JNTO official website
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/attractions/facilities/free_attractions/ceramics.html
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/other_visa.html
Someone's website. Interesting to read if you have time
http://thejapanfaq.com/
Universal Studio Japan, Osaka
http://www.usj.co.jp/e/
Toyoko Inn - budget hotel chain in all area of Japan
http://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/hotellist.html
Wattention (magazine)
http://www.wattention.com/trip-to-japan/kansai/kyoto?tag=site
Frommers
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/kyoto/A23819.html
Sagano, Arashiyama, Kyoto
http://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/eng/index.htm
Koyasan
http://www.shukubo.jp/eng/
Kyoto
http://www.kyotojoho.co.jp/english/index.html#
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Thursday, August 16, 2012
New JR West Pass and Panda
There is new version of JR West Pass which is valid for covering Kansai, Okayama, Nanki, and Kinosaki Onsen.
http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/jwrp/kansai_wide.html
It is definitely value for money JPY 3,500 for 4 consecutive days usage.
I went to Okayama Fair in Isetan Scotts Singapore some months ago.
Apparently this is farming area in Japan.
It is half way to Hiroshima.
I plan to visit Himeji Castle and Hiroshima only after the castle renovation has been completed which is still another few more years.
With this pass, travellers could visit the Adventure World at Shirahama, at Wakayama Prefecture where Kii Peninsula with its famed Nachi Taisha the waterfall venerated in Shinto religion and the pilgrimage routes is located.
Nara, Koyasan, Ise are all also part of Wakayama.
Read more on Adventure World
http://aws-s.com/english-new/index2_afp.html
http://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english/things/experience/list01/detail016.html
This is the place where most panda babies are born outside Chengdu.
http://www.giantpandazoo.com/panda/panda-zoos/adventure-world-shirahama
I only saw pandas when visited Beijing Zoo more than a decade ago.
If i ever go back again, I will try to squeeze my time to visit it for a day.
http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/jwrp/kansai_wide.html
It is definitely value for money JPY 3,500 for 4 consecutive days usage.
I went to Okayama Fair in Isetan Scotts Singapore some months ago.
Apparently this is farming area in Japan.
It is half way to Hiroshima.
I plan to visit Himeji Castle and Hiroshima only after the castle renovation has been completed which is still another few more years.
With this pass, travellers could visit the Adventure World at Shirahama, at Wakayama Prefecture where Kii Peninsula with its famed Nachi Taisha the waterfall venerated in Shinto religion and the pilgrimage routes is located.
Nara, Koyasan, Ise are all also part of Wakayama.
Read more on Adventure World
http://aws-s.com/english-new/index2_afp.html
http://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english/things/experience/list01/detail016.html
This is the place where most panda babies are born outside Chengdu.
http://www.giantpandazoo.com/panda/panda-zoos/adventure-world-shirahama
I only saw pandas when visited Beijing Zoo more than a decade ago.
If i ever go back again, I will try to squeeze my time to visit it for a day.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
FREMANTLE
It is such a lovely place!
Fremantle is not a big place and it is very near from Perth.
You could reach there by taking trains from Perth.
You could see the clear blue sky and clear blue water of Indian Ocean.
Stepping into Fremantle is like transform you a century ago or two.
You would see old churches, rows of antique Brit shops, and old hotels.
History of Fremantle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremantle
I like the market which starts from Friday to Sunday.
On Sunday the vendors would sometimes give discounts particularly for veggies and fruits.
I got 4 packets of starwberries at AUD 5. It is unbelievable cheap!
You would find UGG store there. There are also some handicrafts, clothings, and accessories there.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremantle_Markets
If travelling to the seaside you would found the Cicerellos (Italian) and Kailis (Greek).
Both restaurants have been run by 3rd of 4th generations of its founders.
Both restaurants are built along the piers where many private boats are there.
Both have indoor and outdoor seatings.
You have to decide which one is the best for the fish & chip!
At Cicerello, you would find the boat converted to be a performance stage of its musician.
Inside it, you would find aquariums filled by fishes, starfishes, prawns, lobsters...even outside the toilets they installed aquariums there.
http://www.cicerellos.com.au/
Kailis also runs jewellery stores famous for its pearl at other site.
http://www.kailis.com/
I did not try fish & chip at Kailis because it does not really fascinate me since the interior is nothing more than a family restaurant.
Passing by the carpark near to Kailis, you could cross the street and head to the white sandy beach, I dipped my feet into the Indian Ocean
Here are websites featuring Fremantle
http://www.fremantlewa.com.au/
http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Destinations/Experience_Perth/Fremantle/Pages/Fremantle.aspx
http://www.fremantlewesternaustralia.com.au/
Fremantle is not a big place and it is very near from Perth.
You could reach there by taking trains from Perth.
You could see the clear blue sky and clear blue water of Indian Ocean.
Stepping into Fremantle is like transform you a century ago or two.
You would see old churches, rows of antique Brit shops, and old hotels.
History of Fremantle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremantle
I like the market which starts from Friday to Sunday.
On Sunday the vendors would sometimes give discounts particularly for veggies and fruits.
I got 4 packets of starwberries at AUD 5. It is unbelievable cheap!
You would find UGG store there. There are also some handicrafts, clothings, and accessories there.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremantle_Markets
If travelling to the seaside you would found the Cicerellos (Italian) and Kailis (Greek).
Both restaurants have been run by 3rd of 4th generations of its founders.
Both restaurants are built along the piers where many private boats are there.
Both have indoor and outdoor seatings.
You have to decide which one is the best for the fish & chip!
At Cicerello, you would find the boat converted to be a performance stage of its musician.
Inside it, you would find aquariums filled by fishes, starfishes, prawns, lobsters...even outside the toilets they installed aquariums there.
http://www.cicerellos.com.au/
Kailis also runs jewellery stores famous for its pearl at other site.
http://www.kailis.com/
I did not try fish & chip at Kailis because it does not really fascinate me since the interior is nothing more than a family restaurant.
Passing by the carpark near to Kailis, you could cross the street and head to the white sandy beach, I dipped my feet into the Indian Ocean
Here are websites featuring Fremantle
http://www.fremantlewa.com.au/
http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Destinations/Experience_Perth/Fremantle/Pages/Fremantle.aspx
http://www.fremantlewesternaustralia.com.au/
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Wine & cheese tasting tour at Swan Valley
I joined this tour booked online via http://www.doittour.com/experience/Swan-Valley-Winery-Experience-565/11-02-2012
Linda, the manager, was kind enough to rearrange my schedule to the next day 28.01.2012 isntead of my orginal booking on 27.01.2012 due to Jetstar flight delayed from Gold Coast.
My friend, Maria, has helped me so much with this rearrangement.
Rob of Italian descendant is our drive cum tour guide for the day.
He is a middleage guy who could crack a joke!
The history of winemaking and olive plantation in Western Australia started when the Italian and the Greek migrated there when Australia needed more labors for its development.
We passed by the Guildford district whch has a number of old houses, shops, and offices.
It is within walking distance of Guildford train station.
The first one which is very near to the entrance of Swan Valley via Guildford is Waters Edge.
The shop cum restaurant is beautifully decorated with a terrace. There is outdoor seating besides indoor seating. It has a nice view of the river.
It used to be the first vineyard in Western Australia. Now it ceased to be a vineyard.
They sell varieties of olive oil, red and white wines.
I do recommend Garlic & Merlot olive oil ($15, 250ml).
http://www.watersedgewinery.com.au/
The second stop is Lancaster. It is opposite Margaret River Chocolate Co.
http://www.lancasterwines.com.au/
This store is open air type made it typically like a rugged one which instantly transform us into a few centuries-like of environment.
When the staff poured a white wine into my glass incidentally he spilled the wine to my right arm.
The cheese i tried there are fantastic!
Its famed for chenin blanc and verdelho (white wine)
Our third stop is Mandoon. It is the newest vineyard which took over from previous "Roe Family" estate. It is all housed in a big building which you could see the barrels and even the laboratorium.
http://mandoonestate.com.au/
I bought its award winning Mandoon 2010 Old Vine Shiraz ($22).
We had lunch break at Jane Brook Estate.
It is a wonderful lunch spread of fresh grapes, bread, pork meat roll with pisctachio nuts and ham.
The specialty is a champagne. Unfortunately the australian produce is prohibited to use the term "champagne". It is called Sparking Gold Wine (premium) with Australian gold flakes.
http://www.janebrook.com.au/shop.asp
By this time I started to get intoxicated so i tried only 1 sip of white sparking wine.
Our fifth stop is Heafod Glen Winery
After lunch I felt full. About less than 10 minutes later we arrived at Chesters of Heafod Glen.It has also a beautiful old restaurant. Its specialties ar Ruby Port and Perth Hills' Chardonnay.
http://www.chestersrestaurant.com.au/
Because I still in intoxicated state, i dared myself to try only 1 sip of chardonnay.
I bought French Oak Smoked Olive Oil ($18, 400 ml).
Our sixth stop is Elmars. This is restaurant cum German breweries.
http://www.elmars.com.au
Since I do not drink beer, I do not know how to appreciate it.
It has a big restaurant, and you could view the breweries whcih is separated by a glass wall behind the service counter.
Our seventh stop is Margaret River Chocolate Co.
http://www.chocolatefactory.com.au/
I had 2 scoops of ice cream $7 (Macadamia and Raspberry flavours) and a bag of raspberry truffles $12.95.
There is cafe where you could sit down. The shop is quite big and it has a security staff opens and closed its door.
Here we have free tasting of mini pastelles of 3 varieties (milk, white, and dark chocolate)
Rob gave me another piece of complimentary truffle.
For further detail please visit http://www.swanvalley.com.au/Home
There are baout 50 vineyards in Swan valley, and about 15 of them opens for public.
Wine tasting ranges from $5 to $8.
You could check out the map here.
There are other tour options in www.doittour.com if you would only have 1/2 day to explore the area, or you would like to try your hands on wine making experience.
Linda, the manager, was kind enough to rearrange my schedule to the next day 28.01.2012 isntead of my orginal booking on 27.01.2012 due to Jetstar flight delayed from Gold Coast.
My friend, Maria, has helped me so much with this rearrangement.
Rob of Italian descendant is our drive cum tour guide for the day.
He is a middleage guy who could crack a joke!
The history of winemaking and olive plantation in Western Australia started when the Italian and the Greek migrated there when Australia needed more labors for its development.
We passed by the Guildford district whch has a number of old houses, shops, and offices.
It is within walking distance of Guildford train station.
The first one which is very near to the entrance of Swan Valley via Guildford is Waters Edge.
The shop cum restaurant is beautifully decorated with a terrace. There is outdoor seating besides indoor seating. It has a nice view of the river.
It used to be the first vineyard in Western Australia. Now it ceased to be a vineyard.
They sell varieties of olive oil, red and white wines.
I do recommend Garlic & Merlot olive oil ($15, 250ml).
http://www.watersedgewinery.com.au/
The second stop is Lancaster. It is opposite Margaret River Chocolate Co.
http://www.lancasterwines.com.au/
This store is open air type made it typically like a rugged one which instantly transform us into a few centuries-like of environment.
When the staff poured a white wine into my glass incidentally he spilled the wine to my right arm.
The cheese i tried there are fantastic!
Its famed for chenin blanc and verdelho (white wine)
Our third stop is Mandoon. It is the newest vineyard which took over from previous "Roe Family" estate. It is all housed in a big building which you could see the barrels and even the laboratorium.
http://mandoonestate.com.au/
I bought its award winning Mandoon 2010 Old Vine Shiraz ($22).
We had lunch break at Jane Brook Estate.
It is a wonderful lunch spread of fresh grapes, bread, pork meat roll with pisctachio nuts and ham.
The specialty is a champagne. Unfortunately the australian produce is prohibited to use the term "champagne". It is called Sparking Gold Wine (premium) with Australian gold flakes.
http://www.janebrook.com.au/shop.asp
By this time I started to get intoxicated so i tried only 1 sip of white sparking wine.
Our fifth stop is Heafod Glen Winery
After lunch I felt full. About less than 10 minutes later we arrived at Chesters of Heafod Glen.It has also a beautiful old restaurant. Its specialties ar Ruby Port and Perth Hills' Chardonnay.
http://www.chestersrestaurant.com.au/
Because I still in intoxicated state, i dared myself to try only 1 sip of chardonnay.
I bought French Oak Smoked Olive Oil ($18, 400 ml).
Our sixth stop is Elmars. This is restaurant cum German breweries.
http://www.elmars.com.au
Since I do not drink beer, I do not know how to appreciate it.
It has a big restaurant, and you could view the breweries whcih is separated by a glass wall behind the service counter.
Our seventh stop is Margaret River Chocolate Co.
http://www.chocolatefactory.com.au/
I had 2 scoops of ice cream $7 (Macadamia and Raspberry flavours) and a bag of raspberry truffles $12.95.
There is cafe where you could sit down. The shop is quite big and it has a security staff opens and closed its door.
Here we have free tasting of mini pastelles of 3 varieties (milk, white, and dark chocolate)
Rob gave me another piece of complimentary truffle.
For further detail please visit http://www.swanvalley.com.au/Home
There are baout 50 vineyards in Swan valley, and about 15 of them opens for public.
Wine tasting ranges from $5 to $8.
You could check out the map here.
There are other tour options in www.doittour.com if you would only have 1/2 day to explore the area, or you would like to try your hands on wine making experience.
A deserted passenger
My flight from Gold Coast to Perth on 26.01.2012 8.05pm had been redirected to Brisbane on 27.01.2012 8.25am flight bound to Perth.
That meant I had to stay 1 more night. Jetstart already reserved accommodation for the deserted pasengers at Royal Pines, Nerang, which is situated between Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Luckily there is a nice Japanese restaurant with teppanyaki.
The chef is a Philipino.
That meant I had to stay 1 more night. Jetstart already reserved accommodation for the deserted pasengers at Royal Pines, Nerang, which is situated between Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Luckily there is a nice Japanese restaurant with teppanyaki.
The chef is a Philipino.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Intelligent Shika at Nara Deer Park
In Nara, one will find thousand of deers surrounding Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, the gardens, and the hillside.
In the past they were regarded as messengers of God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBg-MrPUVEE&feature=related
The deers are wild ones but quite tame actually.
In every October there is ceremony to cut their horns by the priests.
The deer will bow to visitors when it asks for feeding.
There is a biscuit called "Shika Sembei" which is meant to feed them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgdviZbszKs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT6WUv_Z41E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dam15ywnQ1w&feature=related
Here is the view of Nara Deer Park
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfXqcOKg0Xo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpwHGmrYnms&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kKbGHLa4J8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrXnWwKdjNE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEHZriXttfw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPPiTK1oLUY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrGRZQXIEro&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYAZrhteG3k&feature=related (Kasuga Taisha)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fcXckckPhY&feature=related (Nigatsudo)
Here is the catch, the deer is intelligent that they could even cross the road at the zebra cross.
These videos in youtube taken by various persons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iClXNpiutT4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tu6WoHJlPk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X11Bi20ddwQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJqUte4qCU8&feature=related
Fyi, Todaiji has been rebuilt, and it was downsized 30% of its original size.
The great Buddha statue is located at Daibutsuden.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b0Ok2Mamd0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROtGHT3A1sg&feature=related
Tōdai-ji (東大寺 Tōdai-ji or Eastern Great Temple), is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall (大仏殿 Daibutsuden) is the largest wooden building in the world, and houses Japan's largest statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu (大仏) or Big Buddha.
Inside there, you could buy a roof tile and written your name. The stall keeper informed me that is meant for the renovation purpose.
For the sunset view, it is best to view from the balcony of Nigatsudo. And you could view the Nara city from there.
I am really impressed with the magnificent Todaiji, the beautiful Nigatsudo, and its tamed deers.
I put them in my painting which I painted on Christmas Day 2011.
Due to the time limit, I did not tour the rest of Nara Deer Park (Nara Museum, Isuien Garden, Horyuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha) as well as the city area.
I do hope I could visit Japan again
In the past they were regarded as messengers of God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBg-MrPUVEE&feature=related
The deers are wild ones but quite tame actually.
In every October there is ceremony to cut their horns by the priests.
The deer will bow to visitors when it asks for feeding.
There is a biscuit called "Shika Sembei" which is meant to feed them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgdviZbszKs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT6WUv_Z41E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dam15ywnQ1w&feature=related
Here is the view of Nara Deer Park
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfXqcOKg0Xo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpwHGmrYnms&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kKbGHLa4J8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrXnWwKdjNE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEHZriXttfw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPPiTK1oLUY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrGRZQXIEro&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYAZrhteG3k&feature=related (Kasuga Taisha)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fcXckckPhY&feature=related (Nigatsudo)
Here is the catch, the deer is intelligent that they could even cross the road at the zebra cross.
These videos in youtube taken by various persons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iClXNpiutT4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tu6WoHJlPk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X11Bi20ddwQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJqUte4qCU8&feature=related
Fyi, Todaiji has been rebuilt, and it was downsized 30% of its original size.
The great Buddha statue is located at Daibutsuden.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b0Ok2Mamd0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROtGHT3A1sg&feature=related
Tōdai-ji (東大寺 Tōdai-ji or Eastern Great Temple), is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall (大仏殿 Daibutsuden) is the largest wooden building in the world, and houses Japan's largest statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu (大仏) or Big Buddha.
Inside there, you could buy a roof tile and written your name. The stall keeper informed me that is meant for the renovation purpose.
For the sunset view, it is best to view from the balcony of Nigatsudo. And you could view the Nara city from there.
I am really impressed with the magnificent Todaiji, the beautiful Nigatsudo, and its tamed deers.
I put them in my painting which I painted on Christmas Day 2011.
Due to the time limit, I did not tour the rest of Nara Deer Park (Nara Museum, Isuien Garden, Horyuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha) as well as the city area.
I do hope I could visit Japan again
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The memory of the Beloved goes to the Rainbow Bridge
I happened to find these videos in youtube.
Could not hold my tears when i saw these videos.
It reminded me of my deceased pets which gone to the Rainbow Bridge many years ago...
They were unique with their specific characters.
Each dog was not the same.
I did not stay in my hometown when they passed away. Mostly due to their old ages and diseases like tumor, cancer. Some met traffic accidents or being kidnapped then sold for their meats.
It is sad to read the words presented by the dog owner who put it down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-jGRi8eacs&feature=related
This owner even cooked something to eat for his dog while crying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tzQ1V0S5fE&feature=related
A memory of a pet in Mandarin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqhlLoJpZPk&feature=related
This one when the owners walked the dog then sent him to sleep.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doEE_y4gm9w&feature=related
A memory of a pet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxjF19BIOWw&feature=related
The professional video with interview and narration when a teary tattooed guy put his pet down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOAcRKZxjy4&feature=related
A tribute to Hachiko
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yM5b2LEg_w&feature=fvwrel
A sad story for dogs left behind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXR-4Ib23Ic&feature=related
Sad....
but in this world, not only animals were being mistreated...people even left to die in hunger or being tortured ...
Could not hold my tears when i saw these videos.
It reminded me of my deceased pets which gone to the Rainbow Bridge many years ago...
They were unique with their specific characters.
Each dog was not the same.
I did not stay in my hometown when they passed away. Mostly due to their old ages and diseases like tumor, cancer. Some met traffic accidents or being kidnapped then sold for their meats.
It is sad to read the words presented by the dog owner who put it down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-jGRi8eacs&feature=related
This owner even cooked something to eat for his dog while crying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tzQ1V0S5fE&feature=related
A memory of a pet in Mandarin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqhlLoJpZPk&feature=related
This one when the owners walked the dog then sent him to sleep.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doEE_y4gm9w&feature=related
A memory of a pet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxjF19BIOWw&feature=related
The professional video with interview and narration when a teary tattooed guy put his pet down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOAcRKZxjy4&feature=related
A tribute to Hachiko
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yM5b2LEg_w&feature=fvwrel
A sad story for dogs left behind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXR-4Ib23Ic&feature=related
Sad....
but in this world, not only animals were being mistreated...people even left to die in hunger or being tortured ...
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