Sakichi Shima

... attraction there is Ise-Jingu, the most venerated Shinto shrine in Japan. It's where the imperial family conducts their spiritual business and is separated into 2 parts: the outer shrine Geku and the inner shrine Naiku. Geku is is the more accessible, but also the less impressive. Both are located in the woods and has a nice relaxed feel despite the tons of tourists there today (even on Wednesdays, I guess). Both have ...

... you take a trip you bring back 'o-miyagi' , a souvenir from the place visited for family, friends, co-workers etc. Usually this is something edible for which the region is renowned (and yes e-ve-ry region has its own special culinary delight). Ise's pride was mochi (smashed rice pudding) with anko (sweet red beans) paste around it...yum. Continuing in Shinto spirit we set out for Meoto-iwa, the 'wedded rocks'. Afterwards we ...

... We went to the Geku shrine at around 12ish I think? It was cool, took lots of pictures, then we went to the main shrine, which was AMAZING! The bridges were awesome! And the koi were HUGE! Although it was a bit freaky how parts of this shrine looked exactly like Geku. I think I'm all shrined out for now, I have now seen three ...

... people, but we stubbornly stuck it out under our umbrellas and hooded jackets. Fortunately it only lasted about fifteen to twenty minutes, allowing us to enjoy ourselves for the rest of the evening. It was a good thing that it did, because it was our last opportunity to see most people for a few months (or even longer, in the case of some). Now we have about a week to get things organized around Mayu's parents' house and prepare for the trip. Today was spent ...

... Spanish thing about the place was two Spanish guys, the only other foreigners, who were looking around with a mixture of disgust and disbelief. But in a way, the dodginess had a peculiar charm. Plus, there was like no one there so not only was there no queue for the dodgy dodgy rides, thered be next to no people at all on the dodgy dodgy rides. But there was one thing that this theme park excelled ...

... space on the train or inside the station premises/ These acts cause a nuisance and trouble to other passengers and are STRICLY PROHIBITED." HAHAH everyone was laughing hysterically at how paniced the police looked at the sight of all of these unpredictable gaijin yelling and screaming in scary masks. The best was when Ronald McDonald showed up, everyone went crazy! Around 9:00 a train arrived and everyone rushes the trains, the police couldn't do anythign to stop it. Even ...

... Later on, the city would be putting on a 2 hour fireworks festival (known as "hanabi" in Japanese). People began arriving and the introductions began. It was really neat to see these two Japanese girls dressed in kimonos and all decked out...for a BBQ. They looked beautiful. I just personally would have worn something less hot and more comfortable. LOL. The food was great and plentiful and I had some great conversations with all the people there. They asked a lot of ...

Making Japanese friends is one of the best things that happened to me while travelling through Japan. I was invited on a day trip to a very small sand island hosting a beautiful beach and clear waters. Its called Mizuhama and its only reachable by your own transport, hence the friends kind hospitality to take me with them...

Short half hour flight from Tokyo Narita to Nagoya. Here we have to get off the plane, take all of our stuff with us, or it will be gone. Then go around through security, then back on the same plane, same seat, and finally off for the final leg to Saipan. This trip is about 3.5 hours. How do I know that you have to take ALL of your stuff? Because last year, I left a magazine in the seat pocket in front of me, and it was gone when we got back on the plane.

... ve never had chamomile tea before. It's certainly not a strong tea by any means, but it does have its own distinct light flavor and accompanying scent. Come to think of it, chamomile is a flower isn't it? That would probably explain the pleasant scent. I remember reading about chamomile tea being good for certain ailments, but I can't remember what. Maybe unhappy tummies were one of them. I think it was good to help people sleep too. My stomach does seem to be doing ...