Wednesday, 15 April 2009

My Japan Tokyo trip on March 2009

Date: 26th March 09 to 2nd April 09 (7 days)

Location: Japan-Tokyo


Japan has been a place which i frequently visit ever since i join my Japanese Company as a Semicon Service engineer going for machine training. Before planning for this "7 days" tour, i have already visited Japan more than 3 times in my 3 years of service. My wife, Shierly who have not been to Japan before, will definitely be delighted to visit this lovely place which i really enjoyed.


Recently, NWA had a promotion on their air-ticket to Japan at a very attractive price and since its so affordable, our trip to japan had 2 more company which is my mother-in-law and my wife's sister, Karen. On this trip, i'm the main in-charge in planning the Itinerary and Shierly will be fully in-charge of the planning of the Hostel and the booking of train and bus ticket. The planning was the most difficult and challenging task to be accomplished and it takes almost 1-2 weeks for me to really sorted it out after checking with my Japanese friend, Megumi-san who is living in Yokohama.


As this is a free and easy Back-packing tour, everything will be on budget and obviously a tiring trip whereby one will need to walk all day besides taking the train which is pretty accessible in Japan. With all the lodging and Air-ticket included, it comes out that per person need to pay only SGD$1K excluding the shopping expenses of course.



1st Day: Singapore to Narita Airport



My mother-in-law and Karen


Hoping for a successful trip in Japan



At the Narita Airport


Got to make sure we're on the right train


Khaosan Hostel at Asakusabashi

Check in to the 4 bedded room

After checking in to our Private 4 bedded room at Khaosan Ninja, we proceed to Asakusa to collect our Nikko pass at the Tobu station. Booking of the Nikko pass is done through internet and subjected to availability.


Asakusa Tobu Station


The "All Nikko pass" for tourist


Shierly figuring out how to use the ticket machine


The 3 of them discussing what to eat for dinner


The ticket for your food from ticket vending machine


Its a cold and windy night at Asakusa street


So many tibits to choose from this shop


The living hall next to the kitchen at Hostel


All the cooking stuff from the occupants


Wow...so many things in the fridge


Do take note to write your name on your things


2nd Day: Asakusa -Nikko


The Japanese bullet train


On the train to Nikko


Arrived at destination, Nikko




Outside the station is snowing and its really cold


The Nikko station view


Snow along the road


Bus fare guide on the TV screen


Its about 10 degree celsius at the bus station



A indoor heater to warm you up


Mother and daughter bear in Nikko..hahahaa!


Wow...white snow on the floor


Luckily she wore the winter jacket


So tired after a long walk


A Kannon temple at Nikko


Only found in the Japan shrine


Have a sip of icy cold water



Too cold to take a boat out at Lake Chuzenji


Famous Shinkyo bridge over the Daiya River


A popular fried red bean snack at the station


Many people queuing for the snack


Which one is more cute?


Staying one night at Nikko Park Lodge

3rd Day: Asakusa -Shinjuku



Too early to see cherry blossom at Sumida park


Shierly buying Tako-yaki snack


Ingredient for making Tako-yaki


A common scene at Asakusa Temple


Fresh Big and juicy apple at the Supermart


Rickshaw available for tourist


Cool building structure at Asakusa


Another Khaosan Hostel near to Asakusa

Many oranges and other fresh fruits for sale


Sweet and juicy strawberry anyone?


Can't get to eat this type of strawberry in Singapore


It's a really good beer......"Santory the Premium"


I miss my Forester in Singapore


Its lunch time on our Bento


Megumi-san brought us to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office


Nice building lighted up at night at Shinjuku


Its dinner time at a Shinjuku restaurant


What a big red crab!

4th Day: Mount Fuji

Expert in buying train ticket


My Favorite Automotive brand :P


A Toyota Crown Police car


Keio Bus to Mount Fuji


View of the Mount Fuji from the bus


A recommended place for a night stay


Wow...too bad i didn't bring my fishing gears


Take a Gondola to have a bird's eye view on Mt fuji

A good view at Lake Kawaguchiko

So lovely isn't it?


Clear view of Mt Fuji


A group of really cool bikers at Kawaguchiko


A popular Supermarket at Kawaguchiko


The Hall area in K's house


A big and nice Kitchen


Our room for the night


Leave a wishng note before i left K's house


The Kawaguchiko station


Keio bus ticket


My favorite instant cup noodle by nissin


Back to Shinjuku


Evening crowd at Shinjuku

5th Day: Tsukiji and Ueno

Visiting Tsukiji Fish market is highly recommended as tourist can really get to see and feel the operation of the busy fish market early in the morning. To be exact, most of the Tokyo's restaurant come here to purchase their fish. One can even get to taste the freshest Sashimi in Tsukiji at the nearby Sashimi restaurant.

Read the instruction before sleeping at Khaosan Original


Its 6am in the morning


Preparing breakfast in the small kitchen


Preparing the frozen tuna at Tsukiji Market


A big fat Yellow Fin tuna


Live Aero squid


Live cuttlefish


Fresh Sashimi anyone?

Luckily for us, we are able to get a good view of the full cherry blossom in Ueno and it was extremely beautiful. The flowers had indeed occupied most of our Camera Memory space and it was never enough for the photo-taking. The Japanese spend their whole morning till afternoon chatting with friends and having picnic with friends and family members under the Sakura trees. They really know how to enjoy themselves.


Cherry blossom at Ueno Park


Nice sakura scenary for photo-taking


Picnic area at Ueno Park


Shierly with Doraemon


100Yen burger at McDonald


A Shopping street at Ueno


Fresh fruits for sale


Really cheap Genuine sport accessories on sale


Shierly enjoying the Takoyaki


Does it look yummy?

6th Day: Shibuya and Harajuku

There are many branded Clothing shops in Shibuya and its a nice place for ladies to do shopping. Daiso, another shop that i highly recommended where one can find many cheap and useful stuff to purchase. For last minutes gift preparation, Daiso is a shop not to be missed.

Japanese fermented soy beans (Nattō)


Shibuya Bus interchange


My favorite Tackle shop at Shibuya


Happy shopping moment for me


At Harajuku Station


The crowded shopping street at Harajuku street


U can buy lots of cheap stuff at Daiso


Our dinner which cost less than 400yen


Shierly is tired and hungry after all the shopping


Last night in Japan, preparing our luggage

7th Day: Shibuya and back to Singapore Changi Airport

As Shierly and Karen has some clothing to buy at the Shibuya fashion outlet store, we decided to spend the remaining hours to return back to Shibuya for some last minute shopping. With this chance, i'm able to have more time shopping for my own stuff as well in Shibuya.


My breakfast on the last day in Japan


Delicious Nattō anyone like to try it?


Very useful Railway map


Enjoying our breakfast


Most of the Hostel provide free Internet access


Our 4 bedded room at Khaosan Original Hostel


Last day shopping at Asakusa


After Asakusa, we went to Shibuya for last minute shopping


Delicious puff that you must really try


Taking train back to Narita Airport

Overall, We have a very fruitful trip with lots of beautiful scenary and good Japanese food. Especially for the ladies, they have lots of time to visit many cosmetics shops that sells really cheap Japanese branded cosmetics stuff. As for me, i have ample of time to spend on visiting my favorite Fishing tackle shop. during the last 2 days of the trip. Will be looking forward to visit Japan soon.

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