.Sunday, 25 April 2010 ' 11:24 pm Y
yes i know, it's been darn long since i last updated, and it's been more than a month since my japan trip, but i'm going to update about it anyway since i need to do a presentation abt it soon... x_x
*-1st day-*
We spent about 7h flying from Singapore to Tokyo. Watched Kaiji on the airplane. Argh, it's too morbid, it makes me sick (n like an insomniac). Shall not go on to the details of how morbid it is, and how ugly (no offence to anyone who likes Kaiji) the manga art is (coz when i went back s'pore i went to look it up, and regretted. lol.)
Tokyo has only 1 hour time difference from Singapore (but somehow i kept wanting to fall asleep throughout the journey!! ok, so mayb it's just me -.-)
It's a sightseeing day on the 1st day, so, fresh out of the airport (where I experienced the true coldness of Nihon for the 1st time), we went ahead to the Imperial Palace (although i would have much preferred to check in at the hotel first, coz' it would have helped lots, like LOTS.) The winds were so strong my umbrella was going to fly away, and it was so bitterly cold that my ears felt painful. Drizzles that kept up for the whole day was not helpful at all. It's supposed to be near spring alr! Goodness.
We did not get to view much of the Imperial Palace though. It would have been nice if it was warm, lol. (Practically ran back to the bus!!) Apparently, no tourists can go inside, so we are actually only touring the garden. It's also said to be much smaller than in the past, as much of it has given way to modern development. The most notable feature was probably the long pebble pathway, which was said to help keep away ninjas who might have been hired to assassinate the emperor (after all, it's quite impossible to not make noise stepping on pebbles. I'll like to see Kakashi try. Haha.)
Went on to Sensoji after that. I kinda remember it better as the 雷龙门 temple, coz of the legend tt the tourguide shared with us (I'm actually awake! Rejoice!). Legend has it tt a pair of fisherman brothers managed to fish up a 24 carat gold statue of the Goddess of Mercy in the sea. It was revered, but as the whole village was poor, the statue was said to be given less than ideal conditions. With thanks to the funding of rich warlords and charitable samurai, the temple Sensoji was built. It was said that when it was completed, a lightning bolt shaped like a dragon hit the entrance of the gate! Tt's where it's kanji name is from.
Sadly, the statue was destroyed in the bombings of the last world war... T_T (I would have loved to see it!) People still do believe that the presence of the Goddess of Mercy remains though, so there r still many worshippers. (Buddhism was said to be the major religion of Japan in the past, but now most Japan follow the Shinto religion.)
Got to see the fountains where ppl would wash their hands/ drink before praying, and immersing ur face in incense smoke (said to bring health, or something). Rather fascinating to note subtle influences of Chinese culture on Japan..
Bought some amazing foodstuffs, including fresh red bean cake (nice...!) and sweet wine (quite nice but gets too sweet [esp the smell] aft a while. I now crave 1 though..)
After a nice lunch, we headed to Harajuku! I was kinda looking forward to it as I was hoping to see Japanese cosplayers that would usually gather round the stations on Sunday. However, it was raining and they left! T_T! Sadded. Went down the streets to look at clothes instead. It had quite a mixed variety of upmarket brands and developing local brands. I was not really impressed overall considering that it is said to be the most hip and happening place.. Mayb my expectations were too great. The rain is also to blame. x.x We also noticed how nearly everyone has a transparent umbrella for the rain, n we wondered why we never (if ever) had transparent umbrellas in Singapore. N I realised later it's because Singapore's sun is way too strong.. Transparent umbrellas would be useless. -.-"
We finally checked in! Was guided by tour guide on nearby places for food. Was too tired and just went back directly for instant mee..
Day 2 => To be continued..
#QNing~
If the enemy seeks us to surrender,
I, like a true Japanese man,
Will say "I'll consider it",
"Perhaps next time",
"We'll use discretion"
By all which I mean "NO"!
