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
10 Things to Do in Nakafurano Nakafurano ( 中富良野町 ) is a town in the Kamikawa Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . The name of the town is derived from the Ainu word " furanui ", which means smelly mud, rotten mud. This was likely because the area was mostly peatland years ago. For those planning to visit the town of Nakafurano to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Nakafurano : Nakafurano manhole cover 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Nakafurano . So far, I have seen one unique manhole cover which is common in the central part of town. Nakafurano Shrine 2. Visit the Nakafurano Shrine . You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. You can also get a goshuin here. Hokkaido Landscape Museum 3. Visit the Hokkaido Landscape Museum to appreciate the artworks of Shuichi Okuda. The wooden western-style building that was once a school was used as a filming location for Yoon Seok-ho's Shochiku movie " The Wind in Yo
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street. Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City Asahikawa City ( 旭川市 ) is the second largest city in Hokkaido Prefecture. Its name came from the misinterpretation of the Ainu name for the Asahi River. The Ainu called it Chiu Pet , which means "River of Waves," but it was misinterpreted as Chup Pet , which means "Sun River," and therefore became known as Asahi River in Japanese. For those planning to visit Asahikawa City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City : Asahikawa Manhole Cover 1. Take a picture of Asahikawa’s unique manhole covers . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole design not counting the special Asahikawa Pokemon Manhole Cover . Asahikawa Roadside Station 2. Visit Asahikawa Roadside Station . You can buy souvenirs, eat authentic Asahikawa ramen, and also get the Asahikawa Roadside Station stamp for your stamp collection. As a bonus, you will also find the Asahikawa Pokemon Manhole Cover featuring the Alolan Vulpix, Cubchoo, a
10 Things to Do in Sobetsu Sobetsu ( 壮瞥町 ) is a town in the Iburi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . The name of the town was derived from the Ainu name of the current Sobetsu River, " so-pet " which means waterfall/river. For those planning to visit Sobetsu to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Sobetsu : Sobetsu Roadside Station / Roadside Station Sobetsu Johokan I 1. Visit the Sobetsu Roadside Station / Roadside Station Sobetsu Johokan I and buy products that are produced or made in the town. You can also get the roadside station stamp here for the Hokkaido Stamp rally booklet. This roadside station has various displays about Mt. Usu which are very informative. Statue of Masao Mimatsu with Showashinzan 2. Take a picture with the Statue of Masao Mimatsu with Showashinzan as your background. Sobetsu Shrine 3. Visit the Sobetsu Shrine . You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. You can also get a goshuin
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference. Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
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 .
Located in Barangay San Pedro in Sto. Tomas in the province of Batangas, the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. National Shrine of St. Padre Pio National Shrine of St. Padre Pio History The shrine initially started out as a bamboo and nipa chapel back in 2003. Then on November 7, 2005, a 1.6-hectare agricultural land was donated to the Archdiocese of Lipa by a generous couple. A year later, another generous individual donated 200 square meters of land to provide the right of way to the site. This land would be the site of the new chapel and later on the Shrine of St. Padre Pio . The salakot like roof as seen from the bell tower Devotees hanging handkerchiefs dipped in the Well of Hope or Bukal ng Pag-asa St. Padre Pio welcomes the pilgrims to the shrine Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry - National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio St. Padre Pio belltower St. Padre Pio painting A relic inside the Reli
Nakafurano Shrine ( 中富良野神社 ) is the main shrine of the town of Nakafurano. It is located at 2-13 Miyamachi in the town of Nakafurano in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Nakafurano Shrine Nakafurano Shrine Details Nakafurano Shrine , with its Nagare-zukuri architectural design, is steeped in a rich history that dates back to 1901 when a wooden pillar was erected at the base of an old tree (Mizumatsu), and Amaterasu Omikami was enshrined. Nakafurano Shrine - Nakafurano town, Hokkaido Prefecture The shrine's rich history stands as a profound testament to its significance among the people of Nakafurano. Over the years, the shrine has faced numerous challenges, particularly from recurrent flood damage, leading to several relocations. However, after persistent efforts, it was finally granted approval for establishment on June 14, 1923, and later designated as a village shrine in 1927. Nakafurano Shrine 's main torii Nakafurano Shrine 's secondary torii In a significant mileston
Located in 68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Tenryuji ( 天龍寺 ) is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kyoto City. Tenryuji ( 天龍寺 ) Tenryuji History Tenryuji was built under the instructions of shogun Ashikaga Takauji in 1339 in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo who had passed away that year. The temple's name tenryu literally translates to the "dragon of the sky". The name came from a dream of Ashikaga Takauji's younger brother Tadayoshi. The temple was completed at around 1345 and the eminent Rinzai Zen master Muso Soseki was appointed as its founding abbot after which the temple prospered as the most important Rinzai temple in Kyoto. With that, the temple's land grew to as big as 33 hectares. Muso Soseki Now going back to Muso Soseki ... He was known as the most famous monk of his time. Aside from being a Rinzai Zen Buddhist, he was also a teacher, calligraphist, poet, and garden designer. Although he has
10 Things to Do in Toyako Toyako ( 洞爺湖町 ) is a town in the Iburi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . The town was formed after Abuta Town and Toya Village merged on March 27, 2006. The town was named after Lake Toya. Japanese settlers named Lake Toya during the Meiji period after the Ainu word to ya , which means "lakeshore, the land around a lake." For those planning to visit Toyako to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Toyako : Toyako Manhole Cover 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Toyako . So far, I have seen one unique manhole cover. These are common and can be seen around Toyako Onsen. Roadside Rest Area "Aputa” 2. Visit the Roadside Rest Area "Aputa” and buy products that are produced or made in the town. It is one of the two roadside stations of Toyako. You can also get the roadside station stamp here for the Hokkaido Stamp rally booklet. It is popular for the sea urchin dishes. Roadside Rest Area "Lake Toya” 3. Visit t
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