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2018-06-26T20:07:00.002-07:00

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2016 ~ 2017 Tokyo Japan Trip

2016-11-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

First thing first, get a Japan Rial Pass

***Make sure to bring your valid passport to exchange for the Japan Rail Pass*** - It closes early.

The Japanese international airports are located near Tokyo, the capital city. Tokyo and other cities are interconnected with the webs of railways. Traveling via (high-speed or shinkansen) trains is very attractive and the most convenient way to move around the country. See the map of high-speed rail. The trains are very on schedule almost down to 1 second. If your schedule is pretty tight, there is a guide of activities to do in Tokyo and nearby cities based on J rail pass website.

Day 1 (Dec 31, 2016) : Landing in Tokyo, Shibuya and Ueno

--- Exchange your Japan Rail Pass at any of two terminals in Narita Airport or the Haneda Airport International Terminal:

Narita Airport Terminal 1
JR EAST Travel Service Center – Exchange Office
Working hours: 8:15 – 19:00; every day

Narita Airport Terminal 2-3JR EAST Travel Service Center – Exchange Office
Working hours: 8:15 – 20:00; every day

Haneda Airport International Terminal ( going to land at HND )JR EAST Travel Service Center
(Tokyo Monorail 2F Ticket Gate – Arrival lobby)
Working hours: 7:45 – 18:30; every day

--- ~~Check in to Ryokan Sawanoya~~. This Japanese is a number 1 traditional Japanese inn on tripadvisor website. I booked it and they send me an email that they close during the New Year.

Back to AirBnB ,

http://www.familyinnsaiko.com/neighbourhood-tour/

https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Detroit-Airport-DTW/Auburn-Hills

http://www.itcj.or.jp/heartyinn_search/eng/313158

https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Detroit-Airport-DTW/Auburn-Hills

I was going to book to Airbnb but later on decided to go with stay the 1st night at JAL City Hotel near Haneda International Airport and the rest, I will stay at Khoasan hostel.

Since the JR pass office closes early, I will have to return to the airport and get a pass then the adventure starts. I may have to purchase additional bus ticket since it is not connected with the JR pass.

Haneda Airport

Hanedakuko, Ota, Tokyo 144-0041

Walk

About 3 min , 170 m

5:17 AM

羽田空港国際線ビル駅（東京）

Tokyo-Monorail区間快速Hamamatsucho

15 min (4 stops)

5:32 AM

Hamamatsucho Station

Walk

About 1 min

5:39 AM

Hamamatsucho Station

Keihintohoku Line各停Omiya

10 min (5 stops) · Platform 1

5:49 AM

Akihabara Station

Walk

About 3 min

5:58 AM

Akihabara Station

Tsukuba Express各停Moriya

4 min (2 stops)

6:02 AM

Asakusa Station

Walk

About 2 min , 160 m

6:04 AM

Khaosan World Asakusa RYOKAN & HOSTEL

〒111-0035 Tokyo, Taito, Nishiasakusa, 3−１５−1

Note: The Narita Express requires a seat reservation, which is why we recommend reserving a seat during the exchange process. There will be no extra reservation charges for owners of the Japan Rail Pass (for those coming from Haneda airport, the Tokyo Monorail stops at Hamamatsucho station).

Travel tip: When in Tokyo, you can use your Japan Rail Pass on the following lines:

Narita Express
The Yamanote JR line
The JR metro lines

Please refer to our Tokyo metro map for details on which lines you can use. For the rest of the city transport in Tokyo, we recommend you purchase a PASMO or a SUICA card.

The Narita Express, as well as the Yamanote Metro line, will take you to one of the most famous, visited and pictured places in Tokyo: the Shibuya Crossing . Google already considers it a fully-functional synonym of the Times Square of Tokyo, because it is!.

Shibuya crossing

Let’s be honest – Shibuya is amazing! It is the world center of the city centers, it is where many Tokyo-natives like to drink after work, it is where the story of the most loyal dog – Hachiko – began, and also where everyone wants to take a picture. Pedestrians stand still on red light, but the second it turns green, the river of people in a hurry cannot be stopped.

Shibuya crossing at night

It is the place where the magic happens and where magic has been captured through the centuries. You can spend a whole day around the ward of Shibuya and still not get to see all of it.

After your visit, take the Yamanote line from Shibuya Station, using your Japan Rail Pass, and visit the biggest and most famous park in Tokyo – Ueno Park.

Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo

It is precisely here, where some of the most spectacular views of cherry blossoming (usually between the last week of March and the first week of April) is happening. Perfect for picnics, long walks and talks.

Just next to the Ueno Park is located the famous Ueno Zoo, where children and adults of all ages can enjoy the experience of seeing over 2,600 animals, including giant pandas, red pandas, pelicans, lemurs, wolves, lions, tigers and more.

Children younger than 12 years of age can enter for free, while the price for students is 200¥ Yen and for adults 600¥.

Day 2: Tsukiji market, Ginza and Hamarikyu Gardens

Tsukiji fish market

After visiting the busiest crossing in the world and the greatest park in Tokyo, it is time to discover the uniqueness of the largest and most famous fish market in the world – the Tsukiji fish market.

Tsukiji fish market

The market deals with over 2,000 tons of marine products each day. Before any of this starts, each morning between 5:25 and 6:10, tourists are let in on a fantastic free show of fish auction – one of the most authentic experiences in Tokyo. To make sure you are allowed in, we recommend to get there around 3:00 AM in the morning as only 120 people will be able to watch (divided into two separate groups).

Every single Tokyo guide will tell you to visit the market, and there is a good reason for it. Only by seeing it, you will be able to understand the importance of the seafood in the Japanese cuisine and get to try it first-hand from the little pop-up booths offering delicious and fresh meals.

Ginza shopping area and Hamarikyu Gardens

While in the neighborhood, don’t miss out on the Ginza area, which will sweep you off your feet once again. The Tokyo version of Manhattan attracts many people for its clean, organized and diverse stores and restaurants.

If it is only logical to take a rest, after a long morning and a tiring day of crowded streets and stores, take a deep breath and head to the Hamarikyu Gardens. They may not be the most famous, but sure are what anyone would like to experience after a busy day.

Surrounded by nearby tall constructions, it is a little piece of nature, in between the concrete jungle of Tokyo. The gardens will fascinate you with a little teahouse, located on an island in one of the lakes. Visitors can sip on their tea in peace and quiet while enjoying the Japanese cultural experience.

Day 3: Asakusa, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Asakusa and Senso-ji temple

Last day in Tokyo, a day to remember, a day to take the most out of the old Japanese spirits.

Located in Asakusa, one of the Tokyo center districts lays the area’s most famous and beautiful Sensoji temple. Build in the 7th century, it represents one of the oldest and most famous temples in Japan. However, bear in mind that most of the current building is post-war reconstruction, due to massive bombings, which destroyed large parts of the city.

Senso-ji shrine and pagoda

Most of the district has been rebuilt and has regained its popularity amongst locals and international visitors. It will take you nearly 2 hours to take a walk and enjoy everything there is to see.

Don’t be blinded by the endless typical souvenir shops on the main streets and dig deeper into the hidden narrow streets of the area. You will be surprised to discover traditional kimono tailors, purse tailors, even UFO catchers! There is nothing typical about this neighborhood, just step out of the main streets.

Then, after getting to know Asakusa better and enjoying the diverse and beautiful cultural experiences, cross the river and head to the Asahi Beer Hall, where you can have a cold beer on the rooftop.

Harajuku, Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, and you are going to understand this even better by taking a walk down to Harajuku area, located just next to the Harajuku station. Seeing up close the old and the new from Tokyo’s districts will tell you the story of how Japan has changed throughout the years.

Going down the Takeshita Dori (Dori stands for street), you will discover the young and vibrant Japanese shopping and clothing culture. To the east, west, south or north of this point, you will find high-end stores, tiny jewelry shops, broad and diverse streets, all in one: the perfect combination of food, shopping, and culture.

The only thing that might be missing in this combination is the nature aspect – not to worry! The Meiji Shrineentrance is just next to the Harajuku station.

Meiji shrine entrance

The temple is dedicated to the first emperor of modern Japan (Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken), and it was one of the severely damaged spiritual places during the World War II, rapidly rebuilt shortly after.

Located within walking distance from the Yoyogi Park (picture below), this is a place preferred by many for its serenity, green fields and a chance to sit down, have a picnic and relax with your family and children.

Tokyo Metropolitan Building

Views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Building in Shinjuku

Finally, we recommend seeing Tokyo from above, before saying “goodbye.” The spectacular views from different heights and during different times of the day can completely change your perception. Visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers the chance to see the entire city from 202 meters height, at the observation deck on the 45th floor.

Related Posts

_____________

Osaka Kyoto and Nara

Kyoto you can buy bus pass at tourist center in Kyoto station building.
Train station is not connect every place in Kyoto.

If you travel in Osaka you can buy Osaka Amazing pass at Trourist desk in Kansai airport (I'm not sure 1st/2nd fl). This ticket includes entrance fee for 28 places (just show card with no queue) and transportation.

From Kansas airport to Kyoto or Osaka (and round trip back to Kansas airport) you can buy ICOCA card round trip include discount JR to Kyoto/Osaka. You can put money on ICOCA to pay train, bus, some restaurant, 7-11 and minimarts and also get discount JR express train round trip Kansai airport - city- Kansai airport. Can buy at JR Kansai airport station.

JR Pass is good if you travel to many cities.

http://www.osaka-info.jp/.../practical.../travel_passes/

You can check transportation in Japan by this website.
Train/bus you can plan and manage your time and money.
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/

You can search your time by bus or train in Kyoto >>https://www.arukumachikyoto.jp/static.php...

Osaka 2 days, Kobe 1 day, Nara 1 day and Kyoto 3-4 days. 😊

Stay in Osaka (travel to Nara and Kobe) and Kyoto.

Kyoto & Nara temples. Kamakura & Nikko for more Temples in the Tokyo area. I have traveled from as far south as Nagasaki to the North part of Hokkaido.

Shinanomachi Tokyo

http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/tokyo-photography-spots

Interesting places

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, 1-1-10 Aomi, 江東区 Tokyo 135-0064, Japan

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gail-nakada/gundam-front_b_3010363.html
- Gundam Statue
- Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge
- Huge metal ball

http://gundamfront-tokyo.com/jp/

Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Yoyogi Park, 2-1 Yoyogikamizon ocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
Tokyu Hands, 12-18 Udagawacho, 渋谷区 Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Imperial Palace, 1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Tsukiji Market, 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Asahi Beer Headquarters, 1, 1 Chome-23-1 Azumabashi, Sumida, Tokyo, Japan

Akihabara, Taito, Tokyo, Japan
- Anime District

1. Shibuya Crossing
2. Yoyogi Park
3. Chuo Street in Ginza
4. Tsukiji Fish Market
5. Shinjuku Gyoen
6. Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
7. Tokyo City Hall
8. Tokyo Skytree
9. Aoyama Cemetery
10. Harajuku
11. Kabukicho
12. Golden Gai

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Kichijoji+Station,+Musashino,+Tokyo,+Japan/Akihabara,+Taito,+Tokyo+110-0006,+Japan/%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B0%E5%B8%82%E5%A0%B4%E6%AD%A3%E9%9D%A2+Tsukiji+fish+market,+Tsukiji,+Chuo,+Tokyo,+Japan/@35.6839168,139.6090857,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m20!4m19!1m5!1m1!1s0x6018ee47f6226cc3:0x34e6b69989d52a4e!2m2!1d139.579809!2d35.703149!1m5!1m1!1s0x60188ea73ea6f4ff:0x5eb9f1e50fe061e3!2m2!1d139.7753269!2d35.7020691!1m5!1m1!1s0x60188bdeabb5411f:0xf86502acdbda46bd!2m2!1d139.7679276!2d35.6639757!3e0

https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/3-days-tokyo-itinerary

https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/7-days-japan-itinerary

https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/14-days-japan-itinerary

Chicago Trip

2013-02-26T12:41:00.003-08:00

Chicago ( The Windy City )

Calendar

Restaurants
Lao Sze Chuan, Chicago Lao Sze Chuan Review

Girl and the Goat

Day 1

Art Institute of Chicago

Millennium Park

Chicago Cultural Center

Day 2

The Field Museum

Adler Planetarium

Willis Tower

Day 3

The Magnificent Mile

Billy Goat Tavern

The Chicago Theatre

Navy Pier, Seadog boat
Lake

CityPass Chicago

CityPass it gives you an overview of downtown area

1. Shedd Aquarium
http://www.citypass.com/chicago/shedd-aquarium

2. Skydeck Chicago
http://www.citypass.com/chicago/skydeck-chicago

3. The Field Museum
http://www.citypass.com/chicago/field-museum

4. Museum of Science and Industry
http://www.citypass.com/chicago/museum-science-industry

or
John Hancock Observatory
http://www.citypass.com/chicago/hancock-observatory

5. Adler Planetarium
http://www.citypass.com/chicago/adler-planetarium

or
Art Institute of Chicago
http://www.citypass.com/chicago/art-institute-chicago

California Trip

2013-02-26T12:41:00.001-08:00

Aom's Travel Arrangement

April 25, 2013 @ 7:35 PM ( IND )

May 18, 2013 @ 7:05 PM ( SFO )

Calendar

Flight to SFO Friday May 3, 2013

Depart IND 3:15 PM
Arrive SFO 6:30 PM

May 3 to May 19 , 2013
Southwest (148 ~ 217)

May 3 to May 18 , 2013
Southwest (148 ~ 155)

CityPass San Francisco

May 6- 9, 2013
San Francisco, CA

A : 38th Ave San Francisco, CA
B : Ferry Building Marketplace, Sausalito - San Francisco Ferry Building (13.8 mi – about 25 mins)
C : San Francisco Pier 33 - Alcatraz Island (1.0 mi – about 2 mins)
D : 39 Pier (0.3 mi – about 1 min)
E : Palace of Fine Arts, Lyon Street (2.8 mi – about 11 mins)
F : The Walt Disney Family Museum (0.9 mi – about 6 mins)
G : Golden Gate Bridge (5.4 mi – about 11 mins)
H : Lands End Trail (4.7 mi – about 10 mins)
I : San Francisco Bay Area (5.9 mi – about 21 mins)
J : Chinatown, San Francisco, CA (1.8 mi – about 11 mins)

View Larger Map

___________________________________________________________________________

May 3 - 6, 2013
Reno, Yosemite, or Lake Tahoe

A : San Francisco, CA
B : Boomtown Casino & Hotel, Garson Road, Reno, NV (210 mi – about 3 hours 18 mins)
C : Lake Tahoe, Carson City, CA (63.5 mi – about 1 hour 25 mins)
D : Yosemite National Park, CA (201 mi – about 4 hours 47 mins)
E : San Francisco, CA (211 mi – about 3 hours 56 mins)

View Larger Map

LA

Santa Monica, Hollywood Boulevard, Venice Beach, Griffith Laboratory, Universal Studios, DisneyLand, Solvang, Lego Land

K1 Speed Go Kart Racing

2013-01-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

On the Christmas day, two of my friends and I went to do go kart racing at K1 SPEED in Seattle, WA. We completed 3 laps all together. By the way, these are electric ones. They can go pretty fast from 0 - 20 MPH and a matter of minuite. Check out the videos. I am more used to the outdoor racing but trying to improve on indoor racing skills.

Lap 1

Lap 2

Lap 3 ( My Best Lap 17:00 second average )

Singapore Trip

2012-09-08T00:41:00.002-07:00

Singapore Trip

Sentosa
MRT ลง สถานี Habourfront เข้าห้าง Vivo city เพื่อขึ้น Sentosa Express
เข้าเกาะ มีทั้งหมด 3 สถานี
ถ้าจะไป Universal Studio ให้ลงสถานีแรกคือ waterfront เปิด 10.00-19.00

ถ้าไปวันธรรมดาคนจะน้อย ซื้อตั๋วที่ China Town จะถูกกว่าหน้า USS นะ
เวลา 19.40 และ 20.40 จะมีการแสดง Songs of the Sea
เป็นการแสดงแสงสีเสียงของสิ

งคโปร์ ให้ขึ้นไปลงอีกสถานี นึง เปิดชมสองรอบ
สำหรับสถานีสุดท้ายจะมีโชว์ปลาโลมา ส่วน Merlion ตัวยักษ์ มีที่เกาะ
Sentosa สามารถขึ้นไปข้างบนตัว Merlion ถ่ายรูปได้ด้วยนะ
แต่ไม่รู้ว่าลงสถานีไหน

Mariana
ลงสถานี Bayfront ขึ้น Mariana Bay Sand เสียค่าเข้า 20 SD เปิดตั้งแต่
10.00 - 22.00 และที่สถานีนี้ก็มีแหล่งท่องเที่ยวใหม่คือ Garden by the
Bay เป็นสวน และโดมขนาดใหญ่ เข้าไปดูธรรมชาติจำลองที่มนุษย์สร้างขึ้น
ต้องไป ตอนเย็นๆนะ เพราะร้อนมวาก
ใกล้ๆกันจะมี Singapore Flyer เป็นชิงช้าสวรรค์ขนาดใหญ่ ค่าขึ้น 20 SD
รอบนึงหมุนใช้เวลา 30 นาที สวนอาหารในนี้ อร่อยนะ แนะนำ บักกุดเต๋
หวานเย็น และร้านขนมปังชื่อ เอ จำชื่อไม่ได้ ขอแนะนำ ไส้ butter กะ
ไส้ไอติมอร่อยมาก และก็อ้วนมากด้วย พูดแล้วอยากหม่ำ
แถวๆนั้นมีสถานี esplanade จะมีตึกesplanade เป็นตึกคล้ายทุเรียน
แถวนี้เหมาะจะเดินยามค่ำคืน และถ่ายรูปตรงริมคลองจะเห็นฉากหลังเป็น
Mariana Bay Sand เดินแถวนั้นตอนเย็นๆ ก็จะเห็น Merlion พ่นน้ำด้วย ไว้
ถ่ายรูปเป็นที่ระทึก Suntec City ลง สถานี Promenade มีร้านอาหารข้างใน และไปดู Fountain of
the Wealth น้ำพุแห่งความโชคดี
โดยเดินตามเข็มนาฬิกาสามรอบจะโชคดีเรื่องโชคลาภ

สถานี China Town
ขึ้นสถานีมาจะมีขายของที่ระลึก ให้เดินหา วัด Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
หรือ วัดพระเขี้ยวแก้ว เป็นสถานที่ที่มีฟันของพระพุทธเจ้าอยู่
เค้าเปิดให้คนเข้าไปไหว้ [บูชา ในถนนเส้นเดียวกัน ก็จะมีวัดแขก
ลองไปเดินเล่นดูก็ได้

สถานี Ferrer
สถานีนี้ อยู่ถัดจาก China Town มา มีห้าง Mustafa ที่ขายน้ำหอม และ
chocolate ถูกมากกก ซื้อเกิน 100 Sd ขอ Refund ภาษีได้ด้วยนะ
ลองถามเค้าดู

สถานี Clarke Quay
ย่านที่เที่ยวยามค่ำคืนของคนสิงคโปร์

สถานี Orchard I stayed at the hotel in the Orchard area.
ย่าน Brandname and Shopping

2012-08-04T23:38:00.002-07:00

Tandem Skydiving

July 4, 2012

For the past weekend, I went to do a tandem skydiving in Frankfort, IN with 4 of my coworkers. It was a different experience compared to an indoor skydiving. Check out the video and it should explain everything !!!

The jump roughly starts at 10,000 feet once an airplane reaches that altitude. The canopy releases around 3,000 ft. The parachute gear and the hooks sustain 5,000 ft/lb of stress. It is an amazing experience and once in a life time opportunity.

Cost

1. Tandem special with student discount - $ 179
2. Fuel Surcharge - $ 8
3. Video and still pictures - $ 128
4. 7% tax - $ 8.96
5. Total - $ 323.96 (priceless)

Here is the proof of the receipt.

Best Quotes

2012-07-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

War does not determine who is right - only who is left - Bertrand Russell

Quite People have the loudest minds - Stephen Hawking

I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on the earth. Then I ask myself the same question - Harun Yahya

A man said to the Buddha, "I want Happiness."
Buddha said, first remove "I", that's ego,
then remove "want", that's desire.
See now you are left with only Happiness.

Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it - Swedish proverb

We went to the moon, and we discovered earth - Neil deGrasse Tyson

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person, give him a mask and he will tell you the truth - Oscar Wilde

Think about how stupid the average person is, and then realize that half of them are stupider than that - George Carlin

You think following the rules will buy you a nice life, even if the rules make you a slave - Malcom Reynolds

If we are anxious, we are living in the future. If we are depressed, we are living in the past. If we are happy, we are living in the present.

Is death that which gives meaning to life ? No, life is that which gives meaning to life - Donal Barthlme

Dictators always look good until the last minutes - Tomas G. Masaryk

Human beauty, in its simplest form, is like a treasure chest. While it may be attractive and alluring on the outside, what is truly desired and beautiful, is what's inside. A treasure chest without treasure is not worth keeping - SK33

2012-07-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome :)

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."-- Chinese Proverb

Cool and Necessary Travel Gears;

Backpack

GoPro Camcorder/ Camera
http://gopro.votigo.com/fbsweeps/sweeps/Dive-Into-HD-Sweepstakes

GoPro Helmet Mounting Video on Youtube
http://youtu.be/s901YUUiczY