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

Day 3 (part 2) - Yokohama I heart you ^^



Romantic Port of Yokohama - Minatomirai

 Again 17 May 2012

Abandoning Odaiba maybe is not the best choice. But that's what travel meant to be. Sometimes, you can't go the places you want to be, but places that "possible" to be visit within optimum time frame you might have. No need to be insist, instead you have more on anything. More money, more time, more logistic maybe? Simply, more flexibility to adjust your plan. But trust me, adjusting unexpected thing is the most precious thing in travelling. If everything run smoothly, it would be your damn luck then. If not, take it as a gift. That's why at the moment we called it "present".

Yokohama. A small town lies in south of Tokyo. It was capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture. Its become of Japan major port, Minato mirai. With a landscape as harbour area, Yokohama lies between a huge port and sub-urban city.

At the first stage, we definitely put our desire as adrenaline junkie to take the "Diving vanish coaster at Cosmoworld-Yokohama. After reading some review over this coaster, seeing video in YouTube we intentionally arrange specific schedule to visit this town. Unfortunately, this theme park was under construction during our visit. What a bad damn coincidence. Maybe it was our fault, since we did not do specific research of the current status and condition of this theme park prior to our visit.

See, too excited over something again... lead you to the "unexpected" moment.

Near to the Cosmoworld, there's Cup Noodle Museum. Name told you everything, yeah...it was museum used to exhibit the process, evolution and some Cup Noodle Product plus merchandise. This museum frame up as huge building with simple design. We did not officially enter this museum since its almost 5  PM already. Museum soon will be closed. But, outer from the ticket counter there's souvenir shop that still open. So, we only have our time for a short sightseeing and seeking a proper place for Shalat. Lucky us, the staff give us opportunity to take a picture with the museum mascot. Say Sushiiii............


Ticket counter



White board



Cup Noodles Mascot, By Fafa

 Luckily, Emy has arranged such a rendezvous with her old friend from Indonesia that currently stay in Yokohama. She lead us to enjoy the first acceptable cuisine (for myself) during our trip in Japan, yups Surabaya Resto ^^



Inside Surabaya Resto By Fafa

 Time flies away, we have enjoy our time by sightseeing Yokohama port at night. The weather is a bit cold with huge winds blowing away as compliment. We take a short walk back to the Sakuragicho station through the bridge that cross along the port. You'll see Cosmoworld and Yokohama port at your right side and Yokohama as modern city in other side.

Put your feet step by step on the wooden bridge with minimum lighting. Feel the fresh air at night (even it Lil bit freezing). And that thing happen. I don't know. Am i overreacting??? But truly, I've fall in love with this city. I told to myself, i will be here again someday.

Don't wanna grieve upon my hysteria, we leave this town after watching one of the best live band performance ever. Yups, there's a live band performance in front of Sakuragicho station. The band give their best performance under the sky hahahah..maybe its called street band or street singer (as we called street dancer). The melody was easily adopted by Indonesian music lover like me, even though i don't know the meaning of each lyrics.

People stop by to watch and support them, give a huge applause and you know i can see the excitement among their face. And the interesting one is those audiences not only comprise of young people aka. student; there's some adults even some men workers just step by and listen. See, under the windy weather enjoying such a stuff give me another description of heaven.  



Cool Band performance, photo by Abang



In front of Sakuragicho Station, Pic by Fafa



So, which of Allah's blessing you will deny??

Day 3 - part 1 : Wishy washy day in Tokyo

17 May 2012

Our 2nd day in Tokyo.
Barely disappointed with the 1st day, unfortunately we have a very very tight schedule for today. Starting with refresh our mind through have a short sightseeing in Ueno Park (only famous during Cherry Blossom) that i thought it was so oldish, tasting a bit of religious view mixed with experiencing Japan souvenir market in Tokyo by visiting Sensoji temple and Nakamise street in Asakusa area. Have a short landing in Yokohama just to try one of the thrilling coaster at Cosmoworld. And unfortunately, we must take out Odaiba from our itinerary.

Here we go!!! Asakusa area. I dont know why, but we have regained our spirit of travelling after reaching Asakusa area. So many people heading in and out through the Kaminarimon gate. The Red giant pillar welcoming our arrival. Most of visitor taking a picture here, including domestic tourist that mostly Japanese student.



Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street - Asakusa, Photo by : Fafa & Abang

 Interesting place to visit in Asakusa are Sensoji temple and Nakamise street. Sensoji is one of famous temple in Tokyo. This temple area also become central of certain "matsuri" (art and religion ceremony) in Japan. For example, Sanja Matsuri will be held on 20 July 2012 this year. Unfortunately, we have leavin Tokyo at that date. While, Nakamise street is a market street that have many Japanese souvenir and snacks. Even, most of snack's wrapping are so nice and eye catching. As a gift for family and friends, I've got wind chime, Japanese toys, post card and portable ashtray.  

Next, the oldish Ueno Park. We decided to visit this place based on CK recommendation as some interesting places in Japan that can be visited for free. And in my opinion, you got nothing for free. And it was true. For me, it's just another park hiding inside the metropolis. Wide area that wrapped naturally by botanical magnificent, statue and some Japanese ornament such as temple and shrine. This place become the most wonderful during cherry blossom. But for foreigner as us who just visited Japan on May, its just an ordinary park.

One of best view in Ueno Park during cherry blossom captured by Takbir on his blog

Move on from Ueno Park we decided towards Shinjuku, one of Tokyo Hub area. We have to find out Odakyu Sightseeing Centre, it was like a small counter of Tourist Information Center that offers information on sightseeing and transportation in the Japan area in English, Chinese and Korean - hence it will be more convenient for foreign travellers. This counter located inside Shinjuku station that blended with Odakyu Centre. This counter also provide services on ticket booking for buses leavin to Shizuoka such as Fujiyama, Lake Kawaguchiko, Hakone and Fujikyu Highland. As reference, see http://www.odakyu.jp/english/center/




Odakyu Sightseeing Centre


Actually there's another option for transportation to Shizuoka using JR. But, we didn't. As reference, you might check http://www.hyperdia.com/

Next, after ignoring Odaiba..let's chase the first train to Yokohama!!!!

Day 2 : Ohio Tokyo!!!!!

May 16, 2012...

Ohio Tokyo....

Yups, its 00.01 AM already hahahah... just a few minutes after passing immigration gate,  here we go.. Haneda International Airport, Tokyo!!!!!!

Actually, there's the last train departure from airport was on 23.08 PM but we decided to stay overnite at the airport and didnt make any room reservation due to the following reason; first, there's possibility that our flight would be delayed , second; avoiding taxi cost once our flight has been delayed. Third, staying overnite at airport is free of charge and as compliment we met with a "handsome policeman" hahahah...

Yups, we have a lil bit chat with the Policeman. Not because of we made some mistakes or crimes, they just asking some questions such as where we come from and what we do in Japan. They were very kind and polite ^^

After decided to have a shalat inside the Toilet (even it's only the toilet, since we were in Japan, there are a huge free space inside and very clean!!! furthermore its not directly face the toilet room), we put our luggage along side the waiting room, have a seat and some of us actually trying to fall asleep. And me, starting to put attention on finding my way to my own Neverland (Read : Tottori) by having an occasional free rental "G-Tab" from Emak and some inquiry to information centre at the airport. And i got it, huh!!!

And here we are, after the first experience of sun rising in Japan, and referring to the famous travel book written by one of Indonesian traveller (Claudia Kaunang), we left Haneda International Airport using Keikyu Line embedded with Toei two-day pass that can be used for all Toei route within two days. First destination, Anne Hostel Asakusabashi located near Asakusabashi station.

Its hard on dealing with Japan transportation map at the beginning, you'll understand what i mean after seeing below figures:

So, here the places we've spent most of our time that day ^_^

1st : Tsukiji Fish Market


Tsukiji Fish Market, Photo by: Fafa & Abang


2nd : Sumo and Edo Museum

Around Sumo and Edo Museum, meet with Mr. Slim Sumo ^^

3rd : Imperial Garden & Palace



Around Imperial Palace, Photo by Fafa & Abang

  4th : Tokyo Tower


Tokyo Tower at nite, brrr....



Day 1 - I ever have a dream comes true ^^

May 14, 2012, 23.15 PM

I don't know how it happens. I have no client but still, here i am in front of my lappy. Rushing over all the booking reference and travel document. The difference is.....i do it with my heart, because i said so..heheh, Yupp..because i could bear anything along this year for tomorrow.

Have you ever have a dream come true?

Actually, since i was a child, i never imagine that i will leave my hometown, Surabaya. Or even dreaming to chase the flight to cross over the countries. But this is what life mean to be, you grow up and choose your own path. You walk along the street and go through the places you've ever been.

"Life is a book. The one who never travel to another place just like livin' in the same page in their whole life."


I lived in Jakarta since October 2006, leaving my hometown just for somethin' called money. Yeah money, for livin, livin' others and return ticket for every places i want to be.

And tomorrow, once again i take my courageous to create a footnote to the land of my favorite Anime Character, Conan Edogawa.

Tokyo, the most crowded place where SMU Teitan stood up, a place where Ran Mouri and Shinichi Kudo grew up and fall in love, where the most incREDibles Detective SMU tighten with every case and finally facing the most Fabulous enemy in his life - The Last Wizard of This Century, Kaito Kid.

Yokohama, the amazing "seaside town" along Minatomirai port. Presenting magical view  with combination of both port and town it-selves at night. One of the places that i will miss the most.

Fuji, the great mountain that smile over the Shizuoka downtown. Where both the most thrilling roller coaster buried inside Fujikyu Highland while the most wonderful view of mountainsides scenery lay down.

Kyoto, wonderful town that full of originality. A  place where geisha becoming an icon of art, when tradition always stood up among diversity and survive over modernity.
 
Nara, peaceful place that drawn up front of Japan landmark. Where tradition, culture, education and ecology wrapped up under sincerity. A place that bring you to another place that might be one of your "Home". Where the Deer's run smoothly, smile..just like saying "Welcome to Nara...."

Osaka, not so-interested town actually. But, this is the place where Heiji Hattori famous as both Kendo player and Detective SMU from Kansai. A place where he met his soulmate, Kazuha Toyama.

And the last one, Tottori. A place that could make me feel like trying to find my own Neverland, where something that previously livin' in my imagination anonymously pop-up into real life, Conan Town. A small prefecture in Japan that hiding one of the most awesome landscape over the Japan Curiosity, Tottori Sakyu (Tottori Sands Dunes).

Wednesday, 15 May 2012

And here i am, at Terminal 3 of Soekarno Hatta Airport accompanied with my lovely backpack and absolutely my lovely brother, Abang heheheh...

Our trip to Japan started with flight to Kuala Lumpur, transit for around 4-5 hours in KL and then arrived in Haneda International Airport, Tokyo around midnite. We have set up our meeting point with some of our travel partner from Surabaya at MaryBrown LCCT, Kuala Lumpur.

A cheerful looks spread up among us knowing that the journey just begun \^^/


And the most excitement, agaiiiin....screwed up upon our arrival at Haneda International Airport. We don't care if its midnite already. We don't mind eventually what we missed already, what we knew and understand that time...this trip will create another new pages in our book of life. So, on travelling i just wanna say "Don't think too much, just do it!!!"