TOKYO

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Tokyo Tower is the lookalike of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and one of the most romantic things to do in Tokyo. There are two observation decks at the tower, so you can view the magnificent city illuminated at night.

Tokyo (東京), city of neon lights and giant screens.

Dad promised to bring us to Tokyo, for the first time, though he is personally averse to this once imperialist nation. I started learning Japanese since I was 14, through the text materials and my favourite animation series, I had my very first experience of Japan.
 
We visited the country the subsequent year. The trip has fostered new understanding about Japan and had an important influence on my later acquisition of JLPT Level 1 qualification. I always think there is an affinity between me and Japan, and I could spend endless time delving into the Japanese culture.

 

In 1868 Emperor Meiji moved to Edo which was renamed Tokyo (Eastern Capital), and from that moment on all roads – political, cultural and financial – led here. In the 20th century, Tokyo twice suffered almost total destruction. First, the earthquake of 1923 and subsequent fire razed nearly all vestiges of old Edo, thus leaving no "monumental" core for a new building to harmonize with. By the late 1960s, Japan had risen from the ashes of World War II to achieve an astoundingly rapid and complete economic recovery.

 

The period of rapid economic growth between 1955 and 1961 paved the way for the "Golden Sixties", the second decade that is generally associated with the Japanese economic miracle. In the blink of an eye, Japan was catapulted into the world's second largest economy (after the United States) by the 1980s. New office buildings, cultural complexes and shopping centres are everywhere in Tokyo.

 

The heart of Asakusa is Sensoji (also know as the Asakusa Kannon temple).

 

Bathing in the smoke of the Sensoji incense burner is believed to bestow a year's good luck.

 

Tokyo’s best-known district, Ginza is the acme of Tokyo chic.

 

 Lake Ashinoko was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago. Today, the lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone.

 

KOBE

Some people wait all week for Friday, all year for Summer and all life for Happiness, what if there is no tomorrow?

Kobe exploded onto world’s headlines with the suddenness of the earthquake that ravaged the city on 17 January 1995, claiming  a final death toll of over 6000. Since then, Kobe Luminarie, a light festival is held in Kobe, Japan, every December since 1995 to commemorate the Great Hanshin earthquake of that year.
 

 It is an art of light.

If you visit Kobe during Christmas season, Luminarie is a must to see!

The path itself is somewhat long but it can take 30 minutes or even longer to reach the first illumination due to the hordes of people, many of which walk at a slower pace than necessary.

 Beautiful illuminations with millions of lights displayed in the centre of the city.

This sea port city came into its own after American pressure forced Japan to open up to foreign trade in 1868. There has been a local community of foreigner especially the Ijinkan (foreign residences) area near Kitano.

Let's jazz the night away.

Savouring fresh sushi over the sushi bar in Kobe. Never forget to note that Kobe beef is famed worldwide for its distinctive, strong flavour.

The illuminations run from December 1 to 12. In the past they went until Christmas, but in order to conserve energy and cut costs it is now less than two weeks long.

 

KYOTO

I was searching for something that defines Japan and I found myself in Kyoto.

For a thousand years, Kyoto (京都) served as the cultural and spiritual capital of Japanese civilisation, the home of its revered emperors after the Nara period from the end of the 8th century up to the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century.

Kyoto was originally known as Heian-kyo ('Capital of Peace'), the name given to the golden Heian era between 10th and 12th centuries. During this time Kyoto thrived as Japan's cultural and creative heartland.

Kiyomizu temple, one of Kyoto's oldest, is so popular that the Japanese expression 'to jump from Kiyomizu's terrace (清水の舞台から飛び降りる)' means to do something daring and adventurous.

Geisha has their origins in Kyoto where the imperial court was located. Today, Kyoto is where you will find the largest population. They mainly live in the Gion District and many tourists camp out in the early evenings hoping to catch one heading to a teahouse to work.

Geisha have an interesting perception in history. People think of them as earlier versions of courtesans, but the geisha profession began in the 1750-60′s as an occupation and were actually prohibited from sexual acts or the water business (Mizu-shōbai) Otherwise they would have been competition to the already existing prostitutes. Geisha were (and still are) entertainers.


Founded in 798, Kiyomizu Temple main hall was constructed over a cliff. Walking up the narrow road you will notice many little shops and food stores. The view from the hall is breathtaking. There was a time during the Edo period that if you jumped off the stage and survived the 13m jump, your wish would be granted. This is now unfortunately prohibited.

A moderate stroll takes you to Gion district, Kyoto's main historical centre of traditional centre, arts and centre of training for the city's most celebrated residents, the geishas.


Yasaka Shrine also known as Gion Shrine, is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. Founded over 1350 years ago, the shrine is located between the popular Gion District and Higashiyama District.



The city of Kyoto. Truly a lovely place forgotten by the scales of time.

Sandal is one of the traditional Japanese craft you can find in Kyoto.

The 17th century Minamiza Theatre -Japan Oldest - stages the famous Kaomise kabuki show in December.

The geisha were unstressed and unhurried by tourists playing paparazzi.

For me, something about visiting a temple that evokes feeling of serenity and inner peace.

Write your wishes on the small ema wooden plaque and it will come true.

A maiko (apprentice geisha) walks through the narrow streets of Gion.

Beautiful Gion district.

OSAKA

Kingdoms thrive and fall, samurai warriors come and go. Osaka (大阪), is a city that witnessed the change in the course of Japan history, from the 12th century to Tokugawa period followed by the Edo period. Osaka has been the focal point of Japan as the centre of trade with Korea and China with a major port and mercantile centre, and it houses the magnificent Osaka Castle.



Every story has a beginning. So does my travel story. It was the first semester break during my university days in NUS, I chanced upon a one week homestay programme in Osaka by the Japanese Studies Department and I was selected among the 9 other participants. There I met Mr. Hideaki Aiki, who inspired me with his sole reason to be a host family – to meet everyone from the world.

In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who accomplished the great task of unifying the country out of the endless strife (wars between regional warlords, a long period that marked the glorious history of samurai), chose Osaka as his base and constructed the magnificent Osaka Castle, making Osaka the political and economic centre of Japan.



Osaka Castle

Since then, merchants set up around the castle and the city grew into a busy economic centre. This development was further encouraged by the Tokugawa Shōgunate, which adopted a hands-off approach to the city, allowing merchants to prosper unhindered by government interference (laissez-faire was adopted and revered before Adam Smith!).

Though the capital was subsequently moved to nearby Nara and Kyoto, Osaka continued to flourish uninterruptedly, serving as the gateway of culture and trade.

In the modern period, Osaka is still an economic powerhouse in the Kansai region, symbolized by the spirit of open-mindlessness and entrepreneurship. As such, Osaka people are always being referred as shrewd and successful businessman.

Nintoku Mausoleum (Sakai City) This key hole shaped ancient burial mound is the largest of its kind in the world and is said to have been built in the 5th century for the Emperor Nintoku. Surrounded by three moats, the mound is 486m long and 35m high.

Osaka Castle (Osaka City) Construction of Osaka Castle was started in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. With its five-layered castle tower, the castle was designed to fit the splendor of the metropolis that Hideyoshi aspired to create. The castle tower has been restored twice, first by the Tokugawa Shōgunate at the beginning of the Edo Period (17th century) and then by the citizens of Osaka in 1931. Today it still stands tall as Osaka's symbol.

The Bustling "Nation's Kitchen" During the Edo period (17th-19th century), Osaka was known as the "Nation's Kitchen", a gathering and distribution centre of numerous materials and commodities. Dōtonbori Street in the downtown features myriads of Japanese and other cuisine that will satisfy every hungry stomach.


Embracing the historical and cultural centres of Kyoto and Nara, the Ise-Shima Shrines, and the vibrant commercial cities of Osaka and Kobe, the Kansai region is essentially the heart of the nation.

Osaka maybe more truly ‘Japanese’ than Tokyo, having a more distinctive flavor and character than its sprawling rival to the east.

Entrance to Osaka Castle.

Built by Hideyoshi and burnt down by Tokugawa Leyasu, Osaka Castle is a testament to its own turbulent history.

Osaka street view.

 We were given a chance to tour the high school in Osaka and interact with local students during our stay in Osaka.

The Hanshin Tigers.

Dotonbori, which at night is Osaka’s ultimate assault on the senses.

A cornucopia of bizarre creatures adorn the building flanking the main street of Dotonbori.

The classical Glico moment. Its 33m original version Glico Man sign at the Ebusu-bashi bridge.has lasted for over 70 years. The company behind the ad, Ezaki Glico, is a confectionery manufacturer based in the city, best known for their caramel candy and (maybe your favourite) Pocky pretzel snacks.

A business centre by day, Osaka also thrives at night.

Osaka is the perfect base from which to explore nearby historical centres of Nara and Kyoto by train.

The power of Tokugawa clan was ensured by cementing their ethical principles in the code of bushido, ‘the way of the warrior’: loyalty to one’s master, defence of one’s status and honour, and fulfilment of all obligations.

Taken during the cultural session arranged by Osaka Prefecture University.

Originated from the Chinese-style pao, a long, kimono like attire brilliant with colours and embellishment, the kimono underwent changes that eventually made it distinctly Japanese.

Sukiyaki is a Japanese dish in the nabemono (Japanese hot pot) style. It consists of thinly sliced beef with other ingredients such as tofu, negi, mushrooms, jelly noodles and cabbage. The sauce is made up of sake, mirin, sugar and soy. When eating, Japanese often dip the ingredients in raw beaten egg.

Takoyaki is the national food for Osaka people and every family has their secret recipe for it.

Osaka Castle.

(from Left) Mario-san the Jazz saxophone player, Aiki-san the big brother, me and Ken-chan the kind and tender. This is the host family I stayed with for a week during the homestay.

NUS ambassador in action.