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
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
Ashibetsu Roadside Station ( 道の駅 スタープラザ芦別 ) is one of the 128 roadside stations of Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located along Route 38 and 452 in Kita 4-jo Higashi 1-1-1 in Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ashibetsu Roadside Station Ashibetsu Roadside Station details Ashibetsu Roadside Station is formally called Roadside Station "Star Plaza Ashibetsu" . It was one of the first roadside stations in Hokkaido. It was registered on April 22, 1993, and was given Registration Number 2. This station serves as a tourist information center and a hub for travelers to explore what the town has to offer. Ashibetsu Roadside Station - Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture The Tourist Information Center inside Ashibetsu Roadside Station is a must-visit spot for travelers. Here, they will find information about the town's famous products sold on the first floor. From the Yokoichi cheese, butter, and Ashibetsu melon, to the lily root, and zenzai, visitors can purchase a variety
10 Things to Do in Utashinai City Utashinai ( 歌志内市 ) is a city in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . It is the smallest city in the country in terms of population. The city got its name when the railway was established in the region. It derived its name from the sound of the river coursing through the vicinity, referred to as " Otashinai ". For those planning to visit the town of Utashinai to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Utashinai City : Utashinai manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Utashinai . So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. The first one is common around town. The colored manhole cover can be found along Route 691. Utashinai Pokemon manhole cover 2. Check out the newly installed Utashinai Pokemon manhole cover at Utashinai Roadside Station. It features both Vulpix and its Alolan counterpart together with Joltik. Former Sorachi Coal Mine Club (旧空知炭鉱倶楽部) 3. Visit the Former Sorachi Coal Mine Clu
10 Things to Do in Ashibetsu City Ashibetsu ( 芦別市 ) is a city in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . It is theorized that the city got its name from the Ainu word “ as pet , " meaning “ the river that flows in a shrub ”. Aside from that, other historians also believed that it came from the Ainu word “ hasi pet ” which means “ the standing river ”. In both theories, the name refers to the Ashibetsu River, which flows through the city. For those planning to visit the city of Ashibetsu to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Ashibetsu : Ashibetsu City manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Ashibetsu . So far, I have seen four unique manhole covers which are common in the central part of the city. There are colored versions of these which are installed along Route 452. There is also a special Anne of Canadian World manhole cover found only in the Canadian World Park. Hokkaido Dai Kannon 2. Take a photo of the Hokkaido Dai Kannon
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
Utashinai Roadside Station , formally called Roadside Station Utashinai Tyrol ( 道の駅 うたしないチロルの湯 ) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread around Hokkaido. It is located at 72-2 Nakamura, Utashinai City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Utashinai Roadside Station Utashinai Roadside Station details Discover Hokkaido’s charm by stopping over at Utashinai Roadside Station , located along Route 114. This station is the perfect base for exploring Central, Northern, and Eastern Hokkaido, and houses a variety of tourism resources and facilities. Utashinai Roadside Station - Utashinai City, Hokkaido Prefecture One of the standout features of Utashinai Roadside Station is its accessibility for travelers with disabilities. Equipped with a covered parking lot that can be used even when it snows in winter, and a road-heating pavement, visitors can enjoy the station’s facilities with peace of mind. The Utashinai Roadside Station signage also shows the day's temperature The map of Utashinai
Akabira Tokugawa Castle ( 赤平徳川城 ) is a replica castle located along National Route 38 at 174 Horookacho, Akabira City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Akabira Tokugawa Castle Akabira Tokugawa Castle details Akabira Tokugawa Castle may not be a real historical site, but its story is just as fascinating. Built in 1991 by Matsuzawa Yoroi Co., Ltd, a manufacturer of festival dolls, Akabira Tokugawa Castle has served as a showroom and manufacturing factory. It boasts four floors of unique and interesting attractions, including a souvenir and doll-making demonstration area on the first floor, an impressive doll display and sales area on the second and third floors, a Hina doll display and Japanese restaurant on the fourth floor, and an armored helmet exhibit on the fifth floor. The castle also has a sixth floor, which once served as an observatory tower. Akabira Tokugawa Castle - Akabira City, Hokkaido Prefecture Although the castle is currently closed to the public, it remains a symbol of
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 Chitose City Chitose ( 千歳市 ) is a city in the Ishikari Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . Chitose was originally named shikot in the Ainu language, which means " big depression or hollow ," similar to Lake Shikotsu, which is a caldera lake. This sounded too much like dead bones (死骨, shikotsu ) in Japanese, so it was altered to Chitose. For those planning to visit Chitose City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Chitose : Chitose City manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Chitose City . So far, I have seen one unique manhole cover which is expected in the city. There is a colored version of this installed in front of Michinoeki Salmon Park Chitose . Chitose Roadside Station 2. Visit the Chitose Roadside Station / Michinoeki Salmon Park Chitose 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 statio
Porta Mariae is a commemorative arch built to celebrate the 300 years of Bicolano devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia. It is l ocated on the corner of Paz Street and Barlin Street in front of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral in Naga City in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines . Porta Mariae Porta Mariae details Although it's fairly a new attraction to the city, it's slowly gaining fame due to its "background-ish" nature. What I mean is, it serves as a great backdrop to any pictures. As a matter of fact Porta Mariae is as grandeur as the cathedral. Porta Mariae - Naga City, Camarines Sur Visitors and pilgrims would often leave positive comments about how the arch gives a regal feel once they enter the vicinity of Naga Metropolitan Cathedral . Porta Mariae stands 36 feet high and 59 feet wide Porta Mariae is a solar-powered arc. For those who don't know Porta Mariae is the Latin for Marian Gate . It was built and formally opened on the 9th
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