Day 12 : An exit door just an entrance to another...

26 May 2012

An exit door just an entrance to another...
yeah..i wish and always trying to believes that statement even it hard.
The most awkward moment on travelling is when somebody, even yourself talking about "its time to going home."

I've thought about it hundreds times, and still..it sucks. Even though i've encouraged my self with a such traveller quote (There's always a reason to come back), but still its hard to deal with.
Could you imagine, after having such an incredible 11 days ever in your life you can't abandon your tendency to be back to your right path. Back to routinity, reality etc. Is it fair enough?

I'm not Dua Ransel who declared themselves as World Backpackers-Digital Nomads. An excellent couple who take their courageous to cross another way of living, dare to against the common rules. They decided to leave their hometown to rule the world in 2009. And now, they enjoy their life with the fullest. Staying around the worlds in a form of "Nomad Backpacker."

And here we are, just landed in LCCT Kuala Lumpur after taking 8 hours flight from Kansai International Airport Osaka.

We have to transit at LCCT around 1 hour. Our flight to Jakarta will be departed on 8 AM. Hence, we decided to stay inside the airport instead of sightseeing outside. Chill out inside the airport hub and seeking the remaining Ringgit left to have a breakfast. And as usual, i left the food inside of the plastic bag instead of finishing. I dont have my appetite after 11 days of tasting "unique" cuisine at Japan. I missed Indonesian food!!!!
So its no too much if  after leavin "The Land of Conan Edogawa", heading back to our hometown. No more hilarious destination other than my boarding house, leavin our lugagge and then enjoying a local cuisine that we've really missed. Yups, we have Chicken Noodle for our Brunch. Itadakimasu!!!!


Mie keriting Benhil, Pasar Benhil-JakPus

Day 11 : Trapped in Osaka... again????

Osaka, 25 May 2012

Today is the last day of our journey in Japan. But sorry to say, its not one of my IncREDibles day. I don't know having almost the last 24 hours in Osaka is not a big deal. If i have such a time in Kyoto, damn it would be a thrilling moment when i chase the time to visit more and more side of that city with full of excitement. Or, at least in Tokyo we still have Odaiba, Kamakura or Disneysea (the last choice) rather than feeling "trapped" again within the arbitrary of this city.

I dont like this city. Yes i don't.

Since its not a big deal, we have enjoyed our last moment by visiting Yodobashi Umeda (Yodobashi Camera that located in Umeda area) just for hunting some items ordered by some friends. Shopping Uniqlo, again?!!! and chill out at Shinsaibashi to revisit Glico Man area and tasting Takoyaki and Japanese crepes for the last time. Truly, its feel so bored that day.

Its become more horrible day ever since i got my PMS. I keep yelling to Abang and my whole body feel tired easily. "Less concentration?", Abang said. And indeed, that's happened. I almost lost our "precious book" at Yodobashi Umeda. The book where i recorded all the expenditures during this trip. Oh my Godness!!!!

I barely feel numb when i realised that its missing. I have tried to revisit each places where i've been before and its nothin.' The challenge are; when I'm questioning everyone, at each floor, none of them understood what I'm saying!!! Yeah, its more difficult to communicate in English here, in Osaka compared to Tokyo, Kyoto even Fuji and Nara. I was lil bit stressful.



JR Osaka Station

 

Yodobashi - Takoyaki - GlicoMan - Sinsaibashi



The legendary Book

We leave Osaka at 3 PM though our flight back scheduled on 11.00 PM. Its better to spend our day at the airport instead of sightseeing in the city. And its true. Kansai International airport was a huge airport located at sub-urban area that can be reached through both Airport Limousine Bus and Japan Railway (JR). We took the last option, JR from Shin Imamiya station (nearest JR station from Hotel Chuo Selene) that directly bring as to Kansai Airport.

We did not have a full appearence of the airport since both of us fall asleep during the trip and woke up once we arrived at the train transfer area that lead us directly to the mainhall at the 4rd floor. Since we have a pretty much time prior to our departure, we decided to put our lugagge at coin locker and have a short sightseeing inside.

Prayer room sign at the airport

At the 3rd floor, there's many clothing and souvenir shop such as Uniqlo, Daiso and also food restaurants that mainly comprises Japanese food eventhugh there's also western (italian) food available. Prayer room also available at the th floor.

We have our last supper in Japan with Udon and Ramen (again??). And finally, Good Bye Heiji!!!

NB: All pic here taken by Abang using Canon S100

Day 10 : Finding "My Neverland" - Conan Town (Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory)

Conan Town

A small town wrapped in Conan Edogawa rhapsody. Fill in with so many Conan creatures in harmony. Train station, statue, bridge and the big one, Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory; a museum granted by local government to Aoyama Gosho (mangaka of Meitantei Conan).

How to get here?
From Tottori station take JR Lines (San-In Line) to Yura Station, this station currently famous as Conan Station. It takes around 1 hour and cost only JPY 820 (one way).

As a small station in a small town, Yura station was derived under simplicity. Small ticketing counter, waiting room plus minimum station officer. Under minimal circumstances, this station being transformed into nice configuration of Conan hometown. Even, best for Conanholic like me.

Waiting room fill in with a semi-plastic chair embedded with different conan figure. Many Conan painting have located inside with a huge board saying "Welcome to Conan Station". Even, the entrance door and window were designed using transparent Conan figures under the glasses. Even more, Conan were used as an icon of Yura Station.



Yura Station, by: Abang






Conan Town, Hokuei - Tottori Prefecture

 

Don't forget to pick Conan Town Map available near ticketing machine located inside the station hall. Conan Town ready to be our next leisure. Out of the station, there's 12 Conan Statue spreading around the town, waiting to be found and picked as a background on photo session. Don't forget about around 26 different frame of book cover that used for marking the town road. This marking will lead us to the main destination such as Conan Bridge and Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory (GAMF). There's no public transportation in this small town, hence what you need to do is just walk...yeay, its the best way to enjoy this town.

GAMF it selves form into small building in a "factory" appearance. This museum framed up into an exhibition area that offering mini treasure and experience that spread in both o first and second floor.  Upfront, they have prototype of all Conan statue that have located at the town. Not only that, Gosho Aoyama's biography, first and other creatures also taken part of this exhibition.

At the entrance, we will received an exam paper. Yups, an exam. This paper contain several question in relation with both Gosho Aoyama and his creatures. What you need to do is just figure out the answer while you were sightseeing inside. You'll answer will be checked by the Counter Officer once you finish your visit. The correct one will get a GAMF member card. Heheheh..this is sound silly, but this membership only given to the one who ever being here. Its proved it. #JustforConanHolic

Dont forget to take a "stamp" form around 1st floor. This form has 4 blank "round" that can be stamped with 4 different figures of Conan and Yaiba. Those stamps are spread in the 1st and 2nd floor. #GAMFonly

At the 1st floor, other than prototype and writer's biography, there's also replica of Aoyama work desk, Detective Conan collection in various language and map of Conan distribution in the world, Skateboard, vow tie machine replica and many exhibition of Conan T-shirt and merchandise ever.

2nd floor have a mini jigsaw of Detective Conan Character, Giant-board of Conan anime characters, Aoyama Gosho mini toys theatre, and some display of trick used by Conan during resolving some cases.

Near to the exit door, there's Conan souvenir shop. Many souvenir such as pin, magnet, t-shirt, toys, tissue, booklet, tumbler, clear holder, bag, jigsaw, anime figures, and many..many more. This shop made me overreacting by picking so many items to buy ^^

In our way back to Yura station, i came by to the anime store located near Conan Bridge. This store have many souvenir for some famous Japanese anime such us One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, Conan and many more. Since it's not specifically tribute to one theme (anime), Conan collection at this store are limited. But, it has some oldish stuff that sold in affordable price (cheaper than normal price at GAMF). I've bought some Conan towel, tumbler, booklet, lighter, and some miniature.
 


Conan Town - most of the main roads marked with Conan Book Figures from vol 1 - 26

  Have a short walk around this city brief me another view of Japan, especially Japanese. Passing through each traditional houses and crossing both of the road and Conan Bridge that almost empty. None hanging around, even there's no silly sound nor television inside the house. Did they taken by zombie? But, we have changed our thought once we passing a small department store embedded with some staffs that being busy on arranging items on to the shelves. In addition, in our last journey to the Gosho Aoyama's elementary school, we noticed that there's many students were studying in the classes.

As i told you before, i ever has a dream come true. Yes, it is. After experiencing Backstreet Boys live concert in Jakarta, visiting Conan town give me more. Thanks to Allah for the blessing, for Mom and Dad who give me permission to do "such" a thing (some people thought that its silly thing to spend your money), and for Abang, my best companion.


"If you have a dream, wake up!!!! nothin' will be real if you just fall asleep."

Notes:
JR (Japan Railpass) Tottori - Yura = JPY 820 (one way)
Entrance fee GAMF (Adult) = JPY 700 per person
For the details GAMF, see my notes at:  http://sunteaedogawa.blogspot.com/2011/08/gosho-aoyama-manga-factory-tottori.html

Day 9 (part 2) : Honeymoon with my Brother

Warning : Don't be overreacting with the title of this note!!!!
Have you ever read this book??

This is the true story of Franz Wisner, a man who thought he had it all- a high profile career and the fiancée of his dreams- when suddenly, his life turned upside down. Just days before they were to be married, his fiancée called off the wedding. Luckily, his large support network of family and friends wouldn't let him succumb to his misery. They decided Franz should have a wedding and a honeymoon anyway- there just wouldn't be a bride at the ceremony, and Franz' travel companion would be his brother, Kurt.

During the "honeymoon," Franz reconnected with his brother and began to look at his life with newfound perspective. The brothers decided to leave their old lives behind them. They quit their jobs, sold all their possessions, and traveled around the world, visiting fifty-three countries for the next two years. In Honeymoon With My Brother, Franz recounts this remarkable journey, during which he turned his heartbreak into an opportunity to learn about himself, the world, and the brother he hardly knew.

 This is a great book for all of us who wonder what would happen if you just left your life behind and went wherever the wind takes you - http://www.amazon.com/Honeymoon-My-Brother-Franz-Wisner/dp/0312340842

Yups, referring to that book, may i called today as my honeymoon with my brother??
We have spent nine days outside our origin and cross another path in our life. I have escaped from the place that can not be named or simply we can called it as "You-Know-Where", bear all of those consequences of my occupation just for enjoying a day such "Today."

I dont know what actually my brother escaped from nor he didnt escape from anything. What i do know about him is he always be a best accompanion on my footnote of a trip. He always be there for me, to the place that i want to be. But, damn me..i never asked him, where he want to be?
And today, in Tottori, such a gift from us, for us and by us we have a half day refreshing time (fully recharging our mind and soul with no timeline set up as barrier for doin anything that we want). Have a nice signtseeing and take a short tracking on the sand dunes, sands paragliding, the camel, the sea and Tottori perfecture it selves.

How to get there?
Once you've arrived at Tottori Station, find tourism information center and obtain schedule for the bus. For Tottori Sand Dunes, you should take the bus from platform "0" (zero). Since it was in Japan, please bear with the tight timeline to avoid any unexpected event due to missing the schedule. Its only takes around 20 minutes to get there.

Upon arrival, we will be dropped-off at the main hall of Tottori skyride. This skyride was similar with the "LUGE" of Sentosa Resort at Singapore. Don't forget to buy the entrance ticket through vending machine located near to the entrance of souvenir shop. Ticket bought was embedded with ticket used for riding the skyride. It has two option, one way ride cost by JPY 200 and JPY 300 for return. If you find any difficulties, there's a sales ticket officer that might help you to operate the vending machine but for further information you should seek help from another since most of them can't speak english.

You can take one way ticket for skyride and at the bus station near to the gas station located downtown from the Sand Dunes that will bringing you back directly to Tottori station. It was the same bus we took for departure, hence be aware with the schedule.

If you check your Geography text book, you'll never found that there will be a sand dunes in Japan. Yes, it is. Tottori sand dunes actually represents the huge and wide of sea sands spreading on Japan landscape. That massive material has been well-managed by the local government and wrapped up beautifully into such a sand dunes including creation of the sand dunes circumtances by adding some camels as reflection of perfectionism. The wide area end up with the blue sea at the downline. Such a circumtances provide a best scenery and very relaxing. No wonder there's so much people (mainly from Korea) come to this place with their lover, parents, kids event their big family.

At the high-end of the sand dunes, i found there's paragliding activity taken by some visitor. Am I become interested? of course!!! after my first Paralayang, i wanna have another experience on such "fly-playing" activities. Evenmore, at paragliding we can do it by ourselves (no co-pilot and sharing paraglider with the instructor/provider). The hardest part is, we should bring the equipment from the downtown, climb to the top of sand dunes before having fun and bringing back to the top for another section. Huft!!!!

Unfortunately, this "game" should be taken at minimum 3 hours with total cost around JPY 7000. Since that time has been 4 PM already, and we need to go back at maximum 6 PM to Tottori, i decided to buried my desire and heading to the down town of Tottori Sands to wash my feet and seeking place for shalat.

Not too far from the places used for feet-washing, there's a department store and some counter providing some souvenir, snacks and ice cream. I have tested one of the best ice cream at this place, Pear Ice Cream. They has two type of pear ice cream, Cone and Cup. As you know, Tottori well-known with both of  Pear Commodity and Sand Dunes. Even so, they have specific Pear Museum and Sand Museum. Too bad, we missed those places due to the tight schedule.

 

Simply, i love my visit to Tottori. If i can switch a day, i want more to enjoy this place in every season that it has. And APA Hotel Tottori, become one of the best hospitality during my travelling noted after Lamai Apartment in Patong, Phuket. There's no guesthouse around Tottori, hence we decided to stay at hotel.


Info:
Bus from OCAT (Osaka) - Tottori : JPY 3,600 (one way)
Bus from Tottori Eki (Station)- Tottori Sand Dunes : JPY 360 (one way) - take it from platform "0" (zero)
Entrance Fee - Tottori Sand Dunes : JPY 300
Ice Cream Pear : Cone (JPY 250), Cup (JPY 350)
For hospitality, see APA Hotel Tottori Ekimae 

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

Day 8 : the arbitrary taste of Osaka (draft)

22 May 2012

Osaka Castle 

Osaka-Jo area

Takai euy...

Osaka Kaiyukan

Cruising at port of Osaka

Universal Studio Osaka

Day 7 : Nara, the Ancient Capital of Japan (Snap Shot)

21 May 2012

Nara....
Nara was the ancient capital of Japan Imperial since 710-784 and known as "Nara Period."

Me and the deer at Nara

Biking around Kofukujhi-Nara

Feels like Nami on Winter Sonata Spot ;p, in my way to Kasuga Inari Taisha

Entrance of Kasuga Inari Taisha

Love letter maybe ^^

The Great Todaijhi - Nara 

Entrance Gate of Todaijhi

Inside Todaijhi

The tunnel along Nara-Road

Issuen Garden

Fushimi-Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Finally, Shinkansen to Osaka

Notes: 

I'll write the story later ^^

Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse

Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse

Just a snapshot. We met so many Indonesian staying at this guesthouse, even i met my college mate here hahahahah... 

What best in here: 

- comfy and very clean. 

- Staff are really helpful and fluent in english. 

- Best location, close to Teramachi street and not quite far from Gion (Geisha) area

- Close to the bus station

- Convenient store located only 2 building from this guesthouse ^^ 

in overall, you got what you paid ^^ 

Reservation: 

http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/kyoto/

Photo taken by Fafa, Emoy, Me and Abang 

Day 6 : Kyoto, The Orginal Taste of Japan

Kyoto, 20 May 2012

The 6th of my journey to the land of Conan Edogawa. If you are Edogawa Fans Community, like me, you must be familiar that other than the "origin capital" of Japan,  Kyoto also the most popular city exposed in the creatures of Aoyama Gosho art. Lets say, eventhough Heiji Hattori was live and grew up at Osaka, but his mother actually from Kyoto. And frankly speaking, Kyoto often become the spotlight of many cases incurred in this detective series.

And for me, other than such a prologue to my interest on Conan, Kyoto is beautiful place to taste the originality of Japan. Why? this town absorb modernity offered by something known as "globalisation" but also highly stood up their originality anb "Bang!!!!" this town growing on different ways but pretty damn beautiful.

The journey started with overnite bus (Willer Express) departed from Shinjuku Tokyo. But please remember that Bus Counter is not inside the station. Counter located in Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Building. A lil bit far outside the station.  I found that after having pre-visit that counter a day before, and its really helpful. Don't sneak around Shinjuku with your lugagge at nite eventhough there's no risk of theft. Its good to have a trip without a rush. A short therapy before taking a long journey.

Ticket bus can be bought online through Willer Express Web. Online booking available up to 3 months before departure schedule. Travelling using overnite bus (economy class) is much more cheaper than taking Shinkansen and less transfer compare to using Japan Railways. There's also option for someone who wants business and executive class. But for me, economic class itselves is more than just comfortable.

We departed from Shinjuku around midnite and arrived at Kyoto Station on 8 AM in the morning. We have to go to the Tourist information centre inside the station to get 1 day pass for Kyoto Bus. Next, we took the bus No. 206 headed to Sanjusangendo.


1st stop - Kinkakuji, The Golden Temple.

The Golden Temple, Pic by Fafa, Emak and Abang

2nd - Sanjusangendo


Sanjusangendo, Kyoto

Inside Sanjusangendo taken by other traveller, currently no camera allowed inside this temple.

3rd - The legendary Kiyomizudera, Kyoto

4th - Japanese Wedding Ceremony

5th - Gion area and Kyoto Riverside at nite

Tips: 

Kyoto Bus Daypass is the cheapest and easiest way to explore Kyoto. 

Spend min 2 days at this city, because you can see much at this ancient capital. This is one of the "must be visit city" when i came back to Japan someday ^^

Info: 

Kyoto Bus Day Pass : JPY 500/day

Entrance fee : 

• Sanjusangendo : JPY 600/person 
• Kinkakuji: JPY 400/person
• Kiyomizudera : JPY 300/person

Hostel : Kyoto Khaosan Guesthouse 

Day 5 : Grab the taste of Tokyo under modernity

19 May 2012Lets recall then.

Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo.

Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and in the air raids of 1945.

Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.

(Source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html)

That was a lil bit of Tokyo. For me, Tokyo was unreachable city in the unreachable country that have been introduced to me through Japan Dorama, movie, manga, comic and anime such as Tokyo Love Story, The Ordinary People (Asunaru Hakusho), I Give My first Love to You, Long Vacation, Rirouni Kenshin (Samurai X), Doraemon and my favourite anime ever Detective Conan. But here i am, tied-in every single dream and excitement towards this moment as a journey to the land of Conan Edogawa.

I'm not curious about finding where's Poirot Cafe, Teitan High School, Tokyo Derby, or Nichiuri TV and other places that eventually came up on Conan Story. I just curious about what will i get when i was hoping at one of the busiest city in this world? How people lives here and what makes them become distinctive among others.

My learning journey at this land has started in the morning just a few minutes after check out from Anne Asakusabashi Hostel. We have so busy that time and to put ourselves including our luggage to have a pic with guesthouse as background when a nice voice of a kind woman in Japanese language that unintentionally pass through offering some help to take our picture, together as a full team. With no request, since we were not aware on her appearance. Arigatou.

See, under such circumstances when we're strangers at her country that woman voluntary offering help by taking picture for us. Its remind me to our first day in Japan when we walk towards Tsukiji Fish Market. There's an old man who kindly told us the direction including anything that are allowed and not allowed to do in the market. Even he leads us to the certain point to ensure that we're not going lost. Referring to my work experience with Japanese people, in a daily life motion Japanese people are really helpful and the most important point is we're taken those offering with no fear. Fear of being insult, ruin or being theft. Could you imagine if you have the same offering when you were in Indonesia, Thailand or maybe the most popular thieving city, Italy?

Leaving Asakubashi, first we're heading to Shinjuku to put our luggage at Coin Locker located inside Shinjuku Station. We have surveyed that there's some coin locker inside and decided to put ours at the locker located in front of Odakyu Sightseeing Centre since it has the easiest access to go out from the station and near to the cross roads towards Willer Express counter, the bus provider that lead us to Kyoto tonight.

First destination, Akihabara. Yups, maybe it was not only the largest electronic and manga shopping area. Souvenirs that you have many at Asakusa also available inside the giant store such as Laox, Yodobashi and many more. There's also AKB48 and Gundam Cafe near the exit gate of Akihabara Station. What interesting in here, there's a lot of Cafe-maid with a sexy-cute dress inviting you to have visit their Cafe. But sorry, no picture allowed.

Such a condition also applied for a pets and some items that i found out when we were hoping at Ueno park and Asakusa few days a go. First, Abang is not allowed to take a picture of a cute cat (abang thought) that belong to the old woman at Ueno Park. Second, i suddenly beat up on the back and my hand hardly dragged by old woman at Asakusa and she insisting to see our camera after i take a picture at Nakamise Street, Asakusa. Due to the high cost of pets maintenance in Japan (i don't know in detail actually), they don't want to share what they have with others. And that old woman in Asakusa thought that i have a picture with one of her flourish collection, i thought. She went off after see nothing in my camera. But what i do not like either is the way they forbid us. Dude, its so rude. Such a fact leave me a contra agony of what has happened previously.

Long Vacation (Love Symbol), Roppongi, Asahi TV - Pic by Fafa and Abang

Next destination, Roppongi Hills and Asahi TV. We decided towards here to recover our disappointment of rushing over Doraemon Museum. Yups, those museum ticket have been sold out, even for the other date that we have spare in our itinerary. Doraemon ticket are available at all of Lawson (its a convenient store such as 7Eleven and Circle K in Japan, its started entering Indonesia at the end of 2011). But we just know that instead of visiting this store we also can book our ticket online in advance. I have no much details how long it can be taken as advance and what is the name of the website. Sir Google will tell you much on it. And for me, visiting Asahi TV that gives me more than just Doraemon is enough ^^

Roppongi Hills to me is a huge-high and luxurious building with a wonderful small roses park at the top and nice view of Tokyo. Yups, i said its wonderful roses since you've entering this park for the first time, those natural smell of roses got you to forget all of those perfumery or aroma teraphy that you ever have. A lot of modern culinary restaurant, Cafe, branded fashion also available here. While Asahi TV, is a Japan TV station that broadcasting Doraemon, Crayon Sinchan, Go go rangers and many more Japan Kids program. Its located close to the Roppongi Hills, just take a lift to the ground floor and there's a hub that connecting Roppongi to Asahi TV. Inside this station, there's some exhibit of Doraemon and other figures of Kids Program that displayed for visitor such as Big Doraemon Hug, Singing hall of Giant and friends, Pump-up race with Doraemon cast as present, and many more. A souvenir shop available at the entrance. Good news is we can enjoy those thing both in Roppongi and Asahi TV for free. 

S-h-i-b-u-y-a (Pic by : Fafa)

Its evening already. We don't have so many time left, hence we headed to the some iconic places in Tokyo, Harajuku and Shibuya. Harajuku famous as a best place to find the most outrageous and fashionable style ala Japanese. There's many teenage dressed up on their unique style and a lot of store that absolutely catches your eyes. And for so not fashionable person like me, its interesting but just it. I have no intention to buy anything here except casual tshirt with a Japanese letter for a gift. I came by to the Daisho store at Takeshita Dori Harajuku to find some stuffs for a gift, take a pic and thats it.

And last, we go to the Hachiko memorial park at Shibuya. Its only a small statue of Hachiko located in the center of Shibuya. We only have a random picture since there were very crowded. Be here in the morning to avoid such a situation. The interesting moment here is seeing people even joining them crossing the most crowded crossing street in the world!!! Hahah, awesome. And no criminal happened. We also have experiencing Japanese photo booth that quite interesting. It made up your face become "so not that into you" hahaha..imagine that we have all day out and we can have our pic in our best.

Hint: visit Emy's note to see that pic.

And finally we have to say Sayonara Tokyo....




For the other dimension of this trip have been well-written by Fafa and Emy at the following link:

Emy :http://milimileage.blogspot.com/2012/08/malam-mingguan-di-tokyojapan-trip-part-4.html

Fafa : http://faridahudanti.blogspot.com/2012/07/25-yrs-7-impossible-days.html

Day 4 : Chasing both of "Adrenaline Engine" and "Fujiyama Smile"

18 May 2012

Having ticket that lead us to Shizuoka area actually is not guarantee that you'll be there. Having ticket means that you should have a strong commitment to make it. Yups, once you decided to buy bus ticket from Shinjuku-Sizuoka (Fujikyu area) implicitly you have agreed to retain your "right" to ride the bus by arrive timely based on the chosen departure schedule if you don't wanna loose your JPY 1,700.

And unfortunately, those terms lead us to have a short "Marathon" between Shinjuku station and SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation) building in the morning, sigh....

It started with a simple direction that the bus was parked not far from the Shinjuku station area. Just go outside the Shinjuku hub building, cross the street and walk towards SMBC building area. And there we go, after have a short look over a chocolate bus marked with "Highland." But, this is it. After crossing the street you'll see the bus halte whereas divided into some pre-numbered corridor and some people that queue-ing on each of those.

First question came up then, Should we do the same? No need.

After asking someone in the corridor we got info that we should go through the underground tunnel that connecting this corridor into the area where the real bus for Fujikyu area stand by. Believe me, its not a short tunnel anyway. Just like having a running man game, we have to run since there's only 5 minutes left before departure schedule. Damn!!!!

But Alhamdulillah. We made it.
Just bear in mind that bus to Fujikyu is not that one who marked with the Highland. Our bus is more cute than that. Its fully painted with Thomas. This bus will drive us directly to the Kawaguchiko Station. A gate to the Lake Kawaguchiko, Mountain Fuji and of course Fujikyu Highland theme park. This trip takes around 1 and a half up to 2 hours from Shinjuku.

From Kawaguchiko Station, you need to find out specific Retro Bus based on your next destination. For Lake Kawaguchiko, take bus no 10. Each bus number also have a specific departure time table that located along the line of parking area in front of kawaguchiko station. While, inside its used for arrival and departure to Shizuoka using JR (Train). And still after taking the train, you have to take this Retro Bus.

 

First destination, Lake Kawaguchiko. It was one of the famous Fuji Five Lakes located near to the Mount Fuji Area. Not far from the lake area, you can take a Hatchi-Hatchi Rope way that lead you to the top area hence you can see both of Lake Kawaguchiko and Fujiyama. There's also some counter that provides some foods, souvenir and photo session with Lake Kawaguchiko mascot. All of these thing provided not for free.

In this area, there were many Japanese elementary student having their school outdoor activity. They have their lunch together in open area. Its quite refreshing (in my opinion of course), to have a lunch while seeing a wonderful scenery. They looks more cute when their chick resembled pink, seems blushing but its not. Just like what you've seen in comic. The most interesting one and maybe should be questioning after all is the moment after I'm having a picture with them some of Chinese tourist wanna have a picture with me. Yeah, with me? its out of logic hahahahah

The next thing we had was reality that all snacks provided here was not suit our taste nor my appetite at all. But you never knew unless you try!!!

Unfortunately, Fujiyama seems too shy to smile. Even though the weather was pretty damn beautiful, no rain no clouds even the sun shine spreading across the Fuji area, but we can see the top of Fujiyama. There's a myth spread among the Japanese people, that seeing the top of Fujiyama was a symbol of luck. So, we're unlucky then?

From Lake Kawaguchiko to Fujikyu Highland, you need to get back at Kawaguchiko Station and take another Retro Bus. I forgot the number actually, but its quite easy to find out since there's always a small board showing the destination including its respective schedule.

Its evening already when we arrived at Fujikyu Highland while this theme park closed at 5 PM. Actually we only have to try the adrenaline engine here, the most famous "4 king coasters such as Fujiyama, Takabisha, Dodonpa and Eejanaika.  

• Fujiyama 79 metres tall, 130 km/h[1], opened in 1996 and was once the world's tallest roller coaster. As of 2007 it is the world's 8th tallest, 5th longest, and 10th fastest roller coaster.
• Dodonpa, 52 metres tall, 172 km/h[2], opened in 2001 and was once the world's fastest roller coaster. As of 2007 it is the 3rd fastest in the world but still has the highest acceleration at launch time.
• Eejanaika, 76 metres tall, 126 km/h[3], opened in 2006 and is only the second "4th Dimension roller coaster" ever built (the first being X² at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California). As a "4th dimension" roller coaster its seats can rotate 360 degrees forward or backward in a controlled spin, thus allowing Eejanaika to invert 14 different times, even though the actual track inverts only three times. It surpasses the first built "4th dimension" roller coaster, X², in both height and speed.
• Takabisha, opened on 16 July 2011, contains a 121° freefall, as well as seven major twists over 1000 metres of track, and a drop of 43 metres.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuji-Q_Highland

Unfortunately, there's 2 coasters that not operate that day, Fujiyama and Eejanaika. Is it related to the Fujiyama myth? The bad luck that following us? I don't think so. Since we only have around 2.5 hours left to enjoy this theme park, its quite reasonable to enjoy only two of these with nothing more to be complained? Takabisha and Dodonpa was quite thrilling enough for some adrenaline junkies like us. Two thumbs up!!!

For entrance fee, there's two type of ticketing rules available. For day pass (you can ride the whole attraction) it cost JPY 5,500. For single entrance it cost only JPY 1,300 but you have to make additional payment for each ride taken. We take the second one since we only have to ride 2 coasters with cost JPY 1,000 each. Total cost only JPY 3,300. We will take day pass if we arrive here earlier, having much time to enjoy this amusement park and of course, taste all the adrenaline engine with no exception.

Who said it was a bad luck. Within the last minutes of our departure on heading back to Tokyo, Shinjuku we just noted that Fujiyama was smiling at the back side of the Fujikyu Station. Just go up at the stairs located in the right side of the station, and there it is. Fujiyama said good bye and smiling to us. What a lucky day!!! its not about the myth actually, but is there anything to be thankful more than reality that we have an opportunity to be here, among others. Be thankful for everything then...

For souvenirs, you may take Fujiyama Cookies (Cookies framed up into mountain Fuji appearance) and Fujiyama mini pillows. Fujiyama cookies counter can be found at the lake kawaguchiko station, but it was sold almost in all souvenirs shop in Fuji area. Its also applied for the pillow.

Notes:

Bus from Shinjuku-Fujikyu : JPY 1,700 (one way)

Retro Bus Kawaguchiko Station - Lake Kawaguchiko : JPY 210 (one way)

Hatchi-Hatchi Ropeway : JPY 700 (one way)

Retro Bus Kawaguchiko Station - Fujikyu Highland : JPY 160 (one way)

Entrance fee Fujikyu Highland: 

 - Daypass : JPY 5,500 (available at counter near entrance door)

 - Single entry : JPY 1,300 (available at counter near entrance door)

 - Coasters : JPY 1,000 each  (bought through vending machine while queueing)

*) All pictures here taken by Fafa, Abang and My BB