Tochigi Hot Air Balloon Championship 2009
Two days ago, I went to Utsunomiya to see some hot air balloons participating in the 2009 Tochigi Hot Air Balloon International Championship.
However, the competition started very early in the morning (at 6.30am) and I couldn't get there ontime, so I missed most of the hot air balloons. There should be more than 15 balloons, but by the time I got there, all but 3 had fled away.
Tochigi Hot Air Balloon Championship is an annual event. Hot air balloon competitions were also held in other places in Japan and apparently this one in Tochigi is the final round. More info here.
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However, the competition started very early in the morning (at 6.30am) and I couldn't get there ontime, so I missed most of the hot air balloons. There should be more than 15 balloons, but by the time I got there, all but 3 had fled away.
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Tochigi Hot Air Balloon Championship is an annual event. Hot air balloon competitions were also held in other places in Japan and apparently this one in Tochigi is the final round. More info here.
Ginger Ale KitKat
Look what I found when I was shopping for groceries yesterday. It's another one of those unique new flavors of KitKat. This time, it's ginger ale flavored.
Looks like a white chocolate KitKat. But after unwrapping it, you can tell it's ginger ale by the smell.
Looks like a white chocolate KitKat. But after unwrapping it, you can tell it's ginger ale by the smell.
Shinjuku at night, city of signboards
One of the reasons why I like Shinjuku is that it transforms every single night into a bright city of signboards. I don't really know much about other cities in other countries, but I guess Shinjuku is among the brightest cities in the world.
Taking photos at night (no matter how bright the city is) is not an easy task. Here's my best effort. Enjoy.
A view of the busy street near in front of Mistukoshi department store.
Omoideyoko-cho, a small street full of Japanese old-style drinking shops. Near to JR Shinjuku st. west exit.
Behind the bus terminal, JR Shinjuku st. west exit.
Taking photos at night (no matter how bright the city is) is not an easy task. Here's my best effort. Enjoy.
A view of the busy street near in front of Mistukoshi department store.
Omoideyoko-cho, a small street full of Japanese old-style drinking shops. Near to JR Shinjuku st. west exit.
Behind the bus terminal, JR Shinjuku st. west exit.
Shonan Beach and Surfing
I know I've posted some photos of Shonan beach before. Since recently I was there again, here's another view of Shonan beach.
Shonan beach is one of famous surfing spots in Japan. More popular than other spots because it's closer to Tokyo. It's usually over crowded in the summer. Even though it's a lot colder now, there's still a lot of surfers. There are surf shops near the beach for renting gears, and there are also surfing schools if you're just getting into the sport.
Shonan beach is one of famous surfing spots in Japan. More popular than other spots because it's closer to Tokyo. It's usually over crowded in the summer. Even though it's a lot colder now, there's still a lot of surfers. There are surf shops near the beach for renting gears, and there are also surfing schools if you're just getting into the sport.
Hasedera and Great Buddha statue (Kotoku-In)
When you get to Kamakura, you'll be surprised with the number of temples there. But among them, Hasedera and Kotoku-In are the must-sees. Here are the reasons why.
Hasedera is a Buddhist temple hosting one of the largest wooden Buddha statue in Japan (however, cameras are not allowed in the Buddha statue room). Other than this, there's also a beautiful garden with many things to see.
Since this temple is located on a slightly higher ground, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of Kamakura. You can read more about Hasedera here.
Just few minutes walk from Hasedera is Kotoku-In. Kotoku-In is the temple where you can see the Great Buddha statue of Kamakura. This statue is the symbol of Kamakura, well-known to visitors from inside and outside of Japan. More info here.
Hasedera and Kotoku-In temple are both easily accessible by train. Stop at Hase St. (Enoshima Dentetsu Line) and just a few minutes walk to get there. If you're planning to visit other spots in Kamakura, do use the 1-Day pass for Enoshima Dentetsu Line. It is available at any Enoshima Dentetsu Line stations for 580yen.
Hasedera is a Buddhist temple hosting one of the largest wooden Buddha statue in Japan (however, cameras are not allowed in the Buddha statue room). Other than this, there's also a beautiful garden with many things to see.
Since this temple is located on a slightly higher ground, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of Kamakura. You can read more about Hasedera here.
Just few minutes walk from Hasedera is Kotoku-In. Kotoku-In is the temple where you can see the Great Buddha statue of Kamakura. This statue is the symbol of Kamakura, well-known to visitors from inside and outside of Japan. More info here.
Hasedera and Kotoku-In temple are both easily accessible by train. Stop at Hase St. (Enoshima Dentetsu Line) and just a few minutes walk to get there. If you're planning to visit other spots in Kamakura, do use the 1-Day pass for Enoshima Dentetsu Line. It is available at any Enoshima Dentetsu Line stations for 580yen.
