alainsojourner, Author at KEEP CALM and WANDER

Japan: Fushimi-inari Temple

September 23, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

Day 11: Fushimi-inari Temple Staying in Nara for less than 24 hours, is, of course, not advisable. Though Nara is just a small city with narrow roads (like other japanese cities), it’s parks and alleyways are to be consumed by walking. I did walk for an hour in the morning

Japan

Todai-ji Temple in Nara

September 22, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

Nara is Japan’s first real capital. We arrived in this small city in late afternoon while the sunset struggled to shine behind the heavy nimbus clouds. It looked it’s gonna rain any moment, but we thought it’s gonna hold up there while we were exploring Todai-ji Temple and its surroundings.

Japan

Ninja Museum

September 22, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

We left Shizuoka at 8:00 a.m. for a 6-hour trip to the Ninja Museum at Igaryu. Ninja Museum is an interesting place where visitors are shown (or educated) to the world of Ninja. The museum looks like a farmhouse to me. It’s a deception, of course! A ninja, named Taroujirou once lived

Japan

Japanese Tea Ceremony at Gyokuro No Sato Teahouse

September 20, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

After spending five days in Tokyo alone, it’s time for me to meet other couch surfers who are also travelling in Japan. Mochan, a fellow couch surfer and founder of Wish Club, organized a 5-day road trip for all of us in his small van which would take us to

Japan

Japan – Gay Tokyo

September 19, 2009 alainsojourner 4 Comments

A trip to Tokyo for me is not complete without visiting any gay bars in this crazy, busy city where everyone (or almost?) chases time and money. Here are some golden queer places for everyone out there who wants to polish their queerness or at least, be queer for a

Japan

An early morning at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo

September 19, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

I have no decent sleep—because I slept in a sauna last night. I woke at 4:30 a.m not because I had to go to Tsukiji Market to watch the tuna auction which starts at 5:30. Yes, I know it’s too early for a traveler to wake up, right? But, who would miss

Japan

Tokyo By Night Looks Like Paris

September 18, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

Tokyo by night looks like Paris. There’s a tower in the middle of the city that looks like an Eiffel Tower but a bit smaller in size. And where’s the best place to view Tokyo’s skyline at night? Head over to Roponggi Hills, known for the Japanese yuppies and fashionistas.

Japan

Capsule Hotel in Tokyo

September 17, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

I slept at a capsule hotel, called Green Plaza Shinjuku Capsule Hotel. Boy, you’ve got to experience sleeping in a capsule hotel, which is more like sleeping inside your own tomb. 🙂 “Yes, I’d recommend it for the bizarre experience of it!” 😀 I was blown away by the 630 tomb-like capsules

Japan

My First Sumo Wrestling

September 17, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

No, it wasn’t me in the ring. I didn’t fight. I’m too tiny for that. LOL. I am one of those lucky travellers in Japan who came here during Sumo season: January, May and September. Sumo Wrestling at Ryogukan Sumo Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.Sumo Wrestling at Ryogukan Sumo Stadium in Tokyo,

Japan

Burning Joss Sticks at Sensoji Temple

September 16, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

I went to SensoJi Temple today to burn joss sticks. Like the rest of humanity, I have some wishes, too. 😉 I went there on late afternoon when students and working people were done with their daily routine. So, that’s why it was crowded. Youngsters came in fashionable but strange

Japan

Traditional Japanese Weddings at Meiji Jingu Shrine

September 16, 2009 alainsojourner 1 Comments

Yesterday was, perhaps, the most expensive day, so far, in this trip. Today, I visited and strolled the huge Meiji – Jingu, a Shrine surrounded with more than a 100,000 trees. In the middle of this lush urban forest is a simple, yet, elegant shrine to honor the former

Japan

Tokyo Skyline from Metropolitan Government Offices

September 14, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

Going up to the 45 floor was FREE. Yes, it’s free! I love japan already! The Japanese security guards and the elevator attendants were very courteous and they bowed each time they finish inspecting someone’s bag. And all I could mutter was “xie xie.” Hahahahahaha…. I know, I’m becoming Chinese now.

Japan

Japan – Shinjuku District in Tokyo

September 14, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

I woke up early only to find out that the guy next to my capsule is shirtless. And cute. LOL… Handsome? Hmmmnnn… I said, he’s cute. 😀 I took a shower and packed my stuff so I can move to the dormitory type room. My wooden capsule was just temporary–for

China

Ming Tombs – Where Emperors Are Buried

April 2, 2009 alainsojourner 0 Comments

A couple of days ago, I acted as a tourist guide to a gay couple who contacted me via this blog. They asked me for recommendations on what to do and see while they’re here in Beijing for a week. I sent them a list of recommendations and even directions