T o d o r o k i G o r g e

If you are tired of the crowd and the busy happenings in Tokyo City, and you do not want to travel out too far to experience nature's peace and quiet, you must pay a visit to Tokyo's best kept secret  -  Todoroki Gorge. 

 Who would have believed if I say there is a gorge in the heart of Tokyo City? Well, not exactly a gorge but a small valley with a stream flowing through it. 

This 1.2km park offers a reprieve to many in the summer months, with its lush tree canopies sheltering visitors from the heat. 

I have set the camera on HDR and after a few shots, I liked it. I decided to use this setting for today's shoot. If you find the colour of the photos too dense for your liking, too bad! For the rest who favours rich colours, please enjoy the entries. Cheers!

 This is the signature red bridge where we made our way down to the foot path below.

 From Google, the Japanese red bridge symbolizes the crossing from one world to the next, from the profane to the sacred, and cleansing oneself to enter the pure world of nature. 

 The foot path is narrow, but accessible with fewer crowd. It may not be the same in summer where locals flock here to escape the heat.

 Where there's water, there's mosquitoes. Fortunately, there isn't any in winter months. 

 It is refreshing to stroll at the park, enjoying the morning fresh air. 

 1.2km seems long, but it is rather short if you have all the time in the world. It is not the destination, but the journey that matters.

 A tinge of autumn was spotted on the way.

 More signs of autumn began to appear as we venture deeper into the park.

 Here, there....

 .... and everywhere. Did I tell you that I like Autumn and Winter?

 A couple more of B&Ws for the anti-HDR viewers.

 Lane changing bridge.

 We spotted a shrine towards the end of the park. There's also a small cafe that serves beverages and light food.

 Quench for the thirsty.

 A steep staircase took us to a temple on a hill, and we were shrouded by more red and yellow leaves.

This shot brought out the vibrant effect of HDR to the max. 

Colours of nature come together - wood, green, yellow and red.

Devotees praying for blessings.

A wide courtyard of the temple.

Viewing platform. Some how, I missed this out totally. It would have been an amazing sight overlooking the coloured leaves.

Most visitors did the reverse route like we did by strolling along the gorge first before arriving at the temple. This is because the entrance of the park is closer to the train station.

We bid farewell to our last destination as we spend the rest of the day street shopping closer to our stay. 

It has been a wonderful holiday for us. Considering that we have just toured Japan in June, I was worried that we would run out of places to visit. True to my itinerary, we visited many new places and enjoyed every moment of it. Although we love Japan, we probably will give it a miss in 2016 as we also love South Korea as much. It is after all, our 2nd home next to Japan. Hahahaha....

And another travel trip awaiting....

T o k y o G e r m a n V i l l a g e

The places that I selected to travel to in Chiba are Mother Farm and Tokyo German Village. We missed out completely on the former because of the down pour yesterday. Today, we are thankful that the weather has been good, and we could visit this village famous for its winter illumination.

The drive from Kamogawa to this village took about 2 hours. In winter, the sun sets early. Good thing we got here before dark, and we could explore the place a bit while it is bright. 

Other than buildings design, I did not see anything German resemblance here. I had expected the same Munich fair atmosphere like the one in Sapporo where stalls sell wurst & beer, and all things German. Nothing like that. Disappointed. 

Are these flowers from Germany?

The village is big and sparse, which is good for me. I got lots of opportunities without too many human presence in the photos. 

Our signature pose, elongated by the setting sun.

I cannot remember the last time I was on a ferris wheel. Anyway, we did not take this on as the wife is not keen to reminisce the good times. Haha....

Welcome.

The sun began to set as we anticipate the illumination throughout the village.

Toy-like huts and toadstool to be illuminated soon.

Slowly but surely, the LED lit displays began to appear and form.

Ferris wheel has turned into Mr Happy Face.

Stream of crowds started to arrive for this spectacular display.

Field of blue.

Field of green and totem pole.

Toy huts and toadstool are now more prominent.

Is this the rings of fire?

Even T-rex got his shine.  

It is amazing that they could transform an open ground and its surrounding nature to such colourful splendor.

Welcome again.

The German style buildings looked different now, showcasing the brightly lit and colourful LED.

I count this visit to Tokyo German Village on par with the stay at Zekuu Ryokan, which itself is a wonderful experience. I have seem many Christmas illuminations but nothing beats this grandeur. The colourful lights and creative designs made the side trip out of Tokyo well worth it.

And another travel trip awaiting....

K a m o g a w a S e a w o r l d

We spent the morning of Day 2 at Kamogawa Seaworld, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Today, the sky has opened up and we are glad to see the sun on a warm morning. Without much delay, we checked ourselves out of Zekuu after breakfast and headed for Kamogawa Seaworld. Kamogawa Seaworld lies very close to the shore, bringing with it the perfect marine theme that one can associate.

As I have booked the room package that come with entrance tickets to the marine park, it saved us the hassle to queue at the counter, not that there was a queue in the first place. We toured the aquarium exhibits since it is located near the entrance.

Puffer and Ray tank mates.

Baby turtles have the big tank to themselves.

Crustaceans next.

Found this octopus napping, or is it avoiding eye contact?

Dancing jellyfish, one of my favourite exhibits.

Bigger species.

Close-ups.

Beluca whales are next. They are highly intelligent, as they could take instructions from its trainer to identify objects and shapes.

They are rewarded with food every time they performed a correct execution.

Conversations through hand signals.

In my opinion, the most intelligent marine mammal has to be the dolphins. 

Here they are executing jumps and tricks.

Fantastic leap that reached 10m high.

One final jump to end the show.

Waiting for their reward.

Close-up.

Next up, the orca killer whale show.

Whale riding is more thrill than whale watching, obviously.

Riding on its belly up. Cool!

Prepare for a BIG splash.

Your wish is my command.

Orca 'mingling' with the spectators.

The finale.

You have performed well, and here's your reward.

I am still not full, and craving for feathered food.

Captivated and happy with what they saw.

I want to be a trainer and ride the orca one day.

I want to be a star, strike a pose yeah!

We have to set off early for our next destination and we missed the seals performance. Nonetheless we had a wonderful time at the Seaworld. Although it is of a smaller scale as compared with San Diego Seaworld that we have been to, the performances were as outstanding as its USA's counterpart. I am impressed!

And another travel trip awaiting....