After several days of having great weather (which allowed us to go on a back-to-back road trip), we experienced on and off rain today.
Our adventure for today...
Our original plan last week was to go to Universal Studios Japan today but thank God for the accurate weekly weather prediction of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) we changed plans and booked for it tomorrow as there is a lesser chance of rain compared to today. Looking at it, it looks like we made the right decision as it rained straight till 9AM.
It's Ella's day today
An hour after the rain stopped, Mr. Toshi told us that he wants to bring us, particularly my daughter Ella, to the Eiraku Yumenomori Park which is also called Yongkura Yume no Mori Park which is just a few kilometers away from their house. We agreed of course but my wife decided to stay to cook lunch for us. It was only Mr. Toshi, Ella, and I together with the family dog Yomogi who went on a little road trip to the park.
To my surprise, the park was located just a stone throw away from another park which has been very close to my heart- the Okuyama Ameyama Nature Park. Just a bit of a back story, I first visited Okuyama Ameyama Nature Park in 2013. It was there that I had my first solo backpacking adventure and a mini hike in Japan. Back then, the Eiraku Yumenomori Park was non-existent. That's why it came as a big surprise for me to see a giant playground complete with a 20-30 foot giant slide and several park attractions.
To slide or not to slide? That is the question.
We spent almost two hours in the park and it was safe to say that my daughter really had a great time on it. She particularly loved the giant slide and the bouncy attraction. We only decided to go back home after Ella exhausted her energy running, jumping, sliding, and all those verbs you could use for a kid in a playground.
Good job Ella! Read the rules first
Can you reach the top?
Are you flexible enough?
Ready set go!!!
Saikou Ella
My wife was already waiting for us with yet another fine set of Filipino dishes when we arrived home. After lunch, we rested and watched some Youtube videos. My wife and I also finalized our Universal Studios Japan (USJ) trip by purchasing our tickets via Klook.
Let's try the slide
Success!
That afternoon, we headed to AEON Mall to buy some groceries and stuff that we'd bring to our USJ trip tomorrow. Well, that pretty much sums up our 12th day in Japan. Overall, we got our well-needed rest after our back to back road trip during our 10th and 11th day here in Japan. At the end of the day, we are also all set for our USJ trip. Well, my dear readers time to take a nap because tomorrow is another perfect day to go on an adventure here in the Land of the Rising Sun.
It's good that you didn't go to the studio during the rain, I don't think that would be that much fun, and at least you had a nice day out and enjoyed it in nature :D can't wait to see the story about the USJ trip :D
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected. ...
Located in the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Gifu Castle ( 岐阜城 ) is a mountaintop castle that stands as one of the symbols of the city. Gifu Castle ( 岐阜城 ) Gifu Castle History Built by the Nikaido Clan during the Kamakura Period sometime between 1201 to 1204, Gifu Castle was once called Inabayama Castle by its original owners. It was a formidable castle which overlooks the surrounding countryside of then Mino Province. On September 13, 1567, the castle and its defenders under the leadership of Saito Tatsuoki of the Saito Clan came under siege by the numerically superior army of Oda Nobunaga. Gifu Castle - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Gifu Castle as displayed at Mt. Kinka Ropeway Station Make sure to get some brochures at Kinkazan Ropeway Station We rode the ropeway up Mt. Kinka Despite its strategical and strong position on top of Mt. Inaba, the castle still fell to the hands of Oda Nobunaga due to his cunning strategy of sending in si...
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, or simply Kamay ni Hesus is a famous religious shrine and grotto. It is l ocated in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending ...
Daisetsuzan National Park ( 大雪山国立公園 ) spans 2,267 square kilometers and encompasses 16 peaks, offering diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and alpine flora. This is the largest national park in Hokkaido, Japan . This vast park covers parts of Kitami City, Asahikawa City, Furano City, and the towns of Higashikawa, Kamifurano, Minamifurano, and Kamishihoro. However, a large part of the park is inside the town of Kamikawa but for this article, I will write about my experience in the Higashikawa part of the Daisetsuzan National Park . Daisetsuzan National Park Daisetsuzan National Park details Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan 's northernmost prefecture, lies the breathtaking Daisetsuzan National Park . Known affectionately as the "roof of Hokkaido," this expansive park is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and seekers of tranquility. Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido Spanning an impressive 2,267 square kilometers, Daisetsuzan National Park is home to the awe...
Located in the Arashiyama Station of the Keifuku Randen Tram Arashiyama Line in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, in Kyoto Prefecture, Kimono Forest is a collection of cylinder-shaped pillars with beautiful Kimono designs that lines up the station which gives it an artistic design. Kimono Forest Kimono Forest History Kimono Forest was installed as part of the station's renovation in 2013. Its name came from the forest-like cluster of kimono designed pillars. These kimono displays consist of traditional Kyo-yuzen style textile patterns. The Kyo-yuzen textile used in the Kimono Forest was created by Kamedatomi which is a textile factory with a history that dates back to the Taisho Period. Each pillar stands 2 meters high and is covered with acrylic fiber to protect the designs from moisture. The pillars are also equipped with LED lights to give the "forest" a magical and dramatic look at night. There are about 600 kimono pillars installed in the Keifuku Arashiyama Station . ...
Summer is here, and there’s no better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing treat. In Hokkaido , Japan’s northernmost island, soft cream isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. Cool Treats in Hokkaido: Exploring Unique Soft Cream Flavors for the Summer Known for its premium dairy products, Hokkaido offers an array of soft cream flavors that go beyond the usual vanilla and chocolate. From locally sourced lavender and melon to unusual twists like konbu and piman , each cone tells a story of the region’s rich agricultural heritage and creative culinary flair. So, grab a spoon and join us on a journey around Hokkaido to savor the most unique soft cream flavors this vast prefecture has to offer this summer! Here's a list of unique soft cream flavors that I have tried here in Hokkaido so far: Black Sesame Soft Cream - Engaru Roadside Station Blue Soft Cream - Blue Pond Cafe and Gifts near Biei Blue Pond Shibazakura Soft Cream - Shibazakura Takinoue Park Piman Soft Cream -...
First Timer's Guide to Japan Visa Application In the past few years, Japan has considerably relaxed its visa policies for Filipinos. This is a move of the Japanese government to attract more foreign visitors to boost its tourism sector. First Timer's Guide to Japan Visa Application If you're one of those who would love to visit Japan, here are tips and procedures that will help you with your Japan Visa Application . I got a single entry for 30 days on my first and second visas. Luckily I was given 5 years, 30 days of multiple-entry on my third application 1. Know what visa to apply for... Japan issues several types of visas for different purposes of visits. Here are some of the visas that are most commonly applied by Filipinos. Transit visa (AKA Tourist visa) - the basic visa for those who are interested in traveling and exploring Japan. Temporary visitor's visa - the visa for those who want to visit friends, relatives, or family members (guarantors) l...
Day 5 December 23, 2014 Universal Studios Japan Day 1 Even if I had been on a back-to-back adventure yesterday, I still have enough energy and excitement for our trip today. It's all because we're heading to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) ! (Who wouldn't be excited about that?) However, b efore anything else, I would like to greet Emperor Akihito a happy birthday! (It's a national holiday today - 天皇誕生日 , Tennō tanjōbi ) Universal Studios Japan (USJ) We drove early to Universal Studios Japan from Kameyama Residence for our 2-day USJ adventure. We were accompanied by Ms. Sawa and her son Ryu. We would then meet up with Ms. Akiko and Ms. Chiz together with their children in the theme park. However, before we proceeded to USJ, we first went to Hotel Keihan (Universal Tower) to check in our bags. Inside Hotel Keihan After leaving our stuff in the hotel, we immediately headed to USJ and met up with our Japanese friends. We were really blessed b...
Introduction It was just last 2018 when we last visited Japan. In just a year, we were blessed to be given another opportunity to revisit the Land of the Rising Sun. Finally! Everyone's ready! Ella will revisit Japan for the 3rd time. For this visit, we'll be staying in Japan for only 7 days. Hence, this would be the shortest Japan Diaries series so far. However, unlike the first two series, this one became extra special as my parents and siblings would be part of it. This would also mark our first travel abroad as a family -something that I have long waited for in my 3 decades of life. So, please join me and my family as we recount the daily accounts of our trips and adventures in this awesome country that I call my second home - Japan . Day 0 Dec. 18, 2019 Arrival It's my parents' and brother's first time in Japan . Off to Osaka! This international family trip was actually planned a long time ago. However, due to a lot of facto...
Located in 48 Noboriojicho, Nara City in Nara Prefecture, Kohfukuji ( 興福寺 ) is a Buddhist temple that serves as the national headquarters of the Hosso school of Buddhism. Kohfukuji ( 興福寺 ) Kohfukuji History Kohfukuji or simply Kofukuji was established in 669 by Kagami no Okimi in the hopes that it would please Buddha, which in turn, would help her husband Fujiwara no Kamatari recover from his illness. The first temple was built in Yamashina, Yamashiro Province which is in present-day Kyoto. Then in 672, the temple was dismantled and moved to Fujiwara-kyo as it was the first planned Japanese Capital. However, the temple was dismantled again and moved to its present location in 710. It was built on the east side of the then newly established capital Heijo-kyo which is present-day Nara. Follow the signages going to Kohfukuji Go up the stairs to reach Kofukuji Kofukuji was always associated with the highly influential Fujiwara Clan. Hence, it enjoye...
You really had an amazing time with your family. Nice post
ReplyDeleteThank you. =)
DeleteWow..!!! the park really looks good.
ReplyDeleteAwesome pictures.
Thanks SK.
DeleteSuch a great place to be, reminds me of my childhood.
ReplyDeleteIf you like motivational blogs checkout
http://therigas.com
I bet you have an awesome childhood Mathew.
DeleteI wish I could visit Japan someday or even just travel more. You blog is very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, I do hope you get to visit Japan someday. =)
DeleteThat looks like such a fun park- so different than any I have ever seen. My kids would love that!
ReplyDeletePlease do bring your kids to Eiraku Yumenomori Park when you are in Japan.
DeleteWhat a great park! It looks like there is a ton to keep the kids active and happy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you.
DeleteLoved your backpack diaries. Great read
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. =)
DeleteWhat a cool park! I love that slide.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kelly.
DeleteA very nice sharing, thanks for sharing it as I love to travel to Japan again & again :D
ReplyDeletecheers, siennylovesdrawing
I do hope you get to visit this park someday. =)
DeleteIt's good that you didn't go to the studio during the rain, I don't think that would be that much fun, and at least you had a nice day out and enjoyed it in nature :D can't wait to see the story about the USJ trip :D
ReplyDeleteI do agree Matija. USJ won't be as fun as it would be if it's rainy. =)
DeleteWould love to visit AEON Mall to buy some groceries in Japan. Keshia Richmond
ReplyDeleteIt's a pretty common mall in Japan. you'd surely get to visit one.
DeleteThanks for sharing. I love reading about travels around the world.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog. =)
DeleteSeems like you had a great day. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe did Chadden. =)
DeleteSo cool! We are going to Japan for my husband 40's birthday! It's his dream :)
ReplyDeleteThat's great! Happy birthday to your husband. =)
DeleteI've always wanted to visit Japan. This is so beautiful.
ReplyDeletePlease do visit this beautiful country.
DeleteSuch a great and fun adventure, I look forward to taking my baby sister to places like this when she grows up. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteThat's nice! I hope you could bring your sister to Eiraku Yumenomori Park someday. =)
DeleteNice article. Ella looks super happy. I never heard about that park. I love Japan very micm. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteElla was super happy. Thanks for visiting my blog.
DeleteWow... this seems like fun... the pictures show that you guys did enjoyed your time...
ReplyDeleteWe did. =) Would surely be coming back here in the future.
DeleteSeems like a fun place and good that yomigi was able to enjoy too...:)
ReplyDeleteIt was truly a fun place given that my daughter loves adventures. =)
DeleteIt's amazing how clean and welcoming everywhere there looks!
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for a clean country then Japan is for you. =)
Deletewow. .. amazing. this park looks beautiful and im sure you enjoyed there.
ReplyDeleteWe really did. Eiraku Yumenomori Park is one of those kiddie parks that I enjoyed visiting.
DeleteI love your post and Japan is one of my place to visit. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting as well.
Delete