I took a look outside of my hotel room that morning before heading to Tokyo Disneyland knowing that this will be the last day i’ll be enjoying myself in Tokyo. Time passes too fast and i couldn’t much accept the fact that i’m gonna’ leave Japan already.

Wish i could just stay longer, visit more places, take more photos and try more awesome food there. After the whole day visit to Tokyo Disneyland which obviously isn’t enough for me, we had a good dinner. A very fulfilling one i must say.

We checked in to another different hotel that night which was situated nearby the airport as we’re heading back first thing the next morning. The night that was suppose to be our rest night was spent in a colleague’s room with some awesome beer + super delicious instant noodles we bought at the hotel’s convenience store.

Forgotten how many hours we spent but we didn’t go all crazy that night. It was more of a chit chat session with some random gaming time. Nuff said.

5th of November 2011. Woke up, had breakfast, said goodbye to some colleagues who are staying back to visit more places in Japan & boarded the bus to go to the airport. Darn i wished i had more money to stay back there.

Finally accepted the fact that i’m leaving Japan when i hold the boarding ticket in my hands. I know i’ll be visiting Japan again in the future. I miss everything of it, the place, the environment, the food, everything. Totally fell in love with the place and though the schedule was pretty tight, it was an AWESOME trip altogether & i enjoyed every bit of it.

THAT was a heck of a company trip i must say. THANKS. =)

I <3 Japan!!

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Finally, i can sit down and go through the pictures taken in Tokyo Disneyland & blog about the adventures there when i was back in Japan 2 months ago for the awesome company holiday trip!!! It was the last day we were able to enjoy ourselves in Japan as we are scheduled to fly back to Kuala Lumpur the next morning. Well, visits to a theme park like this is advisable to be a full day trip so we got 1 whole day at Tokyo Disneyland. A day i smiled a lot.

Joyce, Me, Rachael

That morning, we woke up pretty early and checked out from the hotel we stayed in at Ikebukuro. Traveled for like 2 hours from the hotel to Tokyo Disneyland(Yes it’s that FAR) where we reached around 10AM if i’m not mistaken. =D

The place was HUGE, there were 2 Disney theme parks + 1 resort hotel in the area. The Tokyo Disneyland & the Tokyo DisneySea. the 2 parks where people said that Tokyo DisneySea is a more fun place to visit & Disneyland would be more suitable for family with children. Well, no complaints but i am definitely interested in visiting Tokyo DisneySea in the future where the park was opened in September 2011. =)

Ee Von, Yvonne, Kim, Alex, Nic, Lavend, PeiTing, Bryan, Me, Ee Leong

Got our tickets, went into the theme park which was decorated with the look & feel of Christmas back then. The whole place was very crowded as it was school holidays during that period. Everyone were in different groups and all the groups vanished almost instantly once they get into the park & i was with Bryan, Kim, Ee Von, Yvonne & Nic.

We didn’t really know what is the best ride or the nicest place to see so we wandered around till we got into Star Tours with a short experience of being in a spaceship in Star Wars story. Pretty nice but it was too short. =(

In theme parks like this, it’s actually advisable to be there when they open their gates so you can actually go to the rides you want and get an express tickets where you can come back at later time and sit the ride you want without queuing up with other people. With us being there at 10AM, we actually went to a few different ride and checked, express passes were still available but we can only take the rides at around 6-7PM & we’re scheduled to leave the place at that time.

So yeah, we queued up with other people. Thank God for the cool weather that time as we made ourselves busy with random conversations.

Space Mountain was the first & ONLY ride we went for. Took approx. 1 hour to line up and get into the place with like 10-15 more minutes for our turn to be on the ride but i must say, the ride was awesome where you’ll experience riding through space with stars all around you. Was later told that this is one of the best ride in Tokyo Disneyland so i guess if you visit next time, you should try it! =D

There were a lot of places made specially for kids and we just passed by each with not much interest to be in the activities there. Oh and if you noticed the specific picture above, YES, men have to queue up to go into the toilet while women don’t need. Can’t figure out the logic myself but we moved on after that.

Had our lunch after that as it was around noon time after we took the ride at space mountain. Dropped by ToonTown next where we snapped a few group pictures and all of a sudden, Minnie Mouse appeared!

It was crazy because crowd starting to appear around the character and everyone was ‘fighting’ to take a picture with her. Most of the kids even have pen and a mini booklet for her to sign on. Things i never imagine doing when i was still a kid. Lucky children. Lol.

Didn’t really take much pictures after that as my camera was running out of battery then. We went around a few different places, kinda spend a lot of time at stalls buying random stuffs there. Wasted quite some time before the parade starts. YES, the parade where most of Disney’s characters come to life entertaining the public with all the Disney tunes in the background. I was like a 5 years old kid sitting there watching them passing by one by one. =D

Spent quite a lot of time shopping in Pooh’s Corner LOL. Battery went out during this time and well, i didn’t get to take much pictures after that then. Can only rely only my iPhone 3GS which only have 20-30% of battery left.

Cinderella Castle was situated in the center of Tokyo Disneyland where it stands out the most! There were lots of people around the castle and there’s even a shop in the building focusing on selling items which are related to all the Disney princesses.

It was around 6PM when we left the place. What a waste to leave Tokyo Disneyland so early, we missed the scheduled fireworks at 7PM+ but well, i left the place with a BIG smile and i really enjoyed being there. Good thing i didn’t insist on abandoning this plan to follow a few others to further explore other parts of Tokyo city that day. With bags of items brought from Tokyo Disneyland, i was exhausted when i took my seat on the bus.

That was quite a day. A day where i turned back into a 5 years old small boy with lots of smiles hanging on my face. Would love to visit another Disney theme parks in the future. =)

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It was an awesome night. As far as i could remember, i had a great time stuffing myself with endless portions of food with quite a few glasses of alcoholic drinks with good company around. The night was not as crazy as I’ve expected but i had my fair share of joy on the 4th of November 2011 in a country faraway.

Lotsa pictures ahead. =)

The night didn’t end at the dinner. After hanging out at hotel for a while doing room-hopping, a few of us headed out in the middle of the night to have a walk.

and we ate more food – AWESOME RAMEN. LOL.

What a night in Tokyo. =)

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Ginza 銀座 is one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. Lots of fashion flagship stores are located in this are with brands from Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada & if i’m not mistaken, the Burberry store is one of the MUST-GO store for girls who visit the place.

After our lunch at 浅草 Asakusa, we were brought to this place and of course, the girls were the happiest people in the group. =X With some simple instructions + guides to the area, everyone vanished almost immediately dispersing into smaller groups on their shopping hunt.

With no proper research before the whole Japan on this area + i’m not really into shopping mood being in one of the most expensive city to live in the world, i was walking aimlessly following this group of girls who was all excited LOL.

Their first stop was H&M, which according to them have lots of cheap + extremely nice items. Not a fashion person, went in and walk through all 4 or 5 floors i forgot and fail to find something aha.

Instead, i went into this Yamaha store beside H&M and got myself a few guitar picks. Hahaha. Not-so luxury shopping for me. Anyways, was too bored waiting outside till i bumped into another colleague Brenda and we decided to go to Abercrombie to check out the store as the travel guide mentioned this place specifically earlier on.

I don’t know how does other branches in other parts of the world operate, but this one have really good looking promoters. To be frank, all their staffs are either handsome or pretty. They even have a built up dude right after we enter the store where anyone could take a Polaroid picture. Most girls did that. For free of course. Some 10 floor crazy store with very expensive stuffs. Nice material, good design, no money. T__T

Was so happy when i saw Hakuhinkan Toy Park!!! For your information, it is one of the oldest and largest toy stores in Japan (it first opened in 1899), with endless of toys for ‘small kids’ like me to view around, i had fun going through most of the toys!

Got myself a few mini figurines/keychains before leaving the store LOL. =X The girls were quite disappointed when they knew that they can’t enter the Burberry flagship store as it was a MEMBER-ONLY day where only members with invitation could enter. It was the only time we were there.

Took a few pictures before heading to the second destination. Basically, the big group spitted into 2 smaller groups where one group went to Shinjuku 新宿 and the group i joined went to Harajuku 原宿!!

Soon, we found ourselves in the midst of people with extremely unique fashion sense. Being one of the fashion capital in the world with articles around the world talking about this place, it feels pretty amazing standing there in Harajuku 原宿 myself where people feel proud being themselves confidently.

Of course, the place host quite a number of branded brands as well. No time to state it one by one here, go Google it.

I don’t know is it just Malaysia or it’s the same as other countries, but Japan have loads of awesome Puma products and i can say that if these stuffs are made available in Malaysia, they’ll definitely have a chance to be in the same line as Adidas & Nike. What a shame.

Talking about Nike, i went to their store there as  well and they have got lotsa awesome designs. T__T Malaysia is just pure lame in such stuffs, feels like we always get those unwanted stuffs from other countries Zzz.

Spent most time walking through Takeshita Street where it has many small stores selling Gothic Lolita, visual kei, rockabilly, hip hop, and punk outfits for the Harajuku followers. Quite a scene, pretty interesting. =)

Had some delicious Crepes before calling it an end to the exploration around Harajuku! Said to be one of the local school girls favorite, these Crepes are really quite addictive!! If not because of the dinner later at that night, i would have bought more!

Ahhhh even it’s almost 1 month since this trip but i really miss Japan a lot!!! T___T

Wonder when can i go and visit again. Anyways, gotta complete all postings on Japan soon!!! =)

The post 2011 Japan Trip Day 2 – Ginza 銀座 Luxury Shopping Zone & Harajuku 原宿 Fashion Street appeared first on JOSHUAONGYS.COM.

The morning that was which made me a satisfied man with a bloated stomach in Japan. Asakusa 浅草 was the next destination where our tour guide told us we could get the best bargains there for souvenirs & sorts in Tokyo.

With various religious establishments in the district, Asakusa was also a major entertainment area in Tokyo. With Temples & Shrines there, it’s usually crowded when there’re festivals & carnivals happening there.

It was a Friday when i was there & there were lots of locals there as well as tourists who were there for good cheap bargains, just like me. Asakusa Kannon Temple also known as Shensoji, is the oldest Buddhism temple in Tokyo. It was built in year 628 AD. Being there to see the historical building with my own eyes, it was a fantastic feeling!

A shopping street of over 200 meters with the name Nakamise was one of the main tourists attraction. From Japanese products such as Yukata, Kimono, Katana to tradional local snacks and the typical souvenirs such as keychains, fridge magnets & etc, you will surely get the souvenirs you want for your friends and family here.

In my case, i only got stuffs for my family here. Limited budget so didn’t get anything for friends T_T.

Went to Mohei Restaurant at the same area – Asakusa for lunch where we had Japanese Set Meal again. No complaints. Japanese food – AWESOME. LOL

After the lunch, we still have some time left, so we went back to the street to look out for interesting stuffs to get. Had some random bites trying out the local snacks. Oh yeah, one thing about these stalls, when you buy the snacks/food, you have to eat them and finish it all at the spot. Environment cleanliness issues.

After visiting tons of shops finding what i want for my family, we went to the gathering point to proceed to our next destination.

Now that i think back, i should have get something for myself here. Don’t know when will i ever be able to visit this place again, definitely not in near future. T_T

Took some group photos before leaving for Ginza 銀座, a luxurious shopping zone where all the girls would love to be in!!! =D

The dogs in Japan seems to be more beautiful than the ones here in Malaysia. Random i know. Next post, Ginza 銀座 & Harajuku 原宿 !!

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The first stop on the 2nd day during my trip in Japan was AWESOME!! Reason being is i had freaking delicious food thereeeeeee!!!

We went to Tsujiki Market, said to be the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, it is located in central Tokyo where it’s one of the tourist attraction spot.

While heading there from our hotel, our tourguide told us that people would wake up as early as 3AM to go to the market and attend the auctions held there! Bidding starts as early as 4AM!

Back on the visit itself, i actually missed breakfast that morning, so i was really looking forward to the food served there.

After walking like 5-10 minutes going past a few rows of stalls, both me and Nicholas decided to stop by at this particular sushi stall.

TRUST ME, the SUSHI served there was SUPERB!!! Freshly sliced from the fish itself in the morning, it was YUMMMMYYYYYYYYY!!!!! Probably the best Sushi i had in my whole life! Check out the pictures. =D

Later on, we continued walking till we reach this particular shop selling grilled Unagi!!! The smell caught our attention immediately and ALL OF US had it. I on the other hand had it with their Japanese rice <3

The trip ended with a few more short walks and random bites around here and there. Didn’t covered the whole market, didn’t have the chance to visit the most famous shop there as well, but I’m satisfied as I had some of the best food Tokyo has to offer that morning (i think).

More awesome photos ahead!!!

Would definitely go back to Tsukiji fish market if i ever get to visit Tokyo, Japan….  again!!! =)

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The first night in Japan was quite cool, after a long day going to 2 places, we went to Gotemba Kameya restaurant.

Had a very full dinner with another Japanese set meal which consists of a few type of food cooked in different ways.

It was really good and the food standard there really amazed me. Delicious much!

Checked into Prince Hotel Sunshine City which is located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo after a 2 hours bus ride which i slept through out most of the journey.

The room was not bad, with a decent toilet. One thing i dislike is the air cond there. Can’t really adjust to the temperature i wanted and was kinda hot at times. T_T

After bathing and chilling in the room, some of us head out to the streets in Ikebukuro to explore around. Now that i think of it, i should have gone to Shibuya to explore the place there, would have been more fun if that happen.

Well anyways, i had fun myself as well after some of us settled down in a nearby pub. Drank a few glass, played a few rounds of games before heading for supper at Matsuya!

The pork rice we ordered was SUPER nice!!

We actually shared the bowl of rice where 5 of us had 3 bowls because we wanted to try ramen at a nearby stall as well. LOL.

Too bad the ramen weren’t as nice as the pork rice. Fulfilling night anyways & i had fun!!!

The rest of the night shall remain in our memories and that’s about it. LOL.

There goes my 1st day in Japan. Everything happened too fast. Bleh!

The post Japan Trip Day 1 – Dinner at Gotenba Kameya, Check-in Prince Hotel Sunshine City & Hang Out Night + Supper at Matsuya, Ikebukuro appeared first on JOSHUAONGYS.COM.

Before i totally forget about this or perhaps delay it to nevertime, i think i better write it down and post it as soon as possible!!!

A few days back, i went to the land of the Rising Sun – Japan! Nippon or Nihon, however you call it, it is a land i dare not imagine myself stepping into in near future but thanks to the company which i’m working in, i get to be there! It was a really short but sweet travel trip. =)

After roughly going through 1.4k pictures from 3 days & 3 nights being in Japan, i guess i’m dividing the trip into 3-5 main posts and perhaps some random mini posts itself. xD

On the 2nd of Nov, we left from KLIA by Malaysia Airlines and flew to Narita Airport the next morning. By the time we get our luggages and went up to our respecitive buses, it was already 8AM Japan time. Head to Hakone to have Japanese set lunch at Kojiri Lake Ashi area immediately after that.

As it was a few hours journey, we stopped by a rest station along EXPASA highway to have a short break. Enjoyed the cool breeze while walked pass some really tempting food available there. Ended up with 2 sticks of grilled minced meat with a cup of hot Starbucks!

The journey along the highway was really nice as the scenes was so beautiful!!! There’s this field and then there’s quite a few times we were able to view Mount Fuji from afar. The most famous mountain in the region was really quite a sight, a magical one i would say that would attract you to it!! Along the way, we past by a lot of venues with hot springs, too bad didn’t get to go to one. =(

Reached Hakone Kojiri Lake around 11AM where we had our first proper meal in Japan. Loved the rice there!!! LOL. =X

Took loads of photo after the lunch beside the lake before we left in 2 separate groups. One to Gotemba Premium Factory outlet where another one to Owakudani volcano area. Of course, i followed the group to Owakudani volcano area!!! Shopping in Japan is EXPENSIVE!! =D

The trip which usually cost the locals 35 minutes took us 1.30 hours to reach as it was a public holiday in Japan and lots of people were travelling there as well. Finally around 1.30PM, we reached!! With a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji <3

A popular tourist site for its scenic views, volcanic activity & of course the Kuro-tamago (A local specialty of eggs hard-boiled in the hot springs where the eggs turn black and smell slightly sulphuric) which was said to increase longevity, the place was one of my favorite during the whole trip!

Walking up to the actual site where the eggs are boiled participating in the ‘ritual’ egg eating after a 1km hike up the valley, we had our fair share of 7 years added to our lives after getting the ‘black eggs’ for ourselves. Had a stunning view of Mount Fuji, AGAIN lol and the Kojiri Lake which we visited earlier. =D

Some of us bought the Wasabi Ice Cream sold there and i loved it!! The taste of Wasabi was mild & sufficient for you to enjoy yourself at the valley with waves of cool breeze. Totally liked it!

While some others were happily shopping at Gotemba, we went to Hakone Peace Park, a park with various religious statues said to be built after a Japanese donated the whole land out in the name of peace. It was another beautiful place, beautiful & peaceful.

Oh and YES, again we get a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji itself. So beautiful <3

Okay, i think i’ll stop here. If not the post will be filled with 100+ pictures LOL. There’s like 50+ pictures for this post alone. Till next time!!!

I LOVE JAPAN!

The post Japan Trip Day 1 – Hakone Kojiri Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), Owakudani Volcanic Valley, Hakone Peace Park & Mount Fuji!! appeared first on JOSHUAONGYS.COM.