On December 30 we took a train towards Nara, home of several historic monuments declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
From the train station we took a bus to Kasuga Taisha, a beautiful temple established in 768 on Mount Miksa. The area around the temple is full of stone lanterns, which are only lit twice a year (February and mid August) for lantern festivals.
Kasuga Taisha Temple, Nara, JapanKasuga Taisha Temple, Nara, JapanLanterns at the Kasuga Taisha Temple, Nara, JapanKasuga Taisha Temple, Nara, JapanKasuga Taisha Temple, Nara, Japan
We then walked to Todai-ji Temple, one of the most impressive temples in Japan. The temple’s wood structure is an engineering masterpiece; the size of the columns and the construction technique is magnificent. A must see place if you visit Japan. The main feature of Todai-ji Temple is its Buddha sitting on a lotus petal pedestal. It is 14.98 meters height and weights around 500 tons.
Entrance to the Todai-ji Temple, Nara, JapanTodai-ji Temple, Nara, JapanTodai-ji Temple, Nara, JapanTodai-ji Temple, Nara, Japan
We then visited the Kofuku-ji Temple and five-storey pagoda.
Kofuku-ji Temple, Nara, JapanStreets of Nara, Nara, Japan
In the afternoon we visited Jakushi-ji Temple. This is a white and orange temple with beautiful structural work. It was fully rebuilt a few years ago so it looks almost brand new, however it was completed in the year 680.
Jakushi-ji Temple, Nara, JapanFive-Storey Pagoda at Jakushi-ji Temple, Nara, JapanJakushi-ji Temple, Nara, Japan
In Nara all the temples close by 5:00pm so we took the train back to Osaka. We got off the train at Tsutenkaku station and visited the Shinsekai neighbourhood, a place known for its huge portions of food. This is food at a different level!
On December 29 we decided to visit a couple of places in Kyoto. We took the Shinkansen and after a 15 minutes ride we arrived in Kyoto. We went to Sogenchi Garden and Tenryu-ji Temple.
Sogenchi Garden, Kyoto, JapanSogenchi Garden, Kyoto, JapanTenryu-ji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
In the early afternoon we went to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This is a very popular tourist attraction in Kyoto, hundreds of tall bamboo trees adorn the small trails around the area.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto, JapanArashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto, JapanArashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto, Japan
Our last stop of the day was the Fushimi Inari Taisha, where hundreds of orange toriis donated by people mark the path to the top of the mountain. Unfortunately it was getting dark so we only attempted to walk for a short while. We will come back to visit the whole area.
Carlos is felling a bit better, the antiviral medicine is working for him; therefore we decided to go visit more places. On December 27 we took the Shinkansen to Osaka. We arrived late in the evening and went for a walk around Dotonbori, one of the most touristic destinations in Osaka. One thing to note is the oversized signs on the restaurants indicating what they sell. We were also impressed with the gaming stores, which are far from anything we had seen before. We thought the ones in Taiwan were big, but the ones here are the next level!
In the morning of December 28 we went to the Osaka Castle and walked on the park grounds, unfortunately the castle was closed for the holidays.
Osaka Castle, Osaka, JapanOsaka Castle, Osaka, JapanOsaka, Japan
In the early evening we went to the Umeda Sky Building, where we had a great view of Osaka. We stayed until it got dark to get a night view of the city.
View of Osaka from Umeda Sky Building, Osaka, JapanView of Osaka from Umeda Sky Building, Osaka, JapanView of Osaka from Umeda Sky Building, Osaka, JapanView of Osaka from Umeda Sky Building, Osaka, JapanUmeda Sky Building, Osaka, Japan
After learning about the events of the atomic bomb in Nagasaki we went on December 22 to Hiroshima. We went to the hostel we will be staying, left our backpacks and headed to the Atomic Bomb Dome. It is a very touchy scene given the tragedy and devastation this place suffered because of the atomic bomb.
Train Station in Nagasaki, JapanShinkansen – Bullet Train, JapanDome, Hiroshima, Japan
We visited the Children’s Peace Monument and the Peace Memorial Park. All I can say is that both of these places will give you goose bumps and leave you speechless.
Children’s Peace Monument, JapanChildren’s Peace Monument, JapanPeace Memorial Park, Japan
We also visited the Peace Memorial Museum… there are no words to describe what one sees in this museum!
Hiroshima after the Atomic Bomb, Peace Memorial Museum, JapanPeace Memorial Museum, Japan
At night we walked around the City Centre and went to take pictures of the Hiroshima Castle. We have to admit that we are very impressed with this city, its drive to overcome such a tragic events and the friendly people that live here.
On December 23 we went took a train towards Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima. We arrived at the train station and after a short walk we took the ferry across to the island. We visited the Torii of Itsukushima Shrine, the Shrine and the Daisho-in Temple. The Torii, in particular, is one of the mayor attractions in Japan. We had the opportunity to witness its majestic size in both high tide and low tide. While at low tide we could stand underneath it and appreciate its size.
Torii of Itsukushima Shrine, JapanTorii of Itsukushima Shrine, JapanTorii of Itsukushima Shrine, JapanTorii of Itsukushima Shrine, JapanTorii of Itsukushima Shrine, JapanItsukushima Shrine, JapanItsukushima Shrine, JapanOkonomiyaki, Itsukushima, JapanTemple Daisho-in, Itsukushima, JapanTemple Daisho-in, Itsukushima, JapanTemple Daisho-in, Itsukushima, JapanTemple Daisho-in, Itsukushima, JapanTemple Daisho-in, Itsukushima, JapanTemple Daisho-in, Itsukushima, Japan5 Storey Pagoda, Itsukushima, Japan5 Storey Pagoda, Itsukushima, JapanTorii of Itsukushima Shrine, JapanTorii of Itsukushima Shrine, JapanTorii of Itsukushima Shrine, JapanTorii of Itsukushima Shrine, JapanKirin – Beverage Plant, Japan
We returned to the hotel late at night and just before going to bed we found out that Carlos has shingles. We thought about going to the hospital right away but it was late so we decided to take an early train to Tokyo and find a doctor there.
On December 24 Carlos woke up not feeling good at all, the pain is increasing by the minute. We caught an early train to Tokyo and upon arrival we looked for a clinic, fortunate enough we found one not too far from Kawasaki station. The doctor saw the rash and prescribed something… we didn’t know because everything was written in Japanese. We are at the mercy of the doctor’s knowledge; hopefully he prescribes the proper medicine to treat the shingles.
We bought the medicine and went to Manuel’s house.
At night we went to celebrate Christmas with Geraldine and her family, Manuel’s friends.
We spent December 25 and 26 in Kawasaki while Carlos recovers a little bit. He is in a lot of pain and the rash just keeps growing, it does not look good.
We are now heading south. We took the Shinkansen on December 19 towards Kumamoto. We left Tokyo at 9:03am and arrived in Kumamoto at 15:23. We want to visit the Kumamoto Castle, Mount Aso and Beppu. Unfortunately when we asked at the information centre the lady told us that Mount Aso and Beppu were closed due to the 2016 earthquake. Also the Kumamoto Castle is in bad shape and it is going through a massive reconstruction. We will have to change our plans for the next couple of days.
We went to see the castle on the outside and the magnitude of the destruction is incredible, what a sad scene in such a beautiful place. We went for a walk around the City Centre and had dinner at a local restaurant.
Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto, JapanKumamoto Castle, Kumamoto, JapanKumamoto Castle, Kumamoto, JapanKumamoto Castle, Kumamoto, JapanKumamoto Castle, Kumamoto, JapanKumamoto Castle, Kumamoto, JapanKumamoto, JapanOn the Streets of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
In the morning of December 20 we visited the Suizenji Park, a traditional and beautiful garden built in 1636. Since we could not visit the places we wanted to see around Kumamoto we will be heading to Nagasaki.
Suizenji Park, Kumamoto, JapanSuizenji Park, Kumamoto, JapanSuizenji Park, Kumamoto, JapanSuizenji Park, Kumamoto, JapanSuizenji Park, Kumamoto, JapanSuizenji Park, Kumamoto, JapanSuizenji Park, Kumamoto, JapanSuizenji Park, Kumamoto, Japan
We made an AirB&B reservation; however the address was not clear and the instructions to find the place were very confusing. After a while we finally found it, left our bags and went to the Nagasaki Peace Park.
It is needless to say that most people come to Nagasaki to learn about the disaster that happened on August 6, 1945 due to the atomic bomb. It is not different for us, we are here to learn as much as we can about one of the mayor disasters in human history.
Nuclear Bomb Hypocentre Monument, Nagasaki, JapanPeace Park, Nagasaki, Japan
On December 21 we went to the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the atomic bomb victims. This place is dedicated to all the victims of the atomic bomb. It is a very sensible place that will touch you deep in your heart.
Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall, Nagasaki, Japan
We then visited the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, a place where we leaned so much about the war and the nuclear arsenals that many countries have.
On December 13 we took the Shinkansen towards Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. The train goes through the Seikan Tunnel, a 53.85Km railway tunnel with 23.3Km under the seabed. After crossing the tunnel we arrived in Hakodate where we changed trains. We arrived in Sapporo in the early evening.
Shinkansen (Bullet Train), Tokyo, Japan.Shinkansen (Bullet Train), Japan.Hokkaido, JapanHokkaido, JapanHokkaido, Japan
After checking in at the hotel we went for a walk around the City Centre; we found the Christmas Park, which has beautiful illumination and lots of activities and shops.
Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanSapporo, Hokkaido, JapanSapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
December 14 started with a cultural visit to the Historical Village of Hokkaido. This is an open air museum that holds more than 60 traditional buildings, including houses, school, bakery, post office, newspaper printing, etc; from Hokkaido dating from the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868 to 1926).
Historical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanHistorical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanHistorical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanHistorical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanHistorical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanHistorical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanHistorical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanHistorical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanHistorical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanHistorical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanHistorical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Then, we took the Moiwa-yama Ropeway, a cable car that took us to the top of Moiwa-san. The views of Sapporo from up there were breathtaking!
Mount Moiwa-san, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanMount Moiwa-san, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanNight View of Sapporo from Mount Moiwa-san, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
In the evening we went to the Sapporo brewery; we did the free tour but it wasn’t very exciting. We did have some beer and cheese! We tasted 3 beers (Black Label, Sapporo Classic and Kaitakushi Pilsner). Later at night we went to the Sapporo TV Tower where we had another amazing view of the city at night.
Sapporo Brewery, Hokkaido, JapanSapporo Brewery, Hokkaido, JapanSapporo, Hokkaido, JapanSapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
In the morning of December 15 we took a train to Asahiyama. Upon arrival we asked at the information centre about recommended activities in the city and they suggested the Asahiyama Zoo, so we headed there. It was good, but we would not have gone to Asahiyama just for the zoo.
Asahiyama Zoo, Hokkaido, JapanAsahiyama Zoo, Hokkaido, Japan
On December 16 we took a bus towards Asahidake Mountain, the highest mountain in Hokkaido. We were planning on doing some hikes but there was so much snow and avalanche warnings, so we quickly abandoned the hiking plans.
We found Yukoman-so Onsen, a beautiful place where we spent a few hours relaxing on the hot springs. With one of the spring water pools outside this was a beautiful scene given that it was snowing like crazy… just like in the movies about Japan.
We headed back to Asahiyama and with plenty of day left we decided to visit Biei, a small town half hour away. We read that the station was rated on the top 100 Japan railway stations so we wanted to see what the fuzz is all about. Oh well, maybe that was overrated! We had dinner at a local restaurant and they were perplexed to see us there at that time of the evening.
Streets of Biei, Hokkaido, JapanTrain Station of Biei, Hokkaido, Japan
On December 17 we took a train to Lake Toya, a UNESCO Geopark, a beautiful lake formed by the caldera of a volcano. We bought the bus ticket to go to the Observatory at 1:30pm. We went for a stroll around town and had lunch. When it was about time to get on the bus to go to the observatory it started snowing heavily and the visibility was very poor. Since we had not used the tickets the lady at the information centre was kind enough to return our money. We took the next available bus and went back to the train station and caught a train to Hakodate.
Hokkaido, JapanLake Toya, Hokkaido, JapanTrain Station Lake Toya, Hokkaido, JapanHokkaido, Japan
We went to Hakodate to visit the fish market, which was recommended to us by a German traveler we met in Alishan, Taiwan. It was an early start on December 18 as we were told that the morning market was best to see before 8:00am. We got there at 5:30am and the shops were just starting to open; we had to wait until 6:30am to see some activity. We have to admit that this is not the market you ride a bullet train for several hours to come to see; there are much more exciting markets somewhere else in Japan.
Fish Market, Hakodate, Hokkaido, JapanFish Market, Hakodate, Hokkaido, JapanFish Market, Hakodate, Hokkaido, JapanFish Market, Hakodate, Hokkaido, JapanHakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
After visiting the fish market we returned to the hotel for another couple of hours of sleep. We then headed to Hakodate-yama, the cable car in town. The view is beautiful from up there… look at the pictures! We then walked a few hundred meters and got to the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward. It is a very old and well maintained building.
Hakodate, Hokkaido, JapanOld Public Hall of Hakodate, Hokkaido, JapanHakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
In the afternoon we visited the Hakodate Museum of Northern Peoples. What an impressive museum showing how the people in the northern part of Japan used to live.
Hakodate Museum of Northern People, Hakodate, Hokkaido, JapanHakodate Museum of Northern People, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
We ended the day by the beach. It was beautiful to see the waves breaking on beach of snow… snow angels had to be done!
We left Hakodate at 16:35 and arrived in Tokyo at 21:23 after another mesmerizing ride in the Shinkansen. With speeds of 320Km/hour this is an amazing experience while in Japan.
Hakodate Beach, Hokkaido, JapanHakodate Beach, Hokkaido, Japan
We arrived in Tokyo at midnight on December 6. Manuel, a family friend who will be hosting us for a few days, picked us up at the airport. After resting for most of the day Manuel took us on December 7 to sort out our JR Pass, the trains pass to move around Japan. We took the opportunity to visit the Tokyo Central Station. We then went to the TGM Observatory where we had a nice view of the city. We then walked around the City Centre before returning home. Manuel lives in Kawasaki, which is about 45 minutes from Tokyo by train and bus.
Tokyo Train Station, Tokyo, JapanTGM Observatory, Tokyo, JapanView from TGM Observatory, Tokyo, JapanTokyo, Japan
On December 8 we went to Senso-ji Temple, the most popular temple in Tokyo. There were lots of tourists and local people visiting the temple and some of them wear the typical kimono, which can be rented, just outside the temple. We also walked around the gardens, which are beautiful. We then went to the river where we had a nice view of Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest broadcasting tower in the world. In the evening we went to Akihabara.
Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo, JapanSenso-ji Temple, Tokyo, JapanTokyo Sky Tree, Tokyo, JapanAkihabara, Tokyo, JapanAkihabara, Tokyo, Japan
On December 9 we went for a walk around the City Centre and found that there was a special admission to the Imperial Palace and Gardens. We lined up with a multitude of tourists and local people. We were able to see places that are not normally open to the public; however the Palace can only be seen from the distance. The gardens are amazing!
Imperial Palace, Tokyo, JapanImperial Palace, Tokyo, JapanImperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan
We then headed to Yanaka, a traditional Japanese neighborhood. We visited several temples and cemeteries in the area as well as shops and old houses.
Cemetery in Yanaka, Tokyo, JapanYanaka, Tokyo, JapanYanaka, Tokyo, JapanOld Sake Store in Yanaka, Tokyo, Japan
In the evening we went to Shibuya and spent some time watching people go across the Shibuya crossing, the busiest crossing in the world. We then walked around the shops, which are all illuminated with their characteristic neon lights.
On December 10, Manuel took us in the morning to Enoshima Island, where we had a nice view of Mount Fuji. We went up to the Enoshima Sea Candle (Shonan Observatory Lighthouse) where the view was even more impressive.
Highway in Tokyo, JapanView from Enoshima, Kanagawa, JapanView of Mount Fuji from Enoshima, Kanagawa, JapanWith Manuel in Enoshima, Kanagawa, JapanEnoshima Sea Candle (Shonan Observatory Lighthouse), Kanagawa, JapanView of Mount Fuji from Enoshima, Kanagawa, Japan
In the late afternoon we went to Taiizan Kotokuin Shojosenji or Kōtoku-in, which is a Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple where the Great Buddha of Kamakura is located. And then we drove to Kamakura and visited some of the temples in town.
Great Buddha of Kamakura, Kamakura, JapanTemple in Kamakura, Japan
On December 11 we woke up very early and went to the Tsukiji Fish Market. Unfortunately the market is only open for visitors after 10:00am and just for a short while. Visits are restricted and accompanied by security. We walked around and got some sushi from one of the stalls. Most of the shops close by 11:00am. After our visit to the fish market we walked around the area visiting shops and other markets.
Market, Tokyo, JapanTsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, JapanTsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, JapanTsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, JapanTsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, JapanTsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, Japan
We then went to Ginza, an upscale area of Tokyo; the highlight of it was the Nissan Crossing where they have some of the latest Nissan models and the Uniqlo store, which is 12 floors high.
Nissan Crossing, Tokyo, JapanNissan Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
We spent the morning of December 12 in the apartment. In the evening Manuel took us to Yokohama. This is a beautiful area near Tokyo.
Yokohama, JapanYokohama, JapanYokohama, JapanYokohama, JapanYokohama, Japan
On December 2 we woke up very early to attend the morning ceremony at the Lungshan Temple of Manka. In the afternoon we went to the Liberty Square.
Temple Lungshan of Manka, Taipei, TaiwanTemple Lungshan of Manka, Taipei, TaiwanTemple Lungshan of Manka, Taipei, TaiwanTemple Lungshan of Manka, Taipei, TaiwanLiberty Square, Taipei, TaiwanLiberty Square, Taipei, TaiwanLiberty Square, Taipei, Taiwan
In the evening we met Scott, a couchsurfer we hosted in New Zealand. We went for dinner and drinks with him and his girlfriend.
Taipei, TaiwanDinner with Scott and his Girlfriend, Taipei, Taiwan
On December 3 we walked around the city centre. In the evening we went for dinner at Joyce Lin’s house, she is Momo’s friend who wanted to meet us.
Knife Massage, Taipei, TaiwanDinner at Joyce Lin’s House, Taipei, Taiwan
In the morning of December 4 we took a bus and went to the Lover’s Bridge, nothing exciting to be honest. Apparently there is a fish market but we could not see much action here. We then went to Aletheia University, founded as Oxford College.
Love Bridge, Taipei, TaiwanFishing Port, Taipei, TaiwanAletheia University (Oxford College), Taipei, TaiwanTaipei, TaiwanTaipei, Taiwan
In the early evening we went to Taipei 101. With its 509.2m height it is the 10th tallest building in the world. The day was vey cloudy so we decided that it was not worth going up to the observatory.
On December 5 we visited the National Palace Museum. We spent the whole day there as they have a vast collection of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts. In the evening we went for dinner with Carol, a couchsurfer we hosted in Canada. We then headed home to spend time with Momo, Ann and Derek.
National Palace Museum, Taipei, TaiwanNational Palace Museum, Taipei, TaiwanNational Palace Museum, Taipei, TaiwanNational Palace Museum, Taipei, TaiwanDinner with Carol, Taipei, TaiwanMomo, Ann and Derek, Taipei, Taiwan
December 6 was our last day in Taipei. We left Momo’s house early to catch the flight to Japan, our next destination. We want to acknowledge Momo’s hospitality, she was an amazing host and her family welcomed us with open arms. We will always be grateful for your hospitality.
Taipei, TaiwanHello Kitty Lounge at the Airport, Taipei, Taiwan
We arrived in Jeufen last night. We got to a small hotel but very comfortable, the owners were very nice and they even gave us a better room than what we had reserved.
Hotel in Jiufen, TaiwanJiufen, Taiwan
It has been raining non stop since we arrived in Jeufen last night, however on November 30 we managed to go to the Gold Museum. In the afternoon we just walked around the small streets in Jeufen but got tired of getting wet so we went to the hotel. In the evening we went for dinner once stopped raining a bit.
December 1 was not any better; it was cloudy and started raining early in the morning so we managed to walk to the bus station without getting too wet and headed to Taipei. We arrived at Momo’s house, the couchsurfing host we stayed before that offered to host us again.
Jiufen, TaiwanStore of Old Theatre, Jiufen, TaiwanJiufen, Taiwan
We arrived in Hualien last night. We went to the night market for dinner and walked around the city.
On November 28 we went to the Taroko National Park. We took the local bus from the train station and just over half hour later we arrived at the park. We stopped for a walk at the Buluowan Lower Terrace, went for a walk and waited for the next bus.
Buluowan Terrace, Taroko National Park, Hualien, TaiwanBuluowan Terrace, Taroko National Park, Hualien, TaiwanBuluowan Terrace, Taroko National Park, Hualien, Taiwan
We then headed to the farthest point we intended to reach in the park, the Lüshui Geological Exhibition Place; from here we did a short walk and got back to the road. We waited for the bus for a bit but due to construction on the road they are running late so we decided to go to the Taroko Gorge on foot. It took us a while but the walk was very nice. We enjoyed the views at the gorge and then headed for the next bus stop. We had nice views of the river and walked along the old road.
We catch the last bus going back to Hualien. It was a nice day enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Taroko National Park.
On November 29 we took a train to Jeufen.
Lüshui Walk, Taroko National Park, Hualien, TaiwanTaroko National Park, Hualien, TaiwanTaroko Gorge, Taroko National Park, Hualien, TaiwanTaroko Gorge, Taroko National Park, Hualien, TaiwanTaroko Gorge, Taroko National Park, Hualien, TaiwanTaroko National Park, Hualien, TaiwanTaroko National Park, Hualien, Taiwan
