Twelve Panoramic Views of 2014

If there is one thing I enjoyed most was my travels all over Thailand and to its neighbouring countries. The learnings and experiences in each place gave me new perspectives about life and living. As they say, the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. 

Phrae, Thailand

Petchaburi, Thailand

Chao Phya River, Bangkok, Thailand

Tokyo Metropolitan Building, Japan

Maokong Gondola, Taiwan

Chantaburi, Thailand

Heo Narok Waterfalls, Prachinburi, Thailand

Scenery Farm, Ratchaburi, Thailand

Wat Khao Wong, Uthai Thani, Thailand

Wat Phra Son Kaew, Petchabun, Thailand

Klong Tha Dan Dam, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand

Muang Boran, Samut Prakarn, Thailand

Have a fantabulous 2015!

Last Stop: Sumida

The new highlight, the Tokyo Skytree, has come to add spark to the old downtown atmosphere. This area is now gathering attention among locals and tourists. A new 'town with a tower' in the districts of Narihira and Oshiage, where Edo culture continues to live on. It consists of facilities such as the freestanding Tokyo Skytree broadcasting tower, the Tokyo Solomachi commercial facilities, an aquarium, planetarium, offices and more. (Tokyo Handy Guide, 2014)

Tokyo Skytree, the tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world.
Two observation decks are open located 350 and 450 meters above ground.

A view of the entire Kanto region including Mt. Fuji on sunny days.

Views from the top through photographs, interactive media, paintings and visual arts.

Sumida Aquarium, the huge aquarium themed on the sea of the "Tokyo Islands", recreating the
waters of the Natural World Heritage Site, the Ogasawara Islands. 

Tip # 9- You need to ask whether the programme offered or the attraction is English friendly as some are not. It would be uncomfortable to be among Japanese locals touring a facility and you are the only one who didn't follow the instructions given. 

Tip# 10- There are many wonderful attractions in Japan so do list the most interesting for you before you visit. Planning makes your time in another country worthwhile and more fun. Be ready for adventures!

Next Stop: Roppongi and Shibuya

Tokyo Midtown

Roppongi is a town of entertainment that offers exciting nightlife as well as huge commercial facilities with features such as theatres and art galleries.

Tokyo Midtown consists of three zones: Galleria, Plaza and Garden Terrace. Each has shops, restaurants, offices, hotels, gardens, and museums. Galleria is home to The Suntory Museum of Art and to photography exhibitions at FujiFilm Square.

The Garden Terrace has an ongoing exhibit at that time called Midtown Meets Godzilla. It would be really good to have a photo taken with Godzilla but I do not have a monopod with me to take my selfie. There are also some sculptures around the garden.

Midtown Meets Godzilla

National Art Centre

The National Art Centre has an extensive collection on display in japan's largest exhibition space. The building was designed by Kisho Kurokawa, a famous Japanese architect. There is a restaurant and a cafe inside, so it's a great place to stop for a break. The souvenir shop is indeed a veritable house of interesting finds. Though steep in prices, they are for keeps. 

I had the opportunity to view for the second time collection of paintings from the Musee d'Orsay from Paris as the exhibit was about The Birth of Impressionism. My walk around the museum reminded me of my walk at the original museum in France many years ago. There were many Japanese tourists at that time of my visit. This time, in Japan itself, the locals were very visible, appreciative and supportive of arts. 

After Roppongi, I visited Shibuya, a town where stillness and motion come together, with its crowd of people seeking the latest fashion in the downtown area and its quiet and cultural townscape once you cross the street.

I passed by Shibuya 109 thinking that I will be able to find what I was looking for and ending up shattered because it was a fashion building geared towards women's clothing and accessories. I walked through Takeshita Dori, a street lined with stores containing miscellaneous character and idol goods popular among teens. I didn't get anything except for a fan since the day was becoming hot. I finally got what I was looking for when I stumbled upon a building called Kiddy Land. Finally!

There's more to this area than shopping. It's a great place to see trendy fashion especially among the youth.
If I had more time, I could probably sat down in one of the open cafes and do nothing but observe people. But tourists don't do that, they go, go, go until their feet become sore and tired. 

Tip #7- It's hot in the summer so a change of shirt is always recommended. Also, keeping oneself hydrated throughout the trip will do good.

Tip#8- Getting lost is a waste of time so be patient. I take photos of where I was and I ask the location of that landmark when I couldn't find my way back.

Third Stop: Ueno and the Capsule Hotel

Since I arrived at nine in the evening the day before, I woke up quite late and had breakfast at the hotel. My plan was to visit Ueno because of its parks and temples. There are many important sites in Ueno but unfortunately, I got lost along the way and later gave up my search. It was not  pleasant to do the walking when the weather was hot and my legs were sore.  

I wasn't able to go to the Tokyo National Museum which is one of Japan's most important museums. I wasn't able to find the entrance of the Hanazono-Inari Shrine so after people watching, I took the next train to go back to Shibuya. And before I left Ueno, the rain started to pour. 

credits from the web

Since I need to change hotels, I returned to Shinjuku. This time, I chose a capsule hotel for experience sake. I chose Green Plaza Shinjuku Capsule Hotel - Male Only. As intriguing as the name and the type of accommodation, it was time to find things myself.

"Do you have any tattoo?" was probably a question that will never be asked of you when you check in a hotel but they did. People with tattoos cannot be accommodated in the establishment and a small ink could probably be patched by a bandage of sort if you have one. "Check-in at 4pm, check out at 10am." added the desk clerk in his halting English. I was given a plastic bracelet as a key to my locker, a big towel, and a bathrobe to wear around the vicinity. Big bags were stored in their bag room. 

credits from the web

A capsule accommodation was about 2 square meters equipped with a small television, stereo, and an alarm clock. It also had an adjustable light that could be turned on and off. The door was a small wooden blind that gave you a sort of privacy but not good enough to stop the noise from snoring people or from the light that brightens the hallway. I had two nights of good sleep and they were probably because I was dead tired walking during the whole trip.

credits from the web

The upper floors were dedicated to pleasure, not for sexual deviants or perverts, but for relaxation. One floor was a restaurant where a table can only sit one person. Everyone was seated facing a television set reminding me of a classroom set-up. Food was not as delicious comparably speaking, but they were still pleasant to the taste. The staff were all female. At the other side of the restaurant was the massage place where one can have a decent massage sans the hanky panky. 

credits from the web

Another floor was the bathing area. This was where I disrobed in public for the very first time. I was very inhibited and I was more concern to cover my privates with a small towel as I walk around the floor. However, it took me less than half an hour to become comfortable and ended up having the towel on top of my head as I visit the several water facilities such as the bubbly bath, the mist sauna, and the warm and cold jacuzzi. While I was seated, my eyes cannot help but notice an assortment of butts and hanging genitalia. Trust me, they are not small, LOL! Impressive!

One had to sit on a stool to bath and there were mirrors for each space. Toothbrushes were provided and oh boy, I was looking for toothpaste to no avail so I decided to just brush my teeth without it. Holy moly, the toothpaste was already inside the bristles of the toothbrush, how clever and economical indeed. I was more impressed. 

Hotels give you a small bottle of shampoo and conditioner to use but Japanese places are so generous with their portions. I was pumping the soap and shampoo from their big containers as if I had not been bathing for a year. I had never felt so clean in my life. 

If there is one thing I learned form this experience, it is the knowing that people are all equal taking away the clothing that wrapped their bodies. Being naked in front of other people is like being free from the shackles and dictates of society. I am among the same breed of people, all equal and conscious of nothing. It's the idea of being comfortable in one's skin.

Tip #5: When you enter any establishment, make sure you read the signs in front such as removing shoes before entering.

Tip#6: If you have tendencies to grope or even touch someone at the bath, do not. You could feast your eyes but not act your desires. It's a no, no!

Second Stop: Happiest Place on Earth

One of the main reason why I chose Japan is that I really, really wanted to see DisneySea and finally I did. Taking a Metro from Shinjuku to Maihama was a breeze. I was there in 40 minutes. This reminded me of my Euro Disney trip where the last stop of the Metro rail was also Disneyland.

Welcome to Tokyo DisneySea!

The Legend of Mythica
The Disney characters unlock the gateway to the world of Mythica and
meet fabulous creatures such as dragons and unicorns.

Attractions
Indiana Jones Adventure, Journey to the Centre of the Earth,
Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania and others.

A Table is Waiting
Mickey and his pals are back from a world tour with lots of tasty treats!
Lumiere helps introduce them in this humurous revue.

Fantasmic!
A nighttime spectacular on the waters of Mediterranean Harbour, featuring Mickey Mouse
as the Sorcerer's Apprentice who creates a breathtaking world of wonder and imagination. 

If there is one thing I will treasure most from this opportunity, it was the sheer exhilaration brought by the spectators as they also witness the magic and wonder of Disney. It was stupendous, an experience to behold!

Tip #3: A small backpack will do, water and all, as you will be tossed and turned by the rides. If you have motion sickness then try to take a pill before heading towards The Tower of Terror. I warned you, ok?

Tip #4: To avoid the long queue, please take note of the Disney FASTPASS. It shortens your wait time at specific attractions.

First Stop: Shinjuku

When I booked a hotel through Agoda, I had no idea where the hotel was. All I knew was that Shinjuku was accessible by buses and trains. 

Shinjuku's west area is neatly lined with skyscrapers. The east side is the most crowded one in Tokyo. The south area is scattered with new tourist spots. Shinjuku is a district of entertainment. 

I stayed at Shinjuku New City Hotel and my two night stay were equally pleasant. 

There was breakfast and they carry two kinds of buffet: vegetable buffet and bread buffet. You can have both if you want but since I am not a big eater, I enjoyed their food spread. 

High rise buildings as backdrop

I passed by Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and there was an open bazaar at that time. I walked around and peeked on branded shirts, earthen wares, books, trinkets, and toys.

Observatory of the Metropolitan Government

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office played as the background of this morning fair. It is also home to one of Tokyo's landmark with an observatory on the 45th floor.  

Message from the Cosmos, 1991
by Shiro Hayam

Right outside the twin towers of the Metro stands a number of sculptures and I was able to take photos of them since they are from the west side of the tower. As the tower was designed by a famous architect Kenzo Tange, it is just fitting to accentuate the vicinity of the buildings with some fine sculptures. 

Red Shell Form, 1991
by Kyubey Kiyomizu


It was an inviting walk as in every nook and cranny of the area, there is something interesting to find. Aside from the sculptures though, there were a few homeless people and a man asking for donations for his army of cats, live cats.

I could sit here the whole day but I didn't. 

I am blogging the quieter side of Shinjuku while the centre itself is filled with vibrant establishments of hotels, restaurants, malls, and entertainment venues. I was hailed a few times to look into the close doors of the red light district but my experience is telling me to just nod and smile. I have had my numerous encounters of both good and the bad while travelling alone. I am more wary of what I do and where I thread. 


Tip #1: Bring an empty water bottle because bottled water is expensive. You could always refill your bottle from the tap since it is safe to drink.

Tip #2: Learn a few words to show them you make an effort to speak their language. A few Ohayou and Arigatou can make your stay a more pleasant one.