Japan Summer Trip 2018 Day 2 (3/6)

After breakfast, we went up to our rooms to rest for a bit. I finished my blog for Day 1 and packed up my stuff. Our next destination is Ueno, closer to Tokyo city but its quite different from where I stayed during my previous trip. This is a cheaper area with more tourists, crowd and variety. We took the Tokyo Monorail and changed to JR Yamanote line to get here. 

Unique design as this service the Haneda airport

The Tokyo Monorail serve a few stations nearest to Haneda Airport and it has a unique train design with the middle part for luggages, its the first time I see a local train with this design. We only took 6 stops on this train and changed to JR. It was only noon when we reached the next hotel: Hotel Sardonyx Ueno, so we dropped our luggages and went on our separate ways to explore the city.

Took a rare selfie

During my previous trip to Tokyo in 2014 with P, I had wanted to visit Asakusa but this attraction was eventually eliminated from our itinerary. Since Ueno is in the same area, I decided to spend my afternoon there. It was just 4 stops away on the Ginza line from the hotel. Once I got to Asakusa station, I saw hordes of tourists.

The entrance to the shopping street right after the station

Many tourists taking photos

More information about the Kaminarimon Gate

The weather was rather hot in Tokyo today, with no clouds and the sun blaring down at us. I think this is the first time I see so many people dressed up in Yukata, its almost like visiting the palace in Seoul. Most of these people are locals and there are some tourists as well. The Kaminarimon Gate is iconic of the Asakusa Temple (Sensoji) and appear in many of those souvenirs and food packaging.

The Nakamise Shopping Street after the gate

Before getting to the temple, there's few rows of shopping streets, each leading to a few more alleys of shops. There's many interesting things to look at and many snacks to try, this really reminds me of Taiwan 九份 but of course it's cleaner here in Japan. All the shops that sell snacks reminded their patrons not to walk and eat, even the announcement system was blaring with the same instructions in English and Chinese. I guess it is considered rude to walk and eat in Japan, as the food might be a nuisance to other shops and patrons in such a crowded street. However, that is a norm for night markets in Taiwan, Korea and almost everywhere else. All shops adhere to this and they are also quite particular, there were tourists standing away from the sun eating whatever they had bought but the security guy chased them to the 'designated eating area'.

Mochi and dango.. my favourite!

I really salivate when I saw many shops sell mochi, dango and starchy cakes etc. I was at a dilemma as there are my favourite snacks but its certainly not keto compliant. Finally, I decided to stop and get one of those delicious looking red bean dango to curb my cravings. The shop owner will point to a designated area in the shop for patrons to finish their food. I think it shows that the Japanese place high importance in showing consideration for others and they go out of their way to ensure they dont cause trouble to others.

More of my favourite food 羊羹

Many locals and tourists dressed in yukata 

I wish to have a bit of those red bean pancakes! 

Finally the entrance to the temple at Hozomon Gate

I actually did enjoy walking down that street as there were many things to see, the whole stretch was about 200m and I finally came to another gate which leads to the entrance of the temple. There were many people telling fortunes using the omikuji, its very much catered to tourists as there are explanations printed in Chinese and English. I've wanted to try it when I was in Meiji Shrine years ago but P was with me so I did not get a chance to do it. Although Sensoji is a Buddhist temple, this practice felt very different from the usual Buddhist ways we know but its still fun to try out with 100Y.

Locals and tourists having fun telling fortune

The English explanation

Happy that I have gotten quite a good fortune paper

Basically there are metal tins lying around with a small hole on top, after putting 100Y into the slot (many some just do it without paying), we can shake the metal bottle till one of the stick drop out from it. We refer to the number written on the stick to determine the fortune paper we will read from. From my picture, there are many small drawers with those numbers written on it, so we just take a paper with the corresponding number on the stick, its much easier for me since the numbers are just Chinese characters.

Nice wrapped incense 

Light up at these stoves

Next, I saw people offering incense to the stoves and the cute thing was they all tried to waft the smoke towards them (by doing fanning actions using hands), probably it is good luck to immerse oneself in the smoke. Normally, I dont go to the temple to pray but just for the experience, I paid 60Y to get a bunch of those incense sticks. My eyes stung from the smoke when I tried to stick those into the stoves, so I hope its definitely lucky for me to be immerse in so much smoke.

I cant remember the name of these but it was quite tasty

I was hungry after touring Sensoji so I looked around for possible place to have my lunch. After seeing all those food filled with carbs, I thought I'll like to have some sashimi or some meat. To look for lunch, I walked into one of the nearly smaller streets away from the Hozomon gate. Interestingly, I saw many outdoor stalls selling izakaya style food along the two sides of the street and most of those are filled with customers. I did not feel courageous enough to approach any of these alone so I walked on.

These are really good for 490Y

I reached a kaiten sushi shop (Asakusa Magurobito) in the shopping street and decided to go in for lunch. I really wanted sashimi (no carbs!) but there were none on the plates going around so I had to find ways to place an order. Unfortunately they only had English menu for the sushi, I did not want to try going through a guessing game so I tried picking a few dish off the belt instead. The sushi tasted quite good and fresh. I finally saw the old lady next to me ordering a very salad with sashimi so I told the waitress I wanted one of those. The old lady turned to me and said 'oishi' when she saw my order. I smiled and gave her a thumbs up.

These are made piping hot and wrapped up immediately

It tasted really good! 

After I walked out from the shop, I was back to the Kaminarimon Gate, I saw this shop selling 人行烧, apparently its a specialty of Asakusa. I could not resist the temptation to try one as a post-meal dessert, so I bought one to try. It was piping hot although there was a automated machine to wrap it up with a small piece of plastic immediately. There was a lot of notices lying around to remind customers to finish the food before walking off, so that was exactly what I did. I opened the plastic cover and discovered that there was the wordings 雷门 on the pancake and it was really yummy stuffed with my favourite red bean.

Hard Rock Cafe Ueno

I took a train back to Ueno station to exchange my JR pass that will be activated tomorrow when we go for our Shukubo stay at Saitama area. I was delighted to see a Hard Rock Cafe in the station and decided to go in and get a souvenir magnet. I got one of those when I went GCAM 2015 at Gold Coast, think I'll try to get one whenever in see Hard Rock Cafe outlets in a new city.

On my way back to hotel to check in 

Hotel Sardonyx Uneo

The whole process of exchanging the JR pass and getting the reserved seat tickets was not as smooth as the previous two times I exchange my Hokkaido Rail Pass. The staff in Hokkaido seemed more willing to help and were more pleasant. I had to go to and fro to three different counters to get my reserved tickets for the three days I travel alone. After I got my pass, it was already 4pm+ so I went back to Sardonyx Ueno to check into the room.

Hotel Sardonyx Ueno

I will be traveling back to Ueno for my last night here in Japan. I was deciding between Dormy Inn Ueno or to go back to Sardonyx Ueno, I decided to check out the location of Dormy Inn before I make up my mind. As I walk towards Dormy Inn Ueno, I actually spotted the Sardonyx signboard from some distance away and I realised that Dormy Inn Ueno is just next to Sardonyx. Honestly, Sardonyx does not impress me that much, the reception area is small and in overall the hotel does not feel as new as the one we stay the previous night.  I will probably book Dormy Inn as they have a public bath and the ratings are quite favourable in Agoda and TripAdvisor.

The standard Japanese toilet

A long table to book our stuff

Booked twin sharing this time as Tokyo hotel rooms are typically small

Something new that I've tried out this trip is the use of the Suica apps on my phone and top up as and when needed with Apple Pay. It's really convenient as I dont need to bring the physical card with me to Japan anymore, I can also use it when I pay for stuff at Family Mart and some restaurants, so I do not need to worry about running out of Yen since all these are paid using Apple Pay. This apps only works on the latest version of iPhone 8 and iPhone X.

The Suica apps on my phone

After resting for two hours, I decided to go out and explore the Ameeyeko Street just behind our hotel. It looked like a night market and it was quite busy when I was making my way to the hotel earlier. I eventually found my way to the Skyliner station and I decided to wait for J around the area as she was arriving on the Skyliner soon.

My beloved crepes and ice cream!

The Skyliner Station

Bulletproof coffee at Family Mart

She left her luggage in the hotel room, rested a bit and we went down to look for dinner. I was not exactly hungry but at the same time felt like eating something to fill my stomach. J suggested ramen as she wanted some warm soup and there was a quaint ramen shop just next to our hotel. I was trying hard not to have ramen as its a lot of carbs and I'll feel quite bad if I do not touch the noodles at all. At such a small shop, I was worried that the chef will be offended.

We got tickets from the vending machine inside the shop

Daikichi shop front at Ueno

There was a short queue but turnover in the shop was fast 

Thankful for the guide in Chinese

My boiled egg dip ramen, took quite a few mouth of the noodles, ended up so full :(

Japan Summer Trip 2018 Day 1 (2/6)

Five of us went for a successful glamping trip at Thailand Hintok camp last year, we felt that it was actually quite fun to do it as group so we have been planning the next trip eversince. We shortlisted places like Sri Lanka etc but chanced upon an article described a luxury glamping trip at Mt Fuji and everyone agreed immediately. Japan is my most loved destination so naturally I was so happy with the decision. Unfortunately, P felt that the trip is really expensive (near 1k SGD for two nights) and he decided that he will skip it this time. I was rather disappointed as I do not want to leave him at home as much as possible. But since there was no way of persuading him, I decided to go ahead with the rest. J also decided to join us this year so we still have 5 people in total.

The mandatory send off photo

New drop off booth for Changiwifi so we do not need to queue

We started planning the trip since January and had been eagerly counting down to it. We were also excited as most of us redeem our Krisflyer miles to take business class to Japan. This is my first business class experience and its on SQ! I felt so suaku but nevertheless took many photos. I wanted to go to the airport as early as possible to enjoy the lounge, but I only got out of the house around 1130am for the 2pm flight. Fortunately, there was no queue at the SQ business class counter, so I got to the lounge within 30 min of reaching the airport.

No queue collecting my wifi router and the JR pass exchange order

I deliberately went to airport earlier so that I can enjoy the lounge services which is free for all business class passengers. Who knows? This could be once in my lifetime experience so I seized the opportunity to maximise the experience. 

I looked out for the signage as the SKL was at a secluded corner

I was unsure of which lounge to go to, as there were several choices under Krisflyer. I passed a KrisFlyer Gold Lounge which looked really atas and I thought this much be catered for the higher tier passenger (E later told me that its the other way round), so I kept walking. I finally found the SKL further down, I was still doubtful if that was the one so I checked with the reception staff using my boarding pass.

Very nice entrance

Once I entered, there was clear signage to divide biz class and first class

I knew I was at the right place when I saw this sign. I think I was the only one taking photos but I decided to just be thick skinned about it. Lolx

Nice rest area, not too crowded and a lot of privacy

The atas local brand of TWG 

Sandwiches

Coffee machinese

I did not eat anything for breakfast and there was a good spread there, but I've started on a LCHF diet since the March hols so I have to be quite choosy with what I eat. I am not very strict on this keto diet so I still took the buffalo wings coated with some sauce, some salad, cheese and some fish/meat. If I were not on this diet, I guess I'll certainly try out those high carbs staples like mee goreng and beef noodles. Sigh..

Keto approved liquids

Thought for a long time if I should post this on my IG and I did

I spent an hour or so at the lounge and reached the gate when it was about to close. I did not get to enjoy the priority boarding as the passengers have already boarded when I reached the gate.

Very wide and spacious seat, although its a old and used aircraft

It felt really shiok to walk down a different passageway leading to the first class and business class seats. The rest of my companions on this trip was all excited and discussing about their business class travel so I already found out that the aircraft I was taking (777-300ER) was already old and almost phasing out. Nevertheless, I'm not too particular about it and still felt that it was really a good experience from beginning till end.

The seat was so wide that I was able to sit with the two pillows

The rims and finishings were old and not so high-tech like the newer aircrafts but the seat is certainly wider. It was spacious enough that for the first time, I could not reach the bag stowed in front of me when I was strapped up for takeoff.

The amenities

Even the toilets of the business class passengers were more spacious and there was nice linen cloth provided to wipe our hands etc. When I walked to the toilet, I saw slippers, socks and eye masks on the seat in front of me and realised that I went to the wrong seat (19K) in my excitement. The cabin crew looked confused when she checked the list but she did not ask or say anything. As the business class seats were quite empty, they only prepared amenities for those seats that were taken up. 

Can stretch my legs and lie flat although the angle was not exactly comfortable

These sound proof headsets are really good, blocked out most of the engine noise

20 min after takeoff, our lunch was served. After I managed to redeem this flight using miles, I went online and chose the book-the-cook option (Lobster Thermidor) under E recommendation. I flipped through the menu and thought the standard kaiseki lunch also looked quite good. After trying the lobster and it was not really to my liking, I regretted a little. I still enjoyed the meal as the service was really good and it was a 4 course lunch and not just a standard set flight meal.

Appetizer tasted good, there was table cloth and proper cutlery

The main course

Green tea tiramisu, too sweet for my liking so I only ate half

I love, love, love cheese after started on the keto diet

I had a really bad experience flying back from San Francisco on my previous SQ flight as I was having diarrhoea for most of the flight and went to the toilet many many times. I did not watch any movies at all as the whole flight was a torture. On top of that, I felt that the IFE during that month of December 2017 was also not too fantastic. This time round there were many movies I wanted to watch. I finished the two local production (Wayang Kids/ Wonder Boys) listed in KrisWorld and really enjoyed both movies, I'm glad that SQ always have a good range of movies and not just blockbusters. I slept for the remaining two hours and soon it was time to land in Tokyo.

Keikyu Ex Inn Haneda Airport

When we reached Tokyo airport, there were a lot of flights landing around 10pm so it took sometime for the aircraft to finally land and came to a standstill. We already realised that it was going to be quite late so E mentioned that he will just stay at a hotel near the airport and I decided to follow suit since our next hotel will also be the same one. I had considered staying at a capsule hotel just for the experience but eventually decided against it since the one at Haneda Airport was already full for ladies and I didnt want to travel to the city just for a few hours sleep.

My room was right next to the lift (after the store) and it was good for me

On the airport shuttle

E took a transit flight so that he could try out both SQ and TG business class. His colleague and I were on the same flight, he waited for us for almost an hour but luckily we were all on priority for disembarkation and retrieval of our luggage, so we managed to catch the free hotel shuttle bus from the airport at 1045pm.

Good idea to maximise space instead of building a cupboard

Bed looked inviting and comfortable

Cute little sofa and table

Just outside the hotel

Just outside the hotel

It only took 5 to 10 min for the airport shuttle to reach our hotel and the hotel was just down the road from the airport, serving people having an early flight out of Haneda or a late flight into Tokyo like us. I guess most people do not stay for more than a night so the room is really simple, but very Japanese style and its part of what I loved about Japan. There was a Family Mart just down the street so we met at the lift lobby to walk there together after putting down our luggages in the room.

Egg, pickles and salad

Finished all these right after I showered

I always enjoy Japan onigiri and mochi from the convenience stores, but now that I'm on the keto diet, my choices are so different. I'm still glad that there were many keto compliant food available here in Japan (close one eye to the hidden sugar in pickles and the sauce we add to the nice onsen egg). I always have a weight gain after a trip due to all the carbs indulgence so I hope this time it'll be better.

Very nice area at the breakfast lounge

A range of food from 7-11

The only thing I did not like about the hotel was the small pillow given. It was already very late (2am+) when I finished my shower and updated my blog so I did not bother to call the reception for another pillow. I managed to fall asleep after awhile, as I was still feeling quite awake after the flight. I woke up the sunlight streaming in at 6am and realised I forgot to turn on my alarm for breakfast at 8am. I went back to sleep and woke up with a shock again, and it was already 7.53am. I did not realise I turned on a weekday alarm instead, and its only Sunday here. It was still early after I changed and went down for breakfast, as I only realised E & friend mentioned 8+ for breakfast and not 8am. Phew.

Western style (photo from hotel website)

Japanese style (photo from hotel website)

Unlike most hotels, there were only two set choices for breakfast here. I chose the Japanese set as its more keto friendly, I should not touch the rice and the carrots in the soup but I ate a few mouth of the rice since it goes well with the miso soup. Opps! Breakfast was simple but not too bad. One plus point of this hotel was that the soundproofing is superb, we expected to hear sound of planes taking off and landing during the night but there was none.

Osaka Marathon 2017- Travelling to Osaka and REPC (24th & 25th November)

Here I go again!

I'm so glad that Osaka Marathon moved to the last week of November this year instead of the usual October weekend. My hols had just started (this is really just day 0 as we only finished our last meeting earlier today), so I can make it for the marathon!

Ironically, last year I got myself a slot to Osaka marathon through balloting, but I gave it up to go for Hakusan Shirakawa-go Ultra instead. This year I tried balloting for Osaka again but I didnt get a slot. It used to. be really easy for foreigners to get a slot in the past, but this marathon is getting really popular even though this year it's just the 7th edition. Its one of the biggest marathon in the world, boosting 30k people participation I was glad that someone on forum mentioned Crest Travel offering guaranteed slots, so I put myself on the waiting list. I was lucky enough to have some slots opened up in the end and I managed to sign up through the travel agency. The damage of the race registration and 3 nights hotel stay is about $800. It's not too bad for a deal as the hotel is supposed to be a 4 star hotel.

The very nice Terminal 4

Things are automated in this new terminal

This is my second overseas marathon this year. I went for a second round of Nagoya Women's marathon in march this year, took lots of photo, bought photos from the organiser but got too lazy to blog about it lolz... Anyway, finances are quite tied this year so I travelled to Nagoya on a cheaper flight than SQ. I am taking the same Vietnam airlines again this time and transiting at Ho Chih Min city. In fact, as I'm typing this, I'm sitting at a cafe in front of the boarding gate waiting for my flight to Osaka. Earlier on, I've scanned through all the airlines and this is the cheapest other than MAS and the budget airlines. Anyway, doing this the second time makes the environment familiar enough for me, its just a bit confusing for me right now as Vietnam is one hour behind Singapore and Japan is one hour ahead of Singapore. So hubby P was asking me what time i'll reach Japan and I got a little confused there.

A very essential item for all my Japan trips

Mandatory photo after P sent me (look at those eyebags!)

After Nagoya marathon in March, I got busy with moving to my new home and preparing for the wedding, therefore there was a long hiatus of 4-5 months before I starting running again in late August. In the midst of it, my FR220 also decided to retire so I did not have the motivation to start exercising again until I bought a new Garmin watch, my precious FR935. Although I just wanted to take things easy and enjoy the race, I really hope I can make it to the end point by the cut off time of 7 hour after such a long break and insufficient training. I did several runs more than 10km and one half marathon the past few mths, but the mileage was definitely not as much as my Nagoya Marathon preparation earlier this year. I was also a bit dejected as my Nagoya Marathon race timing was even worse than last year after all that preparation, so I decided to take things easy. Unfortunately, I developed the whole package of flu symptoms this week and was down with sore throat, cough, flu and blocked nose, phlegm etc. After a few days of self medication, things did not improve so I visited the doc yesterday even though I did not need the MC, hopefully I'll recover in time to do a good run this Sunday.

It was a pleasant surprise when I realised that I'm flying out of SG from the new Terminal 4 that just opened recently. It was really spacious, less crowded and a different experience from the other 3 terminals as we can clear immigration using the automatic gates and immediately after that they had the hand carry checks like the other airports (other terminals normally just do it at the gate). There was no queues at all the counters so it was a breeze getting to the boarding gate. On my way there, I saw Paris Baguette so I grab something for dinner before proceeding.

(Have to contine my blog in Osaka later as my laptop is getting low batt :( )