Korankei

The J-peeps love nature and being part it is a bonus. In autumn, the changing faces of the trees foliage is a big, big thing in J-land. It’s unique and seem to last longer than compare to the ever so sensitive さくら sakura (cherry blossoms) in March or April. Maybe I tend to neglect nature in general in the UK and forget how autumn scenery is really like. Due to the unpredictable weather, I guess, I always tend to cuddle up every time I walk through Kensington Gardens. Anyhow, Korankei in Aichi is a park which is famous for the autumn foliage scenery especially at night which is also dubbed as the Fire Trees. The plants and trees simply come alive, lit up by many spotlights around the park. It’s so popular that the J-peeps even enjoy the long trip there just to catch a glimpse of the trees. I must admit, I was a skeptic at first but somehow was transformed by its sheer beauty. It had a wintery breeze too so it all adds up to the romanticism air of the night. Relax, hold hands, canoodle (careful though, you're in J-land after all) and get some nibbles from the vendors, you’ll sure have a top night. One tip is to load up on your music box. I can hear Phil Collins somehow singing ‘I can feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord…’ Dunno why? If you’re into it, you might have put it in loop as traffic can be absolutely horrendous. No joke! It took me almost 4 hours for what would have been a half an hour drive and we had to stop 2 km away and walk the rest. But it's all worth it, believe me.

3yen

3yen really rocks! I mean it’s so raw and it gives up-to-date info in your face about J-land. For instance, I read something from them 2-3 days before The Japan Times published it. Amazing! And if you like writing, you can contribute. Yo! Nihon-koku respects 3yen thoroughly. Man, we hope we can be as good as you lot. Sugoi!

Kimtaku

Kimura Takuya or as he is labelled as Kimtaku is a member of SMAP, a boy-band formed by Johnny’s. Although there are various internationally known Japanese worldwide like Ken Watanabe and Ichiro, no one domestically reign like Kimtaku. Not only he is gifted with his good looks, he is also multi-talented. He can sing, act and model. You name it, he’d probably have done it. In fact, he carries so much weight that a famous J-girlie magazine voted him the sexiest man for the last fifteen years. Wow! Even Brat Pitt can’t top that!

Hotel Monterey, Kyoto

We stayed at this hotel from various recommendations. I must say it didn’t disappoint us, quite. Hotel Monterey Kyoto is part of a hotel group. It has branches in various J-cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The one in Kyoto is fairly new and is located quite central for your convenience. The décor is dark and gothic in style, well, they try and the prices tend to fall closer to the weekend. It is value for money if you walk the walk. What I mean is, for instance, different prices are advertised on the net and various publications. Somehow if you go direct it would be double the cost than an internet booking. My advice is be patient, look around and you’ll get the deal you want.

Our stay was a pleasant one. The room, I must quote, is a tad small but it’s equipped with all the mod cons including a flat-screen TV. The blue colour transpires across our room, should it be stripy or just plain. It’s just about right although the bathroom walls may be a little intimidating to look at if you gaze at it too long. You might think you are part of the new generation in the 70s. So yang is the key here and it may have just about achieved it. The bath, I have to mention, is Western style bathing which means a shower is not separated. You either have to immerse yourself in the bath or just take a shower. I don’t know if I’m turning Japanese or not but I do like to bathe in clean water than wash myself in it.

In conclusion, it isn’t five stars but it does feel like one. Clean, value for your money and service is there if you need it, what else can one ask for.

Vending Machines

Japan has probably discovered the right method of convenience with its vending machines. Whether it originated in Egypt, the Brits capitalizing on it or the US mass producing it, the Japanese wish they invented it. And why not? The number vending machine users in J-land outnumber the US and European users. For its sheer convenience, it is even more convenient than going to a corner shop. Depending where you are geographically, not only it offers drinks but newspapers, batteries, hamburgers and even undies too.

UNIQLO

UNIQLO's flags fly proudly around J-land. The store offers menswear, womenswear and childrenswear. It’s probably the only shop that has my size. Although the long sleeve stuff is still fairly short on my arms even if it’s an XL, the quality isn't too bad. I got a short-sleeve shirt three years ago and it's still fine. Zara, Benetton and FCUK are also available here but they are usually located in the larger towns and cities. Whereas Uniqlo is everywhere from a tiny concession shop in a train station to a hypermarket style drive-in. It's also a bit cheaper compare to London's High Street prices. And when the sale kicks off, they are practically giving it away. I got a Polo Top for 790 yen the other day. That's just over 3 pounds which is a bargain. For something relatively fashionable and good value for money Uniqlo really rocks!

Nukumori World

This place is special. Purely because of its organic Modernist style. It's kinda like Ghibli meets Gaudi. It's called Nukumori World. It's quite difficult to pinpoint what this world exactly is. But it appears to be a small village in Hamamatsu-City, Shizuoka which consists of 6 quirky houses. The eccentric architect Sasaki offers his services to anyone who visits the world and there's even a video to show you how he can transform your dingy house into a Turkish Delight style cottage. For instance, the Cottage of Warmth is a store that sellls a vast array of interior goods from all around the world. In case you blink, there are some odd European antiques, hand-made African crafts, Fair Trade products and lots of smiley pig figurines. Once you enter this cottage, it is evident that it is unique from its dome like interior to its recessed-displayed pots and rustic appearance. The other is donceur which has the same aura as the Cottage of Warmth but it's a restaurant. It offers French cuisine lunch and dinner set menus. I must say it was breathtaking to see it all at beginning but it was short-lived. Classiying it as a gem will depend entirely on one's taste.

TrainRouteFinder

Being a gaijin can be hard sometimes when one cannot read hiragana, katakana or kanji. So how can one get from A to B when using the public transport in J-land especially on the tube or subway or train? Don’t panic! Help is at hand with TrainRouteFinder. Just type in the stations' names to and fro, date, time of arrival or departure, and then click enter. Hey, presto! It’ll give you all the train details from the fastest way to get there, where to change, the cheapest fare to how long the entire journey will take. But with the Shinkansen, the Bullet train, booking a reserved seat in advance is advisable from the main JR station ticket office. The service is absolutely terrific, sugoi! It’s so accurate and runs like clockwork. I just wish the London Underground or British Rail could operate like this.

Hakone

Hakone is one of those places you want to embrace in J-land. It’s near Tokyo yet it feels far from the Big Smoke. With the notion of everything runs like clockwork, Hakone is a slight exception to this rule. It’s a place to relax and be part of nature where you can leave all your worries behind. For just one night in Hakone Green Plaza, I was completely transformed and rejuvenated. Although it was a tad expensive, our room was spacious and it had a free bar and a private-outdoor bath filled with volcanic spring which is Hakone famous for. Inclusive of a French dinner for two and a breakfast buffet on the next day, we couldn’t really ask for more.

Hakone is fairly touristy, so it’s best to go there off-season. Also, prepare to travel as you’ll use every means of transport to get to your hotel. You’ll probably use the bus, train, tram, cable cart or even boat depending on your hotel but it’s all part of the fun. Once you’re done for the day sightseeing, you can relax in the hot springs (onsen), get a massage and watch the stars at night. Or if you're really lucky, you can see Mt. Fuji. Ooh, heaven!