Angel’s Travel Diary

Apple trees can be found in Japan too; in case you didn’t know….but I am sure most of us do, think of Fuji apples and that will activate the lightbulb in your head

As a matter of fact, the place where I went to in Japan, Nagano state was actually famous for their apple products and of course fresh apples. In fact, I caught a glimpse of real apple trees from far while on my way to the factory. And mind you, these apple trees are along the road to the mountains and are really pretty.

Too bad it was raining during my journey and I was travelling in the car; so I was unable to take any beautiful shots. The trees were in full bloom since it was during spring that I was there. Anyhow, thanks to my good friend, Siew Chin and C3 who recently forwarded some nice pics of apple trees and I just want to share the beauty of these trees

Flowers of the apple tree, in full bloom

Apples hanging from the tree!

Rosy apples…

Just like red rosy cheeks!

Flowers of the tree

Bright RED apples

Not ripe for plucking

Green apples?

It was with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to Japan (now I know how my bro felt on his last trip here)

Funny how I almost didn’t want to come on this trip initially; and now 1 week really seemed too short for my stay

Personally, I was really enjoying myself more in Japan as compared to Korea and I bet it’s also due to the weather and the culture which influenced my thoughts and words

Anyway, getting ready to fly off as I took the train (shinkansen again) to the Narita International Airport; the largest airport in Japan

Shots from the train

At the train station

Sayonara Tokyo!~

Waiting for the train, took some pics

As mentioned, we get to reserve seats and your ticket will reflect the carriage you are seated; pretty well organized and systematic.

People will just queue at the carriage they are assigned to and avoid that huge rush towards the door (not that there’s none; but it’s definitely minimized

At the airport waiting hall

A JAL cargo plane taking off

My turn to take off….SAYONARA JAPAN!~

The last view of Japan

Up in the clouds

We have seen them in the movies; on the black screen and also in the magazines. Tokyo, one of Asia’s most advanced and busiest cities has more than what is captured on the screen. Taking a stroll down the streets will expose you to the rapid lifestyle they have here.

Busy shopping streets

Unique Japanese fashion for the ladies; ain’t they hip hop?

Scenes from the Harajuku area

Hard Rock Cafe in Tokyo

Ginza

Across the street of our hotel (Palace Hotel), we are facing the magnificent Imperial Palace in Japan. It is located right there in the midst of the busy city of Tokyo and there it solemnly stands.

Closed on Fridays, this palace is worth a visit for those who have not seen royal palaces and also, it is one of the main attractions in Tokyo city.

The main entrance (gate) of the Imperial Palace.

Directories and the floor map of the palace interior

The palace of course; had a huge landscape marking its grounds territory.

Palace residences

Interesting architectures around; think this was the artillery area.

Other buildings within the palace vicinity

The park area

The view from the outside of the palace from the streets

Another famous temple in Tokyo that you should not miss is the Shensoji Temple. As mentioned; Japan is a country with staunch practice and belief of their religion and hence, it is not a surprise to see the number of temples around the city.

Shensoji is an old temple and hauls a large crowd of visitors; local or foreign alike to pay homage to the deities here.

The souvenir stalls that line the road leading to the main hall of the temple and look at the mass of people flocking to the temple on a weekend

Interesting souvenir shops; with kimonos and fans…

Crowds; local tourists and also foreign tourists fascinated by the unique crafts and interesting souvenirs on display by the street stalls.

The giant lanterns marking the entrance of the temple; and there are students on their school excursions to visit the temple.

The overall view of the temple architecture; similar to our local Chinese temple.