Category Archives: Sightseeing

JP 2023 Aug JP Alps (Part 2)

 

On the next morning checked out from Hirayu onsen ryokan and drove to Myoko Kogen via Matsumoto. First dropped by the Hirayu folk museum, followed by the Daio Wasabi farm in the outskirts of Matsumoto. 

Wasabi has to be grown in shaded areas within a certain temperature range – not too cold nor hot. The farm is huge and was featured in the movie “Dreams” by Kurosawa Akira in 1990.

 

 

Arrived at Nojiri-ko, Niigata Prefecture and had Italian lunch at the lake rim. Though it was a hot day, the light breeze was very much welcomed.  Afterwards, we visited the Nojiri Naumann Elephant Museum which contains prehistoric fossils of animals including Mammoth Elephant, giant deers, which roamed the Earth 28K years ago. The fossils were excavated around Nojiri-ko. 

 

 

Myoko Kogen

Before hotel checkin we drove uphill to Naena falls (苗名滝), listed as one of top 100 waterfalls in Japan. Hiked for about 25 min. It was our second visit. 

On the next morning after checkout, we dropped by Imori-ike with nice view of Mt Myoko as backdrop. The small pond was full of lotus flowers in full blossom.

 

 

Dropped by Kagami-ike (“Mirror pond”) in Togakushi briefly while returning to Nagano city. In latter, dropped by Zenko-ji again to have a glimpse of a stolen but recovered wooden Buddha statue, which is believed to possess healing power to whomever has touched it.

When we were in Japan in Dec 2022, it was reported in the local news that it was recovered in Kyushu after being stolen.

 

 

Had lunch in Nagano city and took Shinkansen back to Tokyo afterwards, where we stayed for 2 more days before returning to Hong Kong.

 

 

**************   T H E    E N D   **************

 

 

JP 2023 Aug JP Alps (Part 1)

Seldom do we visit Japan in summer. However, due to a request from my in-law we visited Japan in 1 week in late Aug, with a few days in the northern Japanese Alps to stay away from extreme heat and humidity as much as possible.

After arriving at Tokyo/HND, collected reserved seat train tickets via the automated ticket machines in HND for the next day and checked in Shinjuku hotel.

On the next morning took the JR Azusa express train to Matsumoto direct in less than 3 hours. Picked up rental car after lunch and drove uphill to Norikura Kogen at 1500m in about 1 hour via R158.

 

Norikura Kogen @1500m

It was cooler up there at about 25C and we strolled to the first spot Ushidome-ike (牛留池) in about 10 min (from the nearest parking lot). Stayed for 10 min and drove to Zengoro falls (善五郎の滝). This time it took about 25 min descending downhill to the viewpoint.

This was my third visit in Norikura Kogen though first time to these spots, where there were a few visitors. In previous visits the focus was on Mt Norikura/Tatami-daira above 2700m+. This time it was shrouded in clouds and could not be viewed. Drove to Hirayu onsen where we stayed for 2n. 

 

Kamikochi @1500m+

On next morning we visited Kamikochi (K) by Alpico bus from the nearby Hirayu bus terminal – no private car is allowed into K. Although the line was long we were onboard the bus in about 10 min as Alpico kept on ferrying pax with empty buses. After 30 min, we alighted at Taisho-ike before 10am at 24C and commenced our walk to Kappa-bashi along the Azusa stream (6th time), though first time for my in-law. 

Though the former viewpoint in Taisho-ike was flooded and inaccessible, this alternate viewpoint offered good views of the Mt Hotaka range with reflections.

 

Finally arrived at Kappa-bashi before 11:30am. It was crowded along the trails and very crowded in latter. Lined up for apple-taste ice-cream and strolled around souvenir shops. As clouds gathered and shrouded the Mt Hotaka summits we decided to drive to Takayama for lunch iso visiting Shin-hotaka.

 

 

Returned to Hirayu onsen by Alpico bus. Picked up car from onsen ryokan and drove to Takayama in about 45 min.

Takayama

Had lunch in a local shokudo for the third time. Ordered Hida-Takyama gyu (beef) again while there was a line for the takeaway Takayama-gyu sushi outdoor. Inside the restaurant there is a small compartment displaying costumes/artifacts used in the Takayama Festival.

 

 

After lunch we strolled around the old town (for the 4th time), where there were plenty of tourists. Had coffee before returning to Hirayu onsen ryokan. Dropped by Hirayu-Otaki (falls) of 64m.

 

 

==========>   P A R T   2   ===========>

 

 

JP 2023 April Omihachiman

 

On next morning visited Nishiki market (in Kyoto) again which was very crowded. Dropped into a shop ordered grilled seafood and sake before lunch 🙂

 

Nishiki market

 

On the final day in Kyoto visited Omihachiman again for a day trip. It was filled with Spring ambience – totally different from our last visit 5 months earlier. New green shoots were everywhere along the canal area.  Strolled around in the old town area before dropping into a local shop serving famous Omi-gyu (beef) lunch 🙂

 

Omihachiman

 

 

After lunch we strolled to the Hachiman Jinja where huge tall columns were raised preparing for the Hachiman Matsuri (Festival) in that weekend.

Had coffee time in the same cake shop before returning to Kyoto.

 

 

On the next day travelled back to Fukuoka by Shinkansen. Stayed in latter for o/n before departure.

 

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JP 2022 Dec Tokyo (Part 2)

On the next day we visited the teamLab Planets in Toyosu.

I had visited the teamLab Borderless in 2019, but sadly it was closed in Aug 2022.  Though we already possessed e-tickets, we had to line up with others which took about 15 min before admission.

All visitors were required to remove their shoes and socks to be stored in large lockers. Short pants were provided (for free) to access corridors and rooms filled with water up to shin level.  Amazing visual effects were deployed.  We enjoyed it and stayed for 1 hour+.

 

 

 

Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho

Dropped by it after lunch.  Much to our surprise, roses were blooming, as in early May 2018 when we last visited.  Strolled around Akasaka – it seemed more boutique hotels have sprung up, apart from new and old familiar shops.  It was amazing that one local patisserie still attracted a long line – as in the past. Went for a coffee break in a nearby local cafe. 

 

 

 

Returned to Hong Kong on the next day.  Overall, it was a great holiday and Japan has resumed normal in many aspects. 

 

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JP 2022 Dec Fukui (Part 2)

 

Before checking in onsen ryokan, dropped by a local cool coffee shop in Sakai for a break.  Customers have choices of coffee beans from various locations in Central/South America, Africa etc.  It’s run by a young guy.

 

 

Awara onsen

Our first stay. Picked a 100+ year old onsen ryokan and stayed in a garden suite of Kangetsu Tei.  

 

 

Calligraphy by former Prime Minister of Japan, and gift from Taisho Emperor are also on display in public area.

 

Sumptuous Kaiseki dinner in private dining room, great service

======>    Ishikawa (Part 1)   ======>

 

JP 2022 Dec Ishikawa (Part 1)

On next morning we drove to Kanazawa, but first we dropped by Kakusenkei, Yamanaka onsen about 40 min away.  It was smooth driving on national roads in light traffic.

 

Kakusenkei (鶴仙渓)

Trekked along a short trail of about 1.5km at the bottom of the gorge pleasantly.  We crossed the gorge via the purple metallic Ayatori bridge and returned via the traditional Korogi bridge (in featured photo).

From time to time we bumped into locals – babies, kids to seniors. Guess some might be staying in the ryokans of Yamanaka onsen.

The stream was in turquoise in some sections, dotted by fall foliage here and there. 

 

 

Yamanaka onsen (山中温泉)

 

 

As it started to rain, we drove to Kanazawa and returned car.

 

=====>   Ishikawa (Part 2)   =====>

 

 

JP 2022 Dec Ishikawa (Part 2)

Checked into Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (2nd stay in this hotel) for 2 nights. Unfortunately, it’s been raining day and night with occasional thunderstorms, apart from getting chilly. Thus we were less keen for sightseeing. 

This was our 5th stay in Kanazawa.

 

 

Visited the Omicho market before lunch time.  It’s good that it was as busy as in our previous visits. 

Had a slightly early lunch in our fav sushi shop before line appeared.

 

 

While strolling around the market, couldn’t help stopping by for fresh sashimi 🙂

 

 

When rain stopped for a while, dashed over to the Kuromon store opposite to the market. Enjoyed coffee and macha cake in a local tea house.

 

 

Left Hokuriku with fond memories.

 

 

 

=====>   Tokyo   =====>

 

 

 

 

 

JP 2022 Dec Fukui (Part 1)

On next morning took JR Thunderbird express train to Fukui city in abt 80 min direct.  There were plenty of vacant seats on the reserved cars. Btw, the train staff onboard did not ask for train tickets for validation – unlike in the past for reserved seats. Also, rain and misty clouds dominated the landscape when entering into Fukui Prefecture – similar to our last three experience passing by Fukui. 

Meanwhile, overhead tracks (for Shinkansen trains) are being built when entering into Fukui Prefecture, while the JR Fukui station is being expanded for the future Shinkansen station. Re the JR West magazine onboard the train, it has been planned that the Hokuriku Shinkansen would extend to Tsuruga (from Kanazawa) in 2024.

Picked up rental car and drove towards Echizen Kaigan in rain (in about 30 min w/o much traffic) on Sunday morning. Fortunately, the rain stopped when we reached the coast and before turning south towards our first stop.

 

Hokojima (鉾島)

The pillar rocks are akin to those in Sounkyo/Daisetsuzan, Hokkaido. As it was after fairly heavy rain and still windy, did not bother to climb but went for lunch nearby.

 

 

Arrived at a local restaurant overlooking the coast. Ordered 2 kani-don set – kani was seasonal “Seico” kani. Re the staff the Seico-kani and the Kabako-kani are the same, though the former name is used in Fukui.  At the end it took more than 20 min for our 2 sets to arrive.  But the wait was worthy –  the entire bowl of the rice was covered by crab legs and beneath it was a sumptuous amount of crab meat and roe !

It was the best kani-don we ever had !! And it was compatible with the price of a (Kabako) kani-men in Kanazawa-oden. It is good value for money given the great taste and the fact that much manual effort is required.

After such a palatable lunch, we headed slightly further south to watch the Benkai-no-Sentaku Iwa (Benkai’s laundry rocks) before heading northbound to Tojinbo. The rocks look akin to those along the Miyasaki coastline in south-eastern Kyushu, though on a smaller scale.

 

 

Tojinbo (東尋坊)

It took about 30 min to arrive at Tojinbo, passing by the Mikuni coastline when sun rays emerged – much to our surprise but of course highly welcomed.

After leaving the paid parking lot, we passed by numerous restaurants, food stalls, souvenir shops on both sides of a lane before arriving at the coastline where the spectacular cliffs are.  The rocks are in pillar shape similar to Hokojima but of a larger scale with bluffs, as a result of relentless erosion by sea waves.

 

 

 

=====>   Fukui (Part 2)  =====>

 

 

JP Kyushu onsen 2020 Jan (Part 6)

Dazaifu Tenmangu (大宰府天満宮)

After checking out we headed back to Fukuoka in about 130km away. Dropped by Dazaifu Tenmangu in the outskirts of Fukuoka.

Though it was a Friday, it was fairly crowded on the road and inside the temple ground, where lots of locals were praying – probably for good luck in the new year, and students passing exams. While it was famous for Ume blossom – with 6000 Ume trees, one or two trees have started blooming in early stage.

 

 

Fukuoka

Returned car in Hakata and checked into hotel nearly station. It was lucky that we bumped into the Light Festival by teamLab in Fukuoka Castle Ruins.

Visited the Borderless teamLab in Tokyo/Odaiba 1 year ago. As the show was outdoor the night sky and night views of Fukuoka (featured photo) could be observed.  Winter constellations such as Orion, Canis Major, Taurus, Gemini could clearly be seen by naked eye on a cloudless night.

 

 

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JP Kyushu onsen 2020 Jan (Part 5)

Harajiki falls (原尻の滝)

 

After checking out we headed to the Harajiki falls in Bungo-ono (豊後大野) near Taketa, in less than 80 km to the south of Beppu. The falls span 120m across and of 20m tall. In summer the falls is at its peak volume. Strolled around and had lunch in one of the large road stations nearby.

 

 

Fuko-ji Magaibutsu (普光寺磨崖仏)

Noted about this from the pamphlet in the road station. Dropped by Fuko-ji – the stoned buddha was sculpted on a cliff wall. Of over 11m this is the tallest in Japan, sculpted during the Kamakura-era. 

 

Beppu onsen

Before returning to Beppu for our last onsen stay, we dropped by the Okajoshi and Taketa town. Have contemplated of possibly returning in Spring so did not stay long. 

Checked into seaside onsen hotel in Beppu, selected French dinner course. While all rooms have ensuite onsen we soaked in the furo on the top floor with no one else occupying it 🙂

 

=====>    Part  6    =====>