Nikko Hotel Osaka

... br>DINNER *T OB**CH*N'S (GR*NDM*'S):<br><br>* quick tr*in ride from Momok*'s *nd we *rrived *t her gr*ndm*'s for * tr*dition*l J*p*nese dinner. *lso in *ttend*nce were ojiich*n (gr*ndf*ther), plus Momok*'s sister Chizu *nd k*w*ii (*dor*ble) two ye*r old son, Ryot*.<br><br>"Oyj*m*shim*su," I greeted *nd bowed on entering.<br><br>There's no direct tr*nsl*tion for this in English. You might wonder why. Well. it's bec*use the word expresses * mindset not present in *meric*n ...

... tijd kwamen we aan in ons hotel. Een grote hotelkamer met balkon en een soort van aangebouwde Dixi. Deze Dixi -we noemen m onze camper- dient als douche/toilet. De plafondhoogte van onze camper is 1 meter 60. Even douchen terwijl je op je knieen zit, even omkleden en je voelt niet eens meer dat je al meer dan 30 uur wakker bent. Weer helemaal fit zijn we onmiddelijk de stad in gegaan. Eindelijk hebben we -nu in Japan in plaats van ...

... of the landmark method and subway stations as reference points. It's an easy city to get a feel for, and great to explore on foot. Watch out for those... Bicycles. People walk on the left here, same as they drive. But cyclists seem to make up their own rules. They share the narrow sidewalks with pedestrians, going in both directions and weaving in and out of traffic. It's a bit disconcerting at first, but you learn quickly to step out of the way. Cycling seems to be the ...

... year which was when we just so happened to swing by. Hoorah! In Nara, there is a temple where the main rituals occur, the path leading up to which is lined with three thousand stone lanterns that are lit only on that particular day . The temple itself holds its own lanterns, and everyone lights their own paper ones and places them within the temple to bring good luck for the new season. Its was awesome, and felt as though we were part of ancient rite. Maaagical.<br><br>As for ...

... dis*gree, *s the complex is *stoundingly l*rge. The entire *qu*rium is built *round its enormous, five story t*ll center t*nk which is home to, *mong other things, the biggest-*ss m*nt* r*y you've ever set your eyes upon *nd its very own wh*le sh*rk. E*ch succeeding t*nk is view*ble from multiple levels, displ*ying * l*rge v*riety of se* life from *ll *cross the globe with stunning *nd surprisingly life-like enclosures to m*tch. Everything from dolphins to gi*nt otters w*s covered, *nd ...

... ter is good w*ter.<br><br>And now? Now, we *re in Kyoto. Ap*rt from Miy*jim* isl*nd, I c*n cert*inly s*y this is/will be my f*vorite pl*ce so f*r, even on the first d*y. This pl*ce h*s sophistic*tion, *tmosphere, but best of *ll, history. Within the first few blocks of Kyoto st*tion - which in itself is *n *ttr*ction - you could pick out * few sm*ll temples *nd shrines. Not to mention * gi*nt c*stle complex, which holds Nijo C*stle, built by the founder of the ...

... trip to the bathroom is a game of Russian roulette; an experience some of us had to learn the hard way (Rachael).<br><br>That aside, we recently crossed on over to the other side, to briefly explore the great isle of Kyushu. For those of you playing the home game, we were - and presently now are - residing upon Honshu, the biggest of Japan's four islands. First up was ye olde town of Fukuoka, which, while not home to any extraordinary sights beyond its fantastic ramen ...

... Takayama was about 5-6 hours, changed at 2 locations, Shin Osaka and Nagoya. Since it was around lunch time when we arrived at Nagoya, we decided to take a break, went out of the train station and explore a little at the shops near to the train station. You see, we were crazy about the Japanese bento lunch (Japanese lunch box), we ...

... One of the highlights there was also scuba Santa! Check out the pic! We also visited the Osaka castle, which was a nice area to look at leaves. Osaka is known for amazing nightlife...and this was certainly confirmed...there's so much to see, and so many people wandering to and fro between the lights and small streetways (and in some cases ferris wheels). Tons of bars and street food. The ...

... got its silver coating due to financial problems. But, like its sibling, Ginkakuji was converted into a Zen temple after the shogun died. It is a location of significant cultural importance for Japan. Yoshimitsu was a patron of the arts, and within the walls of his villa flower arranging, painting, Noh Theater, and tea ceremony were refined. The tea room found here is thought to the archetype for all that followed. The pavilion itself was much smaller than I thought it would be and ...