Living Out The Suitcase In JAPAN

Our Malaysia blog is now available.

2006-07-01T13:05:00.000+01:00

Click here: Living outta the suitcase in MALAYSIA or Malaysia link from the Itinerary list.

ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE.

2006-06-22T23:34:00.000+01:00

Japan folk have got to be the most polite, most friendly, most helpful people on the planet. Firstly, every person in every shop will welcome you as you enter and with a smile also. As you leave you get the same good will.

If you pop into a place asking directions or wanting to know when the metro trains finish, they will not just try to answer your question, they will pull the map out, draw directions, we even had people pulling metro times off the internet. We barely get that from metro services most other places.

This is not restricted to people in shops etc, one old guy took us on the metro and walked us to our connecting stop. He approached us as he thought we may be having trouble with the rail system. People will always at least try to help you here. I haven’t experienced rudeness yet. People will always give you way as you pass (even cars most of the time).

At the heights of Tokyo

2006-06-16T23:50:00.000+01:00

Before entering we took a stroll throught the park where there was a pleasant waterfall, great atmosphere.
The building was the Metropolitan Government Towers, we chose North Tower which said to be a fantastic viewing point over Tokyo and it did not disappoint. Up at the top on the observatory floor there was a bar, complete with live pianist. There was also a toy shop for the kiddies. And the view was fantastic, we could see Mount Fuji, even clearer than when we were in Fuji.It was just as awesome in scale as it was close up. It towered above the clouds.
We also got a good view of the Tokyo skyline including tokyo tower. It looked so much more peaceful from up high.

SHINJUKU NS BUILDING.

2006-06-16T23:46:00.000+01:00

This building had a stunning glass roof anf featured a 29 metre tall pendulum clock (said to be the largest in the world). Looked pretty impressive. We then hung around for a tea and cake at one of the cafes.

UENO.

2006-06-15T23:49:00.000+01:00

Ueno was described as the old town, the complete opposite of high tech Tokyo central. When we got there we did find a few open areas but it was generally just the same neon, techno-mall kind of look as the rest of Tokyo.
Our first taste of the quiet life was in a local park where we seen the Saigo Takamori statue, which was a samurai warrior walking his dog. Nice and down to earth. Although quite a lot of homeless folk hanging around the park areas, some of which seemed a little up market for tramps (had mp3 players on their sleeping mats).
As we walked further out we could hear loud rock music. It was coming from a stadium where a band was playing. They sucked. Their singer sounded like bad karaoke.
Further on there was a lake/ really big pond, covered with Lilly pads. There was a really oriental building in the centre.
We decided to finish off our evening with a movie. However when the only movie on was cheesy disaster movie Poseidon, we thought we'd rather watch grass grow and decided to pass.

Ginza

2006-06-14T14:11:00.000+01:00

This was Tokyo's Park Avenue - all the designer names, and some fabulous cake shops, this was our favourite- Japan really has the most scrumptious cake shops (explains the obesity amongst the school kids out here), sorry kids but its a fact!
And by night its the typical neon lit city.

ATMs not too friendly.

2006-06-14T00:00:00.000+01:00

Complete nightmare trying to find the Citibank ATM's for some bizaare reason the ATM's out here don’t accept International credit card even if it has a VISA sign on the ATM.. How weird… ?? And a complete pain!

Mount Fuji

2006-06-13T23:46:00.000+01:00

On route from Kyoto to Tokyo - we finally managed to catch a glimse of the notoriously shy mount Fiji… it was almost sun down and the sun was catching the towering peak of the mountain, and it was enormous..! Aparantly when it last erupted back in 1710 it covered the streets of Tokyo in ash & Tokyo is 100miles away.

It was so high and it cut through the clouds in such a way that it was as though it was a huge mountain in the sky. After seeing buildings that were some of the tallest in the world we did not expect something so breathtaking. Definitely in the top 10 of sights so far.

And here it is again, popping out from the top of the clouds - but this time we captured it from one of the tall skyscrapers in Tokyo.

NISHI HONGWANJI

2006-06-13T23:45:00.000+01:00

Kyoto is pretty famous for temples so we figured we couldn't leave without seeing at least one. The Nishi Hongwanji temple had many sections with separate buildings. We entered the main temple where there was a Buddha and plenty of well kept décor. The environment was the kind we are used to seeing in old martial arts movies. Lots of wooden beams and paper windows. The whole place was beautifully crafted.

Geisha District

2006-06-13T23:44:00.001+01:00

We made our way to Shirakawa Minami Dori which was said to be one of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto. As we walked around the area we could see lots of people in traditional dress. We were looking out to spot a Geisha as it is said to be an area that still has many around.
We arrived at the street which looked very traditional. It was quite village looking, a complete contrast to Tokyo. This was a the building of a theatre in the town.

We finished the evening with a nice romantic walk home, along the riverside, under the moonlight. What could be more perfect?

MYSTERY OF THE FLOATING CIGARETTE.

2006-06-13T23:44:00.000+01:00

As we entered Kyoto we seen a really tall monument of some sort, way off in the background. What puzzled us however was that it appeared to have a gigantic cigarette plonked on the top.

After a few days of wondering from the Kyoto sky-tunnel we seen the Kyoto Tower Hotel complete with cigarette looking spire at the top (by night).

KYOTO STATION

2006-06-13T23:43:00.000+01:00

This is one of Kyoto's wonders of architecture. It is a fusion of smooth metal, large metal girders and glass.
It really was a treat to see. There were some other structures inside that emerged from the sides to decorate further.

From the ground it looked huge but when we travelled 10 floors high to the back via a series of escalators we really felt how large it really was.

There was also a sky-tunnel which took us from one side of the station to the other with everything way down beneath us.

Dear beloved people -

2006-06-12T23:42:00.000+01:00

We're back - posted a fair bit on Japan - but keep your eyes peeled, Japan's still not quite finished.
x

KYOTO's - NIJO JO CASTLE

2006-06-12T23:41:00.001+01:00

Nijo jo, meaning Nijo castle, although it wasn't very castle like from what we could see. It looked more like a regular temple with the usual oriental style. It was a beautiful place to visit, the 'castle' was so ornate and had plenty of little carvings inside.

We had a look around the rooms inside, all of which looked pretty much the same as they were so minimal. You could see where the likes of Shogun sat and the secret wall behind which the bodyguards would stay. We loved the nightingale floors that were designed to keep out intruders - they would sing & squeak as you walked along them.
The grounds outside were the most impressive as there were Chinese style gardens with ponds and waterfalls.

HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY IN THE WINDOW?

2006-06-12T23:41:00.000+01:00

We passed a pet shop on the way to our local tube station, they had an entire wall of cabinets with puppies in. They were all so teeny and cute. As we walked up to one of them, they would put a paw out or lick the glass. Some of them started barking almost wanting us to buy them. They were all so adorable that we probably would have taken one home if we were back at the UK.
We popped back for another visit as we were on our way to leaving Kyoto. They were all asleep but all woke up when we arrived. So cute.

KYOTO BUS TOUR.

2006-06-11T23:42:00.000+01:00

Our 8 hour journey to Kyoto was made pretty easy by JR line bus. The seats were really spaced out and reclined really well. Better than going by air or train in fact. We travelled past some great views, passing through the mountains, over bridges and past a beautiful lake. A pleasant way to put your feet up, sit back and just relax!

TECHTASTIC.

2006-06-10T23:38:00.000+01:00

We went to Shinjunku today to check out all that Tokyo is about. Here there were all the lit up neon signs that you would expect in Tokyo. There were gadget shops and department stores everywhere, storeys and storeys of them. One place we checked out had mp3 players as small as an oxo cube. We had bought our camcorder brand new before we left on our honeymoon, they were two models ahead already. They had all kinds of stuff here.

Shinjunku has also the worlds most busiest metro station with around 2 million people passing through it on a daily basis.

The Sonny hairdo craze hits Tokyo!

2006-06-10T23:33:00.000+01:00

They really have the craziest, wackiest kids out here. They try all kinds new, wearing zany clothes and sporting the weirdest of hairdo's. This is a picture of a funky looking hairdo (snapped after bout 3rd attempt, he kept turning around).

The women here like their shorts and short skirts. People don't seem as up tight on going mad with things such as silver tights and such. Very liberating and the way it should be I say! (Paul).

LOST IN TRANS-LIFT CHANGE.

2006-06-10T23:29:00.000+01:00

Although we weren't huge fans of the film Lost in Translation, we decided that as well as visiting it's film location, the Park Hyatt provided a great view for some pics of the Tokyo skyline.

Even when we arrived at the main entrance it was still a mission to get to the bar on the 52nd floor. We had to search around a poorly sign posted building for lift 1, go up to floor 49, then walk across the building again to find the 2nd lift to the top (bit pants).

When we arrived at the bar, 52 floors up, we couldn't help feeling that it looked a heck of a lot smaller than on film. All in all it was a nice place, good atmosphere and as always in Japan, friendly staff. Drinks a bit pricey though but it was worth it for the view. Oh and if you decide to chance one of the free snacks please be forewarned that some of them taste of a pretty strong mustard.

On the way out, the Hyatt proved how clean they keep their floor to roof mirrors as Bobbi nearly walked into one, thinking it was a corridor.

Memorable Moment

2006-06-09T23:59:00.000+01:00

Our day started at 14.30 by just before 16:00 we left the hotel, and after a day.. Well early evening full of sightseeing we returned back to our hotel and were in bed for around 22:30ish when I said to Paul, I have a headache, to which he very sincerely responded "Awww sweety have you overdone it today" And at that we both erupted in laughter.

ROTTEN DOG

2006-06-09T23:43:00.000+01:00

Something has definitely been lost in translation when it comes to an American dog. Unless I'm mistaken, to me it's a hotdog - unless to the americans its exactly what it was.

We bought something in a local supermarket which looked like a hotdog encased in the bun, but on a stick. To our horror we found that it was actually a sweet donut on a stick with a frankfurter inside. It made us both feel a bit sick, don't try one they are grotest!

MUSEUM OF NATIONAL EMERGING SCIENCE AND INNOVATION .

2006-06-08T23:40:00.000+01:00

Bobbi remembered that at a museum somewhere in the world you can experience zero gravity. We read somewhere that they had a spacewalk so we thought we'd check it out. Sadly it was a crappy 3d simulation/ poor cg movie showing our solar system.

We did get to have a go of some naff robots (they could barely walk). We took a look at the inside of a mini submarine pod, and also the inside of an apollo like space station interior.

There were also a lot of little gadgets such as DNA scanners (not really it was a fake anim, did the same each time). Along with a lot of robot arms and biological mannequins.
There was a really groovy stretched family car there which was fuel efficient and nicely designed due to be on the market in a couple of years time. It as no engine but just a motorised wheels... hence there a so many of them. I think market price was around £150k
All in all a groovy enough visit but would only do it once.

Funny names!

2006-06-08T23:36:00.000+01:00

As we travel around we occasionally come by something that has a bit of a split meaning back home. This Pocary Sweat was some kind of drink. I wasn't touching it with a 10ft bargepole tho. It didn't get much better either as later that day we found a drink called Calpis. Tasty!

But this has to be the answer to all cans..! A can with a screw top!

Green X code

2006-06-07T23:34:00.000+01:00

One thing you may find odd is how strictly everyone stops at the roadside when the lights are on red. Even if no cars are there they still won't cross...it is against the law I heard. As we crossed anyway, a few newborn rebels would sometimes cross also. I think we may be corrupting them.

CROUCHING GIANT HIDDEN GIANT.

2006-06-07T23:31:00.000+01:00

We went to the Edo-Tokyo Museum today as according to most write-ups it is likened to a crouching giant. It is also considered to have a Starwars look to it. As we approached we quickly realized that we had been had. This structure looked like none of these things. It did have a great sense of space around the grounds mind. We didn't check out the exhibition as we aren't great fans of Napoleon.

The museum as a whole was one we wouldn't have lost too much sleep over had we have missed it completely. NEXT!!!

SONY BUILDING

2006-06-06T23:39:00.000+01:00

This is the place to go if you want to see what is to come from Sony. There were around 7 glorious floors with light coloured carpets dedicated to Sony products (almost felt being back at home - my family is obsessed with Sony) such as new High Definition TV's, the PSP desk station, the PS3 as well as the new blueray discs. The building itself kinda looks like a playstation.
And yes Bobbi drooled over this U series thing once more. It was cool enough though would have been nice to see a playstation prototype working, even if it was just a streaming video. Looked pretty although it is damn huge and fat. Bigger than the Xbox 360 I think.

Return of the Super Loo

2006-06-06T00:01:00.000+01:00

I managed to get another photie this time with all the english translations on it..
It even has a deodoriser - who would've thought!

CASINOS AND COMICS CRAZY.

2006-06-05T23:36:00.000+01:00

They are absolutely bonkers about casinos here. They have giant multi-storey buildings, chocka with gambling machines. All the flashy lights and beepy sounds are enough to drive you mad but heck they love them here. The places are packed.

Comics are the other obvious obsession here. You can find many different kinds for all audiences. They offer the regular action comic to romantic comedies. As well as the comics themselves, adverts, signs and posters also make good use of cartoon art. For example on some tube systems they display the information as though it was part of the old snes mario game. They use the background art and everything!

Fabulous Loo!

2006-06-05T20:24:00.000+01:00

While we were out in Techno World - Akihabara, I needed to the loo and when I entered I saw this.

It had all kinds of buttons on it - but the symbols were in Japanese, fabulous I thought, how the heck do I flush it.
Anyways, I sat on the throne and ooohh!! It had a heated toilet seat… examining the buttons further - not daring to test any out I figured there was a hot / cool rear end wash.
And a regular flush which was located behind the raised seat.

Paul thought he got stuck in a lift… - not quite yet!

2006-06-05T20:17:00.000+01:00

As the department stores here have never ending floors, we decided to take the elevator in this particular store.
We stepped in to it and as you do I pressed the button to go up…A very small amount of time later, Bobbi decided things were taking too long and started pressing buttons (some of which she didn't know what they were). There was however this one little button which was covered by a large exclamation mark. Yeah she pressed that one too and the lift ground to a halt. Needless to say I nearly had a panic attack in typical Paul stylee. Many Bobbi button presses later and the lift started working again. Silly button pusher!
**********************
[by Bobbi] And all of this happened in the span of 60 seconds… yes 1 minute in Paul's World Of Events all of the above went on.
I think he hasn't quite fully recovered from the time when he locked himself in the toilet at Kuju, where he used one of the cubicles with the light out.. (bulb had gone)
So after doing the business in the dark, he turned round to get out and realised that he couldn’t get out, he was frantically (in the pitch black) turning the lock and it appeared broken, he could feel his chest tighten, and then he began yelling, "Help! Help!" "I'm stuck, somebody help me!" He received no reply.. 15 mins later……..
His hand had an encounter with the bolt he originally used to lock the door, tiny rays peered inside from the gap of the door, allowing light into the cubical, when Paul realised - there was no magic here, there was simply 2 locks on the door. As one he discovered earlier was broken!
And the bolt which eventually let him out he had used time and time again about 500 times in the past 6 months he had been there.

We finally have LOST Episode 10!

2006-06-05T20:08:00.000+01:00

Sorry - really needed to share that - we shall sleep well tonight!

Hey People - We're finnally here..

2006-06-05T19:05:00.000+01:00

We've been looking to this part of the trip before we even booked the hunnymoon x

Anyways, Its cooler, fresher & much better than China.. people here are polite and have no disgusting habits. We can easily get ourselves about it here, using the highly confusing rail system. At least it was a little overwhelming when we arrived - but day 2 into using it.. its a breeze!

On our 1st day we headed straight into an area called Akihabara, known as the largest area for Electronic devices & applicances in the world. - Woohoo! but sadly we discovered not all that much of a bargain.. kinda miss China for that.. (and only that)

However there are those little gizmos that havent yet been released worldwide just yet.. one of them, we totally fell in love with was the VGN-UX50 handheld PC happens to be a Sony but what the heck, its beeeeeeautifuuuul! (Check it out for yourselves)
And we weally weally want it... Dragged ourselves out of there today without it ....but there is always tomorrow.