Year: 2015

I framed Roger Rabbit (a visit to Okunoshima)

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Kicked off another item on the Japan bucketlist and went to Rabbit Island (formally known as Okunoshima).

From Rabbit island

Last weekend, took an early flight to Hiroshima and then from there a bus to Takehara station and then a train to Tadanoumi and then a port to Okunoshima island. A plane, bus, train and a boat hop away from Tokyo and I was finally on Okunoshima.

From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island

Okunoshima is a tiny tiny island within the Seto inland sea, inhabited by rabbits. The island is pretty much uninhabited, but is a popular tourist destination. There is only one large hotel on the island which is usually always booked out, so we went “glamping” instead. (Glamping = glamour camping).
All accommodation on the island was booked out, so we got a special package from the hotel’s campsite area. The package was amazing value. 7000yen got us a tent (already set up), ground mats, a tarp and table set, buffet dinner at the hotel, buffet breakfast at the hotel and use of the hotel onsen. You can also BYO tent and set up on the campsite, but it was so nice that they set up our campsite and got to use the hotel facilities.

Prior to arriving on the island, at Tadanoumi ferry port, you should be sure to buy the rabbit pellets. You can buy 6 packets for 500yen. There is no food on the island for sale for the rabbits (or humans for that matter). The island has no shops and we struggled the first day when we discovered there were no shops, restaurants, conbinis etc, and only a couple of vending machines). Be prepared to bring your own food and be sure to buy the rabbit food when you buy the boat tickets.

From Rabbit island

The only facilities are at the hotel where there is a shop and restaurant to get food. Apart from that, there is not much on the island, apart from a lot of rabbits. There are also a bunch of military remnants and the poison gas museum. Okunoshima was used as military island during the war, and was the base for a poison gas manufacturing facility. The island has quite the sinister history. Very fascinating though. But a lot of people died as a result of the poisonous gas effects.

We arrived on the island at about 1pm. It was a beautiful day so we pretty much walked around the whole island (which has an approx. circumference of 4km). There are a lot of military ruins and remnants to see as you walk around chasing and feeding the rabbits. The island also has a bunch of really nice beaches, the water looked so clear and clean. Would be great in summer for a spot of camping and swimming.

Brace yourself for cuteness.
Who framed Roger Rabbit?
I did!

From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island

Eating cabbage – Lady and the Tramp-style

From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island

Tiny bunny:

From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island

The rabbits eat right out of your hand

From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island

The bunnies are so adorable:

From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island

And here’s a gif:

From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island

Also no cars on are allowed on the island without a permit and there are no residents on the island, only the people working at the hotel:

From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island

Military remains:

From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island

Seto Inland Sea:

From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island

A photo of a photo in the hotel lobby:

From Rabbit island

Quite a few of the rabbits have mangy or scratched out eyes. They get into fights with each other.

From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island
From Rabbit island

Angel Place

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In a small laneway in the Sydney CBD, hanging birdcages:

From Angel Place
From Angel Place
From Angel Place
From Angel Place
From Angel Place
From Angel Place
From Angel Place
From Angel Place
From Angel Place

Brekky at Coogee

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No place does a good brekky than Australia. Brunch by the beach is a weekend past-time for many Aussies. A popular beach spot is Sydney’s Coogee Beach, a favourite of mine. Had a nice Sunday breakfast at Barzura cafe at Coogee. This certainly hit the spot.

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From Coogee brekky
From Coogee brekky
From Coogee brekky

And ricotta pear pancakes we shared between three.

From Coogee brekky

Satisfying Sunday eats.

Staying classy, Sydney

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Haven’t blogged for a while. Work takes up way too much of my time. Also went back home for a holiday which was long overdue. Had been nearly 18 months since I went home, so I really enjoyed being back, but it was way too short. Took way too many photos and ate way too much good food.

Before I showcase Sydney in all its glory in upcoming posts, here are couple to keep Sydney grounded.

Because nothing says fresh breath better than One Direction toothpaste:

From Classy Sydney
From Classy Sydney

And Sydney has always been a fashion trendsetter. I had heard of leggings and jeggings, but had never heard of treggings. I found myself having to google what the hell they were. Apparently treggings are a portmanteau of trousers and leggings.

From Classy Sydney

#stayingclassySydney

Jogasaki trail and snorkeling

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A spot I need to revisit this year is the Jogasaki trail. I went there last year as a day trip to check it out. It was pretty good for a recon trip, so definitely need to go back there this year. The housemate, his friend and I rented a car for the day to head down to the Izu peninsula. So much traffic. Got there a lot later than we wanted to.

The Jogasaki trail is about 10km through a bush track right along the coastline. We didn’t hike along the whole track, just small sections of it as we drove to different parts of it. We also did some swimming and snorkeling at different points. It’s a geopark so there’s a lot of diversity of flora and sealife as well.

We started at Izu Kogen.

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

The coastline is really cool. Sometimes I forget I’m in Japan.

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

The trail is also somewhat famous for its suspension bridges.

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

Who knew these rocks were a popular swimming spot:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

Not quite a sandy beach, but rock pools are cool:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

Kids were jumping from the high rocks into the ocean below:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

Taking the plunge:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

Family picnickers:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

The fish was this big:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling

A waterfall:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

We then drove up to another section of the trail where there was a lighthouse and a seaside park. It was more crowded.

From Jogasaki and snorkeling

Scenery was great though:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

And this was the lighthouse:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

We didn’t stay too long. We didn’t want to pay for parking so we had to be in and out in about 30 minutes or less to avoid the parking fee.

We drove up to Futo where we had read it was supposed to be good for snorkeling.
It was a small marina:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

Supposedly a range of marinelife, including humans!

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

I like that someone has a sense of humour at the Izu tourism association.

Time to hit the water and snorkel!

From Jogasaki and snorkeling

Lots of clownfish:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

Even spotted me a human!

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

The water was a bit murky and dirty. There was a debris and stuff. Not sure whether it was just the location, or due to the weather (there had been rain during the week).

It wasn’t the most picturesque swimming spot but there seemed to be enough marinelife. I think it’s probably a better diving spot given the number of divers there. Must be pretty amazing the deeper you get.

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

And there were jellyfish!

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

Some divers:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

Yeah, popular with divers:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling
From Jogasaki and snorkeling

And there’s a boat onsen to relax in post-snorkeling:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling

The endless ocean:

From Jogasaki and snorkeling

I’ll definitely be back to Jogasaki this summer to do the proper 10km trail.

Yummy eats from Mercer Cafe

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Mercer Cafe is known for their brunch pancakes. Am still yet to try them.
I did however go there for dinner at the end of last year. Super cozy place with delicious comforting food.

They had a fire hearth in the middle which was perfect for a winter’s night.

From Mercer Cafe
From Mercer Cafe

Surprisingly wasn’t so busy on the night we went – I think a Tuesday or Thursday night.

The scallops were delicious. It’s hard to resist scallops when I see them on the menu:

From Mercer Cafe

I don’t normally drink coffee or cappuccinos but over the last 6 months or so, I’ve been finding I drink a lot more of it. I usually opt for cafe lattes or cappuccinos and I have to have a fair bit of sugar. Basically I like it milky and sweet, coz I am generally not a fan of coffee.

From Mercer Cafe

The dessert was pretty good. I can’t go past a tiramisu:

From Mercer Cafe
From Mercer Cafe
From Mercer Cafe
From Mercer Cafe

The apple crumble was good too. Love the hot / cold contrast:

From Mercer Cafe
From Mercer Cafe
From Mercer Cafe

And creme brulee:

From Mercer Cafe

Great place for dessert and coffee. Did eat mains as well, but ate before I took photos. I must have been hungry.
And no, I didn’t eat all those desserts on my own! They were shared amongst three.

Really must also go there for brunch!

Kawazu 7 waterfalls and Kawazu onsen

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I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. I think it’s because of winter and work. And lack of exercise, mostly not being able to swim. And having been sick with a cough and cold. And fatigue. Feeling so tired all the time. I could sleep forever.

I long for warmer days and sunshine and beaches.

I don’t blog as much lately either, which I miss. It’s nice to just to recap and reflect on memories etc.
I’ve spent the last couple of weekends at home, trying to sort through loads of photos. So many places I’ve been. Lots of memories. Lots of photos.
I’m craving summer to be here so I can fill up my summer with more adventures and activities.
I even went and bought a pair of hiking boots yesterday and new socks.

Here are some photos last year, on a day trip to Kawazu 7 waterfalls (Kawazu nanadaru). A nice leisurely walk through a trail which leads to 7 different waterfalls. There’s also a really nice outdoor onsen park by a river (entry fee required). I very much think water is essential to my being, my spirit.

From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls

This is the waterfall that we took a dip in. The water was FREEZING and it was in May.

From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls

But there are several hot springs you can enjoy by the riverside. Cossies are required. And they are mixed gender.

From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls

Ahhh, relaxing:

From Kawazu 7 waterfalls

This one was not for bathing in:

From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls

There are also a few cave onsens:

From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls
From Kawazu 7 waterfalls

Kazawu waterfalls and onsen is a nice tame relaxing day out.

Kawazu tourism website: http://www.kawazu-onsen.com/eng/hotspring/

Nozawa: winter love

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Did a total of three snowboarding trips to Nozawa in one season this year! It’s probably one of my favourite ski resorts, particularly on Honshu.
The runs are good and so is the nightlife. Has a proper village and enough stuff to keep you occupied off the slopes as well ie cafes, bars including a craft beer bar, lots of free onsens to enjoy etc.
It’s popular with a lot of Aussies.

I believe from next winter season, they are extending the bullet train/train line so it reaches closer to Nozawa. It will still be a bus ride from there, but they are making it more transport friendly to get to.

Here are some photos from my last trip to Nozawa.

Great views from on the slope:

From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love

When it’s white outside and the snow is fallin’
who you gonna call?

From Nozawa powder love

The craft beer bar there does a nice cappuccino, Aussie-style.

From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love

Conditions were good – white and powdery!

From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love

Saw some interesting costumes on piste:

From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love

It was sooooo crowded:

From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love

Post-snowboarding beers:

From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love

The Nozawa dosojin mascots:

From Nozawa powder love

A local onsen:

From Nozawa powder love

Snow-buried temple:

From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love

Some very cool icicles:

From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love

Nothing says ‘love’ more than a matching his/her ski outfit:

From Nozawa powder love

Below zero:

From Nozawa powder love
From Nozawa powder love

Hakuba ski resort

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Last snow session for the season was at Hakuba – Cortina ski resort.
Not a fan of Happo One ski resort.
Cortina is way more powdery and better for off-pisten and ungroomed runs.
We also got the 1000yen coupon extra coupon added to the ski lift which is good value. Pay the additional 1000yen and you get lunch and free onsen. Lunch is up to the value of 1000yen. Anything over than and you pay the difference. For an extra 300yen we paid for the buffet (read: all you can eat) lunch. Good value. And the onsen entry is free (which is normally valued at 700yen). The onsen is large and includes a rotemburo that looks straight out onto the ski slope.

It’s snow sexy. 50 shades of white. Enjoy:

From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba

Coffee time. Let’s paws for a break (oh, was that pun too unbearable for you?)

From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba
From Hakuba

Goodbye winter. So looking forward to summer!

Tokyo brunch: Ruby Jacks

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Great brunch to be had at Ruby Jacks. It will set you back some money but well worth it if you’re in the mood to splurge.

On weekends, they offer a brunch course menu, but with drinks ended up quite pricey.
The brunch course came with starter options, a main dish and tea/coffee. I added on a bottle of wine to share and an extra cocktail. And dessert. So yeah, I guess that adds up.
It’s a fancy venue though. Service was exceptional.
Although pricey, would totally go back. Great service and the food was top notch.

Had the fried prawns as a starter:

From Ruby Jacks brunch
From Ruby Jacks brunch

And I went the steak sandwich for mains. They do have more breakfasty options, but this place is a grill bar, so supposedly do good meat – steaks and the like. The lamb looked really good.

From Ruby Jacks brunch
From Ruby Jacks brunch
From Ruby Jacks brunch

The dessert was amazing. Carrot cake – my absolute favourite. Served with peanut butter ice cream, which was genius, not to mention delicious.

From Ruby Jacks brunch
From Ruby Jacks brunch
From Ruby Jacks brunch
From Ruby Jacks brunch
From Ruby Jacks brunch
From Ruby Jacks brunch