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| Trius Blades - Credits to Gil of Rinara Spectrum =) |
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the story of my trip to Japan a year before the Great Sendai Earthquake/Tsunami of 2011. I give you my memories of Japan.
"My trip was set on the 21st of August 2010 to the 18th of September 2010. Unlike the other trips that i have blogged, this is the first time that I have traveled on a company related trip. Hence the length. Not to worry, I shan't bore you with details of my time spent in the factory classroom. Instead I will do what I always do and blog on the adventures we went through during our stay here in Japan.
Useful Links for your stay in Japan
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1) Japanese Yen to Malaysian Ringgit Converter
2) Keikyu Train Line - Credits to Traveling Tengco
Permits, invitations and Arrivals
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As Malaysians or perhaps every other foreigner aka. 'Gaijin' to Japan, One needs to apply for a Japanese Visa. With the Visa comes an Invitation letter from the Embassy to enter the country. The visa applied for me by the company was a standard 3 month visa. But since I was traveling along with other managers, the invitation letter they held was good enough. (Might have been a Group invitation letter.)
**UPDATED TRIUS TIPS #ZERO: Prior to your stay in Japan, you will need to find out where will you be staying and who is organizing your stay AOTS? GTC? You will also need to ask yourself, will you be needing internet connections? If you require an internet connection on the move, you should consider renting a wifi dongle at Global Advance Communications. Here you can rent your wifi dongles, iphones, Androids, or even Sim cards prior to your arrival and collect it either at the designated collection spots or you could have it couriered to your hotel or hostel.
Once you receive it, just turn it on and you will have instant wifi for the duration of your stay. Once you are done with it, just seal it back into the envelope provided to you and drop it off at any red postboxes.
For rates you can go to the website and check it out. But a rough estimate would be
RM 260.00 for 7 days
RM 530.00 for a month
RM 880.00 for 2 months
Credits goes to @Wendyloh23 for this Great tip!**Anyway putting invitations aside, the Narita Airport Terminal 2 is a 1+ 1 International airport. Meaning the checking in and arrival hall terminal building is separated from the main Departure Hall terminal Building. (Very similar to the KLIA).
My colleagues and I came in on a Morning flight reaching Narita Airport at about 5:30 am in the morning. We were briefed in detail so we could have a brisk exit and make our way to Yokohama City- Airport Terminal (YCAT). The steps were
1) Exit the plane and head straight to the arrivals,
2) Pass the thermal sensors and to the immigration. There you are required to take a picture and have your index fingers scanned. Trius Tips #1: It is advised that you head directly to the immigrations after you land because it might crowd up if you took your time. (This was actually advised by my company, but we didn't really face that problem.)
3) Next you are to collect your baggage and go through customs.
Getting to the City or to Oppama
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There are several ways to get to the Tokyo city. You could either take an expensive taxi (not an option), an express train from to Ueno station Tokyo, or a Limousine bus.
To Oppama, we had to take a Limousine bus to Yokohama City Airport Terminal (YCAT). It costs 3500 yen for one way. One can purchase them from the personnel attending a small trolley next to the Bus. Any luggage to be left in the bus's cargo booth will be tagged and a stub given to you. This stub will be returned to them to match your bag.
From YCAT, one needs to make their way East to the Main Yokohama train Station which is where most train lines intersect. To Oppama, take the Kei-kyu line's Red or Green express trains (Which will be on the same platform) towards Uraga. Drop off at Kanazawa-hakkei and change to a gray (Local) train that stops at every stop and stop 1 stop after that station. Traveling cost takes 300yen as of 2010.
Of course you won't need to go to Oppama if you are not assigned there, but for my other colleagues who will be visiting the factory, This is how you get to the station. From there you will need to travel another 500 meters to the Oppama Higashi Domitories. Which is actually really nice dormitory.
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| Oppama Higashi Dormitory |
Of course, for a nice establishment with a high security there are rules. Immobilisers are required to gain access through the main door. The room key can be used to open both your apartment and the garbage building. Garbage has to be separated to categories, plastics, cardboard, clothing, books and disposables(Combustibles). The room has to be returned to the dormitory as when it was given. It should be cleaned by you if necessary.
Pre-explorations
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It is a custom or a habit as travelers to get used to our surroundings. It is good to find out your nearest
1) Telephone booth
2) Internet cafe - Which is really scares unless you get a temporary hand-phone or mobile internet service.
3) grocery store
4) Local food restaurants and so on and so forth.
Trius Tips 2#: If you are living in Oppama, there are only 2 areas that you can access the internet.
1) There is a small shop along the main road (the school side) next to Lawson that offers internet access from 10am-430pm.
2) There is a library parallel to the main road (the school side also) that offers limited internet access as well. (15 mins each time and you can view your emails or facebook but you cannot reply, compose or comment).
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| An internet Cafe chain near Yokohama Station. |
Trius Tips 3#: Food averages at about 500 yen to 1000 yen per meal depending on how hungry you are. But if you are on a tight budget, do check out the good ol' McDonald's. Their McSaver's meals go at 100 yen a burger which is quite worth and is quite filling too!
Yokohama
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During my stay, we frequent to Yokohama alot! (Mainly due to transit and Internet). Yokohama is actually the capital of the Kanagawa Prefecture and is the 2nd largest city in Japan by population after Tokyo. It is actually almost 30 kilometers South of Tokyo.
Even from the Yokohama main train station, there are lots to see and do. It is situated by the bay, hence one can enjoy the view of the Yokohama skyline. And if the view isn't as good from the train station, you could take the a train to "Minato Mirai 21" by taking the Minatomirai Line.
There is also Chinatown where they have A Lion Dance performance twice a year (once during the beginning of Spring for Chinese New Year and one in Autumn).
The Yokohama Train Station is also a popular meeting point for outstation buses as I will touch on a little later when we headed to Kyoto for a weekend =).
Work-wise, Kanagawa prefecture which is where Yokohama is situated in is also home to the Nissan Headquarters building which faces the bay. It houses an amazing showroom and their offices above it.
If you are there, don't miss the chance to check out the latest models, if you know what i mean =).
Tokyo
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North of Yokohama, is the famous city of Japan that we all know. Yes its Tokyo! Originally named "Edo", Tokyo (meaning "East Capital") changed its name in 1868 when it became the imperial Capital of Japan.
Nonetheless, Tokyo is a very large metropolis and planning for at least 4 days to experience everything comfortably.
When coming from Yokohama via the Kei-kyu line, one will reach the Shinagawa Station of which we will usually transit to a different platform to explore the city of Tokyo.
Trius Tips 4#: If you are on time, get the special Express Trains that go to Asakusa, they usually change into "underground services" that bring you into the city as if it were a city train. In this case, you won't need to switch platforms.
Depending on your liking, there is a different appeal at different stations.
The first place that we explored was the famous "Akihabara". Home to electronics, anime, cosplay shops, and kissaten (maid cafes)! Here you can get your souvenirs at ease and spot maids on the side walks giving out pamphlets.
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| Akihabara! |
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| AKIHABARA FOOOO!!! OGEY!! |
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| Son Goku! |
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| Maids on the streets |
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| KFC In Japan! |
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| Cosplay Stormtroopers! |
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| Trius and Vader! |
If you are looking for guitars, percussion and other music shops, you can splurge at Shimbashi Station. There are many shops across the road from the 'Hachiko' exit.
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| Hachiko! |
Trius Tips 5# Hachiko was an Akita Inu, that became famous for his loyalty to his deceased owner. When he was alive, Hachiko would follow his owner every morning to the station. And every evening, he would return to greet his owner. One day the owner never came back. But yet, Hachiko came back to wait for him. He did so for 9 years until its death in on March 8, 1935. He became a symbol of loyalty ever since.
At the Ueno Park Station, There is a famous park. In Spring, people will gather here for the Sakura viewing. Although it can be a bit too crowded and commercialized. The Park is also home to many museums and shrines.
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| Statue of Saigo Takamori |
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| Red Arches in Ueno Park...not Kyoto XP |
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| National Tokyo Museum in Ueno Park |
Asakusa, is famous for it's temples, bazaar and the various festivals which are usually held there. During my visit, they were holding the Samba festival which was quite a spectacular event!
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| Asakusa Temple |
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| Me and the Asakusa Lantern in front of the Bazaar |
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| Asakusa lantern |
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| Bazaar at Asakusa - Can get practically ANYTHING! |
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| Samba-sara during the Samba Festival Hot Hot Hot! |
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| The Sky Tree In the distance from Asakusa. |
If you are looking for Japanese instruments, a stop you should go to is the Mejiro Station. If you come out of the station and head to the west along the Mejiro Street, you will find the Mejiro Company. They sell traditional Japanese instruments like the Shakuhachi, Shinobue, Nokan, Gagaku and even monk's hats!
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| Mejiro Station |
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| Scene outside Mejiro Station |
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| Mejiro Shop where they sell musical instruments. |
Along the Yamanote Line, a station after Mejiro is Ikebukuro or 'pond bag' is an entertainment and commercial district. Like Hachiko is the meeting point at Shibuya, Ikebukuro has and Owl at the center of the city. If you are into martial arts, there is a Budo Shop situated not too far away from the station.
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| Ikebukuro Station and the Stuff 'tenugui' I bought from the Budo shop! |
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| The Budo Shop =) |
Trius Tips 6# Owl in japanese is "fukuroo" similar to "fukuro" for bag, making the owl a symbol of the district.
If you are looking for some Sumo action, Ryogoku is a great place to be. The Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium is the hall where these championships take place. While you're there, why not try their Sumo's staple diet the Chankonabe. That is if you are not on a diet.
There is also Harajuku where alot of Japan's younger generation flaunt their fashion. Shinjuku is downtown commercial and administrative district that one can find many high class brands.
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| Takeshi Street at Harajuku |
Another district with high class shopping is the Ginza district named after a Silver-coin mint. Here you can find large majestic buildings housing famous and high class brands. It is also home to the Kabuki-za theater. Unfortunately it was closed down and current kabuki plays now reside in another theater close by known as the Shimbashi Enbujo Theater!
Trius Tips #7 Kabuki and Theatre of Japan
There are different types of theatrical plays in Japan.
1) Noh - performed only to the higher class, usually with masks played by men. Usually filled with inner meanings and codes.
2) Kyogen - Are comedies or short skits played between Noh plays as an intermission.
3) Kabuki - Was born out of Noh and is performed with more characters and with music, drama and dance.
4) Bunraku- Puppet theatre using puppets ranging from the size of 2 1/2 feet to 4 feet. A famous Bunraku play is the Date Musume Koi no Hikanoko . |
| Bunraku scene at Gion's Corner, Kyoto |
These are a few special places to find artifacts or unique Japanese attractions in Tokyo. There is a cheap "Hop-on-Hop-Off" type bus that takes you to the many attractions around Tokyo. Its called the 'Shitamachi bus'. They stop at 7 prime areas, Tokyo Station, Nihombashi, Akihabara, Ueno, Kappabashi, Asakusa, and Ryogoku. Its 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children per trip or you could get a day pass for 500/250 yen. The Bus is easy to spot as it is Green and has a cartoon character on the windscreen.
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| Shitamachi Bus |
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| The one with the Green Tamagochi =) |
Kamakura
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Unfortunately, I had only 3 weekends to spend in Japan, but one place I did not miss was Kamakura. Kamakura is situated in the Kanagawa district. If you are coming from Yokohama or like me from Oppama, it is a simple switch over to get to Kamakura. Or if you are coming from Shinagawa, one can use the Yokosuka JR Line to all the way to kamakura station.
Its a great place to see shrines, temples, and Sakura. One not to be missed attraction in Kamakura is the Big Buddha. From the Station, take the Enoden electric tram to the 'Hase' station. The Big Buddha is about a 10 min walk North of the Station.
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| Enoden Line stations |
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| Hase- Big Buddha Stop |
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| Crossroads |
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| Big Buddha or Dai Butsu |
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| Kamakura Dai Butsu |
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| Portrait of the Buddha |
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| Silhouette |
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| One can enter the Buddha with a small fee. |
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| Trius and Buddha |
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| With title. |
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| With lotus Flower. |
Don't forget to see the beach south of the station, if its during the appropriate season.
Kyoto
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To me, Kyoto is a beautiful City. Home to approx. 400 Shito Shrines and 1600 Buddhist Temples, Kyoto is home to many scenic views and reach with Japanese Culture. Kyoto or Capital City, was the previous Capital before Edo. Here Gion is their entertainment and commercial area.
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| The Scenes in Kyoto are filled with beauty and tranquility. |
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| A bonsai in a shape of a boat. |
To get here from Tokyo or Yokohama, one can either take a night bus (6-7 hours) at a price of 3000 yen. Or try the bullet train -Nozomi for 12000yen one way....(approx. 2 hours).
Here we stayed at a relatively affordable hotel called the Hana Hostel, Kyoto. It averages about 3000yen a night which is pretty decent. And its only 5 minutes away from the JR Kyoto Station.
There is a City tour that one can take, either a full day tour or a half day tour if time is of the essence. The tour takes you to the many attractions and UNESCO sites. These include Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Gold), GinKakuji Temple (sliver), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and many more. Of course they will take you midway to have lunch at the Tourist Souvenir Centre at Gion. Here you can splurge on tons of Japanese merchandise including Yukatas and swords and other Made-for-Japan souvenirs.
Being here, do check out opposite the road as there is a Budo-shop called Tozando BudoShop. here you can buy any type of Budo stuff (Larger than the budoshop in Ikebukuro) including replicas of Samurai Armor!
Here, Maikos are really commonly found. However to have lunch with one may cost up to 12000 yen. Imagine a simple date with sweets and her dancing and performing for your with respectful flirting, 12000 yen.
If you are done with culture, Kyoto also has another version of culture. Toei Uzumasa Eigamura is a Japanese styled Universal Studio theme park. This is where Samurai and Japanese action films are recorded. Truth be told, this was one of my highlights of my trip that i looked forward to. It was home to the Samurai, Ninjas, Geisha, and most of all, the Super Heros, Kamen rider and Super Sentai Warriors! KYAAA!! *recomposes* sorry. Entrance for adults is 3300 yen *as of 2010 =)
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| Toei Uzumasa Eigamura |
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| Kid, Lady and the Tram. |
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| Bazaar and ancient Japan TownHall. |
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| Samurai Hattori Hanzo, vanquishes a Ninja! |
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| Another one. |
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| Interaction of with the audience. |
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| Cosplay. |
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| Kenjutsu fight demonstration. |
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| with the young, |
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| The old |
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| En guard! |
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| Cheesuuu! |
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| Cool dude: Shashinn! Old Dude: Oh no! |
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| Dieded |
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| Nobita and Dinosaur! |
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| Henshin!(Transform!!) |
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| Masked Rider Dance Battle?? |
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| Hugeeee Lights! |
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| Trius tries on some menacing farmer rakes! |
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| Back in medieval Japan.. |
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| Would you like a cuppa? |
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| Kamen Rider Double prop. |
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| One of the Super Robots! |
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| Decade, Double and Trius! |
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| Riders from Phis, Dragonknights and Agito! |
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| Trius and Kabuto |
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| Super Sentai warriors |
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| One of the Super robots! |
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| Original Kamen Rider! |
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| Eigamura =) |
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| Kyudo |
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| Eigamura FOOOOO!! OGEY!! |
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| Time to Cast some techniques! |
There is a place near to Gion, that performs a wide variety of Japanese cultural dances and practices. Its called the Gion's Corner. Here you can see a complete collection of performances including the Kyo-mai Dance, Flower arrangement, Koto Zither, Tea Ceremony, Gagaku Court Music, a skit of Kyogen Comedy Theatre and Bunraku Puppet play.
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| Tea Ceremony Utensils |
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| Gagaku Court Music |
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| Kyogen Comedy Skit |
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| Kyo-mai Dance by Maiko |
Admission is about 3150 yen for an adult. There is also a tea ceremony class after the show and you can buy it together.
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| Ochado no Sensei |
All in all, Kyoto is a fantastic place to visit. Have a minimum of 3 days to look around if you can so you can soak up and enjoy the scene.
Conclusion
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I love Japan, my 3 weekends there, i realized that there is still so much culture that i have yet to see. So many that I missed this round (due to work). I would certainly love to return to complete my chapter with Japan. Someday I shall return Japan. Wait for me!
Arigatou Gozaimasu! Ja ne! =)
Credits
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I'd like to thank my company for sponsoring my trip to Japan.
Mas Marlena for giving me the initial information about Japan and the location of the Ninja village, in Mie! Which I did not have time to go unfortunately =( so here's my studio picture of Trius in Ninja costume to make up for it ....
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| Kamen Rider Wild! =)))) Thanks to Gil of Rinara Spectrum =) |
My new friend Suzuki Hitomi-san who was so nice to give me a Disney Towel, Domo-Arigatou-gozaimasu!
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| Me & Hitomi-san |
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| B25 group! |
And all of Japan for being so courteous and nice to us.
Hontoni Arigatou!
Trius Out! =)
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