日本から来ました

[claarz000]

Why I went to Karatsu pt.3

(Saved the best for last)

So when I learned that there’s this Saga on Ice event and that the Yuri On Museum exhibit will be in Karatsu on the same time that I will be in Kyushu, I just knew I had to be there. I’m really just so happy that this coincides with my birthday trip - thank you universe for this birthday present!

During that time, you can participate in a stamp rally. Visit different locations (which were also featured in the anime), collect stamps, and when you complete it, you’ll get a gift! I didn’t get to do that because I didn’t have enough time to visit all locations. I did get to see some which were a walking distance from Karatsu Station.

Then there’s Yuri on Museum which featured a lot of original artworks, videos & stills from the anime, their skating outfits, and a lot of standees. You’ll get an audio guide where you can choose from 5 (or was it 6?) options on who you would want to tour you around the museum. Of course, I chose Viktor & Yuuri. They were so in character, I cry!! I love these two!! I love this anime!! Needless to say, I spent so much time fangirling over the exhibits.

Really really really happy~~~

(May 2018)

[claarz000]

I wasn’t planning on visiting any temples when I went to Kyoto this time because I didn’t want to be in a crowd and I’ve been to Kyoto multiple times… but I keep seeing Toji Temple in google maps and it’s nearby my hotel, so I decided to drop by… I’m glad I did!

It’s a relatively big complex with a beautiful Japanese Garden that I spent a lot of time just appreciating. So after I went around and checked out the exhibits, I just sat in one of the benches to appreciate the beauty of the nature around me (and took multiple photos of course).

[claarz000]

I went to Kyoto to eat - not the usual agenda when in Kyoto but I needed my matcha fix lol

However, I was feeling too overwhelmed and was not having much appetite, so I wasn’t able to reallyyyyy go into the food trip mode I planned to be in.

I didn’t get to indulge myself too much, but I tried to still eat well!

[claarz000]

After biking for ~30km, I returned my bike at the Setoda Tourist Information Center and walked to the Kousanji Temple.

I had to pay an entrance fee that I thought was worth every cent. There was a lot (both in number and in variety) of wonderful and interesting sights to see in this one place.

[claarz000]

Fine day to cycle across the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route~

[claarz000]

Taking a few short breaks to appreciate the scenic views~

[claarz000]

Started the day early and full of energy!

I’ve always wanted to bike across the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road, and I finally did it… albeit, just half of the entire 60-something KM cycling route.

It was a great and refreshing experience visually, physically and mentally… Although a teeny bit too tough on the physical aspect because there were moments when I had to cycle uphill for at least 1km or cycle against the wind… all while using a mamachari. I almost cried and gave up but I managed, thank god! Hahaha.

More photos coming…

Hope to return and complete the whole route next time!!

[claarz000]

Just a couple more things Tottori is known for - the sand dunes and gyukotsu (beef bone broth) ramen

Viewing the sand dunes from afar, I thought it was smaller than expected. Then, I went there and I realized, “Nope. This is bigger than expected”.

After a whole day of sightseeing around Tottori, I went back to the station and found a ramen shop selling gyukotsu ramen across the station. I usually don’t like beef broth noodles, but this one wasn’t bad and didn’t have an overpowering beef fat taste… although, it might be because of the spiciness of it too… LOL

Another great day spent in Japan… Tottori, you are a marvelous place!

[claarz000]

A must visit when in Tottori

The sand sculptures are so awesome. The attention to detail is just amazing and my photos just do not give justice. I also learned that the sand they used for this year’s exhibit is recycled and reused for next year’s exhibit. There is also a team of sculptors from different parts of the world who worked on these impressive art pieces.

I wish there was some live demonstration or classes you can join where you can learn how to do these sand sculptures because it is so interesting, like what do you mean it’s just sand and some water??

[claarz000]

Joined a boat tour around the Uradome Coast - very scenic, lots of awesome and interesting rock formations and the water looks so clear!

I wish I could have explored Iwami more because apparently, it is the inspiration for Iwatobiiiii… why did I realize that too late!!! LOL

[claarz000]

Visited a Samurai House before calling it a day…

My favorite part in traditional Japanese houses is the patio that overlooks the garden. It must be so nice to have that spot where you can just admire nature while drinking tea or whatever…

After this, I also quickly dropped by the Lafcadio Hearn Museum just to check it out since I bought a combo ticket anyway… then i brisk walked to the bus stop only to arrive in the wrong place. LOL.

So, I decided to just walk back to the station, which was at least a good 30 minutes away… hoping I could catch my train that will leave in 20 minutes. In my mind, I was like, “I can beat google maps’ estimate… I’ll make it!” Guess what, I got beaten instead. LOL. Halfway through, and only a few more minutes before my train is scheduled to leave, I decided to give up because I can feel something wrong with my foot. 🥹 And to this day, my foot is still suffering the consequences of my arrogance. 😅🤣

Man vs Machine: Man -1000, Machine 1000000

Had a nice time in Matsue nonetheless!

[claarz000]

Matsue Castle - one of Japan’s 12 original castles and one of the 5 that are considered a National Treasure.

I spent a little too much time admiring not just the castle but the whole place - from the entrance surrounded by the vast moat, to the castle grounds, to the castle interior and all the way to the topmost floor which served as an observatory - everything’s just wonderful! I just felt so immersed, I lost my sense of time. LOL

[claarz000]

Walking towards the Matsue Castle…

Matsue is such a pleasant city. I can see myself living there. Oh, the dream…

[claarz000]

Main Agenda for the Day: Visit the Izumo Grand Shrine

I had only known the Izumo Shrine because of the massive twisted straw ropes called “shimenawa”, but as I visited the shrine and some other spots within the region, I came to learn more about its history and significance.

The shrine grounds is very scenic, and there is a mystical atmosphere surrounding the area… or it could just be the weather when I was there, or maybe it’s the mountains and the tall trees that envelope the whole place. Nonetheless, it is a very, very sacred place where the gods are believed to convene once a year.

There are lots of interesting histories/beliefs about the shrine and the town itself. There are signs at the significant spots all over town where you can read the details, and I’m sad that I am in a rush so I didn’t have much time to read about it…

[claarz000]

I went on a quick detour before going to Izumo Taisha. I got to Izumoshi station in time for lunch anyway, so I thought I’d drop by Shimane Winery first to grab some lunch.

Shimane Winery is, as the name says, a winery and also a souvenir shop. There is a yakiniku restaurant in the same lot, and that’s where I ate lunch. They offer a free tour to their factory but I was short on time, so maybe next time.

I got one of the set meals where I got to eat Shimane Wagyu… and I also got Izumo Soba as an additional order. I think Shimane Wagyu lacked a bit of flavor on its own - it might just be with how I cooked it, or the kind of cut I got… I don’t know. But they had a really good dipping sauce that elevated my lunch experience. The soba was good. I think that was the first time I had real, authentic soba, so all I thought of was “oh so this is what soba is supposed to be” LOLLLL

After lunch, I went to the souvenir shop where they offer FREE wine testing, so I helped myself. They also have grape juice that tasted like they only used the bestest, ripest grapes… I’m sad it only comes in a 1L glass bottle… I wish I could have taken some home.

Anyway, I walked back to the station where I am literally the only person waiting for the train…

[claarz000]

For lunch, I had Hagi Goyomi’s 3 mini dons… the sashimi don had the bestest squid sashimi I ever had and the vegetable tempura don was so good. Japanese veggies are so sweet and good - it makes me want to eat veggies!

For snacks/dessert, I made sure to drop by Hagi Pudding, and I got Natsu Mikan of course, Matcha and the Retro flavor. All of them were good… if only I can get all the flavor!!

[claarz000]

Walked around the Hagi Castle Town and went in a couple of the preserved houses.

Hagi is pretty and peaceful and there’s so much that could be explored. Maybe next time, and hopefully it won’t rain then.