tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40892893988432897152011-07-30T13:36:03.049-07:00Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.comBlogger571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-71026810559665137682008-10-23T10:03:00.000-07:002008-10-26T08:53:42.167-07:00Saddened these last few days that I have to return to the U.S. I didn't want to leave behind such nice friends who have been so kind and accommodating to me. I really felt at home here in Japan. "If I could take them back with me to Los Angeles..." I could only wish. Its been a wonderful 54 days. So we all got together in an Izakaya. Back to where it all started when I met my first friend Yohko. We ordered those interesting foods and shared each one picking them with our chopsticks. And shared our experiences, memories, laughed and took pictures. And talked about my return to Japan or their visit to L.A. if they could get the chance. I promised them I would give them as great experience as mine was.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CtUzORwr6Ymr2_qLhP6o4A?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SQC2mFHl83I/AAAAAAAABJY/z16vTKD06bs/s400/CIMG5518.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> To all of them and all you readers, I wish to say, "Domo arigato gozaimatsu." It seems that two different worlds met, mine and theirs, and now It feels like it has been dramatically altered forever. When I see my friends back in L.A. again, I will probably be telling them my stories of Japan again and again for many years to come. Good bye, Japan and beautiful friends. On this last night you made my wish come true and came to see me. (The others who couldn't make it, it's OK, I'll miss you all too.) To my cousin Jorence, thank you, I hope we will have many more fun times in the years to come. To my cousin Hans: Please take care of yourself and don't work to hard. I am very grateful to you and your hospitality. I hope you stay healthy and strong. I will never forget the fun times we've had. God bless all you you.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-7102681055966513768?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-63506248076354689892008-10-23T09:51:00.000-07:002008-10-23T10:43:39.671-07:00I managed to get a tour of Toshiba Hospital by a friend who works for Toshiba Corporation. Apparently, Toshiba has its own hospital that also caters to its employees as well as the general public. In fact most companies in Japan have such an arrangement. Even Kikomann Soy Sauce Corporation has its own Hospital and it says "Kikomann" on it. Toshiba Hospital runs on Toshiba products. Everything! Even the elevators is Toshiba.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lFdCZr3ngq0Il8C44Qq_iQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SQC2lrspK6I/AAAAAAAABJI/q6vuAD0Shsk/s400/CIMG5501.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br />I looked around and its similar to U.S. hospitals. I took careful attention to the nurse's station, in case I want to work in Japan someday. Well at 8pm the hospital is empty of nurses. I wondered where they are. Usually nurses would still be busy at this time doing medications, charting, and double checking orders.<br />In Japan, they work 8 hour shifts (8-16, 16-24, 24-8). I wouldn't be happy with that schedule, 12 hour shifts is where the money and the free time is.<br />My friend says because of the laptops that she noticed, Its more likely they don't do a lot of charting either. And the patient charts maybe on the server instead of the books that American Hospitals still use.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HDqgGwWiy8eWet-ONqKXyA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SQC2lxKag-I/AAAAAAAABJQ/5pVkwFGY7Q0/s400/CIMG5506.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br />Its a nice hospital, but the shifts are the deal breaker for me.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-6350624807635468989?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-50166422048133919032008-10-22T10:43:00.000-07:002008-10-23T10:42:47.294-07:00I rode in my friends car last night. Her GPS system is nothing like I've ever seen before. And she drives a Toyota Yaris! She has features on it like it was a Lexus. And it was all Original Toyota! Not after market.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kUasYB6MJE-XYqll1Unf9A?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SQC295S6G3I/AAAAAAAABJg/UQ1jVtVlvws/s400/CIMG5426.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> Here are the features I saw and the ones she showed me.<br />*Slow traffic notifier and also calculates it into the travel time.<br />*In this city of tall buildings, its still pretty accurate. Right up to the moment of the turn.<br />*It tells her exactly which lane to take, ie. take the 3rd lane from the middle to turn left because she needs to be on the right side of the road for the next turn.<br />*It shows here a pop up window of the turn coming up if she needs to take to ramp going up or the ramp going down with arrows pointing to the direction.<br />*It comes with a back up camera and sensors that detect her parking alignment to the painted parking dividers.<br /><br />Something has to be wrong if she is driving a state of the art Yaris and in the U.S., I've never heard of anything like these features in a car let alone a Yaris!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-5016642204813391903?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-82485400564709923992008-10-22T08:18:00.000-07:002008-11-27T23:53:25.208-08:00I've tried a lot of things in Japan, so how about golf? Well I couldn't afford the green fees so the next best thing is to hit the driving range... at the biggest driving range in Tokyo! The Lotte Kasai Golf Range. Three decks high and just over 250 yards far. Its automated. It tees up a ball automatically and adjustable height too. For the amount of 3600 yen, I get a card worth 136 ball at the upper deck and two golf clubs of choice. <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZbNto5giYdPLLOmBb6mAwA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c9kD90j1lj8/SS-iYa9UEcI/AAAAAAAABLw/AXggDzkgTUY/s400/CIMG5475.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>It was well lit and beautiful astro turf greens. One cool thing is when the balls are recovered the flags fall horizontally and sweep the balls off the greens and into the gutters. Then balls roll back to the collection point and the flags prop back up. Toshie tried it too. Not too bad for her first time at golf. <table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ePKy8AZdqLJx3TeBJBmdxg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SQC2lZ6JU9I/AAAAAAAABI8/CnnbR4A_VHo/s400/CIMG5491.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8248540056470992399?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-15822088697985633962008-10-21T23:58:00.001-07:002008-10-22T11:40:07.352-07:00Last thing about the trip to Nagano was the bus trip back. We stopped at a bus station in Yokosawa where we bought special kamameshi cooked in ceramic pot with beautiful calligraphy design that many cherish the pot as a souvenir. "Kama" means pot and "meshi" means rice.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FL7xc-AexYKzNlhjlLqHRQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7SMYm1uKI/AAAAAAAABIU/BiaWJyvbvMU/s400/Image065.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Fjemck9rvDfsvowkRDkPZQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7SLp3cGVI/AAAAAAAABIE/mwS8hjDiJd4/s400/Image068.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> Yohko tells me this wonderful story about how the Kama-meshi became famous. Before there were bullet trains and grand stations, The trains would stop at stations along its route and at this station in this particular area the Emperor Hirohito's favourite was the kama-meshi. He would order it everytime he stopped at this station. Yohko's memory of it was that the vendors on the train platform would sell their kama-meshi to people at the train windows. People would reach out for the kama-meshi and pay. Then, when the train was about to leave the station, the vendors would line up and uniformly deep bow for 4 minutes to the patrons on the train in a way of saying thanks. She said it made the kama-meshi taste alot better because of the warm heart that she felt from the gratefulness of the vendors. That made my heart warm too when I heard that story. It was her mother's fondest memories and encouraged her to always buy this type of kama-meshi when she was passing by this area.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ts5XMlTLXQehsSw3PZcA8g?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7SL9Abl7I/AAAAAAAABIM/1xGNuTCKIf0/s400/Image067.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-1582208869798563396?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-80360075684255884052008-10-21T23:20:00.000-07:002008-10-21T23:57:11.582-07:00Last visit in Nagano is the Zenkoji Temple. Yes, its another temple. Here are the photos.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zZK_mUvEPDZZHXjuCUJvpw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7Le9TNGbI/AAAAAAAABHc/ouC5fP6we5g/s400/Image050.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3mx8EObdTjorZTJ8DHcODA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7LfQgXnSI/AAAAAAAABHk/zUenWNpX0oI/s400/Image052.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/C4WDF6d1Q9GV9Vwi3oJkDQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7Lfhf7gfI/AAAAAAAABHs/I_LHdTcPGiU/s400/Image063.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0HJuKs1SXAhQ8DnOqCIMiQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7Lf8BIZXI/AAAAAAAABH0/7CzHqdQfQXQ/s400/Image064.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br />One special thing about this temple that I liked was a statue of Obinzuru-sama.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CJc99lwV9hC1rjLUyGq30A?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7OZKdqFOI/AAAAAAAABH8/QphvReQomG4/s400/binzurumawashi.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> (stock photo) He was a student of Buddha. If you rub him especially in the same area that ails you, it would be healed. Though I'm perfectly healthy, I rubbed him all over anyways in hopes that ailments that are forthcoming will be averted.<br />Now blessed with luck and health. We rode the bus back to Tokyo (3 hour trip for 4000 yen)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8036007568425588405?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-83227250743705874922008-10-21T22:42:00.000-07:002009-07-12T22:29:16.756-07:00After an hour bus ride up the windey road to Togakushi Mountain Range (cost 1280 yen) we exited at the botanical forest the lead to the Togakushi Okusha shrine. Its a thirty minute walk so we stored our backpacks (at the restaurant next to the exit stop) to lighten the load. <table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2Rsy7kkgxuC8gZ3wWrCF8g?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7LcXxDKaI/AAAAAAAABGs/Rew1oGA5o3E/s400/CIMG5409.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dgDRCBxvGhI9r6ALHym9-w?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7Lc3NOUnI/AAAAAAAABG0/qzTNua53iiI/s400/CIMG5410.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B8zp5J4qYC_jBaBfOR6Uyg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7Ldmgo5oI/AAAAAAAABG8/s4RWaJbSVlg/s400/Image019.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table>It's a gradual incline up the road until you enter the Cedar forest. The road becomes lined with tall cedar trees that are so beautiful. I can see why its a Nagano treasure. Yohko says that the area is also magnetic because of the magnetic stones that are found in this area.<br />**<span style="font-style: italic;">Old Japanese myth said that in Shimane Area of Japan (southwest area of main island), a goddess hid in a cave and covered the entrance with a huge rock. Only one god could remove the rock after the other gods failed. With his strength, he threw the rock all the way to Nagano in Togakushi and broke it into millions of small pieces. Thus the myth because these sort of magnetic rocks are only found in Shimane area.</span>**<br />It was a tough 2 kilometer walk up and it got worse because the road suddenly turned into steps.<table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FHAyqJRhaSwjnigUrN2lRQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7LeaillsI/AAAAAAAABHM/LiKM_7MckfA/s400/Image031.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table> We were pale with exhaustion by the timel we reached the Okusha Shrine. <table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ftty4w1JrBaRCUemZu7N3w?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7Ld3hpoGI/AAAAAAAABHE/-LYtlyU3-rI/s400/Image026.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table>There we payed our respects to the shrine. W asked a monk for a fortune slip. He went to the back, meditated and prayed, then returned with white fortune slips in long envelops. My fortune was... explained to me by Yohko as of normal fortune ranking which means my fortune will be be average for the rest of the year. But it sounded like good fortune to me 'coz it wasn't bad fortune. But Yohko's, she says, was not a happy one. I hope her luck changes. After a few pictures and rest, we headed back down to catch our bus back to Nagano station. But of course, we had to eat Togakushi Soba at the restaurant were we deposited our bags.<table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/03M480fKTAZpOsz8o4UfeQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP7Lejze8OI/AAAAAAAABHU/IxZGmjXBwf4/s400/Image049.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table> They claim this Togakushi soba is the soba is best in all of Japan. I've eaten lots of soba here in Japan. This soba noodles had a different dipping soup made of white raddish and other herbs. I liked it and I'm proud to say I've eaten Japan's best. Across the street was a Ninja town. Given that we were almost out of time and it was beginning to get cold, we skipped it. But in ancient times, real ninja's used to live there. I wonder what a typical day in Ninja town would be.... "Have you seen Fred? No? Hey where did you go?" Bah, I'll just read about it on wikipedia.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8322725074370587492?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-51120819199693908092008-10-20T23:55:00.000-07:002008-10-21T00:43:23.968-07:00In Obuse, we stopped by the Gashoin Temple (<a href="http://hometown.infocreate.co.jp/en/chubu/obuse/midoko-e.html">travel link</a>)<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/azj5R8iYWaO3uHrlobA0mQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP2HN46sfPI/AAAAAAAABFo/fTj4onzDJN8/s400/CIMG5388.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>to see "The Great Ho-O" that was painted on the ceiling by Katsushika Hokusai (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokusai">wiki link</a>). In the pamphlet it says: "The Ho-O is an auspicious bird that lives so long that finally various plants grew on its body." The bird seems to stare at the viewer from the ceiling no matter where it is viewed from. This is the why its called "Ho-O Staring in Eight Directions."<br />Also in display is the belongings of a great samurai general Fukushima Masanori. His armor, spear, and furnitures are well-preserved behind a glass case. <br />Also during spring, frogs inundate the small pond behind the temple garden. Ayako says she saw frogs stack high on top of each other to compete for a mating partner.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OYVkMPDdIRYHV0uwQvjmAQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP2HOeF4M2I/AAAAAAAABFw/HpyZkX4R5cg/s400/CIMG5393.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> <br />After that, we headed off to an Obuse onsen and bathed in hot sulfuric water. This was a lot more traditional than the onsen in Morioka that I experienced. And the heat was tolerable as I soaked in it for along time. Then I moved to the hot spring with regular water and relaxed there too. This place was very traditional, the place was small and they didn't welcome yakusa or people with tattoos.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rAgknhQ095UXy8WWYr_Tpg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP2HOo-slSI/AAAAAAAABF4/ZRL3d0a_HaQ/s400/CIMG5395.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> I had to take a photo of the sign. Sorry no photos allowed in these two places.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-5112081919969390809?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-4340283014177276102008-10-20T17:35:00.000-07:002008-10-20T18:06:24.603-07:00After the meal, we took a short look around Hokusai Museum where Ayako showed us the shops that line the alley. We saw a beautiful origami shop that used thick Japanese paper. I especially liked the white paper dolls on display.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WLEQIEUsrBITT-Lhl4CXKQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP0pTEdodQI/AAAAAAAABFg/iH0Qkz4w-QA/s400/CIMG5344.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> Looking around, there were so many fruits for sale at a very cheap price compared to Tokyo.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rDwP0idQKObP_0AUdEkNyg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP0pS69LMsI/AAAAAAAABFY/I-QMhvJUavI/s400/CIMG5351.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> Then we had chestnut ice cream under the gigantic mangrove shade.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AlTCjgr1nESK6Vr1RJuyNA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP0pSVMXRWI/AAAAAAAABFM/JiR6pdersrM/s400/CIMG5354.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br />Afterwards, we headed off to pick ourselves some grapes from Sorimachi Fruit Farm orchard along the fruit farm road (a tourist favorite stop).<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XxSAGHaS66_bkQ4cQ2H4gg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP0pRozl-8I/AAAAAAAABE8/UW6uK82xCtY/s400/CIMG5368.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> Given a basket and pruning scissors, we walked up and down the orchard looking for grapes we wanted. We weren't grape experts but its best to assume that the darker the grape the sweeter it tastes.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1doD7KlWSmQw3WJk0xxe0A?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SP0pSMAEPFI/AAAAAAAABFE/5eP48euvzP8/s400/CIMG5370.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> Then we would eat some of them at the tables under the shade of the grape orchard. It was fun and made the grapes taste sweeter under that beautiful ambiance. Next time I eat grapes, I'll take myself back to this memory under the orchard.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-434028301417727610?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-7202685656738231782008-10-20T08:28:00.000-07:002008-11-02T02:22:41.500-08:00Sorry, its been a few days since my last blog entry. I had just returned from Nagano, Japan with my friend Yohko. While over there, we received a very warm welcome from Ayako, (Yohko's friend from her old college). She was so full of energy when she met us at the Nagano Station. Our first stop, because it was lunch time when we arrived, was to go to Obuse (<a href="http://www.japanvisitor.com/index.php?cID=357&pID=1777">wiki link</a>), a town on the outskirts of Nagano City. We arrived at Chiku Fu Doh Restaurant. This restaurant serves a glutinous rice mixed with the finest chestnuts of Nagano and it is famous all over Japan. Normally, we wouldn't wait 20 minutes to be seated but this was an exception as did everyone who entered didn't mind the long wait.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FZ135NapegLVTcGGVyMw_A?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPyo5j78euI/AAAAAAAABEc/SuzVo_ksSps/s400/CIMG5338.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br />Indeed, I enjoyed it. Especially the side dishes that were picked from the wild. Thank you, Ayako. God bless your heart!<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wl1ELbVuQELRZ6RirSkPlw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPyo46RUjPI/AAAAAAAABEU/QshKxkkX-C8/s400/CIMG5341.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-720268565673823178?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-26596347517727239252008-10-16T17:30:00.000-07:002008-10-16T18:07:39.262-07:00One of the attractions in Akihabara is to stop by and have a drink or meal at a maid cafe (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maid_cafe">wiki link</a>). <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I0pItpr_MnRZqHAj2X9osA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPfi6cokKJI/AAAAAAAABD0/Y0f-5u44sy8/s400/CIMG5279.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>These cafes have pretty young women wearing French maid outfits as they serve food and drinks. They look cute and lovable and go around talking in their cute small voice. If you buy their specials, they would draw anything at your request on your omelet or cappuccino. I told her to draw me her most artistic drawing and she drew me a heart with Chinese characters for love. <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OZ3kXUwu-_eorADnWvTWdQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPfi55g6q1I/AAAAAAAABDk/fqNy_HcHF6w/s400/CIMG5276.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>She probably did that because I was with my friend. My friend was the only girl in there. It was mostly men often young geeks. So the waitress probably thought we were a couple since I managed to drag a girl in the cafe. Unfortunately, they are strict about taking pictures. I can't take photographs of the girls or any part of the restaurant except the table and myself. So I had to make do with the restrictions. <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5ExkS_ctJfirYWhmJ1QxVA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPfi5rDLeDI/AAAAAAAABDc/D3xG0RPmdYo/s400/CIMG5275.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>They even went as far as covering my background with a tray. The only time they would allow a photograph is if you filled up your loyalty customer card. For men it would take 10 stamps, for women two stamps. Too bad. It was an amusing place but maybe another maid cafe around the area would be better.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-2659634751772723925?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-52825005574063420152008-10-15T08:08:00.000-07:002008-10-15T08:27:40.090-07:00On our way to Shinjuku from Akihabara by JR Train, I saw this park with ponds that people were fishing on (off Ichigaya Station).<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ueI4N-kdVkw-kzWNwFiypA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPYLDXBxL7I/AAAAAAAABCg/4oD8VvDLS_s/s400/CIMG5311.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>I immediately jumped out of the train with Toshie and decided to give it a try. It was 750 yen ($7 USD) for an hour's worth of fishing including rod and bait. Unlike my previous fishing excursions (in Los Angeles), I actually (well "WE" actually) caught a carp.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yXk-ocZbmdUw9fAa0pDsew?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPYLDlUEKJI/AAAAAAAABCo/XCGl70mj-YE/s400/CIMG5308.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>It was huge but we didn't want to keep it so we set it back into the pond. I was beginning to like this place. But it would be the only catch of the day for us. <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ggjaQrPbwkGkoCzw1CE8Ew?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPYLD4jyLFI/AAAAAAAABCw/bJYkuGU1c_8/s400/CIMG5310.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>People can actually take home a maximum of 2 fish from the park ponds. If a person catches over 2 Kilos of fish (5 lbs), they get a free ticket back to the park. It seemed very popular and a good way to just relax and have a conversation. I can now say that I've fished in Japan!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-5282500557406342015?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-58076127741288592162008-10-15T07:37:00.000-07:002008-11-02T02:20:11.706-08:00OK, I've been wanting to see this place since I like a few anime shows and movies. The previous three times I've been to Akihabara I couldn't find it. Well this time, I was gonna hunt the place down. Toshie and I asked a few Otakus where it would be but they were no help (Toshie says thats because they are afraid of real people). Eventually, we found the place close to the Akihabara JR Station.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uBchw63CKgR0Zvu-5gzYnw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPYFYX4cgXI/AAAAAAAABCI/AZ4V-v_mH8Q/s400/CIMG5266.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>When we entered the place, we were disappointed because it was only a small room. Not much to marvel at. There were some anime mannequins and robots that we took pictures with. There were also some informational pamphlets, posters, a small exhibit, and some displays. <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fMI21R1rpYPHw7WKRLopLA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPYFYPU-siI/AAAAAAAABCA/yK46FjS9b-Q/s400/CIMG5264.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>We were more impressed by the souvenir shop which carried alot of anime favorites which we began reminisce about. I guess I expected more. Anyways, you shouldn't expect an anime convention type atmosphere when you visit this place. <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9mtE6csToZinICC793sXKA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPYFYyb-2fI/AAAAAAAABCQ/BbVmKaPjmOM/s400/CIMG5247.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>No wonder the otakus didn't know where it was. It wasn't all it was hyped up to be in the tourist guide books.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-5807612774128859216?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-1254894950916466042008-10-14T04:49:00.000-07:002008-10-14T05:17:37.016-07:00After the L.A. Dodger won game 3 of the NLCS, we took a trip Ueno Park to visit the Ueno Zoo. Its not a big zoo. Its smaller than the San Diego Zoo.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2023Pi7msYQv9yazAYOmsA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPSM8R4CUyI/AAAAAAAABBE/zQP4cS6-3_o/s400/CIMG5225.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> Upon entering the zoo, we found out the Giant Panda Lingling who was loaned to Japan from China died on April 2008. So there wasn't a Giant Panda attraction anymore. But they still had Lions, Bears, Elephants, Tigers. Some of my favorites were:<br />the Red Panda<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Uf8v1QzGQZFZbwvEdrnflw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPSM8M9mjOI/AAAAAAAABA8/z8p0IIUaw5o/s400/CIMG5212.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> <br />Polar Bear<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1UsjwJC0XQkaeJm8RIKLPw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPSM74Yxf7I/AAAAAAAABA0/gaZEmRA9eLY/s400/CIMG5220.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br />Pink Flamingos<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1gk_QJ2hu4xs-eOZe9WzLw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPSM7d3zNCI/AAAAAAAABAs/MfktsUH2uTQ/s400/CIMG2308.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br />Entrance was $6 USD(600 yen). Now come on Dodgers, let's win the series!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-125489495091646604?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-6248517431147156662008-10-13T05:28:00.000-07:002008-10-13T06:13:55.613-07:00In front of us was “Saw-tooth Mountain”.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qYhLwp7shJJ8xRuESmtt_w?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFQ25qUPI/AAAAAAAAA_s/ytLoNzqHjMM/s400/CIM1aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> Four hikers arrived at Hama-Kanaya Station. the group consisted of three nurses (Rioko, Toshie, and me) and a med rep (former med tech Mei). <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-ecZK4wSTsxFgtuOqm2c8A?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFHqw2QaI/AAAAAAAAA_c/Gm85RfSvtKk/s400/CIMG4919.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>We began our journey up after eating at Funaosa. It was about a 20 min walk to the ropeway. Up the mountain, it cost 600 yen up by cable car. <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RDXjpB7YKJnsPmbNQrqevw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFHdpiGXI/AAAAAAAAA_U/7reznWtjuA8/s400/CIMG4945.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>Mt. Nokogiri Summit (313 meters high) has treacherous terrain on the summit.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AlLZ3I5Ma1mZ5VplWPVkMA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFG4AKaZI/AAAAAAAAA_E/GufDBlQvykI/s400/IMGP1343.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> They are jagged and steep and uneven. It was tough to negotiate. A stairway lead up to the Jusshu Ichiran Observatory for an even better view.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3ZXX4HzZcyA2tYfSsuh7DQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFGemn7PI/AAAAAAAAA-8/Jc5MV-8vdQ0/s400/CIMG4970.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> Afterwards, we went down the pass guarded by tall stone walls until we reached an opening with the Hyakushaku-Kannon carved in the stone wall. Here is a group photo of the nursing expedition team.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nxGH_WrqIb4wPalBVEo1yg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFFb5l0WI/AAAAAAAAA-k/sEcvKemc4sA/s400/CIMG5004.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> Then we back tracked abit and took the other way up Jigoku-Nozoki Cliffs which means “a peep from Hell” especially looking down, but feels more like Heaven up here. <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mfr7TMeVmveV-4RTDjpBVQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFF_7fhqI/AAAAAAAAA-0/Upoq-b8uK24/s400/CIMG5028.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>To begin our journey down the mountain, we had to enter Nihon-ji Temple. In fact the whole mountain is a temple. It cost 600 yen to enter. Now begins our 3000 stair-step trek down the mountain. We saw the hundreds of Rankan (saints) mounted on the rock wall. We finally reached the enourmous Daibatsu that dwarfs the Kamakura Daibatsu at 31m tall.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4ajX1FH-JfKcxK7rKGU8Pw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFEtcXIEI/AAAAAAAAA-c/PVcs8ZPbJks/s400/CIMG5051.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> To the side is an ivory Buddha. Small statues are place around it by pilgrims said to be the names of lost children. With a snack break and short respite, we planned our next trip.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XxzgzZ0UjzDjQyG5v1Fo2g?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFH9QGjzI/AAAAAAAAA_k/h3fPYI1U4DU/s400/CIMG5092.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> We took a steep detour up a lot of steps to see a waterfall? Something was wrong here. It was more like water dripping than falling. Having wasted our energy on this curiosity, we headed down the bamboo fence line to Kari Hatto-Temporary Auditorium of Nihon-ji Temple.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Sje4NG0qyfl7y_XHtzQ2lg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFFp7sE7I/AAAAAAAAA-s/Zi35EgOusfI/s400/CIMG5093.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a9jxdNFIw5s3dBhvde5ptw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFD3svL4I/AAAAAAAAA-I/TPSL88Jagpw/s400/CIMG5114.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wCVwBabCZgHASsaWlRJtxw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNFEYBn99I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/JRvK4AtJMNU/s400/CIMG5156.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> It was about a 45 hour walk to after that JR. Station Hota but we saw the train leave the station just as we were about 200 meter from the station.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dFIwURaeZdHqIZVAI7vjOA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPNF4QULAlI/AAAAAAAABAM/8Ba0JHZMVl0/s400/CIMG5168.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table> So we had to take a side trip to the town’s dock and fish market. Two hours later we rode the train back to Tokyo out of Hota Station. Ooww! My “dawgs” are barking! So were the girls as they massaged their sore legs. But I had to “steel myself” and show them that this former paratrooper, who once roamed the steep, thick-wooded mountains of South Korea and jagged rocky mountains of the Mojave Desert, that this little hike was child’s play. Though deep inside, I grumbled to myself of the exhaustion I was experiencing.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-624851743114715666?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-21848126691471406442008-10-12T05:37:00.000-07:002008-11-02T02:04:29.056-08:00It was raw, red, and nothing like I've had before.  I was tempted by the Darkside and I turned to side with it.  I'm sorry Greenpeace.  I confess, I've eaten it and loved it.  I'm talking about <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">RAW WHALE SASHIMI</span>.  <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/09MnCxI5ZHfrNkNYQVMX5w?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPH1C1EhgvI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/gGSAeoBOhx0/s400/CIMG4931.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>When I came face-to-face with it, I couldn't resist the privilege of eating "Willy" that sea-loving mammal.  I dunno what kind of whale it was, It could have been an endangered species for all I know, but it was delicious.  But don't get me wrong, whale meat is still off my daily regular diet.  It happened earlier today when we arrived at our hiking starting point at Hamakanaya Station in Chiba.  We decided that we'd eat kaiten sushi in Funaosa Restaurant at this small fishing town.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SdZOqSNxKJJ5KED5Tj7f9Q?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPH1CMDQx7I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/GkrfUsSRr1M/s400/CIMG4937.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>  The pair of sushi was expensive at about 690 yen per plate (the most expensive plate).  There were others too that were interesting sushi.  <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sT3dV06xmqVGzLAxIjR1fQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPH1DoIxUlI/AAAAAAAAA9g/X8QqY2hvB3I/s400/CIMG4932.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>They were all fresh thats why they tasted so great!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-2184812669147140644?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-2854684732622628912008-10-11T08:42:00.000-07:002008-10-11T09:01:05.752-07:00<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HK-SFCT9Tzhv7Arn8vlV2w?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPDM58ykqiI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/scpNOFlVwx8/s288/CIMG4911.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Thanks to my friend Yohko,  I can mark off one of the dishes I wanted to try in Japan since the beginning of the trip to this country.  We ate Okonomiyaki "Hiroshima Style" and since its the first and only one I've had, I'd say its the best I've ever had!  The difference between the Hiroshima style vs. the Tokyo style is that ramen is used and not soba in Hiroshima Okonomiyaki sandwiched between two flat doughs and covered with a salty type of sauce. Cost $10.<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IoIbej5LAOEzwlUSJBTU-w?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPDM5RN4bRI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/9dquSIAwoUQ/s288/CIMG4909.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-285468473262262891?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-54422410080232339052008-10-11T07:54:00.001-07:002008-10-11T08:17:28.620-07:00With the Global Financial Crisis, GM has been retooling for fuel-efficiency especially with their line of gas-guzzling monsters to compete with the Japanese fuel-sipping compact cars.  Well their monstrous Hummer is now going "green" in Japan.  I can just imagine the GM engineers giving hi-fives for their ecological-friendly conversion of the once green-peace viled vehicle.  And they still attract the girls and still get the best parking spots in town.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PxZ6SApCRGA7EVMDpWNdDQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPDBYwpHW2I/AAAAAAAAA8A/lIBah7xEpww/s400/CIMG4824.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B36s95wjHPHsjh3Or-88CA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SPDDOQp6NsI/AAAAAAAAA8I/OLY8kawjZfE/s400/CIMG4827.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table></span>The question remains: Is Harrison Ford gonna sport this vehicle in next years Academy Awards?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-5442241008023233905?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-85431566068833386142008-10-10T07:53:00.000-07:002008-11-02T01:57:26.637-08:00For 1,500 yen, in Roppongi Hills, you can spend the evening in Mori Tower.  (Mr. Mori is like Donald Trump of Japan[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minoru_Mori">wiki link</a>]) First stop is the Tokyo City View which is a 360 degree view of Tokyo.  We took a few pictures infront of the most brilliantly lit structure in the Tokyo evening: The Tokyo Tower.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y03wsuPDP1lC9aYhOBsYcg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SO90UaaxGjI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/rKwQftYoEFs/s400/CIMG4847.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span>  Then at about 8:30pm, we were lucky enought to catch the fireworks at Disneyland from far away.  It was like watching sparks fly out from a lighter's flint because it was so small off the distance.  The observation deck would have also been nice but that closed earlier in the evening.  So, we went to the Mori Art Museum.  At this time, the French artist Annette Messager (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annette_Messager">wiki link</a>) was on exhibit.  I suggest you pick up a English listening guide from the desk if you go (a set of headphones would also be perfect to plug into it).  <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5KVq7A_9yJPsrD5yml3n6A?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SO90WDa9eXI/AAAAAAAAA7g/ZK1GixyELzw/s400/CIMG4876.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table></span>It was an ... interestingly weird art exhibit.  Not a bad $15 evening especially in these tough economic times. Meals are optional.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8543156606883338614?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-64482517000337152412008-10-08T06:42:00.000-07:002008-10-08T09:49:09.462-07:00<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VKc3ml5FYKnrN-ycTKiXXw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOy-UD1V8_I/AAAAAAAAA64/cp4yqbAXrHw/s400/CIMG4765.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table>A trip to Ginza today to look at the Sony building among other things.  I was expecting to see Aibo, but that puppy must have been put to sleep.  Instead, I saw Rolly (<a href="http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&amp;storeId=10151&amp;langId=-1&amp;productId=8198552921665440908">specs link</a>).  I've only seen photos of Rolly before but I dismissed it as just a fancy speaker/boombox.  Well, I was wrong.  It's actually fancier than I thought.  It's a dancing robot.  Look at this thing go.  Ricky Martin look out!<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dRsAn68QwvI"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dRsAn68QwvI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed> </object></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-6448251700033715241?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-23141237827345008642008-10-07T09:05:00.001-07:002008-10-07T09:15:26.624-07:00<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sWMskixocQYr64taKOwE-g?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOuIdLNfwsI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/GQ287YwAWD0/s400/IMG_2282.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>I've been to Shibuya (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibuya,_Tokyo">wiki link</a>) many times.  My favorite is the Shibuya Station crossing.  It is so busy in any given night, and at turn of a green walk signal, all vehicle traffic stops and a sudden flood of humanity innundate the street.  The best is probably to sit at the Starbucks (in the picture) 2nd floor and watch this phenomenon all night.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-2314123782734500864?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-1917774667246743542008-10-07T08:06:00.000-07:002008-10-07T08:51:07.368-07:00In places around the city, you will find these mini-shrines, I would guess for convinence (like having an am/pm around every corner here in Tokyo).  I've read that many things about the Japanese religion is related to Shinto worship (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto">wiki link</a>).  I ran into one at Morioka City and made an offering.  I tossed a 5 yen coin (supposely the Japanese name for the 5 yen coin is synonymous to the future) and bowed twice, clapped my hands twice, made a request/prayer, and bowed once again.  I just thought I'd give it a try send a prayer for someone.  <table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LjsmZk-yJFbyg4KkWNQKmw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOt61MeqJcI/AAAAAAAAA54/oDagsCqI9wc/s400/CIMG0403.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table> After tossing that coin, I suddenly felt like hitting the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craps">craps tables</a>.  Ok, Las Vegas, you're next on my destination list after Japan (casino face = on).  <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-191777466724674354?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-45482856846988067002008-10-05T06:48:00.000-07:002008-10-05T07:08:41.919-07:00While in Morioka City, a tour was arranged and we stopped at Hoonji Temple, the site of 500 statues of holy people who deserve other's offerings (called rakans)  included here are Marco Polo and Kublai Khan.  But I didn't know which one that statue was and the english pamphlet did not point out which one.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4nGbjO1PBejhouFlKGaNcg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOjJMj7I6aI/AAAAAAAAA4g/mLYikjlWt70/s400/CIMG4422.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OukLyJ2E-7ueRjllNBudcA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOjJNGXeqlI/AAAAAAAAA4o/-rP3KFpGDsg/s400/CIMG4411.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><div>There is also a Zen Hall where I listened to the monotonic drum beats of the monk as people sat to meditate.  I have to point out that you have to keep the noise down.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JO4AOQTHyTf4hKVY5AuFhw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOjJNQ_yVFI/AAAAAAAAA4w/KwSkdfHPNN8/s400/CIMG4389.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-4548285684698806700?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-91939212467772754402008-10-05T02:58:00.000-07:002008-10-05T07:13:42.226-07:00I haven't posted in three days because I traveled north of Tokyo to Morioka.  Another area popular to tourists for their many onsens (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onsen">wiki link</a>).  I went to an onsen hotel Hotel Mori no Kaze Oshuku (<a href="http://www.japanican.com/hotels/ShisetsuDetail.aspx?ar=03&amp;st=2328006">hotel link</a>).  I wasn't sure if I was in the right place because it looked more like a hotel and thought that it would only be exclusive to their hotel guests.  Luckily, I whipped out my fluent Japanese to locate someone who speaks English.  Then, I was whisked away with a large towel and a small hand towel in my arms.<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/av_8cHmnzMQ7I_ZaZvEiCQ?authkey=iikQT16TlE8"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOixhN3oAqI/AAAAAAAAA30/W6zDgV41vWY/s288/CIMG4539.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/MoriokaOnsen?authkey=iikQT16TlE8">Morioka Onsen</a></td></tr></tbody></table>  I entered the Onsen locker room and took a few minutes to orient myself to the surroundings.  I chose a cubicle shelf to place my items and clothes and a small locker to place my valuable items.<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iYabzFcFsO8sykOwJt5Abw?authkey=iikQT16TlE8"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOixgczA_FI/AAAAAAAAA3c/xf71MeA-Uic/s288/CIMG4518.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/MoriokaOnsen?authkey=iikQT16TlE8">Morioka Onsen</a></td></tr></tbody></table>  By now, I was fully naked with only a hand towel for modesty.  It is important to thoroughly wash yourself and rinse the soap off before entering the hot pools.  There are many pools to choose from but there seems no to be no difference in the temperature except for one that was freezing cold which I avoided.  I chose the outdoor pool at the balcony with a stunning view of the mountains.  In somewhat chilly weather, the hot spring water was gruelingly hot.<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iijo0p7XZW56BfUk5ZnnBA?authkey=iikQT16TlE8"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOixgi8rwhI/AAAAAAAAA3k/3BCRHE6iNh0/s288/CIMG4525.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/MoriokaOnsen?authkey=iikQT16TlE8">Morioka Onsen</a></td></tr></tbody></table>   I could see the floating mosses that would come up from the spring.  They are few but they are said to give the hot spring its skin nourishing quality.  I endured the heat for about 20 minutes and then I had to step out and cool off.   I did that a couple more times until an hour later when the last bus back to Morioka Station was set to leave.   I then washed up and went to the grooming area where they had razors, Q-tips, clean hair brushes, blower, perfume, after shave, etc., to look my shapest again.  <table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qhTMFw8cF8-s7Rk6a9rEig?authkey=iikQT16TlE8"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOixg3HjgII/AAAAAAAAA3s/cgExvMQCdWY/s288/CIMG4533.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/MoriokaOnsen?authkey=iikQT16TlE8">Morioka Onsen</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Afterwards, I got my camera and hid it in my dry towel and quietly (unconspiciously) took pictures of the onsen when the coast was clear (I'm sorry onsen authorities there was no malice intended).  I finished up getting dressed and I can now claim another life quest completed. "Experience Onsen In Japan" badge awarded.  After the onsen bath, I felt very tired as if I turned into soft dough or like a blur with a smile on my face (thanks, lousy photographer). <table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kswX1PpSMTFMDbmWSGNjLw?authkey=iikQT16TlE8"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOixhc_Ix7I/AAAAAAAAA38/TF4KqIy9g84/s288/CIMG4549.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/MoriokaOnsen?authkey=iikQT16TlE8">Morioka Onsen</a></td></tr></tbody></table> <a href="http://movie.jtb.co.jp/ace/yadomovies_link/2328006.asx">Video Link of Onsen Hotel</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-9193921246777275440?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-64816190284072426832008-10-02T03:01:00.000-07:002008-10-02T03:09:36.131-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mnKpqxWYEXeRGzKiPfrjmw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOSbbaGpOYI/AAAAAAAAA2w/VPShCEKsevY/s400/CIMG4282-2.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table></span>Looking for some exotic foods?  This restaurant looks like prim casual dining in the heart of Ameyoko Bazaar.  Wait! Take a close look at the menu again.  <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QZRTQfgpPkuq6IlZg_qSmQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOSbXpMRQII/AAAAAAAAA2g/88RC3ggq-O8/s400/CIMG4282.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_2TEPs84A0PU7XpwRvrSBw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOSbZQVJ31I/AAAAAAAAA2o/q86DHEl1l5o/s400/CIMG4282-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><div>Now thats a menu worthy of Fear Factor!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-6481619028407242683?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-72672668374609240232008-10-01T23:35:00.000-07:002008-10-02T03:14:53.212-07:00Remember Mr. Take, the tour guide.  He said that he once waited 2.5 hours in line for something.  It was for a Krispy Kreme  doughnut.  Since Krispy Kreme's arrival in Japan this summer,  Japanese people cannot consume enough.  I took a picture of their branch in Shinjuku with the long line of Japanese people craving for a shot of unhealthiness.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8R8rjGWlOiQAWciDE978Rw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SORudajpyOI/AAAAAAAAA1g/4_wpsQk3RMY/s400/CIMG4223-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><div>I remember when Krispy Kreme was popular in Los Angeles, there were long lines and it contributed to declaring obesity as a disease.  It has become less popular since then.  Well now Krispy Kreme is set to breed Japanese sumo wrestlers with their delicious donuts.  It has been such a demand that Mr. Take says its a status symbol to carry a box around. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-7267266837460924023?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-49338573009142829802008-09-29T21:14:00.000-07:002008-09-29T22:21:05.578-07:00Early Saturday morning, September 27, we headed out to Asakusa to see Tokyo's busiest shrines.  At the subway station, where we got off, we ran into a sumo wrestler that we asked for permission to pose with.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qyKZCEMkDytfrXJP50t22g?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOG1m5LZwXI/AAAAAAAAA1A/6bej66Iw0Ck/s400/IMG_3094.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table></span>  We stopped by the Bandai building where posed with a few anime characters.  <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qMOvGkKpZY1A9L0_ykyQ4Q?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOG1lzamOcI/AAAAAAAAA0g/0hQjX9hrDpY/s400/IMG_3110.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/F5oQ2k8WobJK8ruh_47ihQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOG1mhPzndI/AAAAAAAAA04/_l2uHTP8arw/s400/IMG_3104.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6ZHZXrQQYdnh7UbJmi_-Yg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOG1lu_7IDI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/63rOK65otfA/s400/IMG_3099.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table></span>We reached Senso-ji, home of Tokyo's oldest temple (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensō-ji">wiki link</a>).  To get there we had to walk through a long row of shops where we bought souvenirs and exoticc foods as we went.   This is Nakamise-Dori.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CTzUFFW4HL22M8r4P-AQMA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOG1lPbuqdI/AAAAAAAAA0E/QEVVhHfZTBs/s400/CIMG4118.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table></span><div>The Senso-ji is another big buddhist temple with a humongous lantern.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VFcBAxw4mXBJaEk-3aV-Tg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOG1mSMvI5I/AAAAAAAAA0w/Lm79bVSZBSM/s400/IMG_3125.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; white-space: normal; ">  Going up to the shrine, I decided to try my fate in fortune sticks.  I shook a metal box and out came a stick.  I matched the etchings to the appropriate drawer and took a piece of paper from it.  According to my fortune, "Best Fortune" which is the 2nd best to get.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MvdyGvapucX92Y5iToGEHg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOG1k4zZZvI/AAAAAAAAAz8/0U8DaFleidM/s400/CIMG4280.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; white-space: normal; ">  The ideal one is "Good Luck" because it means its just getting better.  Unfortunately for me, It will be all downhill afterwards.  Off to the side of the temple was a taiko drum performance.  It was pretty cool.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9ivW6REdNLZ-tT8et12Tog?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOG1lYVLqGI/AAAAAAAAA0M/p_GTgRHcyKU/s400/CIMG4170.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><div>Afterwards, we headed down to the Sumida River and took a boat ride to Ryogoku where there is a Sumo Wrestling Arena.  We ran into a few Sumo Wrestlers.  They were quite big but seem to be very humble people.  <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZC1oG_4uQiRj2iHKCUmLPA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN8Kdoj90xI/AAAAAAAAAxM/gZvHWMvPTS0/s400/CIMG4208.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; white-space: normal; ">There were so many people there but we didn't attempt to buy tickets on that day.  </span></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-4933857300914282980?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-31353147098153587392008-09-28T21:48:00.000-07:002008-10-08T09:46:48.399-07:00Early Friday, September 26, I headed off to Kamakura to see the "Daibatsu" or "Great Buddha".  It was no disappointment, this buddha was the biggest I've ever seen.  It was marvelous.  It's about 30 feet tall.  And you can enter inside it for 20 yen.  Its made of bronze (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C5%8Dtoku-in">wiki link</a>).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1KCL33rpqNaaaE_LquOL5g?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOBxX72N8AI/AAAAAAAAAzU/-PEU8OdR01g/s400/CIMG3878.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><div>Then I walked to one of Kamakura's beaches,  Yuigahama Beach.  Its no resort beach.  The sand is dark and quite a few debris and sea weeds.  But the waves are intimidating.  They seemed very violent and windy.  Surfers seem to enjoy it.  I rolled up my jeans and enjoyed soaking my feet for a few minutes.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wHGRCSDH06PdtdvasLIhBQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOBxXsRYOvI/AAAAAAAAAzM/BGliMV3-mBY/s400/CIMG3941.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>Next, I headed up to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsurugaoka_Hachiman_Shrine">wiki link</a>).  Its a beautiful temple.  It was built high above Kamakura with a long flight of stairs to climb.  Over there, we left a prayer in Tagalog and English on a small wooden board for 200 yen (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ema_(Shinto)">wiki link</a>).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tft6cpShIx9N5X04T3MnVQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SOBxYJ5q6lI/AAAAAAAAAzc/OSZFtUtfq9g/s400/CIMG0296.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>After along day trip, the most grueling was a trip to...  Costco!!!  These guys built their warehouse in the middle of nowhere in Kanazawa Seaside.  So far from the subway station, it was inconvenient especially when you don't have your own car and you have to transport bulk groceries.  Costco, I hate you!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-3135314709815358739?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-77900489381071448402008-09-28T10:55:00.000-07:002008-09-29T06:19:06.968-07:00I was back in Tokyo on September 25.  I was feeling exhausted after a couple of days away from Tokyo metro.  But in the afternoon, I thought I'd take it easy and take a trip to the man-made island, Odaiba.<div>First stop is Tokyo Beach.  Walking along the boardwalk and along the sand until I reached ... </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Statue of Liberty??! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: normal; white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RmmuKMYhVA9hlcAReh1RyA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN_M7w_VMNI/AAAAAAAAAys/v2HDhuFT1oU/s400/CIMG0194.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><div>Yes, Japan is the jealous type and they want one of their own.  It's also from France, but its smaller than the American version (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Replicas_of_the_Statue_of_Liberty">wiki link</a>). </div><div>Then, we stop by Fuji Tv and toured their studio promenade where you can peek into the studio sets and tapings from a window up above.  There is also some memorial sets that you can take photos with like "Sushi" (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sushi_TV">wiki link</a>).</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1Cir6GwGjK5lixFm7CPRXw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN_M7p8UJaI/AAAAAAAAAyk/yy6eZd-CRnI/s400/CIMG0206.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>Last stop was the Tokyo Big Sight (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Big_Sight">wiki link</a>), another colossal oddity.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YRHYr2pwKW5jynqVaMHNwQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN_M7XpIlpI/AAAAAAAAAyc/oLXcWhPUt6s/s400/CIMG0215.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-7790048938107144840?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-19335540917331251692008-09-28T03:45:00.000-07:002008-11-28T00:14:31.353-08:00I took a trip to Yokohama City on September 28. The first stop was The Landmark Tower (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landmark_Tower">wiki link</a>). This is an impressive tower (the highest observatory in Japan) that can see all 360 degrees of Yokohama and as far away as Tokyo from far away. This building also has the fastest elevator in Japan at max speed of 750 meters per minute (28 Mph) which they show off in a digital spedometer on the elevator.<span style="WHITE-SPACE: pre;font-size:11;" class="Apple-style-span" > <table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WVbwcVtfSPZkYcrfQWHWiA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN9lohKj8GI/AAAAAAAAAxs/78r2Zbw1x94/s400/CIMG3702.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span>Then I took a ride on a boat ferry that dropped me off at Yamashita Park, where I walked <table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SlnmWU2iJleDdN_LkX4Cyw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c9kD90j1lj8/SN9lpIRpInI/AAAAAAAAAx0/_ePEP9mK6aA/s400/CIMG3803.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table>around and looked at the Sea Guardian Statue, the Red Shoes, and the Indian Drinking Fountain along the park. There was suppose to be a bike rental in the park area too, but I walked around and didn't find it. It was suppose to be near the lighthouse tower. After that, I walked my way to Japan's largest chinatown and had dinner in a kaiten style chinese food restaurant that caught my interest. Then I worked my way to Yokohama Stadium which is home to the BayStars baseball club and took pictures. This was the last stop and I took the train back to Tokyo. <div><div><span style="WHITE-SPACE: pre;font-size:11;" class="Apple-style-span" ><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oYBvJpu3y52WBHJlXQOBXQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN9lph7UqfI/AAAAAAAAAx8/vEkeyJ9x1Wo/s400/CIMG3874.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-1933554091733125169?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-86285713138195393052008-09-27T20:20:00.000-07:002008-09-27T21:04:26.411-07:00After the trip to Mt. Fuji in the morning, we headed down to Hakone in the afternoon to visit Lake Ashi (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Ashi">wiki link</a>).  This is where I got my Hakone Secret Box.  We reached the lake and took a 20 minute cruise <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yH3WKbpVTZBdR7kmbmpxJg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN8BDjBthzI/AAAAAAAAAxE/jDVAa1Gnnkk/s400/CIMG3495.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span>to Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.  We rode the cable car to the top of Mt. Komagatake and viewed Lake Ashi <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HejvVGOHtyu6ZC92djo5RQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN8ArCZKIRI/AAAAAAAAAws/ByUctoQe3wQ/s400/CIMG3588.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span> from there.  We also visited the shrine on top of the mountain <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/REArqyt5Cp0xlJT5Oc33Fw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN8ArbswjbI/AAAAAAAAAw0/sRAUdCurB5Q/s400/CIMG3559.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span> and took pictures of peculiar rocks that were stacked on top of each other there.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zzWWCxwK68HQjry5CNyIrg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN8ArwZIJlI/AAAAAAAAAw8/4Oyw6VTD5AE/s288/IMG_2202.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8628571313819539305?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-84719935903433580392008-09-27T19:37:00.000-07:002008-09-27T21:09:16.488-07:00Well its been a hectic week.  You can say I've been away from the keyboard (afk) because I have been site-seeing this past week.  I have left Tokyo a few times to explore the other parts of Japan.  On September 23, We headed off to climb Mt. Fuji <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h2QjSI_D25RXvzfxu_DFdA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN71cROJGYI/AAAAAAAAAwY/0tiLVz-jw8A/s400/IMG_2030.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span>(on a tour bus).  We reached the 5/8 rest stations to the summit of Mt. Fuji (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mt_fuji">wiki link</a>) and headed back down.   I sent a few post cards from there that was rubber stamped exclusively from Mt. Fuji.  <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wbKF2P9oS-E0qKQgyNrH9g?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SN70zvVvjbI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/DRmmA1xWeWo/s400/IMG_2033.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span>We were the lucky ones on that day because most tour groups don't get to see Mt. Fuji summit because it is often covered with clouds (75% of visitors do not get to see the summit).  Special thanks to Mr. Take, our tour guide.  He made our tour memorable.<div>They say, "Only a fool would climb Mt. Fuji."  </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8471993590343358039?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-70638160856498454852008-09-23T06:52:00.000-07:002008-09-23T07:07:03.228-07:00I bought a rare box from my trip to Hakone.  It's called many names but it only comes from Hakone. <table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HRn-Mq3tSlj3qPIFJws7Ww?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNjzg7lZfpI/AAAAAAAAAvA/nacsfp1mqh8/s400/CIMG3695.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZjdA8k_icP7Axs1cXSDw1Q?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNjzgfcxo6I/AAAAAAAAAu4/9YcfNhViC-g/s400/CIMG3691.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div>It is a trick box (<a href="http://www.yosegipuzzlebox.com/shop_yosegi.html">link</a>) that can only be opened by following a series of steps.  Mine takes 27 steps to open.  It's intricate decoration is beautiful and it is designed to confuse the untrained user.  I made sure I have photocopies of the instructions to open it so that I always have a back-up.  Now, I need something classified to put in it.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-7063816085649845485?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-1083628727856356422008-09-21T08:54:00.000-07:002008-09-21T09:37:14.423-07:00This weekend, I spent two days in Tokyo Disney Resort (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Disney_Resort">wiki link</a>). They have two parks here, Disneyland and Disney Sea. Tokyo Disneyland looks exactly like Disneyland California.<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0XWJW6s3yk_WhOhMXIVubQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNZ05rz93xI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/5BBdzhjqQp8/s400/CIMG2938.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table> <br />It is down to the exact general park layout, but almost all the words spoken were in the theme rides, like Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blaster, is in Japanese. Good thing, I've been to Disneyland California because I've heard the English language version. I bought a good souvenir display of Minnie Mouse in a kimono outfit. The only place you could get it is at Chiba Traders Shop in the park. I rode the must rides for adults like Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blaster, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Carribean. And everyone has to visit It's A Small World ride.<br /><br />Disney Sea (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_DisneySea">wiki link</a>)is different. It's theme is the many coasts and harbors of the world.<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-1GfdBVLASg1YgOXESq-aQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNZ059ms3wI/AAAAAAAAAuY/pWN341BJ6Y4/s400/IMG_1394.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's a better park than Disneyland for thrill seekers. My favorite was Storm Rider. It had that Japanese Anime feel to it like Macross and Final Fantasy VII with the Computer Generated Images (CGI).<br /><br />I'm proud to say that I've been to Tokyo Disneyland. Another Disney dream come true.<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UDUp9vv_nsQdiy7_E-DE6Q?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNZ05Tjso5I/AAAAAAAAAuI/4QYENJ2wYNA/s400/IMG_1726.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-108362872785635642?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-9857002191448640512008-09-20T08:15:00.000-07:002008-09-22T07:24:29.128-07:00Picture of Tamaya beer house.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/strSX_miLSXhwuMNnJwgmw"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNUZ46_XpvI/AAAAAAAAAto/Xtgxiorf56M/s400/CIMG2019.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/BeerFoodsAndBeerNight">Beer Foods and beer night</a></td></tr></tbody></table>On Thursday night, I was back in Shinbashi to get familiar with drinking the way Japanese working class men and women do. These bars are often small and tight. This actually is one of the bigger drinking bars. I met up with my friends Yohko and Ikuko. These pretty ladies are going to be my guides to the many exotic Japanese beer foods. Don't be fooled. They know this art well. <table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y11FZX_t0mvbvWb4B1oBAQ"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNUZ4tc--oI/AAAAAAAAAtg/yaU-tWXjAlQ/s400/CIMG2051.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/BeerFoodsAndBeerNight">Beer Foods and beer night</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Yes, they love these giblets and they are determined to enlighten me of "Japanese traditional beer drinking" during these last two trips to the beer house.<br />*I noticed that the beer here is better when served in a glass. They don't drink from the bottle (most of them anyways).* Warning: Do not try these at home unless you or an expert or Japanese!!! Or in their case, both.<br />Beer food #1 Tamago Yaki<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-GaRNnlJFuHWzb3mLRMWQw"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNUZ3S6lJiI/AAAAAAAAAtA/Bj-a7ewvSfA/s400/CIMG0188.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/BeerFoodsAndBeerNight">Beer Foods and beer night</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Beer food #2 Yakitori<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rjJ8JQsTn-Lyf64KCp2gkg"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNUZ3k-nSLI/AAAAAAAAAtI/18xSNjyoVPw/s400/CIMG2039.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/BeerFoodsAndBeerNight">Beer Foods and beer night</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Beer food #3 Goya Chample<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UCd8s904oCpTMful5aA3Lg"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNUZ3wQ4aZI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/xAhdNPc5chM/s400/CIMG2043.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/BeerFoodsAndBeerNight">Beer Foods and beer night</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Beer food #4 Leba Sashi<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cObgWKVlWoxp_rC8819fHA"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNUZ4ebMTWI/AAAAAAAAAtY/BgTR0yAWqvs/s400/CIMG2056.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/BeerFoodsAndBeerNight">Beer Foods and beer night</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-985700219144864051?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-30167974141897769792008-09-17T23:42:00.002-07:002008-09-18T17:42:13.822-07:00A couple of days ago, I took a side trip to Benten-do on my way home from the Tokyo National Museum. This park is like a strip of land in the middle of a large pond in honor of the patron goddess of arts. There is a boat rental here (which I'd like to try sometime) behind the temple. Here are my favorite photos.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rdW6X3VM_YkNDeTO9usAWQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNLxI8X7wYI/AAAAAAAAAro/qCUlg8NjOgs/s400/CIMG1987.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3-toGslX_lTDxlvJxeAGOQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNLxJNACn1I/AAAAAAAAArw/ndaOpYZBhjI/s400/CIMG1948.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_9vtmHDtmUaI7GJDoV4S4Q?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNLxJg_QLwI/AAAAAAAAAr4/JFDj9S2d4tY/s400/CIMG1959.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-3016797414189776979?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-7577345619456292852008-09-17T23:42:00.001-07:002008-09-17T23:56:38.375-07:00Yesterday, I went to the Tokyo National Museum (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_National_Museum">wiki link</a>) near Ueno Station. It was a pretty good museum to go to. It had a lot of the things that define the Japanese people and their culture. I arrived there 2 hours before closing. I wanted some time to hit the gift shop before closing so (like before), my goal was to finish the museum in 1 hour and 30 minutes. This means, I'll have to cut out the reading and instead take pictures of the labels and anecdotes to read later. I also took pictures of their exhibits as I went along. Photography was forbidden in only a few exhibits that were lent by private owners. <br />In the museum, my favorites were the Noh masks, Japanese paintings, beautiful kimonos, and of course their samurai warrior collection. Take a look.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CC_cm0tAspoxUtfzu1PvWA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNH4I8Ys_7I/AAAAAAAAAqw/F_YWFXHlujs/s400/CIMG1176.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L0wWjxD-5vMSCo-dp3xt-Q?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNH4JCU5TjI/AAAAAAAAAq4/-rvwFg2MvkE/s400/CIMG1377.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ucQkNDVlYov-dEcEvvtfvA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNH4JnHrqDI/AAAAAAAAArI/f9hPg6vbijg/s400/CIMG1469.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mQT-D0ktRv2FEe4G0qeOlg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SNH4JbHgz9I/AAAAAAAAArA/mJh8LOpxOXY/s400/CIMG1439.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br />It was enriching. Look at me soaking it in!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-757734561945629285?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-55568043536708967432008-09-16T07:37:00.000-07:002008-09-16T08:25:05.787-07:00I love to eat sushi. When we saw an 80 yen per plate special, we raided it! Even though we had movie tickets that begins in 45 minutes, we couldn't pass it up. As the plates revolved we pulled 2-3 plates off at a time. (See video of conveyor sushi plates.)<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oxGOJEPerMw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oxGOJEPerMw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />We stuffed sushi in our mouths like there was no tomorrow. I even heard an American group of three sitting next to us say, "They are even more hungrier than we are." In the end, it took us 15 minutes to devour 15 plates of sushi (2 sushi per plate). Thats like one sushi every 30 seconds. That's a personal best! <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3TctO3xXLpJX71vSJE00rg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM_Ln6KSG0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/VNoIMXmKzgk/s400/CIMG0360.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cE6_u1G3iNTC7O3wKQQcyA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM_LnnCNKlI/AAAAAAAAApw/dhqY-5Uwu0I/s400/CIMG0359.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table>Unfortunately, we forgot to thoroughly read the special offer. Only certain colored plates were 80 yen (the blue plates). So we spent approximately $30 for the 2 of us. Which was still not bad. Then we had about 20 minutes left to get to the theater. We made it on time. I love it when a plan comes together.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-5556804353670896743?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-84594050038458931822008-09-16T06:59:00.000-07:002008-09-16T07:42:02.689-07:00I saw another Harajuku oddity the other night. At first, I thought it was a random "Engrish" word that the store owner chose for a candy store or ice cream shop. <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5QFbRfbfjBLp_54LkmC2Jg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM--pltbevI/AAAAAAAAApQ/lwzEpeYMMKE/s400/CIMG0296.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mjUygJ2DXo9jNgADdS4C0g?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM--p7dbN8I/AAAAAAAAApY/U6-VrVmNUfA/s400/CIMG0234.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br />I pointed it out to my friend. But no. My friend took me there to look inside. It was indeed a shop that sold novelty condoms. I don't wanna describe each merchandise but it was pretty extensive and these photos can supply the answers.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fQ0vtwUqfakfEbU6-AUhIw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM--qey7HoI/AAAAAAAAApo/we91UtK3RYI/s400/CIMG0237.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br />And my recommendations...<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xXJskeBKAkZ6khtFpsLbWg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM--qFRLIcI/AAAAAAAAApg/Yrc6jsfURVo/s288/CIMG0236.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><br />In America, I notice it's more discrete, a.k.a "Adult Store" or "Night Dreams", seeing "Condomania" sure is shocking.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8459405003845893182?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-63266254063703538282008-09-14T23:24:00.000-07:002008-09-16T08:23:41.921-07:00It was a fun day yesterday.  I spent the day in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harajuku">Harajuku</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoyogi_Park">Yoyogi Park</a> (Remember Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Girls).  I took videos of performers like the Dancing Elvises and that cool band that rocked the park, Primeaddict.  I also took pictures of cos-play (<a href="http://www.cosplaywiki.org/index.php/Cosplay">wiki link</a>)that make Harajuku's Yoyogi Park famous.  Watch and see the photos.<br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:10px;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1XbUaWss-hQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1XbUaWss-hQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 48px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(124, 141, 141); font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; "></span><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:48px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xjj9UwbuuiNGyccQ--aXAQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM4MBSlTLlI/AAAAAAAAAn0/aLS0svBhFL8/s400/CIMG0243.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B2dSdcau1sjAxMM_hVzmqw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM4MB9javvI/AAAAAAAAAoE/tw2mefoUUfs/s400/CIMG0332.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UH_xaGcJyWhnMnFRHF73WQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM4MCHFZwAI/AAAAAAAAAoM/k7X1n4Votnk/s400/CIMG0300.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wncytaaNbySYgC8_iSQgwQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM4MCdsxZzI/AAAAAAAAAoU/aYKC-IguV1E/s400/CIMG0301.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DJYNOY0lex7GNGvvFwuMmQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM4MCt1MOgI/AAAAAAAAAoc/37_zhKKPH0Q/s400/CIMG0302.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2wcmK0_RWoM_24CTijEb_Q?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SM4MDCFBYYI/AAAAAAAAAoo/vWitla8oEbM/s400/CIMG0328.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-6326625406370353828?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-47352114716072963242008-09-13T07:45:00.000-07:002008-09-13T08:25:11.593-07:00Walking from Gaiemmae Station (met up with a friend in that station) to Harajuku, We saw a small festival off the main road we were walking.  They were celebrating the Autumn festival (the harvest, especially rice), people were dancing and singing, and the taiko drummer (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiko">wiki link</a>) was pounding away.  We rushed over to watch and take pictures.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bZ9fiUfwNb1ivolqm4nE2A?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMvW2S4VUMI/AAAAAAAAAm0/EfOwAqrK5-c/s288/CIMG0223.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dpskM4bFuFVmBi_w_2O2qA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMvW2Ds0N4I/AAAAAAAAAms/6UYgbHmtR78/s400/CIMG0222.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/73Ur058y0DyAbv0Mp9vnWg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMvW2g6-XFI/AAAAAAAAAm8/i4Ka1Jjho4M/s400/CIMG0225.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div>Then we headed over to the festival vendors who were making special foods and treats.  I was interested the wafer sandwich that this old man was making called "Souce Senbei" (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senbeittp://">wiki link</a>).  </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MLFWpKJyreemjjQLdEcoHg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMvW2xEVf2I/AAAAAAAAAnE/rnwOcCR_YKo/s400/CIMG0228.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_XkbzLOetLO_w33RDmm1Kw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMvW3Jp-rEI/AAAAAAAAAnM/Y2LAj0R9G5U/s400/CIMG0229.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div>But before I could purchase one, I had to play his pinball machine (caught sliver of that pinball to the right of the picture) for 200 yen. Where the ball lands determines how many stacks of wafers I get.  I got ten stacks of wafer, the lowest possible (but they can go as high as 100).  Then I chose my filling between Chocolate, Condensed Milk, or Oyster Sauce which he then spread inbetween the wafers.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CVcaxUS6Ge-VE3frXXRB4g?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMvW3aULm9I/AAAAAAAAAnU/ARmho_WDYbs/s400/CIMG0231.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>Ah so special. My friend said I was lucky to see one because it is hardly celebrated in Tokyo City.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-4735211471607296324?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-7910694610393055442008-09-12T16:52:00.000-07:002008-09-12T17:19:57.155-07:00Here are a couple random shots I took around Tokyo:<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4zKN1JVDh7AnT28bKUEp9w?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMsAfXk3Q0I/AAAAAAAAAmE/nRdujBLc8NM/s400/CIMG0160.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>This one is a photo of the amusement area at the Tokyo Dome.  I like this photo because there is alot going on in this picture.  You can see people in the rides and people watching them.  You also see people looking at something that caught their curiosity. I played with soft glow and highlights to make the picture more interesting.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ha7FUfD2I3Ub3aGLkJR-9w?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMsAjQzvZ3I/AAAAAAAAAmM/dwhuI2nuAfY/s400/CIMG0184.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>This one was taken outside Shimbashi Station.  There are lots of very small drinking bars here that many businessmen and women go to.  This photo was mistakenly over-exposed but it turned-out pretty interesting to me.  Notice the train tracks at the top.</div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre;font-size:11px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-791069461039305544?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-62285476271175102902008-09-11T19:58:00.000-07:002008-09-12T16:36:53.061-07:00I found a capsule hotel (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsule_hotel">wiki link</a>) in Shimbashi area and I immediately checked in.  There were no regular capsules ($40), only  VIP capsules ($50). Capsule hotels give people who only plan to sleep overnight an affordable option with sufficient comforts.  After you check in, you go to the locker room to change into your sleeping robe (linen material like hospital robe), store your clothes and locked it.  Then you can use the communal washroom complete with toothbrush and toothpaste provided to you in a packet. <br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E01fC8NxTY33a_4LWS2oWA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMnaosz7YDI/AAAAAAAAAlU/7CvtdK2makI/s400/collage2-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span>After that, I proceeded to my capsule space (a Tokyo native friend compared it to a dog kennel).  Inside there is console control with Alarm, lights, and TV controls for the small 8-inch TV inside aswell as pillows and comforter blanket.  I pulled down the door/shade and slept (here is a picture of me in my Hugh Heffner impersonation).</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0U_mZxww_rpeNGbkLx3sew?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMna2vNUHUI/AAAAAAAAAlk/uglrA47Xodg/s400/CIMG0198.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ESVNd8p83DW3u4ND1xT8IA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMna2SdOaXI/AAAAAAAAAlc/DhV7yd2kfMA/s288/CIMG0204.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span>I kept waking up because it was hot inside (later, I would find out others left their door partly open so that the Air Conditioning would seep in).  After my 4 hours of sleep in that life-fullfilling capsule, I used the washroom to wash my face, changed to my clothes, returned the keys to my locker, and left.  A vacation quest completed!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-6228547627117510290?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-82195491800441462192008-09-11T15:57:00.000-07:002008-09-12T20:34:10.872-07:00<p class="MsoNormal">Since my arrival here in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Tokyo</st1:city></st1:place>, it’s been a blast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>The first three days I was in culture shock. I was trying to learn about the life in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region>, their customs, what I should follow, and how to get around.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>So I was very hesitant at first as I preferred to watch my cousins and other people on how they go about doing things.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>But I learned them quickly and adopted them right away because <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tokyo</st1:place></st1:city> is a fun place to be. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Japan Notes</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">.</span> This is what I learned in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Japan</st1:country-region></st1:place> (and a little explanation with it):<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>There is usually a line (up the escalator, waiting for a bus, buying train tickets).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>Walk on the left side (everybody does and expects you to).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>Avoid touching other people (avoid bumping into them or touching them to call their attention).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>Place your money in the tray when paying (your money is honored so you lay it down on the tray at the register).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>Sort your trash and place recyclables in their proper bin (at home and even in malls and public places you will notice rows of trash cans with labels on which trash goes to which container).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>Speak English in very short phrases (many of the words they use are English words with Japanese pronounciation, so they will often pickup those words in what you say).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Glitzy </span></span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Tokyo.</span></span> <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Tokyo</st1:city></st1:place> has big tall buildings and lots of lights and Big TV screens everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>In other times, you will notice how every land space is used and maximized.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>You will notice how buildings are merged with the overhead tracks or roads.  <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tokyo</st1:place></st1:city> is breathe-taking all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>The problem is how to capture that exhilaration in a photograph.</st1:place></st1:city></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Humor and Oddities</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">.</span> There are funny and uncommon things I see all around.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>You have seen a few of them in my blogs but there are more that I could not capture the significance in my photographs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>Their English translations (“Engrish”) are often funny and/or ridiculous.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>Their over the top outfits and costumes. Their cars and trucks are miniaturized.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>Their shops are small and cute.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>Their appliances are small and cute too.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Exploring <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tokyo</st1:place></st1:city> these last ten days has been a lot of fun. And there are many more that I haven’t been to.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>I may not know everything about <st1:city st="on">Tokyo</st1:city> in one month but I have already alot experiences and memories of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tokyo</st1:place></st1:city> so far.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8219549180044146219?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-75125147951358474432008-09-10T18:32:00.000-07:002008-09-10T18:43:29.140-07:00I've never seen one until yesterday but apparently they are popular all over the world.  Love Padlocks are padlocks that are locked to a fence and couples or friends write things on the padlock, ie "Jack loves Jill".  Here is the one I saw at the Tokyo Dome:<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AFxkKST_3_r4_5e61a8yVg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMh09QdUQRI/AAAAAAAAAko/6npFmp_Nn3M/s400/CIMG0162.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; "><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YsSfsDYwqK7vk4_vNv2Q5g?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMh3hfGA3MI/AAAAAAAAAkw/eqSPgIz_s-A/s400/CIMG0163.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table></span> </span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-7512514795135847443?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-43732644380019973872008-09-10T07:06:00.000-07:002008-10-05T06:33:50.598-07:00One of my vacation goals was to wear my Dodger jersey to a baseball game in Japan.  I decided to go to the Tokyo Dome and have my picture taken there.  Its a nice looking dome and I was excited to be there.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zik-7CGDbRimAvOV4P73OQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMfUStnutcI/AAAAAAAAAkA/FzA8Luo78iA/s288/CIMG0151.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AlHr9EewxlNcrYs-xOX3LA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMfUR9tJMcI/AAAAAAAAAjo/vjTE4zWwjJE/s288/CIMG0139.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But lo and behold, I am revolted by the sights of Giants Jerseys everywhere and I suddenly remembered its the home of the Tokyo Giants.  I thought to myself, "This is hell!!!"  Though I wanted a souvenir Jersey, as a True Blue Dodger Fan, I could not bring myself to buy any Giants paraphanelia. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/w7-KlcclVOiHUAnAAHyDuw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMfUSQl6yVI/AAAAAAAAAj4/1hik9eHhf7o/s288/CIMG0140.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EyUHeX9j2Qef4SEgwT430A?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMfUSxAG6PI/AAAAAAAAAkI/-lDRinobdos/s288/CIMG0144.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>Instead, I purchased a Hanshin Tiger Shirt as a remembrance.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-4373264438001997387?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-80794407895796687682008-09-10T06:37:00.000-07:002008-09-10T06:53:51.789-07:00I found an interesting restaurant called "Unbalanced" owned by retired sumo wrestler Konishiki. He is Hawaiian but has found great success in Japan.  Here is a life-sized cardboard cut-out of him. <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j5zrClZJ2pB8CUb2a0zBDw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMfNWgammmI/AAAAAAAAAjY/y9CFUcUE_Ow/s400/CIMG0182.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>Beside his colossal figure to the right is his monstrous hamburger called the Konishiki Burger.  It is so big in scale that it even dwarf's those onion rings.  Price tag for a Konishiki Burger: $40 USD.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vLQ-fE6Uwy3_GflMHRmJGQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMfNXLVbAOI/AAAAAAAAAjg/7rq0V6jhAqg/s400/CIMG0183.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>Devouring one would be priceless.  But I'd have to work up to the weight class of Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut.  Next time, Konishiki, I will return and conquer your burger.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8079440789579668768?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-79960447440051403062008-09-08T04:55:00.000-07:002008-09-08T05:38:04.342-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-family:arial;font-size:9px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:16px;">I visited the scenic Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens today near the Daimon Station. Its a beautiful Japanese garden. I took lots of pictures and here are some of my favorite ones:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:9px;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="500" height="300" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&amp;captions=1&amp;RGB=0x000000&amp;feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fflaminghotdice.ianlp%2Falbumid%2F5243616774890068545%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"> See the photos in detail at http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/KyuShibaRikyuGardens#</span></span></span><br /></div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-7996044744005140306?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-80925375325620195372008-09-07T05:16:00.000-07:002008-09-07T14:00:09.150-07:00I walked by a video game arcade and decided to look around.  It was 6 floors BIG!!!  But... I've never seen this type of video game before.  The picture below is an arcade game where cards (similar to baseball cards) were used to interact with the game and fight battles.  I play some RPG games and I've played some card games similar to Magic The Gathering, but this one is the best of both worlds.  They even have a vending machine selling starter packs and booster packs.  I guess within the card is a chip that interacts with the screen surface. Check it out below:<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iiLmCC9bsBBQXuma8t_a_Q?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMPF1levDRI/AAAAAAAAAfk/sXmWurPcgFM/s400/collage.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8092537532562019537?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-77920046427685624652008-09-07T04:42:00.000-07:002008-09-12T07:19:40.670-07:00Shopping in Akihabara today and noticed this place.  Lots of these coin operated capsule dispensing machines called "Gashapons" (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gashapon">wiki link</a>).  There are literally aisles and aisles of these things.  Mostly Japanese anime machines, but there are some Disney and Peanuts machines too.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bPnTv2YDKQIgNOoQG-8Ybw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMPBZWCJaxI/AAAAAAAAAfM/adYRT6X0NOA/s400/SDC10853.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PHu2pcLxMGL4GkYgVhasJA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMPBZmGpYxI/AAAAAAAAAfU/alSAzWhB6PM/s400/SDC10855.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>I just had to try Metal Gear Solid 4...</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rW55LvZu8gRZAvGbxIUcjg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMPBZ6jxXwI/AAAAAAAAAfc/HaFWUNI0wtY/s400/SDC10856.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>Got my capsule...And Meh... There it is.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i4DkjD6aLYHTxgeV_NnsXw?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMPBY0ZRRfI/AAAAAAAAAe8/wGu4SQ9_adM/s400/CIMG0004.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-7792004642768562465?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-31507173296517550082008-09-05T04:12:00.000-07:002008-09-05T04:28:28.633-07:00Wanna save water? Southern California is always in a drought it seems and Gov. Arnold wants Californians to conserve water every summer.  Well, Governor, Japan has got the solution right below.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9SM8dpBcp8rZRr69-yldkg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SMEWL8YogHI/AAAAAAAAAdw/xL3Lw-Qm9qA/s400/SDC10850.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>It is reported that most of the water we waste is in flushing the toilet.  Well, now we can put that water to good use.  The comode above recycles hand washing water and uses it to fill up the toilet tank for the next waste flushing.  How about that?!  We Americans are clueless.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-3150717329651755008?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-88097121975292924532008-09-04T06:52:00.000-07:002008-09-04T13:51:17.941-07:00Today, I walked around the Ropongi Hills shopping center.  It was a maze but it was a nice place to look around.  Also located in that area is the Asahi TV building (a Network TV company) where there is a museum and an outdoor area that is great to unwind and relax.  Check out the photo I took of it below:<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1VoMuaktWhgcDpwcJ2IdNg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SL_ngn0Xn4I/AAAAAAAAAcE/yD82oHxtvUc/s400/SDC10828.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div>Then in the evening, I took another photo from the third floor of a corner building where we had dinner.  This one is a long exposure shot of the Ropongi Station crossing.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/atVWo2TAkCfNiVWBReksIg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SL_nhdF3w3I/AAAAAAAAAcM/5YQaKvUK1Jc/s400/SDC10840.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8809712197529292453?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-88868557070753767072008-09-03T16:50:00.000-07:002008-09-03T17:15:27.608-07:00I had a dinner in Shibuya District last night.  It was a cheap dinner but it sure was interesting.  My cousin led me into this restaurant, sort of like fastfood, but it sure was efficient.  As we enter the restaurant we look at this vending machine with the menus and prices.<div><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6chk7Cqmk6a2-tH_nIOMqg?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SL8Us41_DAI/AAAAAAAAAbM/7GhxBhq9sUo/s400/SDC10816-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Then we enter the coins in the slot and make our selection.  A ticket comes out and you take a seat in long bar-like table where the waitress and cook on the otherside, check your ticket and begin to make your order.  This is what the ticket looks like: </div><div><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rQK3bAtGLXOSajR1XCH_ZA?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SL8Ubkmhx8I/AAAAAAAAAa8/HWxfvX3dUDE/s400/SDC10815-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>A few minutes later and dinner is served.   Yum, Curry and Rice and a side of Miso soup.  </div><div>($4 USD)</div><div><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zi69VZqMnTgOsmnPeRNMrQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SL8UbwSDKzI/AAAAAAAAAbE/jrx-GiYoRzw/s400/SDC10814-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-8886855707075376707?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-46297944566204428412008-09-03T15:54:00.000-07:002008-09-03T16:02:44.914-07:00<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iueH8WglDWrnM9-VRnZi0w?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SL8UbWg_qgI/AAAAAAAAAa0/iggBKdvfdlo/s400/SDC10802-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Check out this funny idea.  It's 1GB of sushi storage!  Who would have thought so much could fit in a sushi. It looks so real and yummy.  Could be an office prank too until your co-worker whacks you in the head with his Stapler.  It cost approx. $72 USD.  Anyone got wasabi and soy sauce?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-4629794456620442841?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-56602262432826245092008-09-02T15:42:00.000-07:002008-09-02T16:19:10.658-07:00Behold the mythical revolving parking garage! I can't believe I'm seeing one so easily so soon. It's right outside the apartment. OMG!<br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_g0AQvd7TxZ9n67YcwMF6w?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SL23z2LcPiI/AAAAAAAAAZE/d3fZ7Qf6mnY/s400/Japan%20097.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-5660226243282624509?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-46682827688614290722008-09-02T13:33:00.000-07:002008-09-02T16:19:25.833-07:00I've landed in Narita Airport yesterday met up with my cousins as I came off the plane. They used their diplomatic privileges and easily escorted me through Japanese Immigration. Driving from the airport to Tokyo, I saw some very different cars and trucks compared to the U.S. Tokyo is vast with tall buildings and cramped spaces. I arrived in Roppongi where my cousin lives. Very small but I was impressed at the layout of the rooms.<br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BgV6yxNvndpCPchQ2r7ZlQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SL23zWP9D3I/AAAAAAAAAYs/yrGD3tyar6s/s144/Japan%20090.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />and my room with Tatami mats.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h_pqvXH98BjhB5vnDpB2gQ?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/SL23zHoTttI/AAAAAAAAAYk/6ulUYx2REJ0/s400/Japan%20092.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/flaminghotdice.ianlp/Japan?authkey=33SLDEIEmKM">Japan</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-4668282768861429072?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089289398843289715.post-8292756278602044052008-08-24T00:51:00.000-07:002008-09-02T16:19:40.911-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c9kD90j1lj8/SLETQZRnfsI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/rw92D2vdXL8/s1600-h/SDC10753-2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c9kD90j1lj8/SLETQZRnfsI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/rw92D2vdXL8/s320/SDC10753-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237989013992210114" border="0" /></a>Eight days left before I leave for Japan. I am excited. This is my first post and I wanted to test this new blog I created. This is a picture taken 3 days ago in <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/landing?name=DisneysCaliforniaAdventureLandingPage">Disney's California Adventure Park</a> after a cartoon class in <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/attractions/detail?name=DisneyAnimationAttractionPage">Disney Animation Academy</a>. I've had lessons on how to draw <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Skeleton">Jack Skellington</a>. And if you are wondering about the patches of dark blue on my shirt and my wet hair, thats because my friends and I rode on Grizzly River Run, a wet water rafting ride prior to the attending the class. I was feeling fresh and clean.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4089289398843289715-829275627860204405?l=ianlovesjapan.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ian Owa Lim Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790476919396561617noreply@blogger.com1