Day 9 - It's just like try to find my own Neverland - Tottori, Japan

23 May 2012

Tottori Station,  Japan

The 9th day of my IncREDibles day in 2012. The day that I admire the most. The day of my journey to the land of Shinichi Kudo's creator, Tottori.

Just looked back to my decision to extend my visit in Japan for another 3 days. It cost as much as my previous return flight from Kansai to Jakarta. In doubt for sure, but finally I decided to make it and 100% sure now that I'll never regret.

It starts on Wednesday morning when all of my roommates woken up for Praying shubuh and chasing the train to Kansai International Airport, while I'm lying on my bed and have a less thought about anything, even Tottori itself. But, after they were leaving accidentally I found out that..hellowww!!! Its your time to meet Kudo Kun!!!!

We have stored our luggage at the hotel and take a day-pack belonging for the trip.And you know, our hotel provide this service for free (just put coin JPY100 prior locking the coin locker and it will return to you once you've opened it back.

From Donbutsue Mae, take subway to Namba (only 2 stations, cost JPY 200) and headed to OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal) - just walking and follow the directions till you found ticketing counter at 2F floor. Tottori was 3 hours away from OCAT and cost by JPY 3,600 one way. It was the cheapest method to visit this prefecture compared to another transportation method (flight, train). For train schedule, check http://www.hyperdia.com/


Actually, we found out that there's another short ways to get into OCAT from Donbutsue Mae by taking JR instead of Subway. Just take the train to Namba, 2 stations with cost only JPY 130. In addition, its only a very short walking towards the OCAT Bus Counter.  But you know, you never knew it instead you did it..wkwkwkwkwk...

OCAT bus terminal was totally different with the bus terminal that I've been before. The best one was the new Puduraya Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur but now, OCAT can be the second one. It was simple terminal with minimum decoration, space and attributes. Waiting room only comprises of minimum seat located directly in front of each departure gate. For Tottori, stated in Gate 7. At 9 am, sharply we departed from OCAT to Tottori.

During 3 hours, you'll see the real Japan as you seen on history. Just forget about how's crowded when people passing Shibuya and Harajuku and imagine the village where The last samurai taken. Please omit the horses, and change the road into modern style. Even, they have samurai logo on the welcoming board. Traditional houses with a mini beautiful garden, river, hills and the field it selves. Its wonderful landscape of Japan.

In addition, there are many tunnels along the trip, the best one is Tsurumi Tunnel.

And tadaaa...Welcome to Tottori!!!! Our hotel, APA Hotel, located in front of south exit of Tottori Station. It takes only 2 minutes, truly only takes 2 minutes as mentioned in the booking reference. There's no guesthouse or hostel in Tottori, hence we decided to stay at hotel whereas we can leave our luggage in headed to our first destination, Tottori sand dunes. Let's go!!!!

Truly, it just like trying to find my own Neverland ^^

*) I wrote this on the bus from Osaka to Tottori, powered by Blackberry