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  • Ben Smeele

Japan

My first real trip to Japan Read more
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  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Last night in Kyoto

    December 10, 2022 in Japan ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    I wandered down the road and got a coffee at Starbucks which led me to a small temple in the middle of the city which seemed attached.
    After that I popped back into nishiki markets for a little bite to eat, getting some battered fish and eel this time. Saw what I think we're either intestines or brain being served up, had a very sticky looking texture to it. Found out later it was called Cod Milt which is the sperm sacks. Hmmm, I was offered some at a bar but have yet to commit to it.
    I continued to walk through the shopping complex at the end of Nishiki but nothing really caught my eye. Have been finding it really hard to collect souvenirs but that may come later in the trip.
    I caught the bus back to the hotel to do washing, pack and have an onsen. Ran into a guy from Spain while doing washing and then again in the onsen. Talked to him for a while (while naked which was weird at first but again get used to it) and he was in a similar situation as me. Similar age and occupation and had split with his partner of 5 years a month ago but was currently still on holiday with her. I worry about talking to people in the bathroom as my friends have advised me against it since I got asked for my number one night but I find it more awkward to stand in silence.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Up and train to Kobe

    December 11, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    I got up, packed up and realised I had not touched most of the clothes in my backpack or carry-on. I easily could have brought half the clothes I did but will see how I go once I get to the more winter or snow areas.
    Had breakfast at the train station and got a few snacks for the train ride or later if needed.
    I jumped on the express train for Osaka, Kobe,... And for the first 40 minutes had to stand due to lack of seats.
    There was some weird poster on the train showing animals eating and the shitting for some reason, could not understand what it was advertising.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Love hotel

    December 11, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    When originally booking online I wanted a place as close as I could get to Kakogawa and this looked like it was close. Only upon arriving and having to get a bus then walk a fair while with my luggage did I realise it would not be a great place to stay. I got the lady to change the booking to one night instead and found another place close to the train station in Himeji for tomorrow. Interesting but I guess it makes sense that this has been the only place which didn't ask for ID or passport for the booking.
    The love hotel was very dated but was an interesting experience. There was a PlayStation, karaoke machine, Video on demand movies and of course most channels were censored porn. There was a wand next to the bed with condoms supplied and 2 small vending machines, one for drinks and another for toys/pills.
    The outside bath was nice so I got some sake and drank that in the bath to relax, then played some games on the PlayStation.
    I originally thought the rooms were quite soundproof but let's just say not enough for the night, the neighbours were quite loud and kept me awake for a while.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Akashi walk around

    December 11, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    Since I was in this town I thought I would go for a walk and get some dinner. I think I might have been on the wrong side of the tracks or something as it was a little more run down than other Japanese neighbourhoods I had walked through. I saw a sign saying ominomiyaki so I thought I would try that. They spoke no English and the menu was in full Japanese but I got what I needed and it was very delicious.
    I saw a house covered in Christmas lights on the walk back, it was the only one in the area though.
    I decided to get some sake for back at the room so went into an alcohol store and was quite surprised at how cheap alcohol is in Japan. A bottle of kraken was $25. They even had 5litre bottles of whiskey which seemed crazy.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler
    121

    Himeji

    December 12, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Within a minute of stepping off the train an old lady came up to me and welcomed me to Himeji, then asked where I was from and she said she had been to NZ and loved it. Everyone in this city feels so much more welcoming than everywhere else I have been so far. I found a little cafe to have a late breakfast, they didn't speak any English so I struggled a little but got there in the end. I had all my luggage with me so took up a whole table but they made me feel welcome still.
    Walking through the streets there are art pieces and it's clean and tidy.
    Walking through the market streets it feels quiet like the tourists are yet to return here, it could also just be the time on a Monday though.
    I saw a couple of stray cats around as well, felt bad as I had no food to give them but they also looked somewhat taken care of.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Himeji castle

    December 12, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    I had forgotten that I had been to this castle 23 years ago but it looked familiar so I checked my photos and figured I should go while in the town. I wish I had come straight here instead of the love hotel as they had an event which ended last night where they lit up the castle at night. Oh well, live and learn.
    I tried to stand in the same spot as my younger self but it was hard to tell with how much the trees had changed.
    It was an amazing castle to walk through, you get to go completely through all 7 floors inside of the main building and through the surrounding ones as well, they let you take photos and have a lot of photo stands set up for you.
    The wooden design and structure of this building is amazing to look at. There were so many places I had to duck under beams and doorways 😁.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler
    1

    Hotel Himeji Castle Grandvrio

    December 13, 2022 in Japan ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    I booked this hotel last minute as it had an onsen but still reasonably priced. Was $150 for 2 nights.
    The onsen itself was great, they had a large bath daiyokujo, a carbonic acid bath Tansanburo, an outdoor bath rotenburo and a cold bath mizoburo. It also had a dry and steam sauna with the steam one having showers in it which you can use. There were also 3 bathtubs for private use. I probably spent an hour there without a privacy towel, still feeling a little weird but getting used to it.
    They had a stone sauna area as well but that cost $6. Maybe I'll check it out tomorrow.
    I had a little look upstairs and found a comic room full of Japanese manga, sadly I could not find any in English to enjoy with the other people.
    The breakfast was a smorgasbord style with them making us hand sanitise, then put on gloves so they stuck to our hands??? I looked at my first course and realised it was all meat so I went back for a decent sized salad. I also realised I have been eating like a pigeon, if there is food I'll eat heaps otherwise I can just skip meals if I don't have the time.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Kakogawa wandering

    December 13, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    I caught the train here (cost $3.5 I think) without much of a plan, got off the train and started walking north first. Thought there was a park up that way which I might have been too before.
    I passed a school which looked very similar to the one I went to as a kid but there were lots of schools I passed and they all looked very similar.
    Stopped for a drink and found another fanta variety I had never seen before. Fanta sparkling pear juice. It was pretty good.
    I walked up to the park and up a hill which was very nice crisp air due to the temperature and it raining earlier in the morning. I found the big open area which would have been where they held the Midori festival when I was a kid but was unable to find the Maori Taniwha statues which I had a photo of.
    I bussed down to some temple which was apparently moved and was related to Waitakere City somehow but I didn't find anything relating there either. I had a lunch at kakogawa katsumeshitei and ordered the kakogawa special meal which was really nice. The chef came out and asked where I was from in English and if I was enjoying the meal, not many of them spoke English so I think he came out to have a practice but it was nice to talk to him.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Kakurinji temple

    December 13, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    I was walking around talking to Mum and Dad and had wound up in a shipyard area so they said just jump on a bus so I did. I wasn't sure exactly where it was going but looked like one of the small buses so figured it was going to the train station. I saw town hall coming up and had a photo of that so figured I would get off there, I noticed a temple nearby so I decided to walk to that and have a look. Turns out it was the temple where most of the photos I had taken as a kid were from. Spoke to the people running the temple and they were happy that I had come back. I convinced one of the ladies to take photos in the same places as I had previously.
    The place was a little more run down and there was one building under repair but it was so great looking around and back at my old photos and then going "oh that thing is just over there".    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Kakogawa city hall

    December 13, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Spurred on from the temple I walked into city hall and asked if I could take a photo and showed them the old ones I had taken. They kindly helped me out and took me to the mayor's 10th floor for some photos. They thought it was great I was back in the town and I made sure to thank them and bow as low as I could.Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Leaving Kakogawa

    December 13, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    I decided to head back as other than catching up with my old host family I had revisited most of the places I had been and thought well of the day.
    I saw a donut place selling Pikachu ones so thought I would have to give one a go as a treat for the day.
    Leaving the train station it was nice to see a girl playing piano, I think she had been there most of the day playing along. They had the same at himeji station as well.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Last night in Himeji

    December 14, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    I started exploring some of the malls, places like Uniqlo had sizes up to 4xl so I needn't have worried about size fitting before coming here.
    I stopped in at Starbucks as they had a great view of the main square, felt bad holding the table but need to try stop those thoughts.
    I went to the rooftop and they had a Rube Goldberg machine which I watched for a while the went to have a look around all the lights. Most of the areas were full of highschool girls practicing and performing their tictok dances.
    I got myself some Negima Yakitori for a light dinner. Chicken thigh and spring onion on kabab stick. They were really good and cheap.
    Had another onsen back at the hotel as I wanted to make the most of it. This time it was quite busy with there being 10 guys in the sauna at one point. There was a guy walking around and acting like a baby, as in walking and making baby noises. People seemed to avoid him as he was a little strange and made me worried he had peed in the bath.
    I only realised towards the end during breakfast the next morning, that I had not seen another foreigner this whole time. Everyone in the hotel Himeji and kakogawa looked Japanese to me.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler
    11

    Pearl Bridge

    December 14, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    When looking through my photos I saw one of this bridge and remembered I had a coin from here as well. It was listed as a low of 1 and high of 9 today so I dressed a little warmer. The wind was also very strong today, I had to make sure I held my phone tight while taking photos as it got knocked around a bit.
    I'm glad I stopped, tried to find a locker for my gear and an old lady on a bike pointed me in the direction then biked back around to find me again so she could take me personally to it. I put most of my gear in a locker and then walked around, it made me happy to remember this place and come here again.
    I got myself a coin made again so I have a matching pair when I get home.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Nijigen No Mori park

    December 14, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    I ran to catch a bus as Google didnt explain it was on the 5th floor but a nice lady helped me find it. That took me across the bridge then I walked though a rather sketchy path to get to Nijigen No Mori.
    I ran into a group speaking English and they were from Brisbane with one of them being a kiwi also. They were here for a month with an 80 page itinerary but were in their early 20s. I walked and talked for a while.
    The park itself is very large, you can pay $5 for a bus to take you from one side to the other but seemed at wired times so I just walked.
    There was a Demon Slayer, Naruto, Dragon Quest Island and Godzilla sections.
    I again had to run as thought I needed to go back to how I got to the park but luckily checked along the way and realised the bus back was the other side of the park.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Naruto park

    December 14, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    I decided to do the Naruto park which had a couple of quests you could select from. It cost $50 and is not really worth it but I had a lot of fun still. They give you these voucher books and a coupon for one of the other parks but I find it hard to spend it anywhere.
    I got myself a ramen as it was around lunch time, it was not that well made but it at least came with a black and white Narutos which felt right to have.
    The first quest was the better one where I had to climb through a 3 story wooden maze ninja course and make the Naruto hand signals at specific gates to allow me through, you then got a stamp with the next hand symbol to make to get through to the next area.
    The second quest was to figure out which symbol to trace onto the scroll as walking through the staged sets. This was not bad but pretty basic.
    I had paid for a third quest as well which was an activity sheet with problems you had to solve. I ended up cheesing my way through it which probably took away half the fun.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Guesthouse u-en

    December 14, 2022 in Japan ⋅ 🌙 4 °C

    I thought I would give backpackers a go while here in Osaka, originally for 5 nights but while talking to people at Naruto park I found out about Tokyo based jump fest so might try and make it to that. I got them to change to 4 but still not sure how or if I will get back to Tokyo.
    It's a capsule size room again but not as tech filled, quiet or modern. So far the people I have met have been nice and it puts the "it's just a place to sleep" to the test.
    The neighbour from Mexico snores quite loud but I have some ear plugs and rather that than the love hotel noises.
    Just down the alleyway was a takoyaki bar, I had some there with a beer and some sake to help me sleep. The owner and the guy next to me were quite chatty and great company to have.
    Words I'm learning
    Same again = Okaware おかわれ
    Bill = Okike おきけ
    Future note, the place was ok to stay at but a few things, the bed was so hard I got bruises on my shoulders and hips and the people hardly spoke to me.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    USJ Arrival

    December 15, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    I was asked to go to Mario World by a friend, the standard ticket price was $87 but because I wanted to go to Mario World I needed to book in with a express pass so it cost $280. At first I was really worried about the price and because of my height she needed to check I could go on all the rides. Some Asian looking but American sounding lady came up and asked why I was taking so long and if I could move to another lane but I just ignored her.
    The first ride I went on had a height limit of 198, he got onto a stool to check my height but was well worth it. It was the pterodactyl ride in Jurassic Park. It was amazing going upside down and around. Glad I did before eating any food. I then went to the Spiderman 3d movie ride.
    It really threw you around, sprayed water, air, fire. Was a great ride, not the adrenaline of the first one but still great.
    I noticed a sign as I was leaving for child switch so the parents can take turns I guess.
    I was then booked in for Harry Potter world so rushed to the other side of the park.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    USJ Harry Potter world

    December 15, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    I rushed over to make sure I made the entry line at the right time as it was quite busy. This was one of the places I couldn't help but smile and not some forced selfy one as I had wanted to come here since I first heard about it.
    The first one made me feel a little sick as was a movie type one but also had lots of things jumping out at you or shaking the cart. The carts were on an arm on a track.
    I went to grab a quick bite so found a small Hogwarts pie. This helped get rid of that feeling for a while so went on to the next ride. While eating I caught some of the Beaubatons and Durmstrang performance. It was interesting that most of the actors or staff in this area were not Asian. I guess it added to the theme.
    The Griffin ride I had express pass on as well but tbh I think it would have been the same in the solo lane. They put me in the front seat though because of the legroom as technically this ride had a height limit of 195. It was quite kiddy but was still nice to go around on.
    I then waited in line for the magic show, it was in olivanders and they picked one person out to re-enact Harry's wand selection. Was tempted after that to buy a wand but they felt cheap quality plastic.
    I then stopped for a proper lunch in the three broomsticks. The line for lunch took over an hour to get through the outside line, the inside line then the ordering line. The food itself was worth it, I enjoyed the English style meal and the dessert was quite magical. I stole the cauldron to keep it for later.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    USJ Midday

    December 15, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    I had a few hours to kill and needed to walk off that large lunch. So I wandered around for a little bit first.
    I went on the 2 water based rides. First the Jaws one as I had express pass for that, they put me right up the front again.
    I had originally thought they were actual boats but once on you could tell they were on tracks under the water but just had outboards to give them a feel. The gun explosions and bubbling fire in water parts were great but I was not allowed to take photos. Got a little wet but not too much.
    Did the log flume ride next for Jurassic Park. This time they put me at the back of the ride in a set by myself. Maybe it was a balance thing? I was busy taking photos when I realise I was at the top of the flume and quickly put my phone away.
    Pants got wet but my jacket kept me dry.
    I then ran over for a kiddy ride in minion world for disposable me. It was another u had a pass for as otherwise the lines were massive and would have taken a very long time.
    There were alot of staging areas you watched videos in while still waiting some more. You then ended up in something similar to a cinema but we were in 8 seater pods that shook and moved us.
    I noticed everyone had these fun. Hats in so was keen to get one myself.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    USJ Super Nintendo World

    December 15, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    I ran back to the other side of the park to make my Super Nintendo World pass time. As it was quite popular you had to have your time booked in to even access this area. I can see why as getting in there was packed.
    I got to my first express pass booking in time but seemed almost worthless as everyone needed express pass it seemed. There again was lots of waiting areas where you linked up, then they gave you hat things which you stood in a room and they explained then there was another 3 lineup areas before the ride. One of the waiting areas had this cool glass lamp plant which I want to look at getting one myself. The ride itself was a 4 person cart which you each had a steering wheel and if you steered in the right direction it got you points or if you shot things it got you points. For our area I got second with 163, the kid sitting next to me got 167.
    I tried to buy a hat at that point but the lines for purchase were very long.
    I then went over for the Yoshi ride but it was very kiddy and probably could have skipped that.
    So I ran back to get a Bowser hat so I can wear it on the go carts in Tokyo.
    There were lots of other side things but you needed to buy a wristband to partake in them and I was running out of time with the park closing at 7.
    All in all it was a fun area but a little too kiddy and busy for me.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    USJ Leaving

    December 15, 2022 in Japan ⋅ 🌙 6 °C

    I looked in the app for what rides were still going as most had started to shut down, there was one called space fantasy and after Nintendo World I thought it would be kiddy still but I really enjoyed it. It was an indoor roller coaster with 4 seater bods which rotated as you went through the path. You could tell it was an older ride but was still very good.
    I then jumped in the only line left at 7pm for a Osaka based anime 4d movie. I probably could have left that as there was no subtitles and I didn't know the characters but I enjoyed it none the less.
    I then did a final wander around the park, groups of people were running around with matching hats and looked great. The staff were all packing up but in matching overalls for the different rides so looked quite funny.
    Upon exiting you go through city walk which has lots of American based restaurants. I was tempted but figured I would find something better back by the backpackers.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Osaka random dinner

    December 15, 2022 in Japan ⋅ 🌙 6 °C

    I got back towards the hotel from USJ and found a local place to have a small bite, I was tempted to try the fluffy lung but the deal he gave me for a large beer, top3 and edamame for $10 seemed like a good start. I had ribs, kidney and something else with a side of aged chicken. It was actually all pretty good but the mustard was very hot on the nose.
    I got back to the backpackers and talked with some people before heading to bed. I'm finding people are only here for a day or two so not able to talk to them much. The Korean guy next to me was snoring a lot through the night but I had ear plugs.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Osaka Aquarium

    December 16, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    I had a pretty lazy morning as had been a bit drained from the days before. I got up around midday and went to find some breakfast but only found a ramen, which will do but really craving some decent breakfast.
    A couple of people said to check out the aquarium as it was a fairly good one and I was not sure what else to do in Osaka so I headed that way.
    The aquarium was very large and I saw a few animals I had not seen before. It was nice to see some of them being playful but I walked away a little sad seeing them in their cages.
    I had fun with the penguins at the end though as I went to take a selfie and then they saw themselves and got really interested in it.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

    December 16, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Apparently it's listed as one of the world's largest ferris wheels at 112.5m tall but when I looked it up it was 8th tallest. Dubai has one twice as tall.
    It was really fun to go on even though most of the other travelers were kids or adults with their kids I enjoyed the ride.
    I opted for the clear bottom ride as I figured I would make the most of it but it didn't really seem to matter.
    I tried to do a long exposure but I also wanted to take photos and didn't have a second camera.
    I also ran into a little mermaid statue that was donated from Germany from the Hans Kristen Anderson foundation, not entirely sure why.
    I also met the Lego giraffe and wanted to go to legoland but had left it too late.    Read more

  • Ben SmeeleJapanTraveler

    Osaka castle

    December 16, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    I wanted to see the castle but ran it a bit late, I figured I would head there anyway. It was quite dark walking through the park but it was mostly just joggers running through.
    I could imagine it being a really nice place to go for a run each night as from most places in the park you could see the castle and then make a run up to it.
    I saw some lights in the distance but when I tried to get to it, I was walled off so I figured I would leave it as I didn't feel like walking around the whole park again.    Read more

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