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Showing posts from March, 2018

Cycling Around Mount Fuji

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Note that this photo is a posed shot. You are supposed to cycling anti-clockwise around the lake! Haha If you are deciding between taking the train to Kawaguchiko or driving, you can check out the car rental prices at   https://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english/user-guide/reservations.html   and train prices at   http://www.hyperdia.com/ It depends on whether you’re staying overnight at Kawaguchiko and the number of people travelling. Remember to add toll fees of about ¥4200 one way. We decided to rent a car but forgot about the toll fees so it ended up being more expensive. I’d say if you’re staying for one night and there are at least 3 of you, renting a car is a good option. If there are two of you and you want more freedom to move around (such as going to neighbouring places like Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, Yamanakako etc) it is also better to rent a car. You should also be warned that traffic is congested upon leaving and arriving at Tokyo. We parked our car at our ryokan Kozan
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Shimonoseki: Karato market, Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine

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Since we have one day left on our Setouchi Pass, we decided to make a trip to Shimonoseki, the fugu capital of Japan. Access:  About 45 min from JR Hakata station to JR Shimonoseki station followed by short taxi ride (about 1000 yen) to Karato Market (which is near Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine) The Setouchi pass can only be used on Shinkansen to Shin-shimonoseki and local line from Shin-shimonoseki to Shimonoseki. We made the mistake of getting off at Kokura and were told that our pass does not cover the local line from Kokura to Shimonoseki. We were too lazy to take a Shinkansen to Shin-shimonoseki and then to Shimonoseki so we just paid 280 yen using our Suica to get to Shimonoseki from Kokura. Useful website:   http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ There were some pretty cool displays at Shimonoseki station! Unfortunately, we were told by the taxi-driver that Karato market was closed on the day we visited. JR Mojiko Station which we wanted to visit via ferry is under conservation til 201
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Okunoshima (Rabbit Island) 大久野島

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We decided to go back to Okunoshima again but this time with our bikes. We were there in 2015 and have always wanted to return to cycle around so we stayed one more night in Onomichi in order to visit this island. Access: Okunoshima is convenient to access from Hiroshima and Onomichi. Take JR train to JR Tadanoumi station (via Mihara station) and catch the ferry to Okunoshima. There is information at Tadanoumi station on how to walk to the port. Basically, you turn right once you exit the station and walk until you see the sign for the port then turn right again. You need to buy a ticket for yourself and your bike from the shop at the port. Useful website:   http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ This sign says the ferry to Okunoshima is on the right Ticket and souvenir shop. There seems to be renovations next door for a cafe. Looking forward to it! The huge ferry (the one behind) can take humans, bicycles and vehicles Do take note of the train times and ferry times if you want to avoid long wait
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Onomichi: Senkoji Ropeway, Neko No Hosomichi, Sakura Chaya

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Since we arrived early in Onomichi, we cycled around and were greeted with a pleasant surprise Kawazuzakura full blooms. I chatted with an old lady who was also admiring the blooms and she was so kind to give me a badge with a pair of cute kitties riding bicycles. Senkoji Ropeway 千光寺ロープウェイロープウェイ You can go up the ropeway for a bird’s eye view of the area. The ropeway departs every 15 mins at 00, 15, 30, 45. This will be a great Sakura viewing spot during the Sakura season. There is a restaurant with great view selling simple curry rice lunch sets and parfaits. Neko No Hosomichi 猫の細道 Right beside the ropeway station at the bottom is the Neko No Hosomichi 猫の細道 a narrow cat alley where you can spot free roaming cats and if you have time, visit the Manekineko (招财猫) museum. Manekineko Museum Sakura Chaya さくら茶や Finish off your tour with a Neko parfait at Sakura Chaya. Shotengai 商店街 (The Red Bicycles Onomichi) Take a nostalgic leisurely stroll or ride along the Shotengai 商店街 and you wi
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