Day 5.
If we can have an early lunch and leave Kawaguchiko for Tokyo, after dropping our luggages at the hotel in Ueno, we may be able to visit Asakusa senso-ji. There will be a festival at this temple between 17 to 19 Dec.
Day 6.
A few options as mentioned earlier:
(1) proceed with our own Tokyo city tour to visit Tokyo Imperial Palace (only the garden), do our shopping, enjoy the christmas lightnings in Ropponggi etc,
(2) spend a full day at Tokyo Disneyland, which I really hesitate due to old age. I dislike the long queues for each ride and sure these rides will do more "harm" than fun to me,
(3) spend the whole day with Ito's family. Just sit back and relax in a Japanese family, talking and sharing with Yoshihiko and his wife, Megumi, while the kids do a similar thing,
(4) others.
Day 7.
Leave early for Narita as my return flight is at 10.30am. I doubt I have much time to do any last minute shopping which in a way is good, because I would have finished spending all my Japanese yen by then on goodies.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
29th September
Thirteen years ago at this day in Pan Pacific Hotel, SP and I were the centre of attention.
Thirteen years ago at this day, we received blessings from family members, relatives and friends and started on our new journey of life.
Today, we shall celebrate this anniversary with our beloved Isa at Sakae Sushi!
Isa has been crazy over Japan food, in particular the sushi. Frankly speaking, I prefer sashimi. I like the raw taste and look of the flesh.
Thirteen years ago at this day, we received blessings from family members, relatives and friends and started on our new journey of life.
Today, we shall celebrate this anniversary with our beloved Isa at Sakae Sushi!
Isa has been crazy over Japan food, in particular the sushi. Frankly speaking, I prefer sashimi. I like the raw taste and look of the flesh.
Japan trip - itinerary (Day 3 to 5)
Day 3.
After a Japanese breakfast in the hotel in ShinOsaka, we will set off our sight-seeing in Kyoto by taking the bullet train again. Yes, make full use of this JR pass to shorten our travelling time and enjoy the comfort of this train.
I have booked an English guided tour in Kyoto Imperial Palace. I looked at the map, this Palace is not too far from JR Nijo and I think walking to there should not be an issue. I can then save on the subway fares as my JR pass does not cover it.
This tour is likely to last for about an hour. Thereafter, we will walk (AGAIN!) to Nishijin Textile Centre to see the various kimonos on sale. No, we are not buying any kimonos or yukatas but it will be great to see these beautiful Japanese traditional costumes.
After lunch, I hope we can find our way to walk around Gion area to see if we can catch any Geisha or Maiko. I think we should have no problems seeing ladies in kimonos in Kyoto. Isa has always wanted to see them. But seeing a geisha or maiko may be a bit difficult as there are not many left in Japan.
Otherwise, we will continue our journey to Nara to see the deer in Nara Deer Park.
We will give Kiyomizu and Kinkakuji in Kyoto, Todaiji in Nara, a miss as we have been there during our last trip.
I think Day 3 will be quite a full walking day.
Day 4.
After breakfast, we will leave ShinOsaka for Kawaguchiko. There is no direct train service and the route I will be taking needs to do 4 transfers!
The last transfer from Otsuki station to Kawaguchiko station is inevitable as there is only a private rail service to Kawaguchiko.
After checking into the accommodation, we will either walk around the lake to see Mt Fuji or find out more info on the cable car ride or cruise on the lake.
I have found a suitable accommodation and that is, K House Mt Fuji. Among the accommodations I have asked, this has given me the lowest rate (though not cheap when converted back to Sing dollars). I am thinking if I should take up this offer or look for a better option with Japanese dinner and breakfast included. Again, this will burn a hole in SP's pocket. But imagining having a meal with Fuji-san in the vicinity, this chance does not happen very often.
Again, I will leave this accommodation unconfirmed until later.
Day 5.
We plan to leave Kawaguchiko after lunch. This is to leave some time to do the cable car ride or cruise if we did not do it the day before. It will be quite some time before we see Mt Fuji again and thus there is no hurry to leave.
We will head to Tokyo and check in our luggages at the hotel called Touganeya Hotel in Ueno. This seems the cheapest available and most convenient as it is within walking distance from Ueno station. In fact, any accommodations within walking distance from the train stations on Yamanote line would be fine for me.
Some tricky issue here:
would I be able to meet Uchibori's family and Ito's family on Day 5 or Day 6?
Would I be able to stay at their home to fully immerse in a local's family?
What suitable gifts do I have to bring for them, knowing many things in Singapore are usually made from China, Malaysia or even Japan?
After a Japanese breakfast in the hotel in ShinOsaka, we will set off our sight-seeing in Kyoto by taking the bullet train again. Yes, make full use of this JR pass to shorten our travelling time and enjoy the comfort of this train.
I have booked an English guided tour in Kyoto Imperial Palace. I looked at the map, this Palace is not too far from JR Nijo and I think walking to there should not be an issue. I can then save on the subway fares as my JR pass does not cover it.
This tour is likely to last for about an hour. Thereafter, we will walk (AGAIN!) to Nishijin Textile Centre to see the various kimonos on sale. No, we are not buying any kimonos or yukatas but it will be great to see these beautiful Japanese traditional costumes.
After lunch, I hope we can find our way to walk around Gion area to see if we can catch any Geisha or Maiko. I think we should have no problems seeing ladies in kimonos in Kyoto. Isa has always wanted to see them. But seeing a geisha or maiko may be a bit difficult as there are not many left in Japan.
Otherwise, we will continue our journey to Nara to see the deer in Nara Deer Park.
We will give Kiyomizu and Kinkakuji in Kyoto, Todaiji in Nara, a miss as we have been there during our last trip.
I think Day 3 will be quite a full walking day.
Day 4.
After breakfast, we will leave ShinOsaka for Kawaguchiko. There is no direct train service and the route I will be taking needs to do 4 transfers!
The last transfer from Otsuki station to Kawaguchiko station is inevitable as there is only a private rail service to Kawaguchiko.
After checking into the accommodation, we will either walk around the lake to see Mt Fuji or find out more info on the cable car ride or cruise on the lake.
I have found a suitable accommodation and that is, K House Mt Fuji. Among the accommodations I have asked, this has given me the lowest rate (though not cheap when converted back to Sing dollars). I am thinking if I should take up this offer or look for a better option with Japanese dinner and breakfast included. Again, this will burn a hole in SP's pocket. But imagining having a meal with Fuji-san in the vicinity, this chance does not happen very often.
Again, I will leave this accommodation unconfirmed until later.
Day 5.
We plan to leave Kawaguchiko after lunch. This is to leave some time to do the cable car ride or cruise if we did not do it the day before. It will be quite some time before we see Mt Fuji again and thus there is no hurry to leave.
We will head to Tokyo and check in our luggages at the hotel called Touganeya Hotel in Ueno. This seems the cheapest available and most convenient as it is within walking distance from Ueno station. In fact, any accommodations within walking distance from the train stations on Yamanote line would be fine for me.
Some tricky issue here:
would I be able to meet Uchibori's family and Ito's family on Day 5 or Day 6?
Would I be able to stay at their home to fully immerse in a local's family?
What suitable gifts do I have to bring for them, knowing many things in Singapore are usually made from China, Malaysia or even Japan?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Japan trip - itinerary (Day 1 to 3)
After reading some Guide Books and surfing internet, I guess I have come up with a draft plan on my itinerary to Japan.
Day 1.
After touching down at Narita, head straight to Yudanaka in Nagano. This little town located in Nagano-ken is famous for its hot springs and snow monkeys. Yes, snow monkeys taking their hot baths in the winter.
http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/english/top/english.html
Sounds silly to go all the way to see monkeys taking a bath !?
I have yet to make up my mind on the accommodation. Two choices were on the table; Kokuya which is real posh but expensive OR Shimaya whose reviews on the owners of this ryokan were excellent, that they were so friendly and helpful but the condition of its building was not that fantastic. In addition, Kokuya offers Kaiseki dinner which I don't feel like missing it out.
Well, I hope as the time gets closer, I can have an answer. In either ways, I will burn SP's pocket a hole, the difference is just how big that hole is.
Day 2.
We will leave Yudanaka after lunch and make our way to Shinosaka by the bullet train called Shinano via Nagoya. This saves me some time from transferring at Tokyo. What a brilliant rail network; so extensive and convenient.
I am unsure if staying at Shinosaka for 2 nights is a correct decision as my intended places to visit are actually Kyoto and Nara for the third day.
I have yet to find a suitable accommodation in Kyoto. The choice at Shinosaka is ideal because it is reasonably cheap and includes Japanese breakfast. From Shinosaka to Kyoto by the Hikari train, the journey is less than half an hour.
Maybe I will hold onto this accommodation at Shinosaka until I find a better choice.
Day 1.
After touching down at Narita, head straight to Yudanaka in Nagano. This little town located in Nagano-ken is famous for its hot springs and snow monkeys. Yes, snow monkeys taking their hot baths in the winter.
http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/english/top/english.html
Sounds silly to go all the way to see monkeys taking a bath !?
I have yet to make up my mind on the accommodation. Two choices were on the table; Kokuya which is real posh but expensive OR Shimaya whose reviews on the owners of this ryokan were excellent, that they were so friendly and helpful but the condition of its building was not that fantastic. In addition, Kokuya offers Kaiseki dinner which I don't feel like missing it out.
Well, I hope as the time gets closer, I can have an answer. In either ways, I will burn SP's pocket a hole, the difference is just how big that hole is.
Day 2.
We will leave Yudanaka after lunch and make our way to Shinosaka by the bullet train called Shinano via Nagoya. This saves me some time from transferring at Tokyo. What a brilliant rail network; so extensive and convenient.
I am unsure if staying at Shinosaka for 2 nights is a correct decision as my intended places to visit are actually Kyoto and Nara for the third day.
I have yet to find a suitable accommodation in Kyoto. The choice at Shinosaka is ideal because it is reasonably cheap and includes Japanese breakfast. From Shinosaka to Kyoto by the Hikari train, the journey is less than half an hour.
Maybe I will hold onto this accommodation at Shinosaka until I find a better choice.
Oral Exam
Isa's Oral Exam was over.
For English, the topic for conversation was fairly simple; "What is your favourite subject?" and "What is your least favourite subject?" Isa surely talked about Chinese being her least favourite subject. Her mid year exam for Chinese was not the lowest among the 4 subjects but I do not know why she dislikes it so much.
As for her favourite subject, she has chosen Mathematics which caught me a surprise because she did badly in it during her mid year.
As for Chinese, the topic for conversation was "What do you do during the weekend?" Isa talked about going to the shopping centre to look at the clothes, toys etc.
I guess she has a fun time talking "nonsense".
For English, the topic for conversation was fairly simple; "What is your favourite subject?" and "What is your least favourite subject?" Isa surely talked about Chinese being her least favourite subject. Her mid year exam for Chinese was not the lowest among the 4 subjects but I do not know why she dislikes it so much.
As for her favourite subject, she has chosen Mathematics which caught me a surprise because she did badly in it during her mid year.
As for Chinese, the topic for conversation was "What do you do during the weekend?" Isa talked about going to the shopping centre to look at the clothes, toys etc.
I guess she has a fun time talking "nonsense".
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Japan trip - Japan Rail Pass
Thanks to Patricia, Japan Travel Bureau in ION Orchard is selling Japan Rail Pass at a 5% discount and the last day will be on 21 Sep.
I bought my Japan Rail (JR) passes. The price is rounded UP and this certainly does not please me at all. Based on the exchange rate of 100 JPY = SGD 1.57, a 7 day JR pass for Ordinary costs 28300 JPY which worked out to be SGD 445. A similar pass for a child age 6 to 11 costs SGD 223.
After the 5% discount, 2 adult passes and 1 child pass cost $1058.
A JR pass is A MUST for DIY travellers to Japan. The extensive railway network in Japan makes travelling around rather convenient with a JR pass in hand.
For more info,
see http://www.japanrail.com
I bought my Japan Rail (JR) passes. The price is rounded UP and this certainly does not please me at all. Based on the exchange rate of 100 JPY = SGD 1.57, a 7 day JR pass for Ordinary costs 28300 JPY which worked out to be SGD 445. A similar pass for a child age 6 to 11 costs SGD 223.
After the 5% discount, 2 adult passes and 1 child pass cost $1058.
A JR pass is A MUST for DIY travellers to Japan. The extensive railway network in Japan makes travelling around rather convenient with a JR pass in hand.
For more info,
see http://www.japanrail.com
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Ice Cream Mooncake
The Hungry Ghost Month has ended and Mid Autumn Festival is on its way.
Swensen's Singapore is offering delicious ice cream mooncake of exotic flavours. I have tried the Kiwi Rasberry and Black Sesame Peanut mooncakes. They are very different from the traditional lotus paste mooncakes.
Each box with 4 mooncakes is selling fast at $25.90. For RBS credit card holders, you can get 15% discount.
I bought 2 boxes to try each flavour and received a $8 swensen voucher.
Quite a good deal if you have sweet tooth.
Check it out at:
http://www.swensens.com.sg/promo_sep09_frozen.html
Swensen's Singapore is offering delicious ice cream mooncake of exotic flavours. I have tried the Kiwi Rasberry and Black Sesame Peanut mooncakes. They are very different from the traditional lotus paste mooncakes.
Each box with 4 mooncakes is selling fast at $25.90. For RBS credit card holders, you can get 15% discount.
I bought 2 boxes to try each flavour and received a $8 swensen voucher.
Quite a good deal if you have sweet tooth.
Check it out at:
http://www.swensens.com.sg/promo_sep09_frozen.html
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Japan Trip - Air Tickets
After countless calls and surfing internet for the best available prices, the air tickets were finally bought and confirmed.
Yes, we will be travelling by Malaysia Airlines again. The offer is too attractive to resist.
By SIA A380, the nett price for an adult is about $870 and child about $660.
For MAS, the nett price is $398 and $382 respectively.
The difference in prices between these two airlines is probably enough for my purchase of Japan Rail Passes.
Yes, we will be travelling by Malaysia Airlines again. The offer is too attractive to resist.
By SIA A380, the nett price for an adult is about $870 and child about $660.
For MAS, the nett price is $398 and $382 respectively.
The difference in prices between these two airlines is probably enough for my purchase of Japan Rail Passes.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Japan Trip - Planning
During the past week or so, I have been doing a big "project" - yes, planning a holiday to Japan, the Land of The Rising Sun, in December.
Instead of following the traditional guided tours offered by the various travel agencies, I decided to DIY again, afterall this will be my third trip to Japan.
Many things are running concurrently -
gathering more info on places to visit during my one week's stay,
sourcing the cheapest available flights on the selected dates,
checking the various accommodations around the places of interest I intend to visit,
going to the library to borrow travel books on Japan,
collect some free itineraries from the travel agencies,
... etc.
So far, the experience is VERY tedious but fun.
My main concerns include the cold wintry conditions and the high cost of living in Japan.
Again, it will be a trip with lots of train journeys, sight-seeing and not forgetting meeting Ito's and Uchibori's families. It has been more than 8 years since our last meeting.
I can't wait for December to arrive.
Instead of following the traditional guided tours offered by the various travel agencies, I decided to DIY again, afterall this will be my third trip to Japan.
Many things are running concurrently -
gathering more info on places to visit during my one week's stay,
sourcing the cheapest available flights on the selected dates,
checking the various accommodations around the places of interest I intend to visit,
going to the library to borrow travel books on Japan,
collect some free itineraries from the travel agencies,
... etc.
So far, the experience is VERY tedious but fun.
My main concerns include the cold wintry conditions and the high cost of living in Japan.
Again, it will be a trip with lots of train journeys, sight-seeing and not forgetting meeting Ito's and Uchibori's families. It has been more than 8 years since our last meeting.
I can't wait for December to arrive.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
$5 hair-cut in Bukit Batok
Want a no-frills hair cut in a small but air-con neighbourbood shop in Bukit Batok?
Visit this hair salon at Blk 271, #01-156, near Bukit Batok East Community Club.
The young and cheerful hair dresser was friendly and patient. She cut hair for Isa and me. We were quite pleased with our new short hair.
Visit this hair salon at Blk 271, #01-156, near Bukit Batok East Community Club.
The young and cheerful hair dresser was friendly and patient. She cut hair for Isa and me. We were quite pleased with our new short hair.
Hep B Vaccination - last part
Finally the day comes when I have to go for my last dose of Hep B vaccination.
Just a recap:
Total cost $56 payable by cash or credit card at Bukit Batok Polyclinic.
1st dose taken on 5 Mar 2009,
2nd dose taken on 7 Apr 2009 and
last dose on 8 Sep 2009.
I have no obvious side effects at all.
Just a recap:
Total cost $56 payable by cash or credit card at Bukit Batok Polyclinic.
1st dose taken on 5 Mar 2009,
2nd dose taken on 7 Apr 2009 and
last dose on 8 Sep 2009.
I have no obvious side effects at all.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Govt extends 4% interest rate for CPF savings till Dec 2010
Remember that our CPF's attractive 4% interest rate will ends by this year and then would be tied to the 10 year Singapore Government Bonds?
There seems to be a change as announced:
SINGAPORE: The government is ensuring the people's retirement income is not too volatile in light of the global economic conditions and low interest rate environment.
As such the four per cent floor rate for CPF savings will be extended by another year till December 2010, said Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong.
He also launched the opt-in phase of CPF LIFE where some 700,000 Singaporeans above 55-years-old stand to gain.
62-year old Michael Yap personally believes in having enough savings for his lifetime.
He said: "They have this Balanced Plan where the payout and the bequest is balanced. I have got a dependant especially my wife. If something should happen to me and she survives me, I would like to leave her some money."
The CPF Board has kicked off a series of road-shows to help members better understand the CPF LIFE scheme.
The first phase of the opt-in exercise is voluntary, for members born in or before 1954.
Mr Gan said: "Some of them may already have started drawing down on the minimum sum scheme that we have put in place. So not all of them may find CPF LIFE relevant because they might have their own plans for retirement and some may already be tapping on the current CPF scheme. So it is important to consider the opt-in in the right perspective."
The Minister also urged members to make their choice of the four plans carefully as there's no turning back once the decision is made.
Mr Gan added: “It is important for Singaporeans to make their choice in CPF Life very carefully because we offer four plans, each plan has a unique feature. Some plans will cater to members who want to have more income and leaving behind less for their family when they pass on. Some may prefer to leave more behind and are prepared to have lower payouts monthly. It's a balance between the two factors."
CPF Life provides members with a lifelong monthly income from age 65.
There are four plans to choose from.
LIFE Plus Plan offers higher monthly income but leaves behind less for beneficiaries.
For the LIFE Basic Plan, members accept a lower monthly income for higher bequest amount.
The LIFE Income Plan offers the highest monthly income but members would leave nothing behind when they pass away.
Meanwhile, the default plan is the LIFE Balanced Plan which will provide a balance between a level of retirement income and some bequest amount if they pass away early.
Mr Gan continued: "Ultimately, the more savings you have in your Retirement Account, the more you will get out of CPF LIFE. Those who desire higher payouts can also get their family members to top-up their CPF savings. We have progressively liberalised the Minimum Sum Topping-Up Scheme these few years to facilitate family support. I encourage children to make top-ups for their parents to help them participate in CPF LIFE."
The CPF Board will send out invitation packages to members from Monday.
Singaporeans have attained one of the highest life expectancies in the world. But what's equally important is to ensure that Singaporeans enjoy life long income security.
That's where the CPF LIFE programme comes in. The government is also encouraging Singaporeans to continue working beyond the age of 62. - CNA/vm
source: www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1003075/1/.html
My Comments:
This is definitely an excellent news as our CPF monies will be able to continue earning a risk free, attractive 4% interest rate for another year till Dec 2010.
There seems to be a change as announced:
SINGAPORE: The government is ensuring the people's retirement income is not too volatile in light of the global economic conditions and low interest rate environment.
As such the four per cent floor rate for CPF savings will be extended by another year till December 2010, said Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong.
He also launched the opt-in phase of CPF LIFE where some 700,000 Singaporeans above 55-years-old stand to gain.
62-year old Michael Yap personally believes in having enough savings for his lifetime.
He said: "They have this Balanced Plan where the payout and the bequest is balanced. I have got a dependant especially my wife. If something should happen to me and she survives me, I would like to leave her some money."
The CPF Board has kicked off a series of road-shows to help members better understand the CPF LIFE scheme.
The first phase of the opt-in exercise is voluntary, for members born in or before 1954.
Mr Gan said: "Some of them may already have started drawing down on the minimum sum scheme that we have put in place. So not all of them may find CPF LIFE relevant because they might have their own plans for retirement and some may already be tapping on the current CPF scheme. So it is important to consider the opt-in in the right perspective."
The Minister also urged members to make their choice of the four plans carefully as there's no turning back once the decision is made.
Mr Gan added: “It is important for Singaporeans to make their choice in CPF Life very carefully because we offer four plans, each plan has a unique feature. Some plans will cater to members who want to have more income and leaving behind less for their family when they pass on. Some may prefer to leave more behind and are prepared to have lower payouts monthly. It's a balance between the two factors."
CPF Life provides members with a lifelong monthly income from age 65.
There are four plans to choose from.
LIFE Plus Plan offers higher monthly income but leaves behind less for beneficiaries.
For the LIFE Basic Plan, members accept a lower monthly income for higher bequest amount.
The LIFE Income Plan offers the highest monthly income but members would leave nothing behind when they pass away.
Meanwhile, the default plan is the LIFE Balanced Plan which will provide a balance between a level of retirement income and some bequest amount if they pass away early.
Mr Gan continued: "Ultimately, the more savings you have in your Retirement Account, the more you will get out of CPF LIFE. Those who desire higher payouts can also get their family members to top-up their CPF savings. We have progressively liberalised the Minimum Sum Topping-Up Scheme these few years to facilitate family support. I encourage children to make top-ups for their parents to help them participate in CPF LIFE."
The CPF Board will send out invitation packages to members from Monday.
Singaporeans have attained one of the highest life expectancies in the world. But what's equally important is to ensure that Singaporeans enjoy life long income security.
That's where the CPF LIFE programme comes in. The government is also encouraging Singaporeans to continue working beyond the age of 62. - CNA/vm
source: www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1003075/1/.html
My Comments:
This is definitely an excellent news as our CPF monies will be able to continue earning a risk free, attractive 4% interest rate for another year till Dec 2010.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)