Scared Silly And Loving It

Raimie loves haunted houses and visit them we must if we go to any theme parks or carnivals. Being scared silly can be a lot of fun sometimes.

I should've posted this up in time for the Halloween, but I only got the idea after reading Cocomino's post about Temple during Festival and him mentioning about haunted houses.

 The Mystery Zone at Tedori Fish Land, way out in Ishikawa Prefecture.

The Thriller Car attraction at Hanayashiki Amusement Park. The "ghosts" are so obviously mechanical and stuff but it's good scary fun for the kids. ^^

The Haunted Mansion at Hanayashiki Amusement Park too. It is an "audio" type of scare, with flickering lights and whatnot to complete the effect while we sat around a dinner table of a mansion setting; but it sure can be scary. A Japanese girl in our group actually cried out of fear.

Fun, fun scary ride on Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea despite enduring a two-hour queue. We would've skipped this if not for the fact that Raimie really, really wanted to go and have a ride there. It's a popular ride, so if you plan to ride this, be there early to either queue or get your fastpass ticket. FAST The fastpass will run out fast at this attraction.

Then, of course we had to go to the Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare at Tokyo Disneyland. The characters of Tim Burton's Night Before Christmas with the existing original 999 ghosts, ghouls and other scary "beings" made this one pretty fun. Raimie totally loves it!

The Snow White Adventure ride at Tokyo Disneyland can be a scary one too. I heard a lot of bawlings when we were inside the attraction. This ride is classified as  attractions for small children, but don't expect a whole sunny, cheery ride here. It started off cute and sunny, and turn to dark and menacing soon. Just look at the dwarfs' expressions. xD

Visiting haunted and scary rides in an evening is sure more fun than visiting it during the day. I suppose it's the added "spooky" atmosphere. Can't go wrong if there are Halloween decorations around too. *^-^*

The Akabeko

I've written a bit about the Akabeko in my earlier post on Aizu-Wakamatsu some time back, but I just thought I'd post it up again. Why? Because it's sooooooo cute! That's why.

When we first see this, we thought of it as a dog mascot or a pig or something. Arriving Aizu-Wakamatsu station, we saw this red animal but had no idea what it was. It's one of those times that I learn about something of the place after visiting, by searching for info on it.

Yup, I only learnt about the story/legend of akabeko after our trip to Aizu-Wakamatsu. But, better late than not knowing at all, right?

Raimie and a mechanical akabeko in frontof Aizu-Wakamatsu station, while waiting to board the steam locomotive SL Bantetsu Monogatari Go from Aizu-Wakamatsu to Niigata.

Anyhoo, an akabeko ( 赤べこ) is a toy from the Aizu region, made from two pieces papier-mache covered bamboo or wooden frame and shaped & painted to look like a red cow/ox. One piece represents the head & neck and the other piece for its body. The head &neck hangs from a string and fits into a hollow body, enabling the head to bob up and down whenever it is moved.

The toy is based on a real cow that helped in the construction of a temple; Enzo-Ji. Upon completion of the temple, the cow had willingly give its soul to Buddha. Another version mentioned that the cow had refused to leave the construction site and became a permanent fixture there. The cow then became a symbol of zealous devotion to the Buddha.

Akabeko toys was reportedly created during the late 16th or early 17th century and became popular as charms to ward off small pox and other illnesses, and the superstition prevails until current time.

I wish I bought an akabeko as a souvenir. Even without the superstition, the red cow makes a totally cute souvenir.

At The Railway Museum

A must for any train buffs visiting Japan! A visit to the Railway Museum in Saitama.

The History Zone is the best part there for me. All those old trains on exhibit for visitors to see. Awesome!

Miniature models need some TLC too.

The museum is an interactive museum and the kids zone is a fun place for children to learn more about train technology.

The best part for us, apart from being able to learn about the history of trains in Japan and how it evolves to the current, super-efficient system was the fact that we can enter, touch and feel the exhibits.

Nyuto Onsen Walking Part II

More photos we took while strolling around Taenoyu Onsen in Nyuto Onsen. See earlier post of Nyuto Onsen Walking, Part I too. Yea, so there are endless photos of this place and plenty that I've yet to share.

And if there is just one more reader who is like me, I bet that reader appreciate the fact there are extensive photos of any place that he/she is looking & researching at. No? Who cares if it's just me anyway. xD

The Sendatsu river. It must be nice to go and take a dip there, but even in mid-September; the weather was already chilly in this part of Japan. I think I'd freeze over if I dare to dip my feet in it!

 The bus stop located right across the street from Taenoyu Onsen.

Some random flowers we saw

In front of Ogama Onsen. Not a soul can be seen early in the morning. It was before breakfast time, after all. What better time to have a quiet couple walk together with the one you love? <3

and there's water, water, water flowing everywhere here. Hot spring water too!

A foot bath at Ogama Onsen, located a few hundred metres from Taenoyu Onsen.

We even saw an old water pump. No, it's not in working condition, I think...

I wish I can take a dip in some hot spring water soon. Never mind. I'll just settle for a dip in the bath tub instead for the time being. ^^

I Like Yellow Too

There's a post about the colour green earlier. Green gives me a calm feeling. It also gives out a certain cooling feel. Walking along a path with green moss made me feel like I was transported to feudal era. Heh.

Anyways, to make the colour green, one needs yellow and blue, right?

Yellow is cheerful. Yellow is bright. Yellow is hope. Yellow is optimistic. 

Yellow flowers are always nice

as are these yummy, juicy yellow pears

Yellow uni (sea urchin) which is up there amongst the stuff I love to eat

but the best view and it sure is nothing better than seeing a sea of yellow rice fields as far as the eyes can see.

You know, I do think we Asians can't stray far or too long from our rice. Rice is sustenance. Rice is life. Rice is sacred.

and for Bananazஇ,

how did I forget about this yellow Banana man in Moji? xD

And I guess after his a "Blue" themed post should be in order. What say you? Who cares. I'm putting it up regardless!

On The Way To Nyuto Onsen...

We took the Akita Shinkansen Komachi from Ueno Station to Tazawako Station for our one night stay at Taenoyu Onsen in Nyuto Onsen. I know I've posted endless post about Tazawako and Nyuto Onsen but hey! Why not post another one lest one stray visitor looking for some info chances upon this blog. ^^

Sorry. I am shameless enough to rehash old stories until it's time for me to make a new one. (3 more months to go, folks! And you bet I'll be blogging real time from Japan)

Anyways, if you want to read more about the area, just click on the either Akita, Tazawako or Nyuto Onsen tags listed at my sidebar. 

At Tazawako Station. This dragon head reminds me that there is the Kakunodate Yama Festival from Sep 7th - 9th. We were supposed to go last year but as we changed our travel date at the last minute and arriving later, no floats crashing were witnessed by us. Just the thought of seeing two floats facing each other and crashing over the right-of-way is downright awesome.

By changing the travel last minute last year, we screwed our hard to get, need 6 months in advance room reservation to spend a night in a room with no electricity and has an irori right smack in the middle of the room at Tsurunoyu Onsen. There were other rooms available but what's the fun in staying in other "normal" room. I want the whole rustic, sleep like samurais experience!

Before making our way to Nyuto Onsen; a quick bento lunch for Raimie. Om nom nom...

Then it was time to board the bus. We got on the bus at bus stop no. 1 and made a stop at Lake Tazawa as planned.

At the rest area by the Lake, are shops and there are free food samples there. Free sampling galore for us. Didn't go out empty-handed; we bought ourselves a postcard bearing the photo of Tatsuko and Raimie got his wish to eat a "goma"/sesame soft ice-cream. ;p

A view of the lovely, pristine Lake Tazawa. You know, I'm all crazy about running nowadays (I'm  gonna run in the Putrajaya Night Marathon next month. Yeay!) so I should just mention here that Lake Tazawa will be holding its 26th Annual Marathon on Sunday, Sep 18th. Maybe I should enter one year, should our travel date to Japan coincide with the marathon. After all, the Tokyo Marathon would be soooooo out of my league if I ever harbour the hope of running races in Japan! ^^!

I wonder if "Barutan Seijin" will be running again this year. Unlike in Ultraman, Barutan Seijin is a nice alien at Tazawako Marathon. He was an escort runner for one visually impaired runner. Salute to both runners! Much respect from me to them.

After sightseeing, it was time to board the bus again and head to Nyuto Onsen. Off we go! We were rewarded with these awesome views along the way:

Breathtaking view of the lake, of the mountains and of course rice fields.

We arrived Taenoyu Onsen just in time for check-in. Why waste getting there late instead of being there right on the dot the exact time you are allowed to check-in? Kakaka

Nyuto Onsen Walking Part I

A night at Taenoyu Onsen, one of eight onsen ryokan located in the mountains of Eastern Akita prefecture is bliss. Surrounded by greenery, we enjoyed crisp, clean air that refreshed and rejuvenate us. After hectic days of sightseeing and rushing everywhere, it's really nice to sit back and chill and let the slow pace of life be the tonic for more hectic days to come. ^^

The front view of Taenoyu Onsen. There's a bus stop located right in front of this ryokan, so if you are taking a bus here, it's just a matter of crossing the road when you arrived. A staff  immediately came out and greeted us even before we stepped in the ryokan. Taking a bus for our return journey was easy too. We just sat at the bench in front of the ryokan until the bus came and stopped for us.

Taenoyu Onsen is located beside the Sendatsu river. This is the view from our room and it was sure nice to sleep with the sound of flowing dream accompanying our slumber. Sleep well, we did!

On a rather cold morning on the second day we were there, after a really refreshing dip in the hot water; I decided to take a walk and enjoy the fresh air. I didn't venture out too far, though. Wouldn't want to get lost, would we? *^-^*

Another view of Sendatsu river, through the trees

Found a small shrine by the foot of the hill/mountain right next to Taenoyu Onsen

What/which God/Goddess is this?

It was already chilly when we were there although it was still the summer months. It was nice to spend the days in colder areas of Akita instead of returning to a hotter Tokyo afterwards!

Then, we decided it might be nice to walk out further and check out the area. Stay tuned for the upcoming photos. :)

Akita On The Move - On The Akita Shinkansen

We didn't sight-see much in Akita. We went there a couple of times, true but it was mostly because of the trains that we wanted to take and that of course includes the Akita Shinkansen. What we saw in Akita were mostly through the trains' window. Maybe next time, we can actually plan to stop at a few towns and set foot on them!

At Akita Station. We didn't venture far from the station, what with our hotel for the night being right next to the station!

We arrived Akita Station way past my lunch time, so the first order of business that day was to look for a place to eat. We were supposed to arrive at 12.00pm actually, but I made the whole gang missed our train because I was busy taking photos (of trains) at Ueno Station. The next train that we got on arrived Akita station at around 2.00pm. I was famished!

We encountered a "toshigami" or two along the way. Those two are the "Namahage", right? They  sure are everywhere!

The Akita we saw on the Akita Shinkansen (on the Komachi, to be exact) was a breathtaking view of

crystal clear rivers

green mountains

vast expanse of paddy fields, all yellow and ready for harvest

a bit of these too...

Next - view from the Resort Shirakami Buna and the odd view from local trains and buses too. ^^