Tokyo.Niigata.Shibata

More Trip Highlights
     A continuation from my Destination Japan
* Ginza Yoshimizu Ryokan:
[ 15 July 2011. Just found out that Ginza Yoshimizu is now closed :( I hope they reopen soon.]
As I mentioned in my previous entry, the traditional ryokan right smack in the heart of the Ginza shopping district was such a welcome respite. The rate for a twin room with shower at that time was 27,500 Yen. But the experience was priceless! So traditional Japanese! I loved it! I still love it! So I couldn't miss out on the chance to wear a Yukata & prepare a cup of  Japanese tea.
      

This was breakfast at Yoshimizu Tuesday morning...

Organic Japanese yoghurt, tofu, miso soup, rice with seaweed toppings and, my fave on the menu, the really yummy vegetables (partly hidden behind the miso soup bowl).

Ginza Yoshimizu is within walking distance from the Kabukiza Theater. I didn't have time to catch a kabuki performance. With the crowd gathered outside the theater, it looked like a really good show was about to take place. Maybe next time, Kabukiza!

Outside the Kabukiza Theater, Ginza, Tokyo

* Toyoko Inn Asakusa Senzoku hotel:

Free Japanese breakfast at Toyoko Inn

Asakusa Temple was on top of my list of must-sees because I remember being taken there together with my fellow Ms. International beauty pageant contestants back in 1989. I thought it would be cool to revisit the place with my husband and take photos at the same spot where my fellow candidates and I had our photos taken. 

Anyway, back to Toyoko Inn. This particular hotel is very near the side gate of the Asakusa temple grounds. If you don't mind staying in a no-frills but very affordable hotel, then the Toyoko Inn chain of hotels offer very good rates. The rooms are small, like most hotels in Japan, but I didn't mind. It was enough room for me. At 8,190 yen at that time roughly US$ 82(!) with free Japanese breakfast & unlimited use of the internet at the hotel lobby, you really couldn't complain. It was clean, the bed was comfy &, again, it was so near the temple! Also, most Toyoko Inn hotels are conveniently located near Japan Railway(JR) stations. This hotel is perfect if you're getting the JR East Pass. For more current info go to www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/

* Asakusa Sensoji Temple:

Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Main Hall

A really pretty orange plant sold in many stalls at the Asakusa grounds.

Nakamise Dori. An alley that leads up to Asakusa Sensoji Temple. It's famous for the heaps of trinkets, traditional Japanese handicrafts, kimonos, yukatas, textiles and souvenirs on offer. Oh, and Japanese treats and cakes!

Kaminarimon Gate & I. This is the main gate of Sensoji Temple. The deity on the right(partly hidden) is Fujin, the god of wind. The gate is formally called the Furaijinnmon. 

The shinkansen or bullet train

* The Shinkansen!
A return trip on a shinkansen from Tokyo to Niigata is also covered by the JR East Pass. I bought the 5-day pass. There's a 10-day and flexible 4-day if that suits your itinerary. For up-to-date info go to the JR east website.

       If you plan on travelling outside the JR east area, look into buying the JR Pass in your home country. In my case, the Philippines. Initial research shows that a travel agency that holds office at Dusit Nikko hotel in Makati sells the pass. It is sold only to tourists. You cannot buy the JR Pass in Japan. I was happy that the JR East Pass was sold at Narita airport. For more info, do go to the official Japan Railways website. It was invaluable in planning my movements within Japan. I also found the online train station maps useful. I'd easily transfer from one train to another, thanks to the JR maps. 
       At the train stations, most everything is in Japanese so it pays to know which particular train to take and which direction you should be heading to. Filter out the Japanese characters & focus on the key words: i.e. Yamanote, Yurakucho and Niigata. If you still find yourself confused, or worse, lost, don't be afraid to ask. In my experience, the Japanese people are extremely helpful.

Take a look at the next train scheduled on the board on the left. At 14:38/2:38pm the Toki bullet train is due to arrive on the left platform(notice the white arrow pointing to the left) and is bound for Niigata. There are 10 cars and I shall wait on the green marking on the floor to board my reserved seat on the train.

Japan countryside. A random photo taken from my train window.

* Reunion with my high school best buddy

Sharing a walk & many laughs at the Shibata Castle grounds

* Japanese food! Oishi!

The freshest, juiciest shrimp sashimi I ever did taste! Domo arigato to the Uenos! :-)

I can't wait to go to Japan again! The Japanese people I've met have been wonderful, respectful, respectable, helpful, honest and kind. I pray that those affected in the March earthquake & tsunami will fully recover from the tragedy soon.

For my wonderful Japan experience, domo arigato gozaimashita!