Xmas Illumination at Tokyo Tower

As Christmas is approaching soon, Tokyo has lighted up with its special decoration known as the winter illumination everywhere. Winter in Japan is cold, but it rarely snows (I wish it would do so every year). To encourage people to come out on a cold winter night in Tokyo is to put elaborate and gorgeous light-up around the town.

Tokyo Tower doesn't have a huge over-the-top illumination, but it is classy and tastefully done. This year, the newly renovated upper floors sported a cafe complete with red and gold illuminated ceilings.

I think subtle illumination goes perfectly with the night view. Great place to enjoy a drink and a view without paying an arm and a leg for it.

Nightview of Odaiba

So will you go for a drink at the Tokyo tower?

Autumn in Yatsugatake Highland

I had a little escape from the city to the mountains and this time, I am in the Yatsugatake mountain range. The name Yatsugatake literally means the eight peaks in Japanese language. However, the mountain range of Yatsugatake has more than eight peaks so the word 'yatsu' here doesn't merely means 'eight' but also the nuance of 'many' in Japanese language.

There is a cool legend behind these magnificent mountain ranges. It was said that Mt Yatsugatake was once just one tall mountain, very similar to Mt Fuji and was protected by a god. This issue doesn't sit well with the proud goddess of Mt Fuji. It wasn't long before the two protectors started to fight over the two mountains' height. Each insisted that one is taller than the other. The Buddha who was the judge of this conflict created a gutter between the two mountains. He then pours water into the gutter and the water flows from Mt Yatsugatake to Mt Fuji proving the former being the higher one. The goddess of Mt Fuji was angry to be proven wrong and struck Mt Yatsugatake multiple times with her magic long stick till the mountain become a chain of jagged mountains range as we see today. I think the goddess may have done a good deed by making Mt Yatsugatake and its surroundings more stunning.

Although this area used to be a wasteland, but today, it is a popular summer resort known for its natural surroundings, wildlife and greenery. One can enjoy bird watching, cycling, hiking and even star gazing as it has been found that the terrain of this place offers wide flat land which allows a 360 degree view of the skies. Nobeyama is the place for some serious star observation. Some hotels also have its own telescope for its guest.

Walking around this area has been therapeutic with lots of quiet pathways to walk and very few cars. I guess this place is busy, mostly during the summer. Also, due to the infrequency of public transportation in this area, less people will travel here after the peak season. It is absolutely a wonderful place for nature lovers, as the cabins of Yatsugatake are located in the woods with awesome views.

Like I said, this place is a heaven for those who love walking and strolling and the landscape is best to savour if you are not rushing for time (why would you while in the mountains?). Probably, it is a good idea to travel with a car as you will be able to drive on one of the most scenic roads, the Yatsugatake Kogen Line Road. The best time is of course in late Oct till Nov.

If you are travelling using the public transportation like me, then, it is wise to check the schedule for the train and bus before you head out.

The JR East Koumi line is also known as the Yatsugatake Kogen line is one of the most scenic train lines in Japan. The line starts from Kobuchizawa station in Yamanashi-ken and ends at the Komoro station in Nagano-ken with Nobeyama station being the highest JR station in Japan. This train ride is a must-ride train ride in Japan.

Just bring your camera or your favourite drink on board, sit back and enjoy your ride through the mountains of Yatsugatake.

Our cabin lodging in the mountains

Barbequeing our mushrooms as snack

Where is your favourite autumn spot in Japan? 

Autumn in Shosenkyo Gorge

This is my first time visiting the Shosenkyo Gorge and I must say that it is really worth the early morning rush in Shinjuku station.

The gorge is gorgeous that you can't stop clicking on your camera and it is also pretty well-known spot for viewing the autumn leaves so the tracks are pretty beaten by the tourists. But don't let that discourage you, it is really one of Japan's most beautiful places with a gorgeous waterfall, winding river, lofty cliffs and lots of interesting odd-shaped rocks.

It is a pleasant and easy walk along a 4km trail from the Sentagaki Waterfall following the Arakawa river.

I started my walk from the top, the Shosenkyo-takiue bus stop （昇仙峡 滝上バス停), and made my way downward the gorge. There is a cluster of souvenir shops that sell crystal rocks, wine and cafes near the bus stop.

From Shosenkyo- takiue bus stop, it is about 10mins walk to reach the Sentagaki Waterfall. The water is so clear and looks so invitingly cool (I bet it is very cold!). Luckily, it is not summer now because I will not hesitate to jump into that cascading waterfall.

While most people only walk the most popular section of the gorge which begins at Sengaｔaki Falls and stops at Green line Shosenkyo Bus stop (グリーンライン昇仙峡バス停) but I suggest that you continue walking downstream to Tenjinmori bus stop (天神森).

The trail continues on, weaving along the stream surrounded by unique-shaped rocks offering plentiful photography opportunities. No matter where you turn, you are bound to see something interesting to photograph, whether is the river, the cliffs or the tress.

Everything is so beautifully blended in that you just have to experience this place yourself and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed.

For me, breathing in the fresh air and be surrounded by the beautiful scenery is absolutely heaven.

To get to Shosenkyo from Shinjuku station, take the Super Azusa (スーパーあずさ) or Azusa (あずさ) trains heading towards Matsumoto (松本) to Kofu station (甲府). The journey is approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes.

For other ways to get to Shosenkyo Gorge, you can refer to this chart from JR East.

Once you reach Kofu station, take the Yamanashi Kotsu buses from the Kofu Station South Exit Bus Terminal 3. You can choose your bus stop according to how far you want to walk back down the gorge.

From Kofu station to Tenjinmori Bus stop, it takes 30 minutes (570 yen) and to Shosenkyo-takiue Bus Stop, it takes 60 minutes (870 yen).　There are plenty of maps to guide you on the gorge which can be found here from the Shosenkyo Kankokyoukai (昇仙峡観光協会）. 

Time with family

My family came visiting. They came bearing food from home!!!

This is sambal petai. It is the most awesome beans with a strong smell, earning its unofficial name : stinky beans. I just absolutely luuuuurve them, stinky or not. They are crunchy and with the spicy sambal, it is the perfect dish!

My sweet mom also bought bihun to cook for me here. 

Talking about spoiling your own children! 

My last trip back home was one and half year ago so I am kinda missing food from home. And my mom is the best mom in the world!!! 

Golden leaves on sunny autumn day at the Showa Kinen Koen

My favourite season, autumn, is here!!! After 7 years in Japan, I have learnt how to appreciate the changing of the season better. And Japan has made the learning easy for me with all the announcement of seasonal food in the restaurants and eateries. Now, I absolutely look forward to the changing of the leaves and feel the slowly cooling in the temperature. 

Another thing I love about this season is the sun! I love basking in the autumn sun and feel the warmth on your skin. After a cold night on 11th Nov, we had a short sunny day which I took it as an opportunity for photography and a walk in the park. I went to the Showa Kinen Park to see the gingko lane and the Japanese garden.

My first time seeing the golden leaves of the gingko trees left me a vivid memory till today. A carpet of yellow leaves on the ground... And I am given another chance to recapture the moments again this time.

The Japanese garden in Showa Kinen Park is especially busy with photographers, amateur and professional alike, during this time.

I think that this is the most beautiful time in the Japanese garden too. The display of green, yellow and red leaves makes quite a spectacular sight.

I love this picture of fallen leaves on the water.

As you explore this park, you will see many people just come over to enjoy the scenery or just being alone. 

I love to come here and sit for a minute or two to enjoy the peacefulness. I guess I am introvert and happy to be one. 

To get to the Showa Kinen Park:
From Shinjuku, take JR Chuo Line (40 minutes) or the Ohme Limited Express (30 minutes).

On JR Chuo Line, get off at Tachikawa Station and walk 10 minutes to Akebono Gate (450yen).
On JR Ohme Line, get off at Nishi Tachikawa Station and walk 2 minutes to Nishitachikawa Gate (450yen).

Where is your favourite park in Tokyo in autumn?