Tourist Spot in Hamamatsu: Hamamatsu Castle Park

Just a few minutes from Hamamatsu Station, the Hamamatsu Castle stands with history amidst lush greenery on its grounds. The Hamamatsu Castle was the seat of different feudal lords in Japan including the famous Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is surrounded by fortreses built to protect whoever is the feudal lord residing in the place.

Presently, the castle itself was converted to a samurai museum showcasing swords and other samurai stuff. Entrance fee is 200 Yen. The museum itself wasn't really impressive but looking at the collection can be a good way to pass the time. The walkway leading to the castle winds upward from the park.

Hamamatsu Castle Park in spring
photo credit: http://wallpapers.brothersoft.com/hamamatsu-castle-japan-102489-1280x800.html

Just outside the castle's walls is the Castle Park. The best time to visit is in spring with all the blooming flowers and cherry blossoms . It's also a popular spot for hanami.

(For more of Hamamatsu, click here.)

The flowing waters in the secluded section of the park provides a short respite from the outside world. However, there were a lot of crows that scared me off on my first visit to the park. (It was almost sunset and I was the only one walking in that area.)

There were also two erected monuments of Tokugawa on the park's grounds.

An art museum is also on its grounds but for the three times that I visited, it was always close.

A great reason to visit Hamamatsu Castle Park is its proximity from the station. It's about a 10-15 minute. There are also signs leading to the park. It's hard to get lost.

(More tourist spots in Japan, here)

This is a must-see in Hamamatsu in springtime.

Yokohama Ramen Museum: A Review

I went to the Yokohama Ramen Museum just because I was in Yokohama. I also got curious what kind of museum would devote itself to ramen. I am in Japan where people just adore ramen so I know I shouldn't be surprised but I am surprised, nonetheless.

Paying an entrance fee worth 300 Yen, I entered the museum's dark building. It isn't like the tiled and marbled museum I was expecting. It was like a enlarged diorama designed with colorful hanging lanterns and narrow alleys leading to traditional ramen houses. It attempts to capture the old Japan at night. There was even a street performer in the middle of the museum. 

Interior of Yokohama Ramen Museum

street performer at Yokohama Ramen Museum

It was an interesting place for the first few minutes but it was too small for a prolonged stay. Also, with all the ramen houses in the museum, I felt I was in a ramen bazaar. The actual place were a ramen history was displayed was small and unnoticeable. If I weren't looking carefully, I would have missed it. There was also nothing much to see or do. Unless you would like to eat ramen, the museum is not really worth visiting again.

The Yokohama Ramen Musuem

 I think the place would be better if the museum would systematically and attractively display ramens from different regions of Japan. They could also showcase an open kitchen to show how ramen is made. Lastly, the ramens sold inside the museum should be at least cheaper. 

I don't really highly recommend this place but if you're near the area, it won't hurt to drop by and look. 

For more information on the Yokohama Ramen Museum, click here

  

Tourist Spot in Hamamatsu: Nakatajima Sand Dunes

Tracts of sloping sands overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a perfect view of sunrises make Nakatajima Sand Dunes worth a visit. 

There are only two places where I have seen tracts of sand- one in Ilocos, Philippines and the other one in Hamamatsu, Japan. Comparing the two sand dunes I can say without bias that the one in the Philippines is much better. It's wider, sand is whiter, slope more interesting and there are more activities. Nakatajima pales into comparison. However, I would still say that Nakatajima is still worth seeing.

Here are the reasons: 

1. It's near Hamamatsu Station. 

Nakatajima is accessible. I think that alone makes it a good sightseeing place. For someone like me who doesn't have a car, I really like it when I can go go to a place by bus or train. For less than 20 minutes from the main station, I can already enjoy a good view of the ocean and just feel one with nature. 

How to Get There:

Take the Number 4 Bus from the Bus Terminal at Hamamatsu Station.

Bus 4 is on Terminal or Pole 6. Alight at Nakatajima Sakyu and you're there!

(For Places to See Near Hamamatsu Station, click here)

2. It has a clear and perfect view of sunrise and sunset. 

Since Nakatajima is part of the Pacific Ocean shoreline, it gives a very good view of the sunrise. I went here llast January 1 to witness the first sunrise of the year. There were a lot of people even with the bone-chilling and blood-freezing wind. And I can't blame them, the view was just breathtaking. 

first sunrise at Nakatajima
photo credit: http://www.inhamamatsu.com/recommend/cat/Hatsumode-hatsuhinode.php

(See more on the First Sunrise of the Year here.)

3. The sand changes color depending on the time of the day. 

I've been to Nakatajima three times in different times of the day. Sunset is a a good time to see the sands change colors yellowish to orange to pink to purple then black. It's like the sands mirror the colors of the sky. 

Purple sands at Nakatajima
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/outskirts-of-hamamatsu-area.html

4. It got a good view of the ocean. 

I'm a water-lover so just a sight of the crashing waves of the ocean gets me excited. Practically speaking, there's really nothing to see except waters, waves and some rocks. Swimming is not allowed. Even walking on the waters is prohibited. But there's just something about the ocean that soothes and relaxes me. It just allows me to reflect. It provides a respite from life's stresses. 

Nakatajima Sand Dunes with the Pacific shoreline
photo credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nakatajima_Sand_Dunes_6.jpg

(For another water tourist spot in Hamamatsu, Lake Hamana, click here)

5. It's across a park and a museum. 

Aside from sightseeing, there's nothing to do on Nakatajima Sand Dunes. I only know that annual kite festivals are held there. Aside from that and the New Year's first sunrise, Nakatajima is just a quiet tract of land for the most part of the year. Good thing is just across the sand dunes, a museum can be visited. There's also a park for picnics and simple relaxation. 

Festival Pavillion across Nakatajima Sakyu
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/outskirts-of-hamamatsu-area.html

Nakatajima Sand Dunes with its view of the sunset and sunrise, sunset and the ocean offers me a brief getaway from the mudane things of daily life. 

Tourist Spot in Hamamatsu: Salt-Water of Lake Hamana

A torii in the middle of its waters, a large water area, a cycle track around it and numerous onsens around it. These and more are some of the things that characterize the tenth largest lake- Lake Hamana.

I have been to Lake Hamana for four times already- two in summer, fall and winter. I always look forward to the sunset at the lake hoping that I would witness the sunset captured in travel brochures such as the one below. So far, I haven't seen one like that but I enjoy the view nonetheless.

sunset at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://www.inhamamatsu.com/recommend/cat/the-torii-and-the-sunset.php

On two occasions, I have rented a bike and cycled around the track- from Bentenjima to Kanzanji Onsen. It took me 3 hours back and forth. Bicycles can be rented in various sites for 500 Yen from 8 am to 4 pm. I always rented mine at Bentenjima.

The bicycle track offers various views of the lake. I passed by a camping site, a fishing site, a small jetski port, a long (and tiring) bridge, a small park, a windsurfing area. I also passed by the Flower Park just a few minutes passed the bridge. On both times, my final destination is the Kanzanji Beach just opposite of the onsen sites. The big ferris wheel at Hamanako PalPal (an amusement park) can also be seen on the track.
These sights make cycling a great experience.

bicycle track at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/inasa-town-inasa-cho-in-oku-lake-hamana-area-of-hamamatsu.html

wind surfing at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://www.hamamatsu-daisuki.net/lan/en/enjoy/sightseeing.html

jet skiing at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://jetskidoctor.blogspot.jp/2010/07/visited-hamamatsu-city-and-lake-hamana.html

Kanzanji Sun Beach
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/hamamatsu-seasonal-activities-fruit-picking-clam-digging-swimming-fishing-auto-race.html

(See more places in Japan here)

It Kanzanji, there' a temple up in the mountains. I haven't climbed it yet cause I was too tired to go trekking after cycling for that long. There's also a ropeway overlooking a part of the lake. There's a small cruise vessel  where people can have lunch or dinner while traversing the lake. I haven't tried it too yet but it looks wonderful.

After cycling, the onsens around Bentenjima and Kanzanji offer great relief from muscle pains and tired bodies. In Bentenjima, I would recommend the onsen at The Ocean (worth 1000 Yen). This is because it offers a view of the lake while hotbathing. In Kanzanji, any of the onsens there are great, I think.

The last time I went in Lake Hamana was on December 31 to witness the last sunset of the year. The wind was bone-chilling my boyfriend and I had to go back and forth in a kombini (convenience store) to keep warm. But the view was worth it and I think I won't get tired of looking at the Lake Hamana's sunset hoping I'll witness the sun set in the middle of the torii.

How to Get to Bentenjima from Hamamatsu:  

1. Take the Tokaido Line at Hamamatsu Station. 
    Take the one going to Toyohashi. 

2. Get off at Bentenjima Station. This the third station from Hamamatsu. 

3. Cross the street from the station and you'll find Bentenjima Beach. 

Affordable Hotel in Nagoya Airport: Your Money's Worth at Toyoko Inn

It was for a heartbreaking reason that I checked-in at Toyoko Inn, Nagoya Airport branch. My boyfriend`s vacation in Japan has ended and he has an early flight the following day. Instead of coming all the way from Hamamatsu in the early morning, we decided to stay in a hotel in the airport.

Toyoko Inn  at Nagoya Airport
photo credit: http://www.channels.nl/326607b.html

There are three hotels around Nagoya Airport-Toyoko Inn, Comfort Hotel and Central Hotel. Toyoko Inn and Comfort Hotel are about a few minutes from the Airport building while Central Hotel is connected to the building. The only reason we chose Toyoko Inn is that it has the cheapest price. And we're glad we did!

I booked a mini-double room worth 6458 Yen. We were assigned on the 10th floor offering us a good view of the airport and the control tower. I think the rooms on the opposite side of ours would have a better view since the hotel is beside the ocean.

double room at Toyoko Inn

The bed is spacious enough for two people- even the large-sized ones, I think. I just think that the bed is a bit short for tall people. The mattress is firm, too firm for my taste but it wasn't hard.

There's a mini-fridge in the room. A small water heater for hot drinks are also provided. There's tea with just an okay taste. There's no closet just a set of hangers. There's TV but no cable.

What I love most is the big tub really suited for two people. I've been to several hotels in Japan and so far Toyoko Inn has the most spacious tub I have seen. Toiletries are provided including a beauty kit for women.

toilet at Toyoko Inn

However there are two things that I didn't like. First was the itchy bed covers. I kept on scratching my legs throughout our stay. It was clean but it was just so itchy. Also, the room smelled like cigarette. It might have been my fault cause I booked a smoking room but I didn't expect that the room would also smell like a smoking area!

Breakfast is included. It was filling with a wide variety of bread, rice, soup and vegetables. Coffee is also free. (Yey!) Wifi is available but you have to ask for the password at the front desk. There are also computer terminals in the lobby.


The staff was courteous and they can understand English so you don't have to worry about communication.
Lastly, the hotel has free shuttle airport service. From the airport, go to Platform 8 and wait for the shuttle every 15 to 20 minutes.

Our stay at Toyoko Inn seemed like a perfect way to say farewell for the time being.

Winter Illuminations in Japan

Although Christmas is not celebrated in Japan, there are a lot of places decorated with colorful lights during the winter break. I think these places are also taking advantage of the winter break to attract tourists and visitors. They call this winter illumination.

Here are some of the places I have visited with Winter Illumination

1. Yokohama Winter Illumination

Yokohama at night

lighted port in Yokohama

This is located in Cosmo World in Yokohama just beside Minato Mirai- a well-known tourist spot. I like this place the best because aside from watching the lights, there are also other things you can do. There are also a lot of places you can see. Also the port near Cosmo World is also illuminated. Then there's a giant Christmas tree just a few steps away from the big lighted ferris wheel. The Yokohama Illumination will last until mid- February.

A tip when visiting the Yokohama area. Avail the Minato Burari Pass. It's worth 550 Yen. You can access the Blue Subway Line running along significant stations in the area. You can also ride the loop bus stopping at the tourist spots in the area.

2. Tokyo Dome Love Illumination

I think Tokyo Dome has the most beautiful lights. I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves. These will last until February.

walkway under the rollercoaster

3. Hamamatsu Station Illumination

From the Kanto region, I went back to Hamamatsu. The nearby areas around Hamamatsu Station have been lighted since late November. The bright lights add beauty to the streets of Hamamatsu.

in front of Zaza City 

4. Flower Park Winter Illumination

Even without the lights, a visit at the flower park can be a refreshing experience. A step in its vast garden feels like a step in paradise. With the added lights, the place looks painfully romantic.

*I'll add more pictures once I got them. ^_^

5. Nagoya Airport Skydeck Illumination

For passengers awaiting their flights, a visit at the Skydeck of Nagoya Airport can help pass time. The only thing I didn't like is the super chilly air.

Here are other places with illuminations.

1. http://www.japantravelinfo.com/news/news_item.php?newsid=533

2. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2303.html


Take advantage of this season and see the lights!

Hamamatsu City Center: Things to See

Hamamatsu is a medium-sized city in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is located just between Kyoto and Tokyo and near Nagoya and Osaka. It is the home of big Japanese companies namely Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawai. Because of this Hamamatsu is quite progressive but still bordered with natural beauty of lakes, oceans and mountains. 

Vibrant is the first word that came to mind when I stepped in Hamamatsu City. As soon as I got out of the the station, I was bombarded with varied colors and sounds. Hamamatsu is home to a lot of South East Asians, Brazilians, Caucasians and Jamaicans. In the station itself, I have met people from these races which is comforting. At least I know that there are a lot of gaijins like me in this place. 

The Hamamatsu Station also houses May One locally called as Machi. It is large shopping mall offering variety of goods. The Tourist Information Center is directly in front of the Bullet Train Entrance next to the JR Travel and Tours. 

Connected to May One is the upscale Entetsu Mall which offers high-end clothing brands and high-end restaurants. They have an open ground where various activities are held almost weekly. So far, I have seen a Carnival Concert, a ramp modelling show, a choral concert for elders, bazaars of various types, a skateboarding exhibition, a rock concert, etc. The best thing about all these was I saw them all for free. 

Just outside the station is a podium where weekly concerts are held. At night, people use this area to hang out. I usually see high school students sipping their soda on Friday nights beside salarymen and women smoking or simply talking. 

Just below the station and the podium is a Plaza leading to various directions- bus terminal, Act Tower, Asahi place. Even if it's underground, remarkable sculptures can be seen. Almost every Saturday night, I see several groups of old people drinking beers in this area. They just look carefree and young with darkness surrounding them. 

On the left side of the station, across the street is a sprawling and imposing structure called the Act Tower. This is the city's symbol which is shaped like a harmonica. Honestly, I don't see it that way. This is in tribute of the city's musical and artistic inclinations. Act Tower expands several blocks. It houses a viewing deck where the top of Mt. Fuji and the city can be seen. It also houses a hotel, a concert hall, a museum, several shops and offices. Maybe you can just imagine how spacious it is. 

To the South of the Station is a carillon. I'm not sure how often it plays but I usually hear it at 5 pm just before I walk home. It plays an easy sweet music everytime I hear it. 

Hotels, international restaurants and shops surround the area. I always look forward to taking a walk in this area on Saturdays. The sights and sounds along with throngs of people with various colors never fail to entertain and comfort me.