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 the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas One of the best places to go camping... ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide
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 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
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
Located at Barangay Tinago, Camalig in the province of Albay, Quituinan Hills is one of the most beautiful yet least known tourist destinations of the town. Quituinan Hills Quituinan Hills Details For those who have visited Quituinan Hills on a clear day, I bet they'd agree with me when I say that this place is among the top places in the province to view Mayon Volcano. Aside from that, the best way to describe Quituinan Hills is that it has a ranch-like feel. Well, that's probably due to the fact that the developed part of the hill is really a ranch named Quituinan Ranch . Road to Quituinan Hills Welcome to Quituinan Hills This place is a great location for picnics with friends and family. You can either rent a cottage (small P100; big P500) or bring and pitch a tent (P100 space rental) in one of the allowable areas of the hill. Other activities offered here are horseback riding (P60 per 15 minutes) and ATV rental (P200 per 15 minutes). You can also explore
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
Located in the heart of Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto Station ( 京都駅 ) is one of Japan 's largest train station buildings. It serves as the main gateway for locals and foreigners coming in and out of the city. Kyoto Station ( 京都駅 ) Kyoto Station History Kyoto Station opened for service on February 5, 1877, by decree of Emperor Meiji. In 1889, its railway connected to Tokyo giving way to the present day Tokaido Main Line. In 1895, the station became a terminal to the Nara Railway (present-day Nara Line) connecting Kyoto with the southern regions of Kyoto Prefecture and Nara City. Then in 1897, the station became a terminal to the Kyoto Railway (present-day Sagano Line) connecting Kyoto Station with the northern regions of Kyoto Prefecture. First Kyoto Station building* Second Kyoto Station building* Third Kyoto Station building* The station got a facelift in 1914 and a Renaissance-inspired facility replaced the old station. This new station was spacious and designed
Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center / Kazemachi Shokudo Information Center ( 風待食堂 観光案内所 ) is a tourist information center and souvenir shop, housed in a historical building. It is located at Bentencho in the town of Mashike in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center details Originally, the building was a grocery store that was established in 1913, and it was later used as a filming location for the 1981 movie " STATION ", which starred the famous actor, Ken Takakura . Today, the building serves as a tourist information center that provides information on the town's filming locations, related newspaper articles, and even Showa retro things such as dial-type public telephones, old-fashioned radios, and various goods of " Mercy-kun ", a seagull character that's unique to Mashike. Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center - Mashike town, Hokkaido Prefecture One of the most popular attracti
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 enjoyed influence over the people a
The last time we visited Nara Park ( 奈良公園 ) was on the 16th day of our 2014-2015 Japan trip . That was also our first time to see this world-famous park with our own eyes. Nara Park ( 奈良公園 ) For those who are not familiar with Nara Park , it is home to hundreds of free-roaming Sika deer . This 502-hectare park also includes the grounds of temples and shrines which are popular tourist destinations themselves like Todaiji , Kohfukuji , and Kasuga Shrine (some of which we also visited). Our photos in Nara Park: Although the deer of Nara Park are mostly friendly, you still have to be extremely careful Check out the road going to Nara Park Nara Par k is located at the foot of Mount Wakakusa . It was established in 1880, making it one of the oldest parks in Japan. Aside from that, Nara Park is also designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Science and Technology (MEXT) as one one of Japan's "Places of Scenic Beauty". The hundreds of free-roaming wil
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.
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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