Himeji Castle

Photo source: Wikipedia

As we were taking the train from Osaka to Kobe I noticed that there was a stop about 30 minutes away called Himeji. Immediately I recalled a conversation I had with an engineer in the office about Himeji Castle. He explained that very few foreigners make the trek to Himeji to see the castle even though it's one of the largest and best preserved in the country. So we decided that there was no better time to make a trip to Himeji than now. It was only 30 minutes and about $10 away and I would never be any closer. So, after doing the rounds in Kobe, we hopped back onto the JR Kobe line and headed further south to Himeji.

Himeji Castle must be one of the least talked about Japanese castles, yet is a totally amazing experience. The castle is one of the largest in the country and stands perched at the top of a hill within walking distance from Himeji station in Himeji. Once outside Himeji Station we were greeted by a wide, tree-lined, street that led us directly from the station to the Himeji castle grounds. We could see the castle at the top of a hill at the other end of the street in all its majesty and even from about a mile away it was still rather impressive.

"Himeji Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle complex located in Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture. The castle is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 buildings with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period. Himeji Castle dates to 1333, when Akamatsu Norimura built a fort on top of Himeyama hill. The fort was dismantled and rebuilt as Himeyama Castle in 1346, and then remodeled into Himeji Castle two centuries later. Himeji Castle was then significantly remodeled in 1581 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who added a three-story castle keep. In 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu awarded the castle to Ikeda Terumasa for his help in the Battle of Sekigahara, and Ikeda completely rebuilt the castle from 1601 to 1609, expanding it into a large castle complex." - Wikipedia

Once on the castle grounds we started our journey up the hill to the main tower of the castle. The castle grounds are extremely well kept, as is to be expected, and almost exactly as they were since it's creation. Unfortunately the castle is currently undergoing repairs so it was draped in a massive tarp - which explains the wikipedia image opening this post. The huge bonus of the current construction is that we were able to go to the very top of the castle and stand on the roof - awesome view. I have included a few images of the ground in a link below, because as always pictures do a much better job than I can do explaining.


Himeji Castle Gallery

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Shin-Kobe Ropeway

Although much ink has been spilled in praise of the Kobe foreign homes, I found them (1) hard to get to and (2) not very impressive to look at or be in. If you're completely in love with Japanese history then your opinion may certainly differ from mine. I recommend visiting them yourself to get a sense of it. I'll give you one recommendation, don't go in the summer. My trip was in late June and, although July and August are typically the hottest months, it was sweltering. The fact that the foreign homes are located at the top of a rather steep hill certainly didn't add anything to their enjoyment.

However, if you did make the trip up the hill by foot, bus, or taxi you can easily hop onto the Shin-Kobe Ropeway for one of the most scenic views of Kobe city and Osaka bay. The Shin-Kobe Ropeway was definitely my favorite activity in the city, that's unless you consider eating an activity. The Shin-Kōbe Ropeway is Japanese aerial lift line in Kōbe, Hyōgo, operated by Kōbe City Urban Development. It has an official nickname Kōbe Yume-Fūsen. Opened in 1991, the line links Shin-Kōbe Station and Nunobiki Herb Garden. Its scenic view is popular among tourists.

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Kobe

From the moment I decided to move to Japan Kobe city has been at the top of my "to visit" list. The fact that it took me an entire year to make the trek south to Kobe is both a shame and a testament to the many wonderful things there are to do in Tokyo alone. On my recent visit to the city, however, I tried to make up for the delay by taking part in the top 3 things to do in Kobe. I'll cover each over three posts, but first here is a little history of Kobe city.

Kobe is the sixth-largest city in Japan and is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture on the southern side of the main island of Honshū, approximately 500 km (310.69 mi) west of Tokyo. Kobe is a prominent port city with a population of about 1.5 million.

The history of Kobe is very interesting, as is the history of many cities in Japan, however Kobe is also world renowned for it's excellent steak and beef products. Restaurant goers all over the world pay a premium for meat that bares the Kobe stamp and many will ask for it by name. Most people have heard the word Kobe before even realizing that it's a city in Japan or anything else about the city. Certainly, one of my primary tasks when I visited the city was to sample the famous Kobe beef prepared the way it should by a local chef.

Getting to Kobe from Osaka, which is where we stayed overnight, was very simple. From Osaka Station we took the JR Kobe line about 4 stops to Kobe Station - done. The fare was 390JPY and the trip took about 15 minutes. Conveniently we stayed in the Westin Osaka which was not far from Osaka Station and operated a shuttle bus from the hotel to the station and back.

As soon as we exited the train station we headed to a restaurant that, from advertising, seemed to be just what I was looking for. It was located on the 4th floor of an unassuming building 3 blocks from Kobe Station. As it was midday there was no wait for seating and the restaurant was sparsely occupied. The restaurant only served set menu options so we decided to go with something down the middle price-wise. Our lunch consisted of grilled vegetables, soup, grilled bread, rice, and steak. Everything was delicious and prepared with great care in front of us by our friendly chef, who was fine with me snapping away on my camera will he worked.

The meal was superb and the steak was absolutely incredible. Honestly I couldn't have made the meal any better. What was best about our lunch was the price. At about $35/plate our lunch was also very economical for what we received. I could have left Kobe right after lunch and feel satisfied to have made the trek, however there was still more of Kobe to see. Kobe is also famed for it's foreign homes which are a part of Kobe's early history. And no visit to Kobe could possibly be complete without a ride on the Kobe Ropeway up mount Rokko.

Here are a few pics for your enjoyment.

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Osaka

I had to do it. There is no way I could say I truly lived in Japan without visiting Osaka and it's neighbor cities, Kobe and Himeji. Even though this is my last full week in Japan I still had to do it. It really shouldn't have taken me this long, but the earthquake did throw my schedule off a bit. As Japan's third largest city Osaka has a lot to do and see. Whether it's Osaka castle, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, or Kaiyukan - one of the worlds largest aquariums - Osaka has a lot to offer.

Osaka is a city in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshuu, the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and also the biggest part of Keihanshin area, which is represented by three major cities of Japan, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Osaka is also the third largest city by population after Tokyo and Yokohama and one of the largest metropolitan areas highly ranked in the world, with nearly 18 million people

Getting to Osaka from Tokyo is fairly simple, just hop on the Shinkansen. From Shibuya station I traveled to Shinagawa via the JR Yamanote line then from Shinagawa I hopped the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka station. Once in Osaka getting around is made convenient by the JR Loop line. Beware, however, that a single train doesn't necessarily go around the entire loop and you'll have to switch trains and tracks. Other than that it's a breeze.

We only had half a day in Osaka to see and do everything we could so we kept moving as much as possible. First is was off to Osaka castle which is by far the top attraction of the city. From there we made our way to Kaiyukan to check out the whale sharks and other giant fishes. Then finally we took a ride on the giant Tempozan Ferris where we were able to take some great shots of the city at night. If you make it to Kaiyukan there is a ferry that leaves from a port next to the aquarium which will take you directly to Universal Studios Japan, it's worth it and very convenient.

Osaka has a different feel than Tokyo. It's still very metropolitan and has its share of tall buildings, but it seems slower and a little more reserved than it's larger sister city. The people in Osaka were extremely friendly even by Japanese standards. We had a few people come up to us and start conversations, mainly to practice their English. There were also the few Chinese tourists who asked to take a picture with me. I'm used to it from my time in China. They really seem to love the idea of having a picture with a black person.

I have chronicled each attraction in it's own post so as to not create one extremely long blog entry. Take a look to get more information about Osaka. As always, here are some pics for you to enjoy

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Hakone Ropeway

Ariel lifts are cool, be it a ski lift at your favorite ski resort or a ride at disney. I've been on my share of vertical multipliers but the one that takes the cake, the one that is completely "above and beyond", the one that takes my breathe away is the Hakone ropeway. How is that for being "over the top"? Ok, I'll stop.

The Hakone ropeway is a scenic 4KM long ariel ropeway that spans from Togendai to Sounzan in Hakone, Japan. The highest point on the ropeway is at Owakundani and is 1K meters high.  Blessed by its wonderful natural environment, superb scenery and an abundance of natural hot springs, Hakone is one of the leading tourist attractions in Japan. The Hakone Ropeway service operates at approximately one-minute intervals, and the 30-minute journey from Sounzan Station to Togendai Station, which nestles on the shore of Lake Ashi, allows visitors to take in such spectacular views as the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Ashi, the rising volcanic fumes of Owakudani and the grandeur of Mount Fuji on a fine, sunny day.

Floating over Owakundani, which is an active volcano, is pretty cool. You can see the sulfur pouring out of the top of mountain and smell it from high in the air. The bet part is the view of Mount Fuji from the ropeway car.

Japan is an incredibly wonderful dichotomy of ultra modern technology and superb natural beauty. It has some of the best kept natural treasures that you'll find anywhere in Asia and Hakone  is at the top of that list. The ariel ropeway allows you to enjoy Hakone from a vantage point that is second to know. I was blown away by the experience and I know that you will too. When in Tokyo, do yourself a favor and visit Hakone. I couldn't recommend it anymore.

Getting There:

• From Shibuya take the JR Yamanote line to Shinagawa (160 JPY). If you're already at Tokyo station then just take the Shinkansen from there.
• At Shinagawa transfer to the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara station (2940 JPY)
• At Odawara station take the Hakone-Tozan Line to Hakone-Yumoto station (300 JPY)
• At Hakone-Yumoto station you can take a bus to the Lake (1150 JPY). 
• You can also take a tram to Gora (350 JPY)
• Then transfer to the cable car to Soounzan at the top of the hill (425 JPY)
• Then take the Hakone ropeway, which I highly recommend, from Togendai to the lake (1490 JPY).

Note:

The transfers are time consuming and taking the tram, cable car, and ropeway takes about 2 hours longer than the bus but is totally worth the view from the ropeway - see my other post.

Enjoy!

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Lake Ashi, Hakone

Hakone is a beautiful place. The natural beauty is difficult to describe relative to other places I've visited around the world. It's peaceful, tranquil and seemingly not spoilt by being one of the major tourist attractions outside of Tokyo. I must admit that when I first heard of Hakone my major question was "what's there to do". Doing is not as important in Hakone as seeing, and there are a lot of things to see. If you enjoy nature and the simplistic yet magnificent beauty of the natural environment then Hakone is where it's at. In short, if you're a tree hugger then head to Hakone ASAP.

Lake Ashi, or Hakone Lake as it's also called, is probably the most beautiful lake I've ever seen. The beauty, again, is difficult to convey with words. It's a place where the demands of the modern world disappears and you get a glimpse of life as it must have been hundreds of years ago when the emphasis was on being one with nature. Rising in the distance is the towering Mt. Fuji in all it's majesty. The best time to go to the Lake is in the fall when the leaves are changing and the sky is completely clear. This will give you the best possibly views of the surrounding mountains and the foliage of the tress.

When at the lake there are a few cruise ships masquerading as pirate ships that take you from one end of the lake to the other. It's $10 but absolutely worth it. I spent most of my time on the top deck of the ship starring out at the panorama of trees and water. Pictures absolutely do now do this place justice, neither does vide. It's best to just go there and see for yourself. If you're in Tokyo and have a day to burn, then hop on a Shinkansen and head down to Hakone.

Getting There:

• From Shibuya take the JR Yamanote line to Shinagawa (160 JPY). If you're already at Tokyo station then just take the Shinkansen from there.
• At Shinagawa transfer to the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara station (2940 JPY)
• At Odawara station take the Hakone-Tozan Line to Hakone-Yumoto station (300 JPY)
• At Hakone-Yumoto station you can take a bus to the Lake (1150 JPY). 
• You can also take a tram to Gora (350 JPY)
• Then transfer to the cable car to Soounzan at the top of the hill (425 JPY)
• Then take the Hakone ropeway, which I highly recommend, from Togendai to the lake (1490 JPY).

Note:

The transfers are time consuming and taking the tram, cable car, and ropeway takes about 2 hours longer than the bus but is totally worth the view from the ropeway - see my other post.

Enjoy!

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Golfing in Singapore

I am not a big time golfer, I'll admit it. Though I can see the joy in hanging out with a bunch of friends whacking around a few tiny defenseless balls. Throw in a few drinks, a beautiful backdrop, and a cool breeze and you'll have yourself a wonderful time. I've been golfing a few times and thought the courses were ok, but none of them compared to the course at the Marina Bay Golf Course, Singapore.

Opened in November 2006, the Marina Bay Golf Course is Singapore’s first and only 18-hole golf course which is open to the public. Located strategically in the heart of town, the course offers golfers great accessibility and a picturesque view of the city skyline, be it day or night. I was in Singapore for a business conference on Sentosa. My flight didn't leave until midnight of my last day so we had some time to kill. A couple of coworkers and myself headed to the course for a round of golf and it was the best thing of the trip.



I must admit, golfing isn't a cheap recreational sport and golfing at the Marina Bay is on the expensive end of golf courses. After renting equipment and paying for 18 holes I was out about $300. Yep, that's expensive for a day of anything. I even had to fork out $100 for two box of balls. The balls weren't expensive by golf ball standards, but why pay that much for something that's gonna end up at the bottom of a fake lake in 1 hour.

The two guys I was with were both good golfers. When I wasn't hacking holes in the lawn I was spending my time taking tips from them and trying to imitate their swing. The hour spent on the course getting instruction from them really improved my game, but that's not saying much. I was horrible going in and a little less horrible coming out.

Despite the cost, which is a lot to put aside, golfing at the Marina Bay golf course is a great experience. If you have the time and are willing to pay then head over to the course and play a few rounds.

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Yokohama Landmark Tower

I've been to the top of many tall buildings so it's kinda old hat for me now. However, every now and then I get to the top of a building that's so tall that it reminds me of the awe and wonder I had the very first time I ascended a skyscraper. The Landmark Tower in Yokohama is the tallest building and third largest structure in Japan and the mother of all Japanese mega buildings standing 296.3 m (972 ft) high. It is located in the Minato Mirai 21 district of Yokohama city, right next to Yokohama Museum of Art. Work on the building was finished in 1993. It has the highest observation deck in Japan. Once at the top you cannot help but gaze and the tinny specs moving about below and the beautiful Japanese landscape disappearing in the distance.

The Landmark Tower is so tall that it dwarfs the other skyscrapers next to it and from the top of the Landmark Tower you can see the helipads of the surrounding skyscrapers. Inside the building is a bit stale and the decor is dated. However, I was able to get reservations for lunch at the Chinese restaurant on the 70th floor of the building. The food was wonderful, though pricey, and the view is incredible.

Yokohama city makes for a great day trip out of Tokyo and has a number of great attractions that Tokyo doesn't offer. If you're ever in Yokohama then consider a detour to the Landmark Tower, if for no other reason that to say you've been to the top of the tallest building in Japan.

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Kichijoji and Studio Ghibli Museum

When visiting Tokyo, if you ever get tired of the big city there are no shortage of lovely suburban neighborhoods to visit. These neighborhoods are mostly within a short one hour train ride from Tokyo city center and make for great day trips that round out the Tokyo experience. Kichijoji is a lovely little suburb west of Tokyo, less than 20 minutes on the express train from Shibuya station. Take the Inokashira Line from Shibuya station and get off at Kichijoji station in Kichijoji. 

The highlight is Inokashira Park, a large park with long walking paths surrounding a lake. The park is filled with both cherry trees and maples, making Inokashira Park an excellent choice for both flower viewing in the spring, and the autumn colors in the fall. Kichijōji once enjoyed a reputation as an artists' colony, and today it is filled with stores from little boutiques to the big department stores. 

The park was incredibly enjoyable and the highlight for me was the abundance of artisans and craftsmen in the park selling their creations. The crafts were incredibly well done and I found myself purchasing something at almost every other stall. There were also many performers in the part, from a group reenacting scenes from popular music videos, to a magician doing some very impressive card tricks with a digital pack of cards. 

In the West Garden of Inokashira Park, past the lawn tennis courts, is the Studio Ghibli museum, where you can admire the work of Hayao Miyazaki, the Japanese anime master behind Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro and other films. There's a big furry cat bus to play in, a giant robot on the roof, artist sketches and cels and a trippy zoetrope. The museum is geared toward kids, but Miyazaki fans of any age will enjoy it. The theater shows a short film that you can't see anywhere else.

Kichijoji was some of the most fun I've had outside of Tokyo since visiting Kamakura last year. If you have 4-6 hours and wanna do somethind outside of Tokyo I highly recommend a short trip to Kichijoji.

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