Day 242 - 29th of April

11:42pm　特急

天気：晴れ

Well, I’m late… We didn’t end up getting home from karaoke until 3:30 this morning, so I didn’t wake up till 10. I got ready and packed as quickly as possible; I’m bringing the bare minimum. After talking with family, and printing off the hotel booking information and a map, I made my way out to the bus stop. It’s a sunny, but windy day, but I guess that’s much better than rain. It’s the open campus day today, and I say Rebecca and Chelsea off this morning. I remember doing it last semester; it seems so long ago now… Anyway, I’m on the limited express to Tambabashi, onto Kyoto, and then Hikone to meet Alex…

12:28pm　新快速

Now I’m on the special rapid express to Hikone from Kyoto, on the 東海道本線 (Tokaido main line). I should be there in about 45 minutes; I’m coming Alex!!!

5:54pm　ホテル

We got to the hotel about 30 minutes ago. We’re staying at the 彦根びわこホテル (Hikone Biwako Hotel), and the room is great; the beds are so comfortable. We’re on the 4^th floor, right across from the elevator. In order for the power to work, you have to put the key in a slot just inside the door, which I think is really cool; just like magic… After getting to Hikone, I found a Makkas across the road from the station and ate lunch there, asking Alex to meet me; turns out she was already in the station, sitting in the waiting room. She soon arrived, and we had a bit of a catch up before making our way down the main street towards the castle. It was about a 10 minute walk till we hit the end of the street, and we noticed a shrine across the road, so we decided to check it out. It was called 護国神社 (gokoku jinja – lit. “Protect Country Shrine), and it turned out to be a war memorial shrine; the name hinted toward this fact. There were a number of statues, dedicated to the men who fell in war, the women and children, and even the animals (horses, dogs, and pigeon) that were involved in war; it was very beautiful. It was so quiet too; we were the only people there.

We soon made our way over to the castle, past the white-washed walls, over the moat, up stairs, and across bridges. Before entering the keep, we had a look around the grounds, did a bit of souvenir shopping, and took in the stunning view of the city and Lake Biwa. Like Himeji castle, we had to take our shoes off inside the keep, and carry them around in bags. It was quite small in comparison to the other castles I’ve been to (only 3 storeys), but it was still pretty cool. Inside, there were artefacts on display, and oh my gosh the stairs were steep, probably the steepest I’ve had to climb. Alex was a little worried, but we went up and down without any dramas, and were soon out. After that, we made our way around the back of the castle, and down a heap of stairs, before crossing a bridge at 黒門 (kuromon – “black gate”). In the moat below, there was a pair of white swan, presumably a male/female couple. The female was making a nest on the shore, and the male was diligently patrolling the waters; it was a wonderful sight to see. After a bit of a walk, we found ourselves at 玄宮園 (Genkyuen), which was an amazingly beautiful garden; so many great photos. Soon after, we exited the castle and made our way over to here, about a half an hour’s walk once we got on the right track; the map helped a lot. Check-in extremely simple; I just had to write my name and phone number, and pay, and we were set. It looks like they have a great selection of facilities, including a pool and spa, so I might go and check them out later. Right now though, I’m happy to just relax…

9:30pm　ホテル

I’m munching on sakura mochi; so yummy! Alex has only just been introduced to the wonders of mochi, and while at first she didn’t like the texture, she’s quickly getting used to it; they sell bags of it in the Lawsons across from the hotel. We’ve just come back from having dinner at a ラメン屋 (Ramen store) called “六本木 (Roppongi) House”, which is kind of epic as Roppongi is the name of a well known district in Tokyo. Anyway, the ramen was amazing; I got pork, and Alex got tomato. We stayed there and talked for a while, and then we went to Lawsons to pick up some dessert. I tried this strange coconut yoghurt/jelly thing that Ash had been talking about the previous night (coincidently), and it tasted pretty good; though not something I would buy again… Earlier this evening, I decided to go down the 2^nd floor and check out the bath, and while the set up was pretty typical, the baths themselves were surprisingly untraditional; they were more like Jacuzzi. The water was coloured green and scented, and water jets were used in two of the tubs. Still, it was very warm, and very relaxing; I didn’t end up staying too long though, as it was also quite boring. Getting back, I lazed around, and read another chapter of Reborn; I’m getting faster! Anyway, we’re probably going to get some sleep soon, as we have a big day planned for tomorrow…

Day 98 - 6th of December

9:02am　急行
天気：曇り
Just getting on the train from Kuzuha to Tambabashi to change over to the kintetsu line for Toji temple. Carly and I are accompanied by Carly’s friend Sarah. Diego decided it would be better if he stayed home, and got his paper done. Woke up at 7, showered and did the laundry. Got money off Diego and then left. On Monday I’m going straight to the bank after classes. We walked over to seminar house 4 at about 8:20 to pick up Sarah, then onto Makino we went. On the way, we witnessed our first car accident in Japan. A van sideswiped another large vehicle; typical van driver, lol. Both stopped and got out of their cars; a younger couple were in the van, and an older man was in the other vehicle. We didn’t stick around for long (it was on the other side of the river), but it looked like the younger man was quite annoyed. We think it was the side mirror of the other car that came off. I wouldn’t blame the drivers completely though; the road is just too narrow for two cars abroad. Still, they should have both slowed down. Looking forward to a long, but rewarding day…

1:33pm　地下鉄
In the subway at kyoto station, going to 烏丸御池 (karasuma oike) where the shopping street and movie theatre are (I think)… On the subway. This morning was great. Although I didn’t buy anything at the markets (apart from a frog ornament Diego had requested), it was really cool to see so many old things; vases, clothes, coins, scrolls, and other Japaraphernalia (lol I just made a new word). Carly and Sarah only had one thing on their minds; Kimono!!! They now have many bags full. Some were so cheap though; it’s amazing. Seeing the pagoda was awesome too. It’s the largest in Japan. Regrettably, I had KFC for lunch; it wasn’t that bad I guess. From KFC we walked to Kyoto station, past an Inari shrine and an enormous shopping centre. We’re here…

8:39pm　
We’re on the train back to Makino now. I’m absolutely stuffed. Sarah took another train to Hirakata, so it’s just me and Carly... After getting to karasuma oike, we walked around for a while, trying to figure out how to get to the cinemas. On the way, we stumbled upon 六角時 (Rokkakuji – “hexagonal temple”), wedged between hotels and skyscrapers. It was beautiful temple, and there were huge white swans and koi in a pond at the back; and so many pigeons. We continued on and found a market street called 錦 (Nishiki – “fine dress’). There was so much fresh produce and it was absolutely packed with people; we squeezed our way through at a crawl. Somehow, we bumped into Sarita (quite literally in fact) from our dorm, with some of her friends; I think it’s amazing when that happens. Nishiki eventually flowed out onto the main shopping street and I soon found my bearings. We went into the 2:50 screening of New Moon, with a huge bucket of caramel popcorn. On entry, we got a free poster; wish they did that in Australia. Mind you, the tickets are quite a bit more here, so it kinda makes up for it.

I really enjoyed the movie. Overall, they did a great job. We got out at about 5 (it was already dark), and decided to go to one of the temples for “light up”. Found out that the “light up” for 知恩院 (Chionin) was already over, so we went to 高台寺 (Kodaiji) instead. But before that, we had a nice warm meal in a restaurant near Yasaka shrine on the corner of Gion. After a bit of searching, we came upon Kodaiji and it was stunning. We must have walked around for at least an hour; past lit up maples, and Zen gardens, and through a bamboo grove. Since my camera batteries died, got it all on film. We also got a great view of the city; we were about as high up as Kiyomizu-dera.

After a bit of souvenir shopping, we made our way back to the station, having a quick look at the Yasaka pagoda on the way. My leopard pin decided to fall out again on the street (the first time was at uni); that pesky kitty. We found it again though; silly untamed thing. We witnessed a bride throwing the bouquet, and were startled by the sounds of sirens from the “super emergency rescue unit”; there had been a crash on the corner of Gion. Walked the block, down into the station, and got tickets. We’re almost at Kuzuha now. I really enjoyed today, especially the getting lost parts. You come across the best things when you’re lost it’s great, xD. So tired…