Last day in Japan

Last day in Japan, headed down to NEC to see some technologies. Some of which were similar to those we saw in NTT. Greeted by a cute robot at the reception. However it could only speak and listen to Japanese. After that, we went to NHK studio located in Shibuya. The studio displays props used in filming and also show behind the scenes of programs before going live. Shortly after that, we left for Harajuku which was similar to our Bugis Street. Things sold there were relatively cheap but the conversion made some of the product expensive. However most of the products sold were for ladies so the guys were kind of bored there. After that we went back to Akihabara for a last minute shopping there before heading back to the hostel to collect our luggages and to the airport. 

NEC, no photography allowed inside and this cute robot can reply when speaked to it

Shibuya 109 Mens

Shibuya 109 (ladies)

NHK studio park, a peek in the control room

some props used in filming

Day 5

Last day in Kyoto before heading back to Tokyo. First we headed to the Kinkakuji Temple which is made from gold. It was quite crowded with many people wanting to take photos of it. We manage to walk through the crowd and found that most of us regrouped again not knowing. So we walked taking all sorts of pictures while heading towards the exit. Next we took a bus to the Nijo Castle which was a little further from the Kinkakuji Temple. When we reached there, we noticed lots of coach bus parked at the entrance of the Castle. We took a walk inside the Castle grounds and found many beautiful sceneries and captured the moments with our cameras. When leaving the Castle ground, saw a group of students which we thought should be junior high schoolers. We waved at them they greeted us back waving at us. Next we head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum, which was filled with mangas from all over the world. We were taught about the various types of manga drawing and their expression. We got to draw some of the expression about the manga. We asked the sensei to draw animals for us to keep their artwork as souvenir.

Kinkakuji Temple, made from gold

Nijo Castle

Kyoto International Manga Museum, the whole place is filled with manga!

Some manga titles

Travelling to Kyoto, Day 4

Heading to Kyoto early, we took the subway to Tokyo Station and switch to the Shinkansen to Kyoto. We board the first Shinkansen but it was crowded so me and some other friends alighted and board the next Shinkansen. Apparently we were not suppose to do that. Boarding the next Shinkansen was not crowded compared to the previous. We had plenty of seats in there and was quite comfy. Looking at the sceneries while the Shinkansen was moving were nice but could not be photographed as it was too fast. Two hours later, we reached Kyoto with the rest waiting for us at the platform. After heading out of Kyoto Station, we saw the Kyoto Tower standing tall. We headed to hotel lobby and wait for our guides to bring us around some of Kyoto famous spots. Went to a temple, shrine and district which was nearby. Three hours passed quickly and now we check in to our hotel rooms to rest and have dinner. The food there was nice and the price was reasonable. We still missed Family Mart which we could not find in Kyoto.

Riding the Shinkansen to Kyoto from Tokyo.

Interior of the Shinkansen.

Kyoto Tower sighted after arriving

Night view of Kyoto Tower

Kijomizudera Temple located on top of a hill

Ghibli Studio and DisneyLand!!

So the next day started, our first destination: Ghibli Studio in Mitaka. Group 3 was given a choice to walk there or take a bus. So we decided to save our transport fee and walk there. Saw some sceneries while walking unlike taking a bus. Fortunately when we reached there, no queue at the entrance. So we got our tickets and head inside. Unfortunately again, no photography was allowed in the museum. Had fun inside, it showcase about the films and some drawings from the anime. Heading next: DisneyLand! Took a long train ride before reaching there. Many people were already queuing up before us so it took some time for us to enter. We went in and first got lots of medallion for souvenir. After that we headed to other attractions to play. We split ways again to check out some rides. Wanted to play one of the best rides but sadly it was under renovation. So we head on to play some other rides. It was halloween season and there's the parade. Went in to the haunted mansion, its not scary but the holographic and arts were awesome. The holographic is made that only certain angles can be seen which makes it perfect to make a ghostly figure. Soon it was night already, we went back the designated meeting point and headed back to the hostel.

Walking to Ghibli Studio, still far

Nearly there....

Almost....

Ghibli Studio! 

Entrance of Ghibli Studio

DisneyLand

Halloween in DisneyLand 

Night view of the castle in the middle of DisneyLand.

Day 2 in Tokyo, Japan

Rise and Shine! Early in morning, we headed to the NTT where they presented us with some cool technologies that we had not seen before but sadly no photography is allowed in the showroom. Next we headed to the Tokyo Stock Exchange where we learn more about stocks and Japan manages them. We got a welcome from them which was displayed on the big screen. Most of us got to play a simulation game about stocks. Many losses, less profits since we are still inexperience. Next we headed to the Bank of Japan. It is built in western style to move on in the modern world. We were greeted by the host where we watched a introduction video of the place. After that, we were given a tour around the Bank of Japan. We were told about the history of it before and after the World War 2. Surprisingly, the building still stood still after war! We were also shown the underground vaults and portraits of the former president of the Bank of Japan. Finally its time for dinner, we headed to Akihabara for dinner first before the start of shopping. The place is filled with anime merchandises and electronics. Crowded it is, we managed to squeeze through the crowd and head to a building which consisted of 7 floors filled with electronics on the first to fifth floor, anime merchandises and games on the sixth floor and songs on the seventh floor. Group 3 splits up to find our own interest. We found many stuff that were sold cheaper in Japan compared to Singapore.  Time flies and so we regrouped and headed back to the hostel.

NTT, unfortunately no photography in the showroom.

Tokyo Stock Exchange logo

Inside the Tokyo Stock Exchange

The top screen keeps spinning, spinning, spinning and spinning

A welcome from Tokyo Stock Exchange

Bank of Japan, Entrance

Day 1 in Japan

The long wait is finally over when we landed in Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Excited most of us will be as it is the first time taking a plane overseas or to Japan. Greeted by the cool weather when exited Haneda Airport. Went to CEATEC and was crowded. Saw many products that were not up in the market yet and also we collected many freebies! After that we headed back to Sakura Hostel to check in. Shortly after that, Group 3 went out for dinner. We were glad to be the last customer to be served in the restaurant since they were about to close for the day. It start raining after our dinner and we ran in the rain back to our hostel. Everyone was drenched and so we quickly take a shower. Luckily no one fell sick throughout the whole trip.

A banner after we pass the imigration in Japan.

Tokyo Station, such western style to move on from the past.

A closer view on the entrance of Tokyo Station.

Tokyo SkyTree, visible from Sakura Hostel at Asakusa.

The big entrance of the shrine in Asakusa, near Sakura Hostel.

Night view of the Pagoda in Asakusa.