traditional Kimono styles and Lolita elements)

After some type at the Cosplay bridge, we move to shop at Takeshita Dori. This is Harajuku’s main commercial street, filled with cosplay shops as well as well priced clothing, accessories, etc. Omotesando Hills, the most expensive department in the country, will be a great place to either window shop or to splurge a bit.

Top: Entrance to Takeshita Dori, Visual Kei style, Lolita style
Bottom: Gothic lolita, Sweet lolita, Wa style lolita

Harajuku Source

Images: Google Images

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Hitsu/Day Four: Using Jdoramas for Sightseeing

The first place we will be going to today isTokyo Tower, a taller and more orange version of the Eiffel Tower; but a must see destination for tourists. Even though we never went to the tower, as anime lovers, we are well aware of what it looks like. Because of its clear association with the city, it’s usually used as a visual landmark, and also as a convenient place for anime characters to muse about their life. Some anime examples that we have spotted this tower in:

Gantz: The characters are trapped in an apartment in Tokyo, but the view from the window gives a perfect view of the tower
Sailor Moon: Since the series is based near the area, the tower is seen in almost every episode

Card Captor Sakura: The final battle where Sakura is saving the world, is located right beside the majestic tower

Mr. Brain: a 2009 Japanese drama with the tower seen in the opening sequence

( It's also seen in films such as Godzilla)

Tokyo Tower view from: Sailor Moon, Card Captor Sakura
Dr. Brain. Last picture is the original tower

This youtuber talks about the references with anime and films with the tower, as well as giving some extra information for a tourist!

After Tokyo Tower, our next stop is Asakusa which is Tokyo’s most traditional district; and we'll get there by taking the Churo line from Shinjuku Station. Taking the Churo line, it's a 10 minute trip to Kanda Station. From Kanda Station, we will transfer to Ginza Subway line for Asakusa, taking another 10 minutes. Once in Asakusa, we'll make our way to Kaminari Gate, which a very famous place to take pictures. It’s notable for its two traditional guardians and a big red lantern in the middle, and it’s famous for me due to its appearance in many Japanese dramas such as Hana Kimi. In Hana Kimi, when the main character's USA-based parents came to visit her, she made it a point to tour them around Tokyo. One such tourist spot they visited was Kaminari Gate and with it Sensoji Temple (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple).

Hana Kimi scene at Kaminari Gate

When visiting a Temple or Shrine, there a couple acts we must perform. At Shinto Shrines, we will first go to the Temizuya (purification fountain) where we will prefom the water purification. We then enter the temple through the Torii Gates to ring the small bell, and make a wish. At Sensoji, we will take part in the Senko which means incense in Japanese. At Sensoji Temple, there is a pedestal with sand, and this is where we burn our senko sticks, and then wave the purifying smoke towards our bodies with our hand. In Shinto shrines, we can also buy small envelopes that contain a strip of paper with our fortunes written on it (Omikuji Fortune Papers). Once we read it, we have to tie/attach it to a tree branch. If you get a lucky paper, you will have good luck when you attach it: but if you but an unlucky fortune, attaching it toa branch will cancel the bad luck effect.

Top: Kaminari Gate, Sensoji Temple
Bottom: Water Purification, Senko purification

After some time at the temple, we’ll spend some time in the shopping area near Kaminari Gate, which is full of souvenir shops. When we finish, we'll go to back Shinjuku to roam around the Shopping District. The Shinjuku shopping district is full of neon lights, and department shops filled with anything from clothes to electronics. While shopping, we’ll stop by Tokyo’s Love Sculpture featured in many Jdoramas.

Shinjuku Love sculpture in 1998 jdorama: Great Teacher Onizuka

Asakusa Source
Images: Google Images

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Ni-Tsu Faibu/Day Five: Travelling into the Past and Ninjas!

Our side trip, to get a way from Toyko, is to the area of Nikko. To get there we will take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to get Utsunomiya Station, and this will transfer us to the Nikko Line. This trip takes 100 minutes, and easily paid through the Japan Rail Pass. Nikko has some of Japan’s most renowned shrines and temples, and in the morning we’ll visit Toshu-gu Shrine.

Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine is famous for its carvings, especially the "Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, See No Evil" Monkeys

The highlight of the trip though is Nikko Edomaruo (Edo Wonderland), which we’ll visit in the afternoon, and is easily accessible through a free Shuttle bus departing from Toshu-gu Shrine. Edo Wonderland, is basically a history themed amusement park, that recreates the Japanese city in the Edo Period (1603-1868). The park is just a small town built in Edo styled architecture, and populated by townspeople in period costumes (It’s actually been used many times as a backdrop for period jdorams/films). When we arrive, we actually will have the opportunity to dress up, and also tour the towns shops, games and live shows.

Some great attractions in the town, called Experience Zones, are a Haunted Temple filled with Japanese spirits and demons, and the Ninja Trick Maze which is a large maze that we would have to escape from.

What I would be most exited for is the park’s live action shows held in the many theaters around town. The show I would love to see is the Grand Ninja Theater, where the actors are dressed as ninja and engage in battle with swords, magic and martial arts. Not alot of people know this, but I was in Karate for 10 years of my life and received a black belt at age 15. So my interests with martial arts and sword skill, from Karate, pushed me to search for animes/mangas that contained martial arts (ex. Naruto-ninja magic, Bleach-sword fighting, Dragon Ball- martial arts). Learning the history of martial arts in this show will not only be educational, but really fun! (Admission:4500 yen/53 CAD)

Top: Edo Villagers, Live action Martial Arts show
Bottom: Edo Ninja actor, Ninja Trick Maze, the Edo styled town

Nikko Source

Images: Google Images

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6-Nichi-me/Day Six: Majestic Mt. Fuji and Relaxing in Hakone

Mt. Fuji, or Fujisan as its called in Japan, is one of the most iconic mountains in the world. It has been worshiped as a sacred mountain for the Japanese, and has become popular through numerous art pieces. Although it may be a bit foggy in early April, taking a cruise across Lake Ashinko gets us a bit closer, and gives a picturesque view of the mountain. The boat we take is a Hakone sightseeing boat (970 Yen/11.50 CAD for a 30 min ride), and it looks like a Pirate ship! Sougoi Des ne/Very awesome!

Top: Mt. Fuji, Cable car ride over Hakone
Bottom: Hakone's Pirate Shaped Sightseeing boot on Lake Ashi

Another fun thing we can do is take a cable car ride (1500 Yen/18.00 CAN) through the mountains surrounding Mt. Fuji, and this also gives us a great view of Hakone’s National park. After the trip across Lake Ashi, we’ll arrive in Hakone. Once arriving, we’ll check into a Japanese style room at Yunosata Okada Hotel with an onsen (Onsen=natural hot springs). If we have some time, we may end up traveling to Hakone Shrine, which is right by Mount Hakone, on the shores of Lake Ashi. The journey to the shrine is to go up a series of stairs flanked by lanterns (since it’s in a forest, the lantern helps individuals on their way). The beauty of the lights only grow when you see the shrine, especially when its shrouded in mist (breathtaking!)

Hakone Shrine- kind of scary

It’s a short trip back to the hotel, and this is when we can unwind at Hakone’s famous hot springs/onsens. Onsens are open baths, where the water is taken directly from the mountain, so it comes with minerals from the volcanic area in which the onsen is located. Onsens are common in almost every drama/film/anime, that it's something that I have always wanted to experience.

Top: Onsen in Yunosata Hotel, Example of an onsen from the Naruto Shippuden anime series
Bottom: View of Mt. Fuji from Hakone hot spring

Source: A Geek in Japan by Hector Garcia Buy Here

Pictures: Google Images

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7-Nichi-me/ Day Seven: Night Time Snacks in Nishiki Market

After a traditional Japanese breakfast at the Hakone Hotel, we’ll take the bullet train/Shinkansen to the historic, serene area of Japan which is Kyoto. Exiting the station, we’ll check in and get settling to our Kyoto hotel (which we’ll be staying at for 4 nights). Our choice for our hotel is Best Western Hotel Kyoto, since it’s fairly inexpensive (at around 92 CAD per night for 2 adults), and it’s a 5 minute walking distance from all of the main attractions in Kyoto.

Since it’ll be close to evening by the time we get settled into the hotel, there’s still a great amount of time to explore the shopping area along side Shijo Street (a 5 minute walk from the hotel). The shopping in Kyoto is very unique, and has a mix of modern, high end fashion shops to historical shops selling traditional ornaments.

Also found in the area is Nishiki Market, a great food market (otherwise known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’). This market has all types of food from fresh seafood, produce, to cooking utensils like cookware. It’s also a great place to sample Kyoto specialities such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi (Although I’m not a huge seafood, the others will be in heaven!). Some of the shops even give out samples of dishes and skewers (I guess that answers where we’ll be having dinner!). If we like the food enough to buy, attached to the stores are usually sit down establishments, where we can sit down and actually have a meal right in the middle of the Market.

If we aren’t crazy dead tired, we can go to the alleys of Pontocho to experience Kyoto’s nightlife.