Tokyo Japan Day1

We board the plane on the Midnight of Friday, transited at Taiwan, and reached Narita Airport on a lovely Saturday morning. Finally we were in Japan, the first steps into our Japan story.

Say hello to the lovely people who were with me in this Japan adventure.
From the left, Bellra, Nazmi, Joanne, BenJ, and that's me on the right.
The one with the pretty manicure is Sindy.

Firstly, we got our suica pass. It is their ezlink equivalent in Singapore. So that we are able to make our way to the hostel. For the one week of vacation, we will be staying in Tokyo. Just Tokyo. So we're skipping other complicated train routes, JR pass and other stuff. Tokyo alone is enough to make me dizzy, and we only have a week, Tokyo Prefecture is way too big. Much less trying to go other places in Japan, I'll leave it for next time.

I have always heard stories from friends who came back from Japan talking about the amazing convenient food, and also read from manga, seen from anime. This is really an eye opener. The degree of awesomeness is way over the top, can't even compare to what we have in Singapore. The choices they give us, made us stuck there for so long. Our first meal is Japan.

The variety is really wide. And they have so many shelves of bento, sandwiches. Makes you want to try everything. Lunch was a hard decision.

Ever so famous and recommended, korokke bread and yakisoba bread.

We ate in the station while waiting for the train. Because we were hungry, and we have heard they in Japan, you can eat on trains. So why not. I was a little scared at first, but my stomach got the better of me.

Their trains are quite complicated. Some platforms have trains going to different places and really confused the hell out of me. Good thing is, the trains are very on time, on time to the minute. So as long as we stick to the clock, I guess we'll be on the right track.

On our way to the hostel.

Japan looking clean everywhere.

Wanted to try this, looks so interesting.

These are pufferfish. For sashimi.

And we found it, with a trusty map and our not bad navigation. Asakusa Ryokan Toukaisou.
We really have to thanked the staff there. They have been a great help. They staffs speak English which is a big relief and one of my friend was sick, and they had helped us locate a clinic nearby.

The common room, so peaceful here.

We still had half a day after settling down, so we decided to go take a walk around the area.

While we were there, it was still the end of Spring. Air is clear and fresh, temperature is slightly cool (but very cold at night), and the flowers are pretty. Just like how manga artist had drawn in their manga.

Looks popular.

Dango and mochi.

This is a store that would appear every corner of this street, they sell snacks made from sweet potato.

And of course, everyone's favorite. Shaved ice.

Walking through the street really fells like walking down something drawn out from the manga.
I'm-living-in-a-manga-right-now feeling. o0

A random building we came across as we were walking down the street. Asakusa is one of the area in Tokyo prefecture that is still deep in their traditional culture, so it isn't a big surprise that an Endo building just popped out in the streets. But even so, it's kind of amazing.

These dogs are just so cute and we have seen many more people walking their dogs. It's really common for them and everyone is so friendly.

This is the street from Kaminarimon (thunder gate) towards the Sensoji Temple.

Filled with tons of goodies, food and souvenir stores.

I have no idea what are these, but the crowd is huge and the stuff looks amazing. =]

Teru Teru Bouzu. They are the weather dolls charm (that is supposed to be a monk figure) which kids will make to wish for a sunny day.








We are finally here at Sensoji Temple.

We can see the Tokyo sky tree from a distance here. Looks near, but I (and my seniors) really recommend you to not try to walk there. They tried, and they suggest you to keep your energy to walk when you reached there instead. It is not as close as it looks like. And by the time you reach there, you be so tired that you won't want to walk around the malls anymore. Plus, their malls are quite big as well.

The iconic giant lantern at the doorstep of the temple.

This is O-mikuji , for telling your fortunes.
First, you should give some offerings.


Then, take the container of lots and shake it until one of the lot drops out, remember to put the lot back in so that other people may use it too.

Find the number that corresponds to your lot, and see what it says about your fortune.

If it's good, then good for you. If not, then you are supposed to tie it on the bars so that the priest may be able to pray for you (or something like that), my mum says you have to tie it loosely so that your prediction and bad luck may fall off easily.

The locals there were gathering around this huge incense burner and using their hands to bring the smoke to and around them. I can't imagine why would they want to smell smoky (it sticks to your clothes and your hair, well... I wouldn't mind if it was the smoke from delicious BBQ) but being raised from a Chinese superstitious family is telling me it signifies protection.

Before you pray, you are supposed to purify yourself. Through washing you hands and mouth at the water basin. Most temple will have them and this one looks freaking cool.

Burning stuff. Why????

The shorter building below is the souvenirs and charms store. Their business timing is on the dot, just like how their trains operate on the dot. We were there looking at the merchandise and exactly when the clock strikes 5pm, they pulled down the shutters. I'm really impressed by their sense of timing.

This below, is their offering box. The people will thrown in some coins through the bars and make a prayer.

Lots of different kind of Charms. They have some for health, for doing well in exams, for safety in journey, for luck and wealth, marriage, safe delivery of a baby. All sorts. That's very thoughtful of them.

On our way back through the streets, we walked on the back streets to avoid the crowd, which turned out to be a lovely surprise. I can't really put a finger to what's so surprising until later when I realized that even the backstreets are clean and pretty. The deep red paint against the clear blue sky. No stray rubbish anywhere.

Many for the restaurants had the glass display with plastic food. Looks really appetizing even though it's fake. It's like cheating on you.

Japanese MacDonald

Takoyaki!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Delicious!! They are sightly bigger than what we normally have in Singapore, and they have a very yummy crispy and chewy skin. With all the toppings....................

This is with the Egg Mayo.

With Mentaiko flavour.

Out of the world and cannot be compared. They are the first few things I missed about Japan when I came back.

Later, we went to the tourist information center. The building opposite the Kaminarimon street on the left side.


And in the lobby, there's a fantastic 3D model of the area. We have got some maps in English from them too.
Also, they have a open to public rooftop area which is pretty cool too.

I was doing some homework before we reached Japan, and this was one of the cafes I found in that area.
Wanted to try them but didn't have the time too, but my friend did went there. Excellence place if you've got a super sweet tooth. But don't go there with an empty stomach, it'll make you sick. (from experience)

Random stuff on the streets.

For dinner, we went to Matsuya. They are very similar to Yoshinoya in Japan, serving rice bowls with the fast food concept.

Weird that I was eating kimchi in Japan, but it was good. Love their eggs.

After that, we went to Rox basement supermarket to stock on our water supply.
Random shellfish that I thought was interesting. How do you eat those?

Japan makes me fat.

Their bread section. They all look delicious.

It was night time, and how is it that they still looked so fresh?

Beautiful apple pie. I want to eat everything I see!

Bedtime is closing in, Bellra and I still wanted to walk around some more while the others were resting.
We came across a drunk man laying on the streets in his suit. I was kind of in shocked and traumatized, but the manga I read assured me that it is normal.

It's really cold in the night. We walked past this yakiniku place, and the aroma came drifting out. =[
Food....

Spotted a very cool vehicle outside this hotpot shop. Hotpot is nabe in Japanese, but it sounds a bit like vulgarities in Singapore. =[

Came across the arcade, tons of UFO catchers.

Which made my friends spend a bomb.

Ridiculously neat stacking of the toys.


Slot machines, a classic in Japan gambling industry.
The air in there is horrible with all the people smoking inside.

And right beside the arcade, we found it.
Battling center.

This is in our checklist of things to do in Japan. =]
We were too tired that day but we promised ourselves to bring the rest in another time. ^^

That's all for day one. It's a really long day and it took me some time to get used to the messy train routes.

Food in Japan is amazing, they have the ability to make your mouth drool even right after a hearty dinner. 

Thank God for the wonderful trip. 

Local rants: It's all about the haze right now

I know you have probably already heard a million rants about the current issue: The haze in Singapore.
But I have yet to voice out my opinion about this haze.
So please allow me to...

I didn't mind it actually, until I found out the responses of the Indonesians. Those who called us childish.



One thing that I hate the most is causing inconvenience for other people.

I used to be a baby. (Who doesn't?)
I'm talking about being a baby in the brains, like when you need help with almost everything.
For instance, I used to need lots of help with computer stuff, help with schoolwork stuff, help with carrying stuff, help with other stuff, and help with a lot of stuff.
I needed help everywhere I go, and I had enough of this life.

After some time, I learnt to do things myself.
There's Google and there's Youtube.
I thought that maybe, perhaps, just a tiny little bit, I have became too overly independent.
(Might have made my parents sad, I really don't know)
Although sometimes, it really cannot be helped.
I still need help with my laundry, and need help with reminders.
Many other things too, but when I know that I can do it myself, I'll try to not use an extra finger.
I really hate it if I have troubled other people.


So back to the topic; The Haze.
True that we cannot expect farmers to always spend so much time cutting the trees down one by one and then fertilize to the soil.
From the business and human nature perspective, it just takes too much time and too much effort.
Humans are generally lazy.
If there is a short cut method and a more convenient way, then proper procedure would be a total waste of resources.
Just burn it, and that's what they did.

Great way to fertilize your soil!
Care only about mother nature when it is beneficial for you.
What about the ozone layer?
Doesn't it go into their minds that all the carbon dioxide that would be released from the flames?
And the health of their own people?
How many more millions people did you inconvenienced as a result?l

Every single year.
This is already over the limit of inconvenience.

And human's health is at stake.

While I also have the ability to understand certain things are not deliberate.
It's not like they intentionally set fire to engulf Singapore with thick smoke.
It's not like they purposefully make the people sick with the ashes in the air.
It's not like they directed the wind carrying all the harmful effects of their actions to us.
In fact, I don't think it is what they want at all.

But still. Indonesia, your minister is not helping.

The response? Stop acting like a baby? When they clearly do not have any repentance over the issue, they dared to insult us?  

You have chosen the wrong choice of words, and the wrong way to say it.

I have a dear friend who ended up in the emergency ward for what they had brought us. I will not see my country and friend being insulted by your insensitive words.


Singapore is a wonderful country.
I agree that Singaporeans are spoiled and pampered. But we are like this mainly because we are able to and we can afford it. It is our habit to take things for granted, but who don't? It's the human nature. Just because God had flavored us greatly that he bless us protection from natural disasters, and that we are not used to the haze like you do, it doesn't mean that we are being a baby.

As I have said, I don't mind it at all. We just have to wear the mask, take better care of ourselves and protect the kids. At the very most, we have to strengthen our health and security department, and everyone who is more affected would have to hide away at home. Even if the whole nation goes under cover and drag our economy down, as much as the people and their health is concerned, i think that there is nothing more important.

And as a side note, I really think we should give some credit to our government. Though it is not perfect, but it is already the best that it can be. And it will be better still.

I believe Indonesia is so big that it is already split with all the differences in views. I'm sure you have enough troubles of your own. I pray for peace in your country. If I were a lesser believer, I would have assumed everyone in your country thinks that we are babies and surely, I would be cursing at that time.

I pray for your government to have more wisdom before they provoke a fight with your neighbors, and I pray that your government will have a greater love for your own people. May God bless you, Indonesia.


God bless the rest of us in Singapore and anyone else affected with protection in health and strength to go through this haze.

Update:

Praised The Lord as he had freed me from the anger of this insult. Yes, God longs for people and harmony, and He is the ultimate peace maker. PTL.

The sky is so big

Whenever I travel, I like to sit at the window seat.
So that I could always have a good view of the sky that stretch out to cover all areas on the earth.
The sky is stunningly beautiful.

I was thinking to myself that the sky is so big. There couldn't be anything that is bigger.

And God is saying that He is greater.

For he is the creator of all things, and he is the one who had planted the stars in the sky.

He is definitely greater. 

And the same God who created all things said that He love us as we are. He accepts all our faults and tears. Even though we do not deserve; He love us, He saved us, and He have great plans for us. God will persevere and be stubborn for us, He will fight for us and not let us go, and whatever breaks our heart, He knows and it breaks His heart too. God is a good God.

Dear Lord, remind me to not take you or the things you have given me for granted. Amen.

God Bless.

I will be away for awhile.

Saw this in Comic's Collection. o0
Isn't it weird? Chopper with the Merlion
It's like Chopper came to Singapore or something.

I apologise (though I'm not very sure to whom) for not updating as often as I could have.

But right now, I have an extremely important announcement to make.

I'm going Japan!!

Finally!!!

After such a long time of planning T-T

Yay!!

I'm flying tomorrow night, and I have yet to pack my bag. D=

Going with friends and seniors from my Japanese culture club.

We'll be going Tokyo and I'll be eating lots of Sushi and Ramen =]

I think I have waited long enough, really can't wait for tomorrow.

So, please look forward for my update on the trip ^^

(I try to remember to take lots and lots of pictures)

By God's grace, I have very healthy nails and a good set of teeth (with a little chip off on my front tooth, but the fault is my own)

I would always feel very unjustified when someone older comment on how tender looking my hands are, and then they would say that I must have been very pampered and did not help out with the housework.

And my traitorous brain would shut down and make me unsure of how to response. (Like always)

Only after I got home, do I realize why the comment bothered me so much.

I admit that I don't do much housework, my room is always in a mess and my bed is made only once in a blue moon. But I do help when my parents needed them. Sometimes I cook and often would wash the dishes, other times I would sweep the floor when the my sister's and my fallen hair starts to bother me. The reason why my hand doesn't look wrinkly is mainly because I'm a healthy 21 years old, who looks way younger than her age. How do they expect my hands to look like? Like a homely and mature person who is full of responsibilities, when my face lies to people that I might be in secondary school? 

It is really unfair to judge how much housework a person does with her hands. If it is really necessary to judge, then at least when I'm 30 years old or something. By then, time and age would have definitely left a considerably amount of scars from the sun and all, and if my hands still look like a 20 year old, then I would probably admit that I'm a pampered and spoiled princess at home. If not, then I'll be a nice person and share with you the secret of the extremely wonderful and miraculous hand cream I'm using. 

This is not me. She's my sister. My younger sister.

Bought some new shades for us both for the trip. She is going Batam with her friends next week too.


And the below is me, from a few years back.

Found some photos when I was still in JCG.

It was our self proclaimed braids day. Wearing blue is just a coincident.

This is my dear friend Anna, we went to Universal studio when she came back to Singapore a few years ago. I pray that you are doing well and looking good as ever =]

This update sure is random.
Oh wells.

God bless you and our trip to Japan. =]