Making original tour in Japan

I live in Japan and the US under some circumstance. If you want to go somewhere by own, I can drive for you, guide you where you want to go in English. I want you to spend happy time there and my wish will be that you will love JAPAN.

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Hiroshima styled Okonomiyaki

The most popular food in Hiroshima is Okonomi-yaki. I say, it is like Japanese pizza. Some say it is like Japanese pancakes but we have pancakes so I prefer calling as Japanese pizza.

On the teppan, put Okonomiyaki flour with water, like crapes and put shredded cabbages on it.

On it, you can put whatever you like, bacon, seafood,etc.

These guys work synchronously. It amazed me. That is why the dish I ordered got done so fast, maybe taking 5 minutes.

My Okonomiyaki, a dinner of one day. With Okonomiyaki sauce and green laver.

It was cute cap on mayonnaise. The cap is exactly like the cap of baseball team Hiroshima based, called Hiroshima Carp.

It was yummy♡

December 11th, 2017

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JMSDF Kure Museum

In front of Yamato Museum, there was Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Kure Museum.

I did not know what JMSDF does actually. It was so interesting place to learn about that for me. 

It talked about mines. They have cleaning them up all over the sea of world, not only sea in Japan. I really did not know that. I believe that most of Japanese, like me, did not know about that either.

It is dangerous tasks. There is a big life risk to do but they DO. I felt honor to them♡

The captain`s room in the submarine. 

Even being captain, there is a tiny room. I wonder they can sleep well on the hard bed.

This was the binocular Japan used during WW2. Compared to the binocular US used with 9 times enlargement, it was able to see 22 times enlargement!

OMG!

What Japan`s technology was even war time!

However, even they had it, they were surrounded by US. Maybe it is a different story from the technology.

It interested me more than Yamato museum.

I highly recommend to visit there. 

December 10th, 2017

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Yamato Museum in Kure

Why I came to Kure was to visit Yamato Museum. It was named after the battleship YAMATO during World War second. However, for me, Yamato indicated one of my favorite animation called Space Battleship Yamato. I really loved the animation. Every time I watched it, I cried a lot for moving my heart, about love, friendship, etc.

Then finally here I was.

What a cool ship! It really made me back my old days when I was watching the animation.

This is NOT about the animation. It is about the battleship Yamato during WW2. It tells you how Japan goes to war, why built the ship, what was the plan, what was the end of the ship etc. It was very interesting.

It was popular to be called Zero Fighter. It was lighter, stronger than old aircraft at that time. 

I learned at this museum that our technology of even war time was superior. The ship and aircraft showed that. Even we lost the war, the technology remained building bullet trains, etc.

It was interesting museum if you like to learn about WW2.

December 9th, 2017

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Kure in Hiroshima of Japan

From Takamatsu, I moved to Hiroshima by an early bus. My plan to go back my hometown Fukuoka from Hiroshima was by a night bus because it was cheaper than going back Fukuoka from Takamatsu directly.

I had enough time to walk around in Hiroshima. However, I used to live in Miyajima, Hiroshima for a couple of months and came to Hiroshima city often. So I decided to go to where I had wanted to go, Kure city in Hiroshima.

I used the local bus from Hiroshima city to Kure city.

It was a long bridge and interesting view but I liked it. However it was raining. I could not see it clearly.

kure, Hiroshima is a major port and shipbuilding city. There is the second naval dockyard and Japan maritime Self-Defense Force.

You can go there by Japan Railroad (JR) train. From the bus terminal in Hiroshima, there is bus transportation. Between the JR train station and the bus terminal in Hiroshima, there is distance.   

I could see shipbuilding in dock. There were some big ships. I wished I could see them clearly.

It was cold day and raining.

December 6th, 2017

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On the way going back from Mt. Tsurugi

I never expected to go back such an early time. On the way I went to Mt. Tsurugi was rush because I thought I did not have enough time to go up and get down. So I decided going back to enjoy the drive. 

I love the trees. It was tiny mountain roads though.

On route 492, there is Kohito Bridge meaning loving couple bridge. It is told that the couple will be together forever if they lock with padlocks. That is why there are many padlocks!

During driving, I saw the gorgeous ginko trees. I u-turned to stop by. It was beautiful. It was in a shrine called Kishibe Hachiman Shrine.

After all, I realized myself that I love driving. In the car I can think about anything because of being alone, not be bothered. Also I feel achievement for what I have done. independence that I can do anything by myself, being free for doing whatever I want to do. 

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Mt. Tsurugi, Tokushima of Japan

The ferry arrived in Takamatsu, Kagawa of Shikoku Island. Yes, I got in Shikoku! However, my destination was not yet in Takamatsu.

I rented a car because of no transportation to where I wanted to go.

I left in very early morning and on the way I saw sunrise.  I drove for a couple of hours on mountain roads.

Finally it showed up. I was going to Mr. Tsurugi. It said Tsurugisan. Why I was going was a pretty long story(^_-)-☆ However, it was still long way to be there.

After driving twisty mountain roads, there was a tunnel. As soon as I went trough, the view showed me up!

I finally got here. It was the ropeway to up to Mt. Tsurugi, BUT it was covered by SNOW. I gave up to go up this time right away. I didnt prepare for snow hiking.

I carefully walked around.

Tsurugi Shrine.

The beautiful mountain ridgeline♡

Even I could not go up, I was satisfied to be just here!

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Shipping from Kobe, Hyogo to Takamatsu, Kagawa

I arrived Kobe, Hyogo. I was planning to walk around but it was raining. No motivation to do that.

My next trip is getting on a ferry to Shikoku Island in the afternoon.

This was the one I am going to get on.

It was the entrance. Gorgeous!

It is the women`s room. Only women can be there, needless to say. I was there. It was so comfortable, having plugs and charging my smartphone during sleep.Plus, it was gentle ride on the ferry. It helped me have good nap(^_-)-☆

It was the view from the ferry. Amazing. I loved it!!

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From Ikebukuro, Tokyo

Usually buses in Tokyo leave from bus terminal in Shinjyuku, called Basuta in Japanese. 

My trip for Shikoku island is hard to find good deals because of a weekend. Or there would be less travel to Shikoku.

My boss travels often with his bike so I asked him the tip for going there. He mentioned that I could find something from Kobe, Hyogo. I have never thought of going there from Kobe. It was good to know.

Thanks to his advice, I found one!

I used a night highway bus but not from Shinjyuku. It was from Ikebukuro, Tokyo. It was not at the station. There is a popular building called Sunshine Ikebukuro. There is a bus terminal.

I got on a bus from Ikebukuro to Kobe, Hyogo, next to Osaka. It was a new thing for me. I was excited to travel around. 

Even in Tokyo, there is a big green grass park! I was with my lovely friends there. One brought a bottle of white wine and one brought a homemade banana cake. It was precious time with them for me♡

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Sekaido as the stationary and art supplies store in Tokyo

I had an appointment with my friend in Tokyo. Her office moved to Shinjuku from the suburb of Tokyo. It was just in front of Shinjyuku Gyoen.  

Near by the park, there is my favorite stationary shop too.

It is not only stationary but also art supplies.There is 6 floor buildings. It was so fun to look for.

The store was introduced by TV program as I watched. Many foreigners visited there to buy stuff. They amazed that there are a bunch of variety of papers, notebooks. 

Yes, that is why I love the store.

You better go if you visit Tokyo, Japan(^_-)-☆

September 23rd, 2017

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JR Koumi Line

Last time I used JR Koumi Line, I got like the area, especially Yatsugatake. I had an opportunity to visit there. 

From Matsumoto, Nagano where I live, I used JR Shinonoi line to Kobuchizawa, Yamanashi.

Then I transferred JR Koumi line to Kai-Ooizumi station.

While I walked around the town, I was able to find Mt. Fuji!

I came from Fukuoka where is far from Mt. Fuji. Seeing Mt. Fuji is so special for me. It amazed me that I found it even during walking around.

Sept. 9, 2017

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Hata in Matsumoto, Nagano

Matsumoto city is a kind of big cities in Nagano prefecture. One of suburb of Matsumoto calls Hata where many fruits and veggies are produced. That is why I found the cute bridge.

What a cute bridge is!

Watermelons are so popular to be produced and sweet.

Nagano is the second largest produced apples.

August 4th, 2017

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A magical view in Kamikochi

It has been raining even after rainy season was over. 

There are a few ponds in Kamikochi. One of them called Taisho Pond is popular to see. People expect to see mountains are reflected on the surface of the pond because it gets popular from magazines.

I had also been wanting to see it but the timing is difficult. Specific timing is important to see it.

However, it finally came!

July 25th, 2017

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Nawate Street, Matsumoto Nagano

I went to Matsumoto for my errands. 

I have some favorite places in Matsumoto. One of them was a Hawaiian restaurant. I love Western food more than Japanese.

Hulala

My lunch, Chicken Coconuts rice. I dont remember the name.

The restaurant is close to Nawate street.

The street is close to Yohashira Shrine which worships Amaterasu Oomikami.

It is told that all wishes come true if you pray there. You can try(^_-)-☆

July 20th, 2017

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Obuse, Nagano

Everyone who loves Japan knows Hokusi. Even as Japanese, I did not know the town of Obuse was related with him.  

Here it is. His latest work at Gansyoin, paying the admission fee for 300 yen. It is is on the cell, but you can NOT take pictures.

There is Hokusai Museum. Unfortunately I could not go there. Someone suggested that you better go the museum and go to see the art. You better see how his work went, like his history.

This is near by Ganshoin. I felt something different. I mean, good energy there.

From Nagano station, you need to transfer to Nagano Dentetsu. The price of one way was 670 yen. If you plan to go to Snow Monkey Park, you need to stick the line. 

July 14th, 2017

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Oyashirazu, Niigata

I found a good deal ticket while surfing Internet. I made a decision where next trip would be. 

This is the ticket from Nagano to Niigata prefecture, stations where there would be near by Japan Sea for two days for 2,000 yen, but it is for only summer time good deal.

I picked the station called Oyashirazu.

From Matsumoto, I went to Nagano with JR around tickets and transferred North Shinano line of Shinano railroad, then Myoko Haneuma line, and lastly Japan Sea Hisui line of Echigo Tokimeki railroad.

I really liked the last line which went through by Japan Sea.

Finally I got Oyashirazu, but I walked to The cliff of Oyashirazu. Unfortunately, there was no bus to get there. If you are lucky, you might find a tax. I decided to walk there.

On the way, a police car stopped me and the policeman wondered what I was doing.

Even I did not know that the place was popular for people who try to commit suicide. That was why truck drivers were looking at me weirdly.

I got there at early evening, almost sunset time. It is said that the place is the most dangerous road in Japan. However, the sunset was amazingly beautiful.

I love to see sunset reflecting on ocean. It was good spot to see sunset too.

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Getting in Kamikochi

From Matsumoto, you have 2 options. You go to Kamikochi directly by a local shuttle bus or you go to Shinshimashima station by a local train called Alpico for 30 minutes and then transfer to a local shuttle bus for 1 hour to get there.

Unfortunately, there do not often have the direct bus. You often use the train and the bus to get Kamikochi. 

Now you know where I am and how you can get.

From tomorrow, I will talk about my trips I have done in Japan, like yesterday(^_-)-☆  

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Koromo, Nagano

A few days ago my coworker mentioned this town, Komoro in Nagano. I hadnt planned my offs in July. I checked what they have in the town.

Surprisingly, I found an interesting place and went there.

First of all, I planned using only JR lines even though it took more time than Shinano raildroads. I bought a one-day pass from Matsumoto to Komoro.

I needed to transfer at Kobuchizawa, Yamanashi. What I saw there was Japan`s highest mountain!

 Mt. Fuji!!!

I wanted to see Nunobiki Kannon in Shakuson-temple because it overhangs in the cliff since in 724. WOW! 

Looks so scared,,, Even I could not keep on standing there. During taking pictures, I was just sitting.

I felt different energy there. I can not believe that there was made in 724!! However, I needed to hike up on steep mountain roads which I didnt expect even reviews were saying.

My legs was so sore right now.

More interesting places in Japan even in Nagano where I live!

July 6th, 2017