Japan April 2012

Japan

April 2012

Judy unexpectedly found some really low airfares to Japan ($625.00/Person, One Way from Hilo) so we decided to go if Tours by Charlie could get us rooms.  After a couple of days, Kaweo phoned and said that he was able to get the rooms but the room in Osaka would not be as convenient as the last time as the hotel was not immediately adjacent to the subway.

Monday/Tuesday, April 9/10:

I spent the morning nervously and anxiously getting ready to fly out.  Same ole, same ole, it’s always this way.  Also, I really have a hard time leaving the “little people” alone for such a length of time.  Due to a communications error, we will be gone for 12 days rather than the 10 that I wanted.  I think JJ did it on purpose.

The flight on Hawaiian was only about ½ full.  They served a curry chicken for lunch and a sandwich for a snack and the food doesn’t even come close to what JAL serves.  The flight attendants are nice and try to be gracious but in Japan, striving to be one’s best is so ingrained in the culture that HAL really comes up short.  But, the fares from Hilo on Hawaiian are so low that it makes flying on Hawaiian worthwhile.  Plus, the bonus miles of Pualani Platinum actually pays for the grandkids trips to the big island.

On HAL’s Japan flights, all drinks and movies are free.  I spent most of my time reading a book on the slide show software that I use for my shows.  Hopefully my next show will be better than what I’ve done in the past.  I got to see Red Tails and it was disappointing.  Too many computer generated scenes and I really had a hard time telling the difference between the black actors.

Ah, finally my senior moment.  While setting up my laptop, I couldn’t find the adaptor (U.S grounded 3 prong to Japan 2 blade).  The hotel has a hard wired internet but no wireless.  We have the Ipad’s charger but no data plan as AT&T now requires us to have a domestic data plan before we can sign up for an international plan.  Fortunately, the hotel had an adaptor.  Whew.

Wednesday, April 11:

We had a buffet breakfast at the hotel.  It was quite a bargain for 950 Y each.  They had this neat coffee machine that makes great coffee.  It will instantly wake you up.  The food was quite good, having a nice variety of dishes.

The weather looked good so instead of looking around this area, JJ wanted to go to Osaka Castle to see the Cherry Blossoms.  When we got there, it started showering.  In spite of the dreary gray sky, the blossoms looked iridescent.  The showers and gray sky actually added to the serenity of the bloom.  The small crowds helped too.  Except for one Haole loudly talking on his cell phone.  Talk about the ugly American.

We ate lunch at one of the restaurants on the castle grounds.  I had shoyu ramen which was ok and JJ had a Soba dish that featured a Shiso broth.  Both could have used a bit more salt but have you ever noticed that Japanese restaurants rarely have salt at the table?

After catching the subway back to our hotel, JJ wanted to go to the visitor info center.  We finally gave up after getting lost in the underground shopping mall.  How ironic.  Plus, I was in major pain from a sore left foot.

Dinner was at an Izakaya near our hotel.  Our Japanese was just as good as our waitresses English.  We ended up with Maguro Sashimi which was exquisite, Karaage Tako which was a bit salty, chicken wings which was very salty and a Pizza which was a bit sweet (from tomatoes?”).  That, two teas and two beers came up to only 4000 Y.  I wonder if they have crab?

The hotel seems like a businessman’s hotel.  The neighborhood is slightly on the seedy side as we see “gentlemen’s clubs” in the area.  If this were in the U.S., we’d be apprehensive, but in Japan, never. 

It’s only 6:30 and I am TIRED.  It’s 11:30 back home so no wonder.  Well, it is now 7:09 so good night.

Thursday, April 12:

I’ve been up since 3:00 a.m.  Catching up with my audiobook, 11-23-63.  I think it’s one of Stephen King’s better works although my favorite is the Shawshank Redemption.  Earlier, sirens in the distance (sounded like it came from the train station) awoke me.  They kept on going and I was wondering what I should do.  Meanwhile, I kept on listening to see if the number or volume increases…..then I fell asleep.

The morning is bright and sunny and I assume that the sirens that I heard last night was just a minor, local problem.

After breakfast, we left early to go on a guided tour of Osaka.  Because we were to meet in front of the visitor info center at the Osaka JR station, the same info center that we got lost in trying to find it yesterday, we left an hour early.  Well, this time, we found it easily and were way too early. 

Our guide, Minako, spoke English very well and could be easily understood.  The tour had only 4 people.  We first toured the train station where we saw 5 of the 8 plazas.  Each one has a clock that symbolizes that particular plaza.  I was impressed the most with the water clock.  While at the station, I saw a young girl on the stairs adjacent to our escalator cleaning the hand rail.  I couldn’t help but think that if that were is the U.S., the girl would be riding on the escalator, sticking her arm out to clean the rail.

Minako said that the Umeda station is one of the most complicated stations in Osaka and we were told that even local people get confused.  She also said that one of the sections is called “alibi lane” as they have regional gifts from all over so husbands can tell their wives that they were on a business trip when they get together with their girlfiends.

We then went to Tennoji where we toured and had a light lunch.  After that we went to Namba where we saw more local sights and where the tour ended.  It was a total of 3 hours and was quite a bargain, considering that it included a light lunch and subway fares.

At this point, both JJ and I are aching.  JJ with her sore knees and me with a sprained ankle.  I don’t even remember spraining my ankle, which prob happened at Osaka Castle, yesterday.  Feeling our age.  This may end up to be a very relaxing trip if we both don’t recover soon.

We both enjoy the slower pace of Kyoto.  Osaka is such a bustling place that it almost feels as though it’s draining the energy from you.  Of course, our old folks aches probably adds to the aggravation.  I was telling JJ over dinner that this is the first time that I’ve experienced aches and now realize what she as well as Laura and Joe have been going through.  She said that my compassion will last as long as my sprained ankle.  Probably true…….no, make it true fac!  (not a typo, true fac!)

Friday, April 13:

We are still enjoying the coffee at our hotel’s breakfast buffet.  It’s goodness is probably because each cup uses freshly ground coffee as well as water temperature control.

We caught the subway to the Kuromon Ichiba Market where we did some omiyage shopping.  Found some Takenoko (cooked) so we’re pretty sure that it will pass U.S. Customs.  We asked if the Takenoko was from Japan or China and found out that some were from China.  Also bought my favorite Dried Ika. 

We then caught the subway to Tsuruhashi where Korea Town is.  When we got there, Korea Town was immediately at the subway exit.  This was far different from what we experienced in our last trip.  We tried scouting the area adjacent to the station but could not find where we were the last time.

JJ’s Hot rock Bi Bim Bop did not have any meat in it.  She said that Island Style in Las Vegas still has the best.  My Kal Bi Ribs was made from Pork Ribs.  It was a little too sweet for my tastes.

My ankle was feeling much better than yesterday but the pain started getting more severe so I finally took my 800 mg Ibuprofin and after a couple of hours, the pain completely disappeared.  It really feels great to be pain free.

We decided to revisit Osaka Castle and just sit under the Sakura bloom.  On our way there, this young Japanese guy starts talking to us.  He said that he had a little beer and seemed a little drunk.  He asks where we were going and we told him Osaka Castle.  He asks if he can follow us as he is unfamiliar with the area.  So as we are walking toward the exit, he starts to insist that we have to transfer to another subway line.  I show him Osaka Castle on the map so he finally agrees to listen to me.  Talk about “slide clutch”.

I guess we spent about an hour, just sitting and relaxing under the Sakura tree.

As how it’s been everyday, we got back to our hotel about 2:00 p.m.  After resting, we went out to dinner at about 5:30.  We decided to try someplace new so we asked the front desk.  They sent us to the arcade that had so many restaurants.  All of them were high energy, pushy with young girls and guys hawking their businesses and seemed to stress either cheap and plenty or top of the line.  We went to one place that did not have an English menu but we were told that the menu had a lot of pictures.  The girl said to go to the 2^nd floor.  We caught the elevator and hit #2.  We go out and the area was completely unlit and DARK.  There was a glass door that would not open.  Talk about getting freaked out.  Remember, I’m listening to a Stephen King Book.  We tried #3 but decided not to eat there as there were no normal sounds of people eating.  

Sometimes, JJ can be exasperating when it comes to eating.  She can be so particular and yet cannot make up her mind as to where or what she wants to eat.  It could be very trying for an impatient person.  Good thing I’m patient.

Finally, we decided to eat at a more quiet and normal place.  We ended up a curry restaurant.  It was a chain but the food was surprisingly good.  JJ really enjoyed their salad dressing and bought some for omiyage.

Saturday, April 14:

I’ m really getting tired of eating the same breakfast.  Today, we plan on catching the monorail to view more Sakura at Osaka Expo Park.  It’s overcast and cold outside so we figured that we should go to somewhere more sheltered.

It turned out the Expo Park is not sheltered.  No matter as the day turned out to be beautiful.  It was a very relaxing experience.  There were a lot of vendors and it was great just seeing all of the various products.  Most were pottery and dishes and we weren’t sure if some of the products were made by the people selling them or they were re-selling goods from China.

We bought food from a couple of food vendors and ate under the Sakura.  It’s amazing how many people were there, eating and drinking and yet, there was not even one obnoxious person.  What a great country Japan and it’s people are!

We then caught the subway to Namba so I could eat King Crab.  It turned out to be not quite as good as the last time.  Also, I ordered “Crab Guts” which looked like from a big crab in the picture.  In reality, it turned out to be a very small crab and the miso was not as good as the Dungeness that we eat back home at Happy Valley.

JJ is getting much better at figuring out directions, even at Umeda Station.  Just when we start to figure things out, we leave.  How you figguh?

Earlier in the trip, I was telling JJ that it’s better to stay near a small station, like we did the last time.  But now, I think staying near a large station is better as there are a lot more eating places nearby.

We ate dinner at the Izakaya restaurant for the 3^rd time.  We asked them to use less salt for the Karaage Tako and it came out perfect.  We also had a cooked Moyashi dish which was fantastic.  And of course, the usual double serving of Maguro.  The sashimi has been exquisite.  It’s texture is not the firm one like we are used to in Hawaii.  But it is also not mushy.  It has a soft, buttery texture and great flavor while not being the super oily, strong flavored fish that is the usual Japanese fare.

Sunday, April 15:

The great coffee makes us keep on returning for breakfast.  We then forwarded our baggage and caught the Special Rapid Service train to Kyoto.  It actually cost more to forward our bags than our train fare (3100 Y for 3 bags vs 1200Y for 2 people).  It’s a good thing we forwarded the bags.  We ended up standing for the whole trip to Kyoto, about 30 minutes.  It might have been better to catch a train that made more stops as it would be less desirable for most people and more likely have open seats.

After reaching our hotel, we had our carry on luggage stored and caught the hotel shuttle to the Westin Miyako.  Then a cab to the Silver Pavilion and onto the Philosophers Path.  The Sakura was in full bloom and the day was sunny but it was not as enjoyable as it just wasn’t as serene as Osaka.  The difference was that over here, everyone is walking while in Osaka, most people were sitting, eating and drinking with friends.

We walked all the way to the Westin Miyako and caught the shuttle back to the New Miyako.  It’s a good thing that I exercise daily. Even then, my muscles ache and burn.  I really need to lose weight.  I plan to lose 15 lbs. before our next trip.  I also plan on walking more at home, carrying a backpack.  The stationary bike is ok, but I guess you just can’t beat real world walking, with a load.

Monday, April 16:

We ate breakfast at the Amici.  It seemed as though the owner had the look that we were familiar but could not quite place us (we ate there every morning during our last visit in December).

We then caught a cab to Kiyomizudera Temple.  It paled in comparison to the fall colors and was somewhat disappointing.  After that, we ate lunch at a Udon restaurant that we ate at about a year and a half ago.  Ownership must have changed as they no longer had the curry udon that I was looking forward to.  We both enjoyed their Soba dishes.

After walking to the main street, we decided to catch the bus back to our hotel instead of the subway.  It turned out to be much easier and probably faster.

One observation of Kyoto compared to Osaka is that food in Osaka is more expensive but transportation is much cheaper and easier to get around.  Osaka’s subway system is much more comprehensive and you can go to any tourist destination via subway.  In Kyoto, you need to rely more on cabs and the bus.

This evening, we went on the Gion Walking tour.  It was well worth the 1000 Y ea.  We even got to see a couple of Geiko and Maiko.  The tour was huge, 20+ people.  Got some nice night shots.

After that, we walked to Maruyama Park.  Only one Sakura was lit up and unfortunately, my photo could not capture the magnificence of the tree (I think it has to do with the auto white balance for you techi photographers).  We had planned on catching a cab back to the hotel but at the last minute, we saw a bus headed for the Kyoto train Station.  JJ bravely ran and stuck her hand in the door, just as it was closing.  Fortunately, the door reopened and we got on.  Cost us only 460 Y instead of 1500 Y for a cab that it cost us this morning.  It is now 10:15 and well past my bedtime.  Wow, we walked so much today that the bottom of my feet still ache.  It’s hard to believe that I could run around barefoot a scant 60 years ago!

Tuesday, April 17:

Overslept a little as I got up at about 6:00 a.m.  I decided to try the Aikido Rhythm Dance and stretching to see if it’ll help relieve my aches while walking.  Funny thing is that my legs will start aching, then the pain will go away.  I’m hoping that the stretching will eliminate the initial pain while walking.

While waiting for JJ to get up, I finally got my laptop to act as a WIFI hotspot so JJ’s Ipad can connect to the “net”.  Isn’t Google the greatest invention?  Man, you can learn anything on it.  Well, almost anything.  My euphoria was short lived as there is an intermittent problem and the connection is “iffy”.  All the related info sez to reset the router but no where does it tell you how when using a laptop as a hotspot.  I guess Win XP is just too obsolete.

We caught the hotel’s shuttle to the Westin Miyako again.  From there, we walked to the Heian Temple.  It is so peaceful there that you forget that you are in a large city.  We spent some time just sitting and eating ice cream.  Judy also enjoyed a Zenzai dish.  The ice cream was a bit too sweet for me so I ordered a green tea to clean out my pallet.  Unfortunately, it was a SWEEETENED green tea.  Have you ever heard of such a thing?

We then caught the bus to Nishiki Market.  As we had misplaced the bus rout map, I had to go by memory of the number of turns.  Miraculously, we ended up right where we were supposed to.  We started of by looking for a place to eat lunch.  When we finally found a place with an English menu, the food was, shall we say, “different”.  Besides dishes like smoked duck, they also had “cock” something on Pasta.  Now I don’t know if they meant chicken or ?, but I wasn’t about to take a chance.

We ate lunch at a Sushi Restaurant in Nishiki.  The Tekamaki was excellent as was the beer.  It was surprisingly filling.

Caught the bus again back to our hotel.  We are getting quite good at this.

Wed, April 18

We will be trying to catch the bus to Ninaaji Temple where they have their own variety of Sakura.  We then hope to catch the train to Arashiyama.

The bus ride to Ninnaji was terrible.  We got on at the beginning of the trip and were one of the last ones to board.  Big mistake as we had to stand the whole trip.  At every stop, we thought that no way could any more people board but get on they did.  Finally, toward the end of the trip, no more people could board.  It was so hot in the bus and I was beginning to feel claustrophobic.

The weather today started off a bit nippy but got really warm, almost like Hawaii.

Ninnaji was really nice.  It was like we were rewarded after the bus ride.  The blooms were full and the garden was very tranquil.  After walking around, we sat for a while, drinking our cold tea and juice.  Catching the train to Arashiyama was not as straight forward as we thought as we had to make a transfer.  The train was very small, consisting of only one car.  Instead of buying tickets, we paid an attendant at the train station upon exiting the gate.

Arashiyama was a big disappointment as the blooms were over and very sparse.  We just stayed for a short while and caught the train back to Kyoto.

I think that the curry beef that I had for lunch did not agree with my system.  Even after dinner tonight, my stomach felt like a slight burning.  I ended up sleeping really early after taking some Mylanta.  Sometimes, the English translation leaves a lot to be desired.  The menu had “beef curry” and “beef curry with tools”.  How you Figguh?

Tomorrow is our last full day.  We plan on catching the train to Uji to buy tea.  They are famous for their tea.  One tea that I have not seen in Japan is Habucha.  I wonder why?

Overall, I enjoy the vibrant Fall colors much, much more than the Spring Sakura blooms.  And yet, the tranquility of just sitting and enjoying the Sakura blooms is nice too.  But I guess that because the fall colors are so varied, I prefer them.

The days are going by so fast.  But I miss our “little people” and I miss the challenge of making my boxes.  It will be nice to be back home again.

I was telling JJ that our next trip to Japan, I want to go to somewhere new.  Perhaps, going to different cities for 2 to 3 days, then moving on.

BTW, we are seeing lots and lots of Takenoko.  And huge ones too!  How I wish I could bring it back to Hawaii.

Thursday, April 19:

Woke up early as usual feeling like my old self again.  I even finished the Stephen King book.  It was quite enjoyable and not the typical King genre.

We caught the train to Uji.  Had one anxious moment as both of us were daydreaming and not paying attention to the station announcement.  But, we managed to get off at Uji as planned.

As we walked to the park, we passed by a little store that sold bento.  When the lady spoke to us, I replied with my normal “nihongo wakarimasen”.  She then told JJ that I said that very well.

So all the way to the park, we are looking for a place to eat.  Finally when we get there, we’re sitting down and soaking up the ambience, I tell JJ, “should I go back and buy the bento?”.  So, I walk back to town, about a 15-20 minute walk.  Picked up the bento and soft drinks and went back to the park.  JJ was just starting to get worrisome.  Lesson learned, pick up bento before we get to parks, temples, etc.  It is so much more relaxing and enjoyable to eat outdoors, either under the Sakura (or Fall colors) or listening to the sounds of a river.

On the way back to the train station, we had planned to go to the tea store that we went to in December.  Arggh!  They were closed.  We ended up at another place where they were also really nice and accommodating.

Both of us were tired so we decided not to go to Gion to look for Geiko and Maiko.  We ended up packing instead.  So here we are, charging up our electronics for our trip home.

The warm weather has really made this trip more tiring.  Plus, we are dressing better so to better fit in.  We can imagine how taxing it must be during the summer months.

We check out by noon tomorrow and the shuttle picks us up at 3:45 p.m.  We plan on going to Nishiki Market for more shopping and eat lunch.

We’ll eat dinner at the A.N.A. lounge.  I’ll definitely drink less beer while waiting for our flight.  Don’t want to get sick like the last time.

Friday, Apr 20:

We spent the day at Nishiki Market where we bought more Soybean Tea, roasted green tea and some konbu.

We ate lunch at a place called Paris 21 e.  It was upstairs of a business on the Teramachi Arcade.  It turned out to be quite a bargain for about 1500 Y each.  The lunch included salad, the main dish, dessert and after meal soft drink.  The meat was a bit chewy but very tasty.  What was most surprising was that the French Fries was super tasty.  I asked the waiter if it came from Japan and he said he would check.  When he came back, he said it was from the United States.  Shocking.  I guess it was a combination of cooking method and seasoning.

We are now at the A.N.A. lounge at KIX.  Unfortunately, they are not refilling things as we are probably the last flight of the night.  When we got here, they were already out of the soups and low on the Danish pastries.

JJ is next to me and already planning our next trip.  I don’t know if I mentioned this before but being on our own is much more tiring than being on a tour.  The reason is that on a tour, you spend a lot of time on the bus traveling so you get a lot of time to rest.  On your own, you spend more time actively doing things and also, you get to walk around and visit sites more thoroughly. 

Another thing that made this trip more tiring is the weather.  It’s been very warm, with the temps in the high 60’s.  Not really great temp for walking, dressed in a long sleeved shirt.  Maybe next time it’ll be back to jeans and t-shirt.  But I end this trip being thankful for the opportunity, health and a great traveling partner…..it would have been perfect if it were 2 days shorter.

Epilog:

Soon after we came home, Judy’s brother told her about $600.00 airfare to Japan, ROUND TRIP!  Unfortunately, it ends in September.  So, I guess we’ll be going during the summer months, when it’s hot and humid.  But how can we not go at those prices!

Bon Voyage!