Picks from the Pics - Mt Fuji

Pictures from the Mt Fuji leg of the trip. Definitely my favourite place because I met amazing people, made great friends and bonded over the onsen several times over there. I miss the place already.


Stylish bus driver at Mishima Bus Terminal


Sightseeing boat - For the old, lazy, unadventurous..


Where are we? - 5 girls mountain biking


FOUND IT! Fuji-Yoshida Sengen Shrine - carried bike (underground) across the highway, endless slopes and hills, heavy traffic, and narrow windy road..we made it.


Magnificent cedar trees - a man looking up at the towering trees forming the canopy of the forest. This is the starting point of the oldest route up Mt Fuji, the shrine was built in 1615.


Fuji-Yoshida Sengen Shrine - In the past, most pilgrims approaching the Mt Fuji from the north side, would commence their ascent from this shrine.


Wedding Ceremony - with my super zoom lenses. Photography not permitted within the main hall.


This is where we found a good view of the Mt Fuji. - Note the approaching dark clouds too.


Kawaguchi Sengen Jinja shrine - another shrine, with a trekking path within the woods behind the temple. Not as popular as the Fuji-Yoshida one.


Tall trees again - You can get sick of temples, but never sick of the trees.


Partial view of the Fuji Five Lakes - I think this one is Lake Kawaguchiko.


Fuji-Q Highland's rollercoaster - passed by while cycling to another destination.

Click here to view the full set of pictures.

Picks from the Pics - Kyoto

Picture intensive post. Full set of pictures in Kyoto here


Street shot. Note the steep slope! - Along the streets along Chawan-zaka (Teapot lane)


Sketching - a common sight in Kyoto


Kiyomizu-dera pagoda - massive amount of japanese kids visit this place


Group shot - many schoolkids have their class photos taken in front of the pagoda


Ishibei-koji - A cobbled alley lined up with traditional japanese inns and restaurants. tucked away from the crazy tourist crowd.


Japanese Lady in traditional wear - She was so elegant and polite..and what a perfect pose!


Walked up to this canal and walked along the narrow path, very serene and many mozzies


Nanzen-ji Oku-no-in - a small shrine hidden in a forested hollow behind the main precinct. Pilgrims pray while standing under the waterfall, sometimes in the dead of winter.


Beautiful Path - Along the Tetsugaku-no-michi (Path of Philosphy)


Resting - with my rented bike for 500Yen/day


Me with my huge backpack - I look like a turtle

Japan Day 10 - Stumbling on one of the jazz bars in Akasaka

Walked down Akasaka on my last night in Tokyo, stumbed on a Jazz bar with Live performance , a trio which comprises of a pianist, double bassist and vocalist.

Was the last customer to arrive at 1030pm and their set was supposed to end at 1045, but they extended just for me..all the way to 1am.

Having Piazolla pieces performed at my request! Amazing bowing technique from the bassist, who is actually classically-trained. Video below..



Lastly..after having the place to ourselves when the rest of the musicians have left, the double bassist invited me to jam with him. I've always been way too shy to experiment but after a drink, I relaxed and went on to the piano as well. We played a few jazz standards, and it was a v. rare chance for me to play with professional musicians I think. Then also because I'm a visitor from overseas, we had a long chat after that about music, about jazz, about life.

When I asked what time does the bar closes, the owner (a bossa nova singer herself) said that the bar will stay open for as long as I stayed there. Left at around 2am, happy that I wrapped up my trip here with a good night out and made new friends. I said I'll be back again, and hopefully I will keep my word.

Tokyo hasn't been so bad after all. Just that big cities depresses me sometimes because nothing is worse than feeling alone when you are not exactly alone. One needs friends in cities. Definitely.

Japan Day 9 - Akihabara and Roppongi

Blogging from Harajuku's wired cafe where there is free internet access.

The day started off early as I got up early and check out of the hostel (horrible one), then decided I didn't want to lug around the heavy luggage around the subway so I caught a cab from Asakusa to Akasaka. About..￥3000? Okay lah.

The hotel was fantastic, a boutique hotel that is very small but extremely cosy. I think the rate is about ￥11,000/night if I'm not wrong, a far cry from Park Hyatt which is 6 times higher.

Met Debbie for lunch and we roamed around Akihabara. There wasn't much to do because I think the electronics weren't really much cheaper but we met there because she said most of the cosplay cafes are around the area and visiting 1 was one of the 'must-do' items for this trip. We went to one that is a french maid cafe, recorded a clip of how they typically serve as pictures won't do justice at all.

Speaking of video clips, I have made several clips throughout my trip in Japan, especially in Tokyo. Some of the busking acts and interesting snippets which I will probably post them up after I return.

After browsing around Akihabara it was getting dark and Debbie brought me to Roppongi, where she had a swing dance night going on. It was my first time to a swing dance but I really had a blast. The male partners are extremely good and friendly, especially this Kiwi called Glenn. Then there was a Japanese guy called Junya who was a beginner at this Swing Dance but despite that he was still very willing to teach.

I think when I return to Singapore I will check out the lindy hop scene. Hopefully it is as fun and simple as the one in Tokyo?

Okay, so it was a great day in Tokyo. I don't hate this place that much anymore *smiles*

Japan Day 8 - Ueno Park and Museums

Today passed by in a blur once again, spend the day moping at Ueno and found solace in Ueno Park (finally, somewhere that feels like there is space to breathe). Went to the National Museum of Tokyo and found their collection rather impressive. I love the samurai swords they have in collection as well as the kiminos, but still I think the collection pales in comparison with the exhibits I saw in Sydney Museum of Modern Art. It is rather strange but I suppose these days it is very common for museums to acquire more foreign artifacts. Sigh. It is a pity though.

There are many homeless people sleeping on the benches of Ueno Park. It is depressing to see so many of them, and they are mostly elderly folks. I wonder how they survive the cold? It is terrible.

Then after spending a long time there I got caught in the rain walking back from Ueno Park to the train station. Freezing weather and rain..and I was wearing flip flops today. Yeah, how smart huh.

Came home and finally met my roommates and realised that all of us are Singaporeans. Even though I didn't get to know another girl who was sharing the room, the 2 girls that I spoke to said she is also from Singapore. Found out that they are really friendly and we might be hanging out tomorrow night, and the day after as well. They are psychology undergrads from NUS on exchange in Hong Kong University, and they are having their holidays now. Lovely girls, very talkative..

Just glad that things are really starting to look up from this point on. Meeting Debbie tomorrow! Can't wait. Anyone wants me to give her kisses on behalf? *grin*

I think I might be coming down with a fever though. Going to bed now.

Japan Day 7 - Tokyo leaves a bad impression

I am trying very hard to stay positive and patient here but I think so far I am not liking Tokyo very much.

Reasons being:

1) Smog and Smell

The pollution here is terrible, and there are smokers everywhere. I hate it that they actually allow smokers in the restaurants and hence the whole place stinks. Cigarette is to Tokyo like how Osmanthus is to Kyoto. BAH.

2) Urban landscape

Nothing wrong with it, just that it reminds me too much of Hong Kong, and the people...gosh. The only good point about the crowd is that the ladies are gorgeous. Other than that, too many people. Too many too many! Then the billboards and advertisement jingles run non-stop causing me to have a temporary sensory overload. Maybe I have been cooped up in the woods for too long. Maybe I am just whiney but yah TOO MUCH TOO MUCH!

3) Tourist Traps

I live in Asakusa currently which is near the famous Senso-ji Temple. Everyone here, from the shops to the people, are out to get the tourist bucks. I walked past the temple and it is filled with tourists. Overflowing, in fact. I don't know, perhaps it is just this district that is really terrible because when I went to Shinjuku it wasn't too touristy. Or maybe, I have seen so many temples that I am sick of it. Or maybe the temples I have been looked more like temples, with the tranquil surroundings and crisp air. Better read the maps again and find something really worth going.

I want to go Tohoku! Sigh.

4) Event screwups

Itzhak Perlman's concert is cancelled. The concert I have been so looking forward to, is not going to happen after all. He mainly conducts these days and this was going to be one of the rare concerts where he will be a soloist as well. ARGHH!

Ikebana lesson is only going to happen next week as I just missed the class this morning. Sigh. Either I extend my stay or I miss it.

At the point I just gave a loud sigh and someone turned around and stared. =/

5) Cost factor

Completely uncomfortable with the staggering prices of things here. I know this is Tokyo, the most expensive city in the world but spending ￥18000 in a day is just WAY TOO MUCH. Sigh. I walked into a hair salon and a cosmetic store (the 3 storey building near Shinjuku Stn). Hmmmm.. I couldn't help it, I just had to color my hair here because the shades are so nice.. I spent a bomb at the store. KATE eyeshadows are gorgeous and yeah Majolica Majorca mascara is AWESOME. Sigh, I couldn't resist. All your fault, Tokyo. You make me spend so much money =(

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I think I just needed to whine. Maybe things will get better once I get to know my roomies, haven't seen them yet. I hope they are friendly. *cross fingers*

Tomorrow, I will give this place another chance and see how it goes. If I don't like it, I think I will really extend my stay (sorry dear *hug*) because I can't end this awesome trip on a bad note. It will not happen.

One more chance, Tokyo. Tomorrow.

Contrasting Japan

Just this morning, I was still on foot visiting small houses with their own vegetable plots and fields , few days back I was hiking up shrines where few people set foot there without the intrusion of tour buses.

Next I alighted from the bus in Shinjuku, the craziest place on earth there 4 different train stops can mean the same destination. (Whether it is the Toei line, JR line, or the whatever line).

Got so fed up and hailed a cab who stopped in the MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, ran over and hopped on. Didn't know how to give directions in Japanese and I didn't have the address in Japanese either. Mumbled my way around and realised the cab driver didn't switch on his meter. Freaked out and pointed out his 'mistake' and turned out that he is not going to charge me. Called up the hostel, and passed the taxi driver the phone. He drove me there, walked me to the hostel and left with a smile. Tried to pay him some money but he mumbled some words like 'near', 'service', 'daijoubu' and refused my money.

I live beside an amusement park and every 5 mins I hear people screaming from the rollercoasters.

This, is Japan. Proper update later tonight or tomorrow morning.

Sob Sniffle Boohoohoo

I leave for Tokyo later and my Japan Rail Pass expires today. It is a sign - going home very soon.

Noooooo...

Japan Day 6 - Separation Issues

What happens when you bond too much with the same people in a span of a few days?

You get separation issues. Unable to let go, start to feel down when they are gone, reluctant to make new friends, cooping up in the hostel blogging a sappy entry like this.

Yesterday night's dinner at a local speciality restaurant was fantastic. Initially the German lady and I wanted to stay in the hostel and just cook something but the Frenchman asked us out for dinner at a restaurant down the road which served local specialities (it's like ban mian actually). A great night wrapped up with 3 beers as they all leave the next day.

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Hiked up another mountain up and early at 8am hoping to get a nice view of Mt Fuji, after 2.5hours and puking my breakfast of coffee and eggs along the way (sigh), climbed up to the summit and saw..nothing. Just clouds and more clouds, even though the weather forecast was clear skies.

Felt so crap and just sat there for an hour, looking down Lake Kawaguchiko and the surrounding mountains. The descent was easy, finished it in about 20mins because I ran down rather quickly. Got my bike, and cycled back to the hostel about 6km away.

I think that is all for today. I don't think I really want to do anymore hill climbing or trail biking because it really sucks to do this alone (and my favourite Frenchman and Germangirl are gone)

Gotemba? Still feeling rather dreadful about shopping. I don't really want to hit the city now..

Japan Day 4 and Day 5 - Mt Fuji

I know it is blasphemous to say this but..I think I have lost interest in Gotemba's factory outlets.

Yesterday just passed by in a blur as I spent most of my day on the road commuting from Kyoto to Kawaguchiko (base of Mt Fuji). Then when I reached my hostel around 5pm, I met my fabulous amazing room mates for the night. 3 French girls travelling together, and 1 German lady. As all of us were thinking of heading to the onsen just next door, we decided to go together since it would be a good time to bond.

After soaking for 2 hours we went back and got ourselves drunk on beer and talk. I met another french man and he gave us lots of good tips on the good places to visit. Apparently he is on the road for 45days around Japan and he will be continuing his journey tomorrow.

Fast forward to today..the fun part.

He asked me along to cycle around Mt Fuji but initially I declined as I know I will be soooo slowww and will probably be more like a burden to him. Nevertheless he told me I should give it a try and so I went. That's the first time I ever cycled on a mountain bike and now I finally know what the gears are really for! As Kawaguchiko is a really hilly place (just like every other part of Japan) I had a hard time pedalling because I have never been very much a cyclist and my fitness level was no way near his (he's in his 60s)at certain points I really just wanted to give up because the slopes are so steep and some point we had to carry our bikes down stairs because we had to cross over the highway.

Eventually the hard work paid off after about 1 hour of cycling and we arrived at this magnificent Shinto shrine which wasn't a tourist trap at all. It's Mt Fuji's oldest shrine and since it's a weekend there were a few couples getting married there. Got some nice pictures of the place and we stayed there for about 1 hour just admiring at the old trees. It's so amazing..so peaceful and clean. No snakes!

After that we took off and headed back to the hostel for lunch and I dreaded the ride back. Somewhere along the conversation we had he casually mentioned that he has hiked the Himalayas before - ALONE. Then everything fell into place, the easy hikes he mentioned were nowhere what I will call "easy". Oh well, but that's what I came here for. To do things out of my comfort zone and find myself. Mountain biking was certainly one of the best highlights so far. We battled the heavy traffic and he taught me many useful tips I should know on the road. I was just desperately trying to hang on to him most of the time because his bike is so much more powerful and he is just SO FAST.

Reaching the hostel we gobbled down our lunch as I contemplated whether I should join him on the next leg of the bike and hike. Turned out that the room mates were just returning from their morning trip and he invited them to join us. Somehow while blabbering in French he changed his mind and said that he wanted to explore some mountains and gave directions to another forest and shrine which was even more beautiful than the last one we went to.

The girls were much more easier to follow and even though they were always faster than me, it wasn't so stressful on my part because we were a bigger group. Somehow drivers tend to be more careful when cyclists travel together I think.

Second stop was somewhere to take shots of Mt Fuji. As it was in the morning and relatively clear, it was the first time I saw the peak'poking out' of the clouds and it is SO beautiful. Totally symmetrical and majestic, truly a sight to be seen.

Then we headed to the mountain and shrine next, easy ride compared to what I've went through in the morning. The traffic was very heavy, with big trucks and cars on a narrow double lane road but it was manageable as we just focused and cycled on. It was pretty scary but I know it will be over soon. Then we turned into a small lane and next..the shrine was there.

We spent time there and went on to hike in the woods (where this pic was taken) to the summit of Mt Mitsu Toge (1785m!). It was long but easy to hike as the path was clearly marked and well walked by many hikers. Took more pictures at the summit where Mt Fuji was seen and stayed there for awhile and marveled at the amazing scenery there.

Descending down the mountain was easy and after that we made our way back to the hostel. Fast ride as it was mainly downhill (almost died going up) and soon we came back around 4pm. The French girls leave for Tokyo tonight because they want to catch the France V Britan rugby game which they say is a classic. The German lady leaves tomorrow and I leave the day after. Most of them are leaving tomorrow, even the Frenchman..sigh.

Tomorrow I think I'll be taking things easy because today I over-exerted myself again. Very proud of myself today, climbed a mountain and went mountain biking. Tonight I'll treat myself to the expensive onsen (1000yen) next door because I totally deserve it. Really never expected myself to do so much cycling here, it's crazy. Frenchman was telling me how I should start to lobby for cycling lanes like how Parisans been doing for almost 20yrs. He also mentioned he worked in SG for 2 years during '93-'95. Nice.

Oh btw, total expenses so far is under 40,000yen. Amazing. I still have alot of money (and I actually don't feel like spending it anymore o.O)

I really love travelling alone, and met so many fellow travellers who agree with me that once in awhile it's nice to do so. Most people just don't quite understand how can solo travelling be fun. Trust me, give it a try and life won't quite be the same again. =)

Ok, dinner time because Frenchman is asking me out dinner (kaiseki cuisine!) and ONSEN time!

most word uttered today: merde! quoi? domo arigato gozaimasu!

Day 4

Too drunk. Blog later.

I LOVE JAPAN!@!@@

Japan Day 3 - Cycling in Kyoto

One of the must-do activities recommended by many guides is to cycle around Kyoto (however Lonely Planet made no mention about this). I rented a bicycle (750￥/day) from my hostel and I took off in hope to find the Imperial Palace which was near Downtown Kyoto.

The map I had was more for sightseeing so many of the roadnames were conveniently left out, and only the main roads were given. I thought I was going the right direction till I realised the river was on my left - I tried to locate my position on the map but I couldn't (road names only listed for the major ones). One thing for sure was that based on where I was heading, the river had to be on my right. So I crossed over and headed back..which was a wise choice. If I had went further up I would have ended up on the freeway to Nara (another town).

By the time I got back to my hostel where I started off, I was perspiring and it was nearing noon. Decided to take a break and bought an onigiri from the supermart nearby. After that, I continued on my search for the Imperial Palace by travelling down the right direction..

Kyoto's city is planned like a grid, pretty much like how Manhattan is but in Kyoto at every junction of the main roads, it will have a name of the 2 main roads together. For e.g. Karasuma-dori and Gojo-dori, the junction will be called Karasumagojo. It was easy to navigate around the city, but I didn't realise the Imperial Palace was in fact the north of the city centre and I was coming from the south! I had to get down my bike and pushed my way through 3 streets of packed human traffic, resisting urges to abandon initial plans and start shopping in one of the many underground and overground arcades.

Once I got through the congested area, the massive Imperial grounds juxtoposed the modern skyscrapers making it recognisable even though I had no idea where I was heading (just keep swimmin'). I was tired and very relieved as I sped towards my destination with the last ounce of pedal power I had left. Grossly underestimated how big Kyoto has been. Map readers should always read the scale! I thought it was all listed in KM but I was wrong..it was in Miles. Ugh.

Sat on one of the many abundant stone benches around the park, watching a baseball practice and retirees learning to play tennis. The place was so beautiful (and it still smells of the light floral scent I've been talking about) I stayed on for about 1.5 hours.

Finally I was getting tired as I didn't get enough sleep the night before, waking up to kill a persistent mozzie who gave me 4 loving kisses on my face. Pedaled back to the hostel and caught a short nap. By then the sun was setting and I promptly got dinner settled and headed back. My body is aching even though my feet is spared from the walking today. Lots of slopes which meant extra hardwork on the legs.

It is my last night in Kyoto and tomorrow I'm leaving for Mt Fuji. Need to recover tonight and tomorrow, so I will (hopefully) be ready for the real long hikes at the next stop.

I like Kyoto. I will be back again but hopefully next time I won't spend so much time trying to find my way around.

Full set of pictures in Kyoto here

Japan Day 2 - Walking in Kyoto

Got up early today (7am!) because I knew I was going to do a lot of walking and sure I did. Total of about 10-12km, many of it consists of climbing the stairs.

Total mileage covered today: 12km+ in 12 hours. Breakdown below -

1. Hills, Temples and Lanes of Southern Higashiyama
Distance: 5km
Time: 3hours 

It was recommended by the German Roomie as a must-go, if I don't have much time in Kyoto. As it is a very popular tourist attraction (for both Japanese and foreigners), I started out very early around this area..about 830am.  This route passes through Chawan-zaka (Teapot Lane), then the huge pagoda of Kiyomizu-dera, and leading to the very huge shrine Chion-in. I got lost several times and strangers were so helpful to actually take the trouble and walk me to the place I am finding. Lots of steps to climb and slopes to walk as Kyoto itself is really a giant basin wedged between 2 mountains.

The highlight of this walk was probably the Tanai-meguri, a smaller shrine beside Kiyomizu-dera. You pay 100￥ where you descend to this basement of total darkness where you cannot see anything but smell the faint scent of incense. It is supposed to be figuratively entering the womb of Guanyin. After a walk of about 2 mins (which feels like forever) you will reach the inner sanctum and see an illuminated large stone where you are supposed to turn it clockwise and make your wish. 

Instructions for entering the Tanai-meguri

I was so freaked out initially and had doubts about really going in there myself but the lady assured me that I just needed to hold on to the railings and walk slowly. It was really scary because the feeling of not being able to see despite not being blindfolded is something much scarier than being blindfolded. I went in anyway, since I needed some wish to be granted (hopefully lah) and I didn't want to fail just because I am afraid of the dark. So...it was a special trip there both in terms of both personal and exploring the quirks of Japanese culture.

2. A Philosophical Meander Through Northern Higashiyama
Distance: 6km
Time: 4hours+

2nd walk was done after lunch at some small Japanese restaurant. Amazingly it was done with just 2 japanese words uttered - "nabeyaki udon".  Took the train to Keage Station where the 2nd walk starts.  It leads from Konchi-in to Nazen-ji, to Eikan-do and finally the Tetsugaku no michi (Path of Philosphy). 

Over here there were even more steps to climb, and at one point I even hiked up a hill and found a shrine built around a waterfall. Over there I saw a group of japanese boys training (running up and down the long flight of steps a few times) and they were nice enough to greet me as they passed me.

The Path of Philosophy has to be the favourite spot of my trip so far. It is a 1.8km walk but I took it really slowly and finished it around 2 hours laer. It is a very nice path lined with cherry trees beside a canal. It is actually right in the middle of a residential area so you see lots of people commuting in bikes, and there weren't too many tourists as well. While strolling, the tinge of loneliness hit me as the intensity of the sunlight gradually fades and the cool breeze got stronger. I just have issues with cool weather, it gets me depressed very easily.

3. Night Walk Through the Floating World
Distance: 3km
Time: 2hours

As the sun set, it was time to leave the 'daytime' sights and get started on the nightlife of Kyoto. Started off at Gion - famed for its seedy activities and geishas. There were many neon billboards with flickering signs and it was packed with tourists. I didn't like this place that much and after walking around and my feet started to ache, I headed home for dinner. The ramen urge hit me hard when Marcus sms-ed me to say he's having ramen for dinner! I couldn't believe that there wasn't a ramen shop in sight but I am sure there were, and I could not find them because these shops usually don't have those 'display food' on the windows like most restaurants. They were pretty much the hole-in-wall kind and so I took out the trusty Lonely Planet guide and followed the directions there..

Had my ramen fill and I was glad I wrapped up dinner just before the dinner crowd hit at 8pm, because when I was done I saw a long queue outside the shop. It was pretty good, a small bowl of ramen and gyoza was 780￥. Oh, I refused to have dinner at Gion because it was so expensive everywhere! The prices were at least twice of what it costs somewhere else.

Walked home after that because my feet was just hurting terribly by now. Time to give it some rest =) Now..need to figure out what to do tomorrow! Maybe I will visit the 'real' tourist sites like the Golden Pavillion and the Palace?

Full set of pictures in Kyoto here

Morning from Kyoto!

Here to check my mail and speed read all my friends' posts. The japanese keyboard layout feels really strange because all the symbols and punctuation marks are different from the western keyboard.

The shinkansen ride was kind of fun. Much quieter than the MRT and it is pretty nice to have a quick view of how rural japan is like. Lots of padi fields and old terracotta roofed houses, pretty much like how rural China looks like.

Sharing the room with 3 boys - 2 australians and 1 German. The german guy has been here for some time so yesterday he gave me lots of tips on where to go/how to start. It is like walking in a huge movie set over here. Thank goodness they are not slobs and the room does not smell!

Ok, off to get breakfast and I am outta here. Pls pray for gd weather for me.

Full set of pictures in Kyoto here

Taking nice scenery shots

My friend Ling, the awesome nature photographer is going Japan early next year to capture nature's wonders on photography and she gave me some quick tips on taking good scenery pictures since I'm usually better with portraits -

(1) Set camera to Aperture-Priority mode
(2) Use at least f11

Okay, hopefully my camera co-operates with me and we'll churn out some nice shots. I can't wait for the Japanese babes though, that's one of the main reasons I'm going there..*grin*

3 more days to Japan

Packing issues
I wonder if I should..

(1) ..bring the waterproof jackets, unlike the time I went Australia, severly underpacked.

When Pa called me up in Sydney asking me why I was sounding so breathless over the phone, I told him I was running back to the hostel as it's too bloody cold to be walking slowly. Totally regretted not bringing the ugly Aigle parkas (Gore-tex! Wind/Waterproof!) at home as I chose style over practicality. Ended up at the North Face store next to the hostel and buying overpriced fleece jumpers..

(2) ..not bring so much, as I totally intend to take over Tokyo buy quite a bit. The weather doesn't seem too harsh..21C/16C. The problem is, I don't quite remember how cold is the mid-10s and my cold tolerance seem to have gone down considerably eversince I started practising Bikram Yoga o.O

I hate packing, and all the Samsonites are either spoilt or being taken. I don't think it's a good idea to be messing around with a clumsy luggage when I take the subway as well..so I guess I'll settle with a backpack? Changed my JPY currency already, now I'm starting to feel the impact of all these travelling. Just bought for the ticket to Amritsar (hehe!) for $800+ yesterday. I'm a big spender!

The outdoors
I can't wait to go trekking! I hope the weather gets colder in Japan so the snakes will be hibernating. *paranoid* Kyoto is starting to bore me, probably because I've been reading up too much on it. Maybe I'll take a trip to the outskirts (and not get lost). I don't have hiking shoes though. Argh, totally forgot about it! Sports shoes will do, I hope? =/ I'm a wannabe-trekker, not so hardcore like duck though. My brothers are still not convinced I like doing this! Idiots.

Will only spend time in Tokyo for the last few days, and staying in slightly better accomodation where I no longer need to share the room with strangers.

Should I bring the laptop? But it's so heavy..