T o k y o D e l i g h t s

The rest of the trip was spent on visiting some familiar places that I think the folks would like. It is also time to do some shopping for the ladies, and for myself : ) ... 

At Tsukiji Fish Market.

Savouring tempura noodles in hole-in-the-wall stall at Tsukiji.

Fresh seafood is in abundance here.

Rail crossing at Shimo-kitazawa, one of our favourite towns west of Tokyo.

Indonesian flavour in Japan? I won't be surprised it has more stuff than one could find in a rural shop in Kalimantan.

Eclectic shop with a tub as deco. How interesting!

My kind of people. A cat person.

Cat-ching our reflections.

Ok. I honestly do not know what it means. The shop sells things all minimalist kind.

When Spidey is not busy fighting crime, he doubles up as Santa. But where's the belly paunch?

FIL honing his photography skill with his trusty Sony HP.

At Yoyogi Park, where talents are discovered or discouraged.

1..2.. cha cha cha....

Abstract of the levitation kind.

This post ends my 9D8N visit to Japan. All I could say is, it has been a tiring and uneventful trip. We practically visited the same places as before. We even ate at the same restaurants we have been to. Of course, being familiar with Tokyo, I chose the places where I think the folks would like. So I shouldn't be lamenting as long as everyone has enjoyed the holiday. 

For me, the highlight has to be the visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Those primates are really kawaii. Just as I was thrilled to photograph them, they were as curious to know more of me. Here's one checking me out while I was at work....

And another travel trip awaiting....

T a k a o R e v i s i t e d

We enjoyed Mount Takao so much from our previous trip, so we decided to bring everyone here today.

We chose the lift chair up instead of the cable car. Interestingly, everyone is excited in the ride except me. I still harbour the fear of dropping from the previous trip.

Souvenirs, but not something that would catch our eyes.

They have a liking for flying foxes here. We could see it everywhere.

Great tasting grilled mochi on a cold morning.

Taking our break of hot steamed bun before the climb to the summit.

Clear skies with little clouds.

It is almost the perfect time to ascent Mt Takao.

Resident dog belonging to a famous soba restaurant

Reaching the shrine is also the start of the vertical climb.

Caught a shot of the temple monks residing back to the quarter after their prayer.

Tired souls reaching the top of the shrine, but it is only the beginning. 

Temporary reprieve.

Remnant of the autumn leaves. 

The eventual happening when all is fallen and bare. The b&w shot has an eerie feel to it, doesn't it?

Our long saranghae shadow.

Almost there. 

I like the silhouette of this image.

Top of the world feeling, while staring at the sun.

Not exactly at the sun, but Fuji-san.

We are thankful for the weather with clear blue skies, giving us a great view of the faraway mountain range.

The lovebirds has their private moment.

These lovebirds are inseparable, as always. Ha ha....

Making our descend.

Panorama view of Tokyo City in the distance.

I am glad to revisit Mount Takao. I am also relief because the folks were able to muster their strength and energy to climb to the summit. The walk is not easy, especially the vertical steps from the shrine up. In the end, they liked it there a lot, despite all the exhaustion and anticipation. Well there is no gain if no pain, and we left Mount Takao with wonderful memories and photos to keep.

And another travel trip awaiting....

K a r u i z a w a

A night at Kusatsu came and gone. We made our way back to Tokyo after breakfast via Joshi-etsu Expressway. Enroute, we stopped over at Shiraito Falls and Karuizawa Town. 

Shiraito Falls is a natural water fall, not more than 3m high. The beautiful curtain-like fall stretch over 70m in length, in an arch shape.

The path that leads to the fall is covered with ice, making the walk difficult. But we are determine to get there when we could hear the sound of the water nearby.

Water flowing in different directions, following the natural formation of the fall.

Handheld in low shutter speed, and hoping to capture the smooth effect. A tripod will definitely make a better picture.

There being no other visitor, we have the whole landscape to ourselves.

Cousins in unity.

Been there, done that.

Ladies united.

Standing in front of the fall and listening to the water trickling on both sides does give a stereo surround sound, and a calming effect.

Wife braving the cold. 

Next stop is the town of Karuizawa, an upmarket resort town that is popular and bustling with visitors in summer.

Kyu-Karuizawa is a shopping street with chic cafes and shops. However, most of the shops are closed in winter. 

Whatever shop that is opened have things that do not catch our fancy.

We covered the street in less than an hour, including lunch. Without much things to see or do, we decided to head back to the expressway for our long journey back to Tokyo.

It was already past six in the evening when we reached the city. Cars were piling end to end as it was peaked hour. With our trusty GPS, we were able to find the rental company at Ikebukuro to return the cars. We will take the next few days to recover from the day trip, by visiting some familiar places.

And another travel trip awaiting....