A Recap Of Our 2009 Japan Trip Posts

It's been four months since the day we went on our 2009 vacation to Japan. I wrote earlier that I'm going to drag our trip posts for six months and so far, I think I'll be able to do that. Wahaha!

Six months to write about one single trip and the other six months to be filled up with posts of upcoming Japan trip. That'll be nice. Well, for me at least! Would it surprise you if we decide to go to Japan again this year? Zaini told me not to be too optimistic, but hey! I can dream (and plan), right?

Anyways, a recap of what we did last September, for our sixth visit to Japan. Our 2009 trip didn't see us zipping across the country like our previous years' trip which saw us taking the bullet & express trains and even the midnight train from Kagoshima-chuo to Hakata to Nagasaki, from Hakata to Hiroshima, then off to Osaka, to Kanazawa before hitting Tokyo.

Day 1,

After a delayed plane ride from KLIA to Narita which saw us sitting for 3 hours in the plane before it even took off, our first day was spent in Ginza, and staying a night at Nikko Ginza Hotel. It was still during fasting month when we were there and to think that we are away from our home and family during the Hari Raya (Eid)!

Day 2

A walk around Asakusa and spending time browsing for kitchenwares in Kappabashi. I can easily spend a whole day here!

Day 3

We boarded a shinkansen (bullet train) and headed to Nyuto Onsen. Had a blast sightseeing around Tazawako Station, Tazawa Lake before checking in at Taenoyu Onsen. We had a great time soaking in the various onsens there and also enjoyed our Japanese dinner and breakfast at the ryokan. It'll be great to return there during winter. I've watched the Korean Drama; Iris on KBS World and there were episodes shot in Tazawako and I'd like to return to Tazawako to enjoy the same scenery someday!

Day 4

Another train trip, this time to Aizu Wakamatsu. From Aizu Wakamatsu, we boarded a steam locomotive and went on a nostalgic ride on a special train; SL Banetsu Monogatari-go and enjoying the train's ekiben while the train sped away to Niigata.

Day 5

Day 5 falls on Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid) which is a big day for all Muslims. We went to Malaysian Embassy in Shibuya clad in traditional wear (Zaini and Raimie in Baju Melayu and I in Baju Kurung) before being drawn into the crowd in Omotesando. It was during the Silver week, and man...felt like the whole Tokyo residents went out for a walk there! It was sooooo crowded!

Day 6

The next day, we went to the Railway Museum (Tetsudō Hakubutsukan) in Onari. After our visit to the Museum, we went to Kasukabe; the home of Crayon Shin-chan. The Railway Museum is highly recommended for any train enthusiasts.

Day 7

Was spent hiking on Mount Mitake, taking a cable car ride and going on what seems endless amount of stairs. I really enjoyed walking past the Rock Garden on Mount Mitake.

Day 8

Was retail therapy time in Karuizawa. Zaini bought a Hummer foldable bicycle there to bring back to Malaysia!

Day 9

Was spent at the Happiest Place on Earth - Disneyland! Although the park was teeming with people, we still had fun on rides and watching the day and night parades.

Day 10

We went to Kawasaki, and spent some time at  Bandai's Namco Wonderpark Hero's Base and staying at Nikko Kawasaki Hotel.

So, as you can see, I have just reached Day 10 of our 13 days 2009 Japan vacation. A few more posts on Ultraman and Ultraman Club; with Raimie meeting Ultraman Mebius and Zoffy. Then it's back to Tokyo for us. A night outing for oden, a walkabout in Asakusa, Shibuya and delicious, melt in your mouth sushi experience coming soon. Do visit often!