Sakura 2013, Tokyo

This year, many people would end up feeling disappointed if they had booked their sakura tour to Japan based on the bloom forecast from previous years. Due to global warming, this year's winter was exceptionally warmer and spring came very early. Sakura in Tokyo bloomed at least 2 weeks earlier than forecast. Now, the flowers would already been falling off. By the time visitors reach there with their tour groups next week, they would be fuming mad because what's left for them to see is just green leaves. Even though not expecting to see the full bloom initially, I was there at the peak bloom period due to this global warming. Ueno park is always the best place to see sakura in Tokyo. It doesn't have nice landscape like the Shinjuku Gyoen or other parks, but the trees here are very old. The older and more mature the trees are, the whiter and denser flowers they bloom. Because this park is free, it could get very crowded especially during the weekends.

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Because I brought my camera this time, I also have the chance to finally shoot the Gundam in high resolution. Gundam lovers, check out who I found beside the gigantic robot.

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Mini Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan (4)

The newly opened shopping mall called the Diver City in Odaiba Tokyo is the best of them all. I finally had the chance to visit this mall after seeing it being built since last year. For the lady shoppers, this will be their best shopping place while for the Gundam anime followers, this is their shrine and heaven. This mall packs all the branded labels under one roof. Especially for the Burberry Blue label lovers which can only be bought in Japan, you're not limited only to Roppongi district now. There are many more US brand outlets here although the price may not be the cheapest compared to the States. Now for the Gundam fans, hear ye, hear ye! THIS IS one shrine which you MUST visit if you come to Tokyo. Everything under the sun about Gundam is located here. The life sized Gundam greets you at the entrance. Every hour, it will come to life while spouting some silly smokes. Don't get overly excited at the mobile Gundam shop beside the statue. The real jewel is located at the top floor of this mall. Almost the entire top floor is dedicated to Gundam comprising of galleries, Gundam experience theaters, and most importantly, the store that sells almost complete range of top grade Gundam models from all the series, but only at a fraction of price compared to anywhere in the world. This IS the place for you to buy and stock up your supplies if you want to build an arsenal of Gundam models in your home.

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Related link: Mini Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan (3)
Related link: Mini Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan (2)
Related link: Mini Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan (1)

Mini Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan (3)

Working on the eve of Chinese New Year was not a good day to start off with. But what to do? In my line of duty, there is no public holidays nor weekends. But we as aircrews only wish that sometimes our sacrifices are being appreciated more and rewarded accordingly. During belt tightening years, we were the first ones to take the cut. But as everyone worked hard to put the ledger back into the black, we were the last ones the be rewarded tinily as record payouts were handed to the big sharks. Moral of the story? It pays to sit on top or being the stakeholders. If you're in the middle or bottom, then you're a nobody in this capitalist world.

Thinking of a short stay in Tokyo, I did not lug along my camera. Again my Samsung Galaxy S2 saved the day when I most needed it. The life-sized Gundam is back to Odaiba. I was very impressed with the actual size of this fictional gigantic robot. It is at least 5-7 storey tall. Perhaps this robot will come to life and be our earth's future fighting machine?

Walking further from the Gundam, I arrived at Venus Fort. It looks plain from the outside, but inside you'll be surprised to discover a beautiful shopping mall. It is similar to the Venetian Macau in smaller scale. It has beautiful fake cloud ceiling with changing lights and ambiance. There is also a free Toyota car museum inside and the Tokyo Big Sight ferris wheel outside.

On the departure day back to Singapore, snow lashed down on the city. Adding to the misery, there was a tremor felt from a 5.1 mag earthquake that happened nearby Fukushima. Thank god I got home safely for my Chinese New Year.

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Related link: Mini Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan (2)
Related link: Mini Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan (1)

Mini Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan (2)

More than 6 months after the tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster, life is almost back to normal here in Tokyo. There is no more strong aftershocks and power cuts. At night, buildings and landmarks are lighted up back to their former glory. While tourists are still shunning away from Tokyo, the local businesses are badly affected until the government has to give away 10,000 free air ticket to attract tourists back to Japan.

While the world news are fanning panic and exaggerating things, the actual situation here is very calm and normal. The atmosphere is so peaceful and the place is as beautiful as ever. While strolling in the beautiful Hama Rikyu Garden nearby Tsukiji Market, I can see life goes on for the people here. They remained calm and resilient as they try to rebuild the country and deal with the nuclear crisis.

So now you know the actual situation, let's put down your thinking cap and plan your next Sakura trip to Japan. This is the opportunity to have a cheap but great holiday. And it will be even better if you manage to get the free air ticket giveaway. "Minasan yokoso nihon!"

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Related link: Mini Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan (1)

Mini Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo has become all too familiar to me. I've been there for the past 3 consecutive years. Knowing this complicated metropolitan city inside out is a big bonus. I can now walk without maps nor even need to speak to the majority of Japanese who don't want to speak English. Without prior planning, I can now just hop onto any train and go to where my heart desires. While shopping in Shinjuku, I decided to bring my colleagues for sushi. Among the hundreds of Yakitori pubs in the area, we managed to find a secluded sushi restaurant which serves fresh sushi on conveyor belts. We had the best meal on a bargain price. You don't have to pay premium price for good sushi if you know where to find it. Nor you need to wake up 4-5am for Tsukiji Fish Market sushi.

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Winter Wonderland: Yokohama, Tokyo, Nikko

Winter is the time where everyone wants to avoid and stay indoor. Many think it is cold, dull and depressing; so did I. I was wrong. I had a memorable white winter trip to Yokohama, Tokyo and Nikko. It was a wonderful trip to start off my year.

Yokohama is a sleepy town south of Tokyo. Even though not too packed compared to Tokyo, it does not lack behind in terms of entertainment and shopping. It has many big shopping complexes and a big theme park. This beautiful port city offers many picturesque sight-seeing spots like Osanbashi pier and Akarenga Soko. The city is also home to the largest Chinatown in Japan.

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Tokyo: city full of energy and neon lights. I have been to most of the attraction sites last year. This time round, I visited the Tokyo Dome City for its theme park and then headed to Ikebukuro. I climbed up the Sunshine 60 building for a breathtaking view of Tokyo city. I'm like a local resident now. For once, I never got lost and needed to ask any help for direction. Hmm...I'm thinking of getting a part time tour guide job here.

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My trip to Nikko was also my first white snow experience. Although I've seen snow before, this time I was actually there when the snow started falling. Just slight snow for a short while, but it was quite an experience. I was unprepared and was frozen to become a snowman. Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls are so beautiful in the white snowy landscape.

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Sakura Trip: Tokyo, Hakone, Takao

Ah, it's that time of the year again where I perform my annual backpacking trip ritual. This year, without doubt I chose Tokyo to see the cherry blossom (sakura); which I've missed it last year.

I took the much coveted flight to Tokyo on the Airbus A380 super jumbo. This has got to be the best aircraft ever built. My entire flight was super quiet and so comfortable. And it has the best suspension systems I must say. During taxiing, take off or landing, I could not feel any bumps or jerks at all.

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Tokyo Edo Museum is a very good place to start for a gaijin (foreigner) first-timer in Japan. This museum tells stories from ancient emperor/samurai era and how Japan rises from the ashes of A-bomb to become an ultra modern country. Next to the museum is the Sumo hall. One can catch sumo wrestlers in action at certain days of the week.

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I walked the streets of Akihabara and Shinjuku in the evening on my first day. Big mistake! It was freaking winter temperature even though it's spring. It was already 3deg celcius at 7pm. I was a frozen pig that night even under the blanket.

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I joined the Hatobus tour on my second day to save me the hassle of transport. The tour brought me to Meiji Jingu shrine, Imperial Palace, Sensoji temple in Asakusa, cruise down Tokyo Bay and Odaiba man-made island.

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To get the best view of Tokyo Tower and also the night city view, you have to be at Roppongi area. Head west of Tokyo Tower and find the Roppongi Hills Mori tower. Go to the 52nd floor at night and enjoy a 360deg view of Tokyo lights.

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It must be my lucky day. Mori tower has an ongoing display of Ferrari cars on their 52nd floor observatory tower. They even have the Enzo and the sexy SP1 on display!!!

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From Shinjuku station, I walked to the west side, full of skyscrapers. I got a very nice day view of Tokyo city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. Both their North and South observatory towers are free in admission. One can see Mt. Fuji from here on a clear day. On the east side of Shinjuku station is the shopping district. The back alleys are a little shady; housing numerous "love" hotels and stuffs like that. It's perfectly OK to walk during the day before it turns into red light district at night.

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Shinjuku Gyoen park is my playground. This huge park has the best cheery trees around. Not only that, the park also has the best landscape and many other flower/tree species. Boy, I utilized my time and D90 to the max in this park.

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Another great place to view the sakura is Chidorigafuchi (Imperial Palace moat). Sakura trees line both sides of the moat and you can even row a boat there. Opposite the moat is the Yasukuni shrine, where they had a big festival there on my visit.

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The busy and famous zig-zag crossing at Shibuya; definitely not the place for me. It's a sea of people out there. And the shopping price tag is out of my wallet range. Teenagers dressed up as anime characters and gothic styles gather in Harajuku. Nearby is the Yoyogi park. Not really a nice place to see the cherry blossom in my opinion.

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I took some time off from the city and headed to Hakone. It is such a beautiful place and offers so many attractions. If only I knew it, I would have planned more days.

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My last few days were spent at Ueno park and Mt. Takao. Ueno is the next best place to see cherry blossom after Shinjuku Gyoen park. It has got the ancient feel. The park has got some really old cherry trees lined up on both sides of the walkway. Nearby attractions are some museums and zoo. Do take note about the crowd on a good sunny day. The queue was so long that it backed all the way from the park to the train station. Climb Mt. Takao on a good day and you'll get to see Mt. Fuji and the city view.

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Well, that wraps up my yet another exciting and wonderful trip. I love Tokyo, and I definitely left my heart there for someone special.