Nagoya, Japan 2014

There was a time when Astro used to air Japanese-travel shows as well as short video clips (usually about some popular technologies being used in Japan) and I remember so much of this scenery that had literally took my breath away. I took this from one of the websites when I was 'researching' about Shirakawa, Japan. It was taken from this blogger and I do envy that she was able to visit Shirakawa during winter. Well, it would be quite a challenge and for one, you will have to be prepared to visit a snowy place during winter time because you might get stuck in a snow storm and possibly delay your flight home or your journey to the next destination. We can't predict the weather nowadays, can we?

I'd say, weather is getting emotional lately...but in actual fact, I supposed a lot of visitors actually chose to visit Shirakawa during winter due to its picturesque view. It will definitely worth it...albeit the steep price which you might need to consider in order to stay in that village.

Snowy Shirakawa. Photo courtesy of jothetartqueen

Little did I know that there was so much stories behind these farmhouses (houses with thatched rooftop). Standing at at least 100 years old, these farmhouses are battling against modernization but it's a relieved that the Japanese government is preserving them so well. To build a gassho-zukuri farmhouse is not easy but of course, what am I talking about? It was never at all easy to build anything in the olden days due to the lack of modern machinery. Neighbours have to come together and build the house. A house that need to withstand the heavy snow and horrifying earthquake and at the same time, it has to protect you from the scorching summer. Amazing isn't it? People come together and build a functional structure out of woods, straw and lots of sweat as well as hard work, which then becomes a home. Evolution and technology are quite a pain because in a way, people are more connected but ironically, they are also more distanced from each other. 

Shirakawa is hidden village located in the Gifu prefecture and it is situated at the peak of Mount Haku. There are several different modes of transportation available and this page listed the modes of transportation which can take you from Kyoto to Kanazawa:

Map taken from Japan Guide

I must thank Japan Rail Pass for its efforts in putting up this amazing site with all the necessary information for you to decide on which pass to buy and if it is worth it for you to get a pass instead of paying for single fare. http://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html

I know...all this researching on which transportation to take and what is the best route is a total pain and even more so if you are on a budget. Trust me, I didn't have an easy time either even with the help of Google- there are way too many sites and information are just scattered everywhere on the net. 

My first leg of the journey started in Nagoya due to the good deal which I took during the Air Asia's ticket promotion. I had an overnight stay in Nagoya and it is not much to shout about because I arrived late and since shops close early in Kansai (at about 9 pm), I don't get to visit places. 

Arriving at about 5 pm, I took a limited express train (costs 735 yen) to the Nagoya Station and from there, took a subway train to a business hotel in Fushimi. My initial plan was to visit the Nagoya Castle and Sakae area after checking in but time was a limiting factor and hence, only managed to do the latter. With that, it was good to purchase a 1-day subway pass at 750 yen considering that my usage from one subway station to another would exceed that amount (200 yen per station; with Nagoya station to Fushimi station to Sakae station and back to Sakae station, that's 800 yen in total).

My short stay in Nagoya is not a highlight, but my accommodation is. I stayed in Nishitetshu Inn Nagoya, a business hotel located just a stone throw away from the subway station. It is NEAR to the station but I missed a junction and that took me a few blocks away from the hotel. I was quite fortunate that the locals are very willing to help. They helped with Google Map and after some asking around (they tried to help but it was either me or the Google Map, I need to ask quite a number of locals and shop assistants at the convenience stores), and finally got one real good pointer from a local. At last, managed to locate the hotel. He was being really helpful.

Anyways, IN SHORT, if you would like to go to Nishitetshu from the Fushimi subway station, your best bet is to just take the exit at the underground shopping street and take the Exit C. Voila, the hotel is just in front of you!

Business hotel is always the most economical accommodation in Japan and as it's name suggested, it is meant to cater to traveling businessmen. At MYR192, it is a decent stay offering clean room and shower. If you have a huge luggage, you might need to struggle a little with it because the hallway is just enough for a medium size (20 inches) trolley luggage and yourself. Of course, by that, you will need to squeeze a little.

. 

The small room is really inviting after a 6hours flight and almost an hour of searching for the hotel.

Tall people, please mind your head. I'm about 168 cm...and I'm doing OK - able to stand straight in the bathroom...so if you are any taller...you might feel a little uncomfortable

Anyways, I later learnt that the room size is absolutely normal by Japan's standard and seriously, like in Hong Kong, you need to PAY for extra space. But we really don't care much as the location is superb. 2 blocks away from the subway, 1 block away to K-Mart and 7-Eleven, and situated on a quiet street. So, the equation summed up to a hot meal, warm shower and a great night sleep! That's important especially if you are hungry (like we were) after the whole deal of airport transfers and hotel searching.

My initial plan was to drop by the majestic Nagoya Castle but time was limited and we didn't want to tire ourselves further as we have a bus to catch on the next day. We went instead to roam around near the Nagoya TV tower. Not a good choice because shops close early and by there's nothing much left when we reached. Next to it is the Oasis 21 and it does look interesting from the online photo which we googled but I have a different impression altogether when we were there. 

Feeling slightly disappointed that we did not manage to visit the Nagoya Castle, we retreated back to the hotel for a supper at the convenient store. The free hot lemon drink (from the dispenser...I really like that because they offer hot green tea too!) in the lobby is a good welcome back.

So that marked our arrival and the beginning to the week of exploration!

  Next up: Shirakawa and Takayama!!