PINOY BOY JOURNALS: japan

Showing posts with label japan. Show all posts

ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2010 RE-BLOGGED:

Roughly six months ago, i was jobless! :( For about two years, i was traveling on and off around Asia like Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand over and over again, etc. Last May, i finally got employed. And just last Friday, i got a word that i just got regularized. Ecstatic!!!!!!!

A few months ago, i was contemplating on where to go next! I want to avoid going to Thailand, because I've been there three times last year and i think that was more than enough for a single year. I was beginning to be more familiar with the provinces and islands of Thailand, than in my country. I was worried.

I really really want to go to India and Nepal. And spending Halloween in Varanasi seemed like an awesome plan. But due to time constraints and overpriced flights, i decided not to push through with the plans, and instead find another country to go to. There's Indonesia and Vietnam, as well as Laos and Burma.

But a voice inside me is saying, Go to JAPAN!

Ever since, I have always been dreaming of going to Japan because i love a country that's pulsating and so alive. I want to see costumers in Harajuku. I want to see Mt. Fuji and its beauty. I want to eat proper sushi. I want to discover the latest technology. I want to set foot in the land of the rising sun!

For Filipinos, Japan is the land of lavish dreams - good money and amazing scenery. Japan also, is always on most Filipinos' mind as their top destination in Asia. But Japan, as everybody thinks, is expensive. And the money you will spend in Japan for four days, is equal to the money you will spend in maybe Hong Kong or Thailand for more than a week. That's why a lot of people postpone their trip to Japan just so they can save up first. But i said, I've saved up big time, and earned this money from blood, sweat and tears. I am going! Dead set on this.

If you think going to Japan is painless. It's not, sad to say. It involves a tedious process, from applying for a Japanese visa to scouring the cheapest flights, and making sure you budget your money wisely.

How to Ace Your Japan Visa Application

Backpacking Japan 101

ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2011 RE-BLOGGED: I left it in one the shoe cabinets on the first floor. I stayed at this hostel called J.Hoppers last November, which i wrote before wasn't outstanding as the previous hostel K's house where i stayed in Kyoto. But nonetheless, it is good enough place to stay at for a few nights.

The Long Story Short.

Anyway, J.Hoppers is not something i could rave so i'm keeping this help/hostel review short. The internet is expensive at 100 Yen per 15 minutes, but the drinks on the vendo machine offer the cheapest cokes and vitamin c water which was good. The girl who was manning the hostel was friendly, funny and cordial. The travelers, when i was there, were a bit old. Not that it's a problem. I was staying in a four-people dorm room. I returned to the hostel after a few hours of wandering around Dotonburi when one Czech guy and another German duded started arriving. We all had a fairly good chat up until i could feel myself dozing off any second, so i excused myself.

The hostel was forgettable but my red hi-cut sneakers will never be. If ever i do come back in Osaka, for the heck of it, i will try to look for it in J.Hoppers. If i can't find it anymore, i hope someone will rock the kicks because it does rock! Where else can you find a bloody red hi-cut sneakers in PVC anywhere in this planet?

This post is weird.Cheers, people!

NOTE: I will continue writing about my trip to Fukuoka, Hiroshima and of course Tokyo in Japan after my Siquijor-Negros series.

ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2011 RE-BLOGGED:

I have to tell you that the train station around Japan are friggin’ amazing all because these stations have lockers. For any traveler, this is such an awesome benefit. Imagine yourself getting all tired with such a heavy baggage but you have a few hours free to roam around still. What do you do? Sometimes, because you have your luggage with you, you just stay put. But with lockers around, you can leave you 20 kilos or even 40 kilos and continue exploring more destinations before your flight or next train.

When i arrived in Tokyo, I put my stuff first at the locker in Ikebukuro so I can immediately walk around and see what’s like Tokyo streets. I managed to walk around and even head to an izakaya for drinks while my luggage was sleeping in the locker. When I was Hiroshima, i had a full day to explore the prefecture. I placed my 20 kilo trolley in one of the huge lockers i rented out and voila, I was off exploring Miyajima. It was that easy! Most importantly, the night before my flight back to Manila, I had to leave my luggage because I didn't want to carry it with me all the way to Wakoshi. The next day, it was still at the station as I proceeded with my last minute shopping list. I just went back to gather my stuff on my way to the airport. It has been one of the few reasons I survived when there's no escalator or elevator in sight. Big help!

I thought it was gonna be hard but by just paying the amount depending on the size of the locker you’re picking, you’re gonna unload a huge baggage you’re carrying with you. Pay in 100 Yen denominations and insert the coin. Keep the key with you and receipt as this has the code which you will need upon claiming your baggage. Remember that as long as you picked a long-term deal, you can only leave your baggage up to 24 hour. If you exceeded, you'll have to insert more coins to successfully open the locker. It's that simple. Amazing!

Sizes and Costs

Small (¥300) – approx. 35cm x 43cm x 57cm (13in x 16in x 22in)

Medium (¥400) – approx. 57cm x 43cm x 57cm (22in x 16in x 22in)

Large (¥500) – approx. 117cm x 43cm x 57cm (44in x 16in x 22in)

If you find yourself lost and you need to use the lockers. Go to any train station personnel, they will be happy to assist you. Just remember to say this line...

“Excuse me, where are the Coin Lockers?” Sumimasen ga, koin rokkā wa doko desu ka?

This news actually says, that through swiping electronic money cards and Suica-compatible mobile phones, you can already charge a locker. Now that’s what I call Japanese brilliance! Everything in Japan is efficient. I love this country so much!

Read the story here

Additional information sourced from here

ALL-TIME FAVORITE BLOG POST RE-BLOGGED:
A Trip to Kyoto wouldn't be complete without visiting Gion District, hoping to catch a glimpse of Geishas and Geikos/Maikos. Luckily, I did. Let me share with you my story how chasing a Geisha changed my life forever.

It was a free night for me, still in Kyoto. I met up with the brothers from Sweden and decided to tag along with their trip. I was suppose to go to a Ryokan that night but decided to forgo the plan since i haven't visited Gion yet.

Having bought the Kyoto Bus Pass, i was hoping i could ride it for free. Alas, a more practical and convenient way is to ride the train, two stops away from my hostel to Gion.

Where is Gion?

Gion district is located in the city center around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River, and is filled with ochaya (teahouses where geisha entertain), theaters, shops and restaurants.

It was an excellent time to roam around Gion. Tourists flock to this area just before dusk hoping to snap a photo op with the beauties. We arrived around quarter to 20:00 so tourists were already leaving. Walking around the district was a treat in itself. Miniature houses where Geishas perform abound. Set dinner and cool entertainment where in place. I found myself wandering around the night along quiet alleys and trying peep through open windows of the restaurants. With no money, i decided to catch them before/after performance. After about 30 minutes, there she was.

Hanami-Koji

I saw her walking pass by me.

Walking and reservedly chit-chatting with a wealthy businessman. She was walking slowly, effortlessly chic and stylish in her elegant kimono and face all made up. She was in her 30's so I'm pretty sure she is a Geisha. I wanted to take a photo of her. I wanted to remember her. I wanted to show everyone who she is. But a part of me convinced me to simply watch her. She's not Zhang Ziyi from the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. She's not a clown, not an entertainer. So, while brothers were excitedly taking photos. I stood next to a post, watch her pass by me. She didn't look at me as what usually happen in the movies. She was settled, arms closed to the businessman. She had the quiet confidence in her, the charm of a lady that could lure everyone. She hit me right in the spot. She isn't like anybody else. She is a Geisha!

It was a surreal moment. I never knew in this lifetime, that i would actually be able to catch a Geisha in person. At first, i wanted to chase one, but in the end, i found one and decided to let her go. A Geisha is just like anyone of us - a person, a human being with emotions. It's her job. It's her passion. I've chatted with a local one time, and he mentioned how nowadays the young Japanese girls would not train to become a Geisha. But this is history, this is the way of life. I hope the tradition never ends. Long Live the Geishas!

I walked passed by the quiet streets and off to the highway, neon red lit lanterns parade the streets. Souvenir selling shops sell local goodies, restaurants offering overpriced restaurants, and the quiet truth lingers. Gion amazed me in so many ways. It's a different Japan as i remembered i said.

Geishas are aplenty in Kyoto. You can't see them anywhere, you have to find them. They are like cherry blossoms during autumn, quite impossible to find, and will forever be just a dream!

How to Get to Gion

Gion can be reached by bus from Kyoto Station in about 20 minutes. Take number 100 and 206 and get off at Gion bus stop. The closest train stations are Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Line and Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line.

Additional graphics and text sourced from here.

STORY: I just finished watching Loving Vincent. If you're a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, then you should watch this masterpiece. It's actually the world's first fully painted feature film. Because i still have Van Gogh high up until now, i thought i should share with you my experience visiting Vincent Van Gogh Exhibition in Ueno, Tokyo last December 2019.

The exhibit was held at the Ueno Royal Museum, tracing his short but well-lived career from Hague, through Paris, Arles, Saint-Remy and finally to Auvers-sur-Oise featuring over 40 of his masterpieces. What's particularly nice was that each painting was displayed together with his letters to his brother Theo, which made this exhibit even more personal. I particularly scheduled my visit to catch this exhibit because Vincent Van Gogh is one of my most favorite artists of all time. Getting here was not hard at all since the location is quite near Ueno Station, but coming from Shibuya it's quite far.

Photos were not allowed upon entry, which always bums me. Why? I left my personal belongings in a locker outside the exhibit hall, and proceeded after paying 1,800 Yen. I went in to enjoy seeing his masterpieces up close. I even took note of some of my favorites, and i carefully read the letters it went with it. Vincent was such a lonely soul, that i always see his painting as very emotional, and thought provoking. He was not celebrated during his time with over 800 paintings, and selling just one. Yet, he is known today as the father of modern art. Imagine, he only started painting at age 27 and taught himself the arts. Long live his life, through his works. Here are some of his paintings:

Starry Night depicts a dreamy interpretation of the artist's asylum room's sweeping view of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Though Van Gogh revisited this scene in his work on several occasions, "Starry Night" is the only nocturnal study of the view. Thus, in addition to descriptions evident in the myriad of letters he wrote to his brother, Theo, it offers a rare nighttime glimpse into what the artist saw while in isolation. "Through the iron-barred window I can make out a square of wheat in an enclosure," he wrote in May of 1889, "above which in the morning I see the sun rise in its glory." Source

Self Portrait, 1889 is both more confident and more aggressive. It is a surly, almost rude and choleric face - as if the sitter had had enough of examining his features for signs of madness. There are deep creases by the nose and cheekbones, the eyebrows are thick and prominent, the corners of the mouth have turned down: it is the face of a man with no more time for friendliness. The snaking and swirling lines that denote the background are used for the person and clothing of the artist, too, and the restless rejection of harmony and tranquillity to which these lines attest sets the keynote of the subject's facial features: the need to deform and remake has created a new disorder in his physiognomy. The face is not so much meant to be coarse or angry as full of vitality, of the sense of the moment. Painter and sitter being one and the same person, there is (as it were) no need for the model to keep still. The picture is not a pretty pose nor a realistic record; rather, the face van Gogh is here setting down on canvas is one that has seen too much jeopardy, too much turmoil, to be able to keep its agitation and trembling under control. It is not, in fact, an unfriendly face. This portrait articulates vitality. And the approach is plainly incapable of idealistic posing. Source

To Van Gogh this picture was an expression of 'perfect rest', or 'sleep in general'. The bright, cheerful little room has become a field of rapid convergences, sharp angles, and contrasts of high color. The perspective vision of the walls and bed is as exciting as one of his deep landscapes, where we are carried headlong to the horizon. But in such a view with 'a rushing series of lines, furrows rising high on the canvas', Van Gogh found an expression of 'calmness, of great peace.' These surprising reactions permit us to see the spontaneous intensification of movement in his rendering of things. For his high-strung nature, the most relaxed perceptions were already charged and restless. But his feeling of repose in paintings so full of movement is also the outcome of a kind of cathartic process; by projecting movement into nature, he is relieved of tensions and wins a real peace. Source

Portrait of Dr. Gachet is one of the most revered paintings by the Vincent van Gogh. It depicts Dr. Paul Gachet who took care of Van Gogh during the final months of his life. There are two authenticated versions of the portrait, both painted in June 1890 at Auvers. Both show Doctor Gachet sitting at a table and leaning his head on his right arm but they are easily differentiated in color and style. In 1890, the first version fetched a record price of $82.5 million ($75 million, plus a 10 percent buyer's commission) when sold at auction in New York. When accounting for inflation, this is still the highest price paid for art at a public auction. Source

Wheatfield with Crows is one of Van Gogh's re-created memories of the north, and is believed to be the last work of Van Gogh. In early July of 1890, Van Gogh travelled to Paris, alone, to stay with Theo and his wife Jo. Theo was in poor health and was having financial problems, which was an enormous worry to Van Gogh who was keenly aware of the burden he was on his brother and his family. In addition, the baby was ill and Jo too was suffering from exhaustion. Van Gogh returned quickly to Auvers but rapidly became severely depressed. Writing of this picture shortly before his suicide, Van Gogh conveyed something of its tragic mood: "Returning there, I set to work. The brush almost fell from my hands...I had no difficulty in expressing sadness and extreme solitude". Source

Vincent Van Gogh lived a very sad life. It's quite hard to control your tears seeing his works up close. A part of him will always live in the paintings, and that each was carefully and lovingly created using his imagination and great talent. Yet, his life was short-lived and tragic. I never cared that people would actually see me weep because if you've been studying his life, you know that it's only now that people get to appreciate him. People didn't get to know him better during his short life. Life was so hard for him.

I could not count the number of items i bought at the souvenir shop - from postcards, prints, books, and a lot of trinkets. I have quite a collection of Vincent Van Gogh coffee table books, and a month ago, i bought his Funko Pop. The best souvenir, i guess, was this responsive touch screen where i got to have a animated Vincent Van Gogh picture of myself. This saved the day for me from the loneliness of the exhibit.

I went outside, and stared at the trees around Ueno Park. The cold winter breeze was enough to comfort me from sadness. The only thing i can think of, is how to live my life to the full. A life Vincent Van Gogh never had.

It is good to love many things, for therein lies strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done with love is well done. ”

- Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh photos and text sourced from here.

Dates: October 14th and 15th

Places: Matsubara Hachiman Shrine City, Shirahama-cho Ko, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture.

There are no detailed rules or opponents for the vehement collisions of the portable shrines. As soon as the portable shrines are set properly on the men's shoulders and everyone is ready, they are knocked against one another at random, and the moment a portable shrine is hoisted on top of another, the contest is over. The greatest attraction is the struggle among 3 portable shrines when men over 35 wearing white headbands, those of 26-35 with yellow headbands and youths under 26 marked by red headbands, holding bamboo poles in their hands, join in the fight. A vehement struggle unfolds but this is in no way a fight between the men. This festival, which is the largest of the numerous fighting festivals held nationwide, is not only famous in Japan but is also becoming widely known overseas.

Nada no Kenka Matsuri is the popular name for a festival held at the Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in the town of Shirahama, Himeji City. It came to be called by this name, Kenka Matsuri or 'Fighting Festival' because the mikoshi (portable shrines) are jolted against one another when carried on the shoulders of the men in the parade. The highlight of this festival is Yatai-neri, the parade of "yatai", festival floats, gorgeously decorated with wood carving, gold and silver handiwork and embroidered curtains. The yatai are carried on the shoulders of men and are surrounded by the men holding "shide" (bamboo poles decorated with colorful paper) in their hand. As dusk sets in, illuminations on each of the yatai are lit.

NOTE: I took this photo in the museum in Yanagawa. I was hoping i could catch the festival during my trip but i was exactly three weeks late. If anyone of you are heading to Japan in October, this cannot be missed.

Additional info sourced from here and here

ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2011 RE-BLOGGED: With so many places to check out in Yanagawa, sadly i can only visit one. But, boy did i pick the perfect destination. During this time when i went, there was also a Hot Air Balloon Festival going on in Kase Riversite, Saga City. But because of the impenetrable crowds and my travel clock ticking, i sadly had to skip it. While cruising the highway, the view of flying balloons put a smile on my face early in the morning. It's a must for those traveling to Saga Ken during the first week of November. So keep this in mind. I also took a mental note that i'll come back soon.

Earlier that day, i asked my gracious host if we can squeeze in some time going to the mountains. After traveling to big cities around Japan for days, i was in need of some nature trip, and i was hoping to visit the countryside, check out mountain peaks and spectacular waterfalls. My host had the perfect place in mind.

One of the best ways to travel around Saga Ken is when you go on a road trip. After a few minutes en route, we have arrived at the entrance of Kiyomizu Waterfalls.

When we arrived at the site, we were the only ones there. I realized how absolutely breathtaking this place is, where plush gardens are adorned by wild flowers and moss green plants. It's eerie but breathtaking. It's like finding yourself lost in the woods but you're less than an hour away from Fukuoka. There is no entrance fee to go in but transportation may prove to be a hassle for commuters. Good thing, my host had a car so we were able to visit without any problem.

Fukuoka is arguably the oldest city in Japan. You're bound to spot hundreds of year old trees. This Cedar tree, in particular, is about 500 years old. Can you imagine that? Its massive size and towering height is a must see for all nature lovers. It's huge!

"The Kiyomizu Waterfall itself is pretty spectacular. Fed by waters from Mt. Tenzan, the falls is a 75-meter drop. Additionally, there is a temple above it, many Buddha images, a nearby dam, and several bungalows available for rental, making it a great escape from the noise and bustle of Saga. Unfortunately, it is not near any train or bus line, so you will need a car or very strong legs to get there. The way is well marked from Route 203."

Very few articles are available online about Kiyomizu Waterfalls. Historians will love this place because there are ancient relics found, and some still not excavated. A troop of statues and different ancient carvings are still in sight. For archaeologists and adventurists, Kiyomizu Waterfalls will probably be a delight to go to.

The trip is a cool 15-minute hike up the steps. Continue on until you reach the summit with a small temple for worshipers. Here you can offer a time of peace and indulge in Buddhist rituals. Once you walk further down the hill, you'll reach the edge of the waterfalls.

The wind gets stronger as you reach the highest most point of the waterfalls. And touching the water in Mt. Kiyomizu is a must experience. I felt like Indiana Jones exploring a historical relic from thousands of years ago. It's like mini Angkor Wat, only that it is a waterfall, it's in Japan and it's about 10 degrees. You know what the best part was? We get to enjoy this natural wonder all to ourselves for the rest of the afternoon.

"While Mt. Tenzan is not the highest mountain in Saga-ken, nor does it afford the best views, it is strategically located right in the center. You just can’t miss it. While the mountain actually occupies parts of Taku, Kyuragi and Fuji as well, the main road to the top begins in Ogi. Follow the signs from Route 203. During the summer Tenzan offers good hiking, and during the winter people attempt to ski and snowboard here. When the winter weather gets a little too warm they make their own “snow,” so the conditions can be a little bit harsh. Adapting to the Japanese workaholic culture, the mountain offers night skiing, staying open until around 10 p.m. Apparently the weekend is the worst time to go, as it is next to impossible to make it down the slope without running into someone. Rentals are available and so are season tickets."As the fading sun begins to appear, the light rays touching the stream was just ZEN! I felt stopping for a while to take these all in with me.

Above you can see the little worship house which sits on the edge of the cliff in Kiyomizu Waterfalls. I stopped here for a bit to catch my breath, wander around and take photos. No one's there when we arrived. Imagine the feeling of finding a lost temple in the middle of the forest. It's literally right smack in the middle of nowhere. Very cinematic!

There's tons of other places to check out when you're in Saga! Check out the listing here!

Let's go Saga-Ken!

Saga Prefecture is located in northern Kyushu, faced by the Sea of Genkai to the north and by the Sea of Ariake to the south. The center of Kyushu is Fukuoka City. You can easily travel from Fukuoka’s major areas such as Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Station, and Tenjin to Karatsu in Saga Prefecture by taking the Fukuoka City Subway and JR Chikuhi Line via Meinohama Station. Fukuoka City Subway and JR Chikuhi Line operate on the same rail lines so that passengers can travel over both railway companies' areas without transferring at Meinohama Station. It takes about 90 minutes to travel from Fukuoka areas to Karatsu Station. The train ride is enjoyable and provides a magnificent and dynamic window view of the Sea of Genkai.

It didn't take me too long to discover the many facets and hidden gems of Yanagawa and Saga-Ken but i needed to go back to Fukuoka pretty badly. I've heard so many amazing reviews of the prefecture's nightlife. With a heavier load of clothing and memories, i leave Saga with a warm embrace from the family that showed what warm Japanese hospitality is all about. To Meanne, Marco and their two little boys, domo arigato!!! I feel the love! :)

Additional text sourced from here and here