Didn't get to use my laptop at all in Tokyo, so I'll be posting about the last 2 days in Tokyo here in one post, since there's nothing much except shopping, really.
7 August - We were greeted by this beautiful sight in the morning.
That was a nice present given to us on our last day in Tohoku. Then, taking the Shinkansen..
We reached Tokyo!!
And we began on another shopping spree, only this time it is food everywhere.
Next, we visited the University of Tokyo.
For free and easy at night, it's shopping at Tokyo again! We went to Harajuku and Shinjuku. However, the shops in Japan closes very early, thus didn't get to shop much.
And there's a very impressive touch screen vending machine which will recommend you the drink of the day specially for you when your face is detected. I think the machine will just allocate randomly though.
Back at the hotel, I finally got to try McPork!! At least it is something I will never get to try in Singapore. The pork patty is softer and more tender than the usual McChicken/McSpicy/Fillet O'Fish. おいしい！
Sorry for a lousy picture, the official one from McDonald's Japan definitely look much more appealing.
8 August - Having stayed up too late the day before, slept all the way through till brunch. The breakfast hall was HUGE. Then after breakfast we went for a lunch reception. (See how close the timings were)
Then we head off to our last minute shopping spree and visits again. This time, we went to Shibuya 109 (finally!), entrance of the Meiji Shrine and Akihabara.
Some random pictures:
At Aikihabara, we visited the maid cafe and also the exterior of Gundam Cafe.
We had a great time shopping, but because of the lack of time everything has to be rushed. Immediately after the shopping we have to rush back to the hotel then head straight for the airport. Then, it's back to Singapore.
Good things always comes to the end quickly. As usual, I always tell myself I will go back to JAPAN again!
This day, we attended the Sendai Tanabata Festival. The whole street is beautifully decorated with tanabata. すごい～～
Despite the extremely warm weather, the street is really appealing to our eyes and many people came for this festival. Of course, when it comes to tanabata festival, we would have to write down our wishes!
And many people can be seen on the streets sharing the news of the gospel.
Well, I think it is better to let the pictures do the talking, so here goes:
And I found a store selling Date Masamune's (anime version) items! It's limited edition clear files for the tanabata but unfortunately I do not have time to queue! =(
Back to shots from the festival:
Very soon, we made our way to the Mitsui Outlet Park for shopping. And that is where I got my yukata.
Didn't get to take a lot of photos as time was limited. We were all busy shopping and eating so we didn't care much about taking photographs. The Ferris wheel reminded me of the one at Venus Fort in Tokyo.
Next, we went to Sendai Airport, which was affected by the March 11 Tsunami. The airport already resumed its operations.
Then it's to my favourite hotel, Kinugawa Onsen!! 鬼怒川プラザホテル.
The place is very traditional Japanese styled, with outdoor and indoor onsen (hot spring)! We had a good time at the onsen and also having a new room mate, Kazue Sato-san with us.
The room -
And the hall where all 100 of the ambassadors + media + staff have dinner in. これもすごい！We had dinner as well as games and entertainment here in the hall.
and, dinner...
And the day shall end with the fortune samurai dog! Now who says dogs cannot bring you fortune?
Day 3, in my opinion, is the most meaningful day, which is also the main highlight of the trip. This day, we went to Rikuzentakata, one of the worst hit tsunami areas to engage in some volunteer work for the people there. Our task is simply to clear some debris to prepare for a makeshift car park for the upcoming festival the residents intend to hold there.
We arrived to the volunteer centre after some travelling, and we could see from the volunteer centre the various tools needed for the volunteer works.
After what seemed to be a very long wait for admin matters and preparation, we finally head off the the area where the tsunami struck. I don't know how to describe my feelings when I saw how the area was like. The contrast was really huge. From the beautiful cheerful greenery to an area where you seem to be only able to see one colour. The colour of rust, of ruins, of sadness. There are debris piled up; cars and houses that were damaged by the tsunami can be seen everywhere. Looking at all these, one can't help but think how small we human beings are.
The people at the volunteer centre and those we met at the site are very warm and friendly. They expressed their gratitude to us even what we have done is so insignificant compared to their months of hard work to rebuild the area.
Through this experience, I am even more certain of the strong willpower of the Japanese, as well as having such a united community which I think is very worthy of learning from. Perhaps this is where the charm of Japan lies, because after all it is the people who play a part in shaping the impression other people will have for a country. I admire them for being able to stay strong and their "one-for-all, all-for-one", self-less spirit.
I am also taught to count my blessings more, since we live in a country where there are no major natural disasters and we get to enjoy peace and harmony. Fellow Singaporeans, we are such a bunch of fortunate people.
Looking at the pace of how things are done, I would say the affected areas are definitely recovering at a steady speed. Very soon, we should be able to expect things to go back to usual.
Start of Day 2, and I tried 納豆 (Natto) for the first time in my life. Conclusion: I am not very used to it, although some of my friends like it a lot. Back to the main point, we visited Hiraizumi Chuzonji Temple which was listed as the UNESCO World Heritage site recently. It has a very traditional feel and there are lots of tourists visiting the area. I like the tranquility there. Some shots around the area: Next, we moved on to the Iwate Prefectural Office, and on the way we had our second obento in Japan.
At least I was able to finish this one! Through a very insightful interaction with the officers at the office, we got to understand more about the disaster. We also visited the 岩手県立大学 (Iwate Prefectural University). We visited the Volunteer Centre of the University and got to know the activities that were carried out by them. (I am impressed by their classroom too.)
Oh, and I love their field too! It's got a very nice view.
そして、the main highlight of the day - SANSA ODORI FESTIVAL!!! 祭りが大好き！The feeling of being surrounded by beautiful sights and sounds are just great!
The fun part is that we get to join in the dance at the last part! I don't have the gift of dancing, but it was fun nonetheless. This is when you feel that the Japanese are really really united.
Today, we stay at 安比高原温泉 (Appi Kogen Onsen), which is also the first time we don yukata. And here is our dinner! (We get good food everyday! とても幸せ！) それじゃ、stay tuned to the next post!
Finally, on 2 August, we departed for Japan. After 6 hours of flight, we reached the land of Nippon with much excitement. Upon arrival at Haneda Airport, we began to set off for Tohoku, the main highlight of this trip. I suppose everyone of us were feeling excited although we still feel the after effects of not having enough sleep on flight. Our guide, Steven, explained to us our travel route and the Tohoku region. We saw many interesting things along the way, such as bird's nest in one of the toilets in the service centre.
And here's our first meal for the day in Japan! It's a お弁と (obento) which seems really luxurious. As in, the portions were huge and I think the girls can hardly finish it. I heard it is close to S$45 per bento. (高い！)
We also got to try the 牛たん (gyuutan) which is one of the most famous snacks in Sendai. The main ingredient for 牛たん is well, cow tongues. It may sound scary but it tastes like beef, only it is much more chewy. You definitely need courage to try it, however every country has got their own food which seems scary but greatly loved by the locals. (Just like pig organ soup in Singapore.) I think it's worth the try.
Next, we visited the 仙台城跡 (Sendai Castle), also known as 青葉城跡 (Aobajoshi), belonging to the warlord in Japan history, 伊達政宗 (Date Masamune).
There, we met staff dresses up as characters during that period and of course, we took photographs with them.
The guy dressed as the soldier of the Masamune Clan is funny. He is always making the atmosphere light and fun somehow. For instance, he requested for us to shout "ずんだもち" (Zunda Mochi) whenever we take a picture with them. And when he got bored, he wanted us to say, directly quoted from him,
Please say "hey hey ho" 3 times.
And here's my favourite photo of the day!
While other soldiers go to war spears and arrows, this one fights his way through with a digital camera. A fusion of history and modern. とても面白かったです。
Oh, by the way, I feel extremely curious to what zunda mochi means, so I checked it up on google. Apparently, it means this.
A famous snack from Sendai. I haven't had the chance to try it though. (Photo from come2japan.com)
Next stop, (七夕)Tanabata Making Session!! We were taught how to make 巾着(kinchaku), which signifies wealth. Making the folds requires a lot of time and patience. Somehow, while making the kinchaku, I can feel the effort and patience the Japanese put in when they do something. It makes me feel guilty because I personally feel I am not the one with patience. Anyway, here's my first kinchaku! I think mine looks like curry puff except it's green and black.
Then, we finally get to go back to our hotel for the day, Sendai Kokusai Hotel (仙台国際ホテル). After a speech, we attended a welcome reception where we got to meet other Japanese students, and also the Masamune clan characters we met earlier at the Sendai Castle.
They performed a skit which I think is about how Sendai was founded, only that I don't understand Japanese that well yet.
After the whole thing, our team went to explore Sendai! Although most shops have closed by then, we still want to see how Sendai is like.
This pikachu is only 1/4 coloured. Not because the company making the poster ran out of budget, but I think it's part of the efforts to conserve electricity. I am greatly impressed by the Japanese, each playing a part to conserve energy in this time. I am not sure if there is a law or regulation passed to the citizens regarding energy conservation but at least everyone co-operated. The day ended after our team took neoprint shots at one of the entertainment centre. It has been ages since my last neoprint, but it was fun!
End of first day, and I am beginning to like Sendai already!
Went to get baby Esther's present with Gloria today at Toys R Us. I re-wrapped the present because it didn't look very nice. the staff wasn't very helpful. =(
And ta-da!
Ok, I know it still look quite sloppy but it's so much better than the previous one! I am not good at wrapping presents to begin with. It is difficult too because of the shape. Oh, although this is random, I found this new item in the store! I bought it because I found it cute. It looks like cat food.
And when I was on Pico, I found this character in the Japanese park.
Yes, this sentence summarizes my feelings right now.
I've been trying hard to practice Japanese as much as I can - through work, lessons, playing Pico on Facebook, watching anime, etc. I managed to come up with this sentence after some effort, which probably suggest that my Japanese is still... not there yet. （まだ上手ではないです）
I have yet to prepare for the trip, but there are plans which I've made and are awaiting execution. I think it's time to invest in a good luggage which can be used for future trips as well. I am currently aiming at the red hard cover luggage from Lojel. Well, shall put all plans on hold first until after the ceremony. Shall see how everything goes first.
For now, I think I need to polish up on my Japanese. I have a feeling that it will be useful to me in one way or another in the future. Speaking of which, I have yet to start on my homework and revision for Japanese lessons.
I have been selected as one of the youth ambassadors for Tohoku. Which means, I get to travel to Japan!! ずっと楽しみにしてたんだ！！I have always been wanting to travel to other parts of Japan after my visit to Tokyo last year. 期待期待～
This time, we will be visiting Tohoku and experience the festivals held during the period. I've never been to Tohoku, nor heard my friends talk about this part of Japan. Thus I am really looking forward and at the same time, curious about what we will get to see and do there. I researched a little online using Google and Facebook, and it seems that August is well packed with various events and festivals.
One of the more notable festival, the Tanabata festival, will see streets beautifully decorated and spectacular. And that's only one of the festivals we will get to experience. According to a Japanese website, the festival is to commemorate the reunion of 2 lovers who will only get to see each other on that day. Very similar to the Chinese story of the Cowherd and the Weaving Maiden. Oh wait, i think they mean the same thing.
Picture from Wikipedia
Looking at so many pictures and information about the places I will get to visit, I am beginning to feel excited about going there! (Even though it's still some time before the trip.) I can't wait to be there and see for myself how spectacular these festivals can be. It is going to be a great experience. Till then!
Hello all! I am back to blogging after a long hiatus, and hopefully this time round, I can bring you more insights regarding myself.
I am someone who really likes travelling, however, ironically, I don't get to travel as often as I wished. Here's a map which shows places I've been to (which covers less than 5%). Currently, it is 3 countries and counting!
That was a nice present given to us on our last day in Tohoku. Then, taking the Shinkansen..
And we began on another shopping spree, only this time it is food everywhere. 
At Aikihabara, we visited the maid cafe and also the exterior of Gundam Cafe.
Despite the extremely warm weather, the street is really appealing to our eyes and many people came for this festival. Of course, when it comes to tanabata festival, we would have to write down our wishes!
And many people can be seen on the streets sharing the news of the gospel.
After what seemed to be a very long wait for admin matters and preparation, we finally head off the the area where the tsunami struck. I don't know how to describe my feelings when I saw how the area was like. The contrast was really huge. From the beautiful cheerful greenery to an area where you seem to be only able to see one colour. The colour of rust, of ruins, of sadness. There are debris piled up; cars and houses that were damaged by the tsunami can be seen everywhere. Looking at all these, one can't help but think how small we human beings are.
The people at the volunteer centre and those we met at the site are very warm and friendly. They expressed their gratitude to us even what we have done is so insignificant compared to their months of hard work to rebuild the area. 
Next, we moved on to the Iwate Prefectural Office, and on the way we had our second obento in Japan.
At least I was able to finish this one! 
Through a very insightful interaction with the officers at the office, we got to understand more about the disaster. We also visited the 岩手県立大学 (Iwate Prefectural University). We visited the Volunteer Centre of the University and got to know the activities that were carried out by them. (I am impressed by their classroom too.) 
そして、the main highlight of the day - SANSA ODORI FESTIVAL!!! 祭りが大好き！The feeling of being surrounded by beautiful sights and sounds are just great! 
それじゃ、stay tuned to the next post!
Upon arrival at Haneda Airport, we began to set off for Tohoku, the main highlight of this trip. I suppose everyone of us were feeling excited although we still feel the after effects of not having enough sleep on flight. Our guide, Steven, explained to us our travel route and the Tohoku region. 
We saw many interesting things along the way, such as bird's nest in one of the toilets in the service centre.
And here's our first meal for the day in Japan! It's a お弁と (obento) which seems really luxurious. As in, the portions were huge and I think the girls can hardly finish it. I heard it is close to S$45 per bento. (高い！)
We also got to try the 牛たん (gyuutan) which is one of the most famous snacks in Sendai. The main ingredient for 牛たん is well, cow tongues. It may sound scary but it tastes like beef, only it is much more chewy. You definitely need courage to try it, however every country has got their own food which seems scary but greatly loved by the locals. (Just like pig organ soup in Singapore.) I think it's worth the try.
There, we met staff dresses up as characters during that period and of course, we took photographs with them.
The guy dressed as the soldier of the Masamune Clan is funny. He is always making the atmosphere light and fun somehow. For instance, he requested for us to shout "ずんだもち" (Zunda Mochi) whenever we take a picture with them. And when he got bored, he wanted us to say, directly quoted from him,
While other soldiers go to war spears and arrows, this one fights his way through with a digital camera. A fusion of history and modern. とても面白かったです。
A famous snack from Sendai. I haven't had the chance to try it though. 
They performed a skit which I think is about how Sendai was founded, only that I don't understand Japanese that well yet.
This pikachu is only 1/4 coloured. Not because the company making the poster ran out of budget, but I think it's part of the efforts to conserve electricity. I am greatly impressed by the Japanese, each playing a part to conserve energy in this time. I am not sure if there is a law or regulation passed to the citizens regarding energy conservation but at least everyone co-operated. The day ended after our team took neoprint shots at one of the entertainment centre. It has been ages since my last neoprint, but it was fun! 
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