Japan Trip 2014 - February


2014/2/1&2 Going to Japan

2/2 Nagoya: 12.9/5.4

To the airport (Done)

I had to be working on the machines at the plant after the shift until very last minutes. I was hoping to leave early so I can take a shower at a gym before heading to the airport but I now have no choice but head to the airport direct. I drove on the toll road which the traffic is not so bad but there are some speeding drivers passing by... Arrived at the parking at 5:00am, get signed up for a car wash, and get on a van and left there at 5:08am. There were two people going somewhere else, and they got off at Terminal A.

To Los Angeles UA3 7:20AM(CST) - 9:10AM (PST) (Done)

I got dropped off at terminal C at 5:20am and began walking toward the building. The place was less crowded and I had easy checking in with no wait. Dropped off two bags and paid $100 for the 2nd bag fee. Received the ticket and chat with the agent a little before heading to the security check. There was no line here also so I passed in 10 minutes. After retrieving my stuffs, I then realized that the flight leaves from Terminal E, not C. I walked to the terminal E while watching many stores inside are getting ready to open up for the business. Arrived to the gate at 5:40am and took a seat after buying a bottled water at nearby coffee shop. Began checking on the net, sending emails to my friends. The current temperature at Houston is 65F, while Nagoya is at 45F.

Gate E8 for departing to LA

 

UA3 at IAH

Landed at LAX

Soon the boarding started at 6:30am, and I took a seat at 6:35am since I was in group 2. Patiently waiting to finish the boarding process. The sun comes up by 7:00am, and the plane began to push back at 7:30am. The plane taxied to a runway and took off to the south. The plane climbing into low clouds while heading to west. Soon the plane broke off from the layer of high clouds and I get to see the sun. Took a nap since I felt finally relieved after finishing up the work for the last 6 months, and safely drove to the airport. Next time when I got up, the plane was flying over Arizona. The plane began to make approach to LAX from the east, seeing Los Angeles downtown to the right then landed. After the landing, the plane had to wait for 5 minutes off runway since there was a plane departing from another runway located between the terminal and where we were. Began taxing at 9:00am and arrived at the gate. Getting off from the plane at 9:20am.

To Narita, Japan UA32 11:05AM(PST) - 4:00PM (2/2 JST) (done)

I have to change the gate for connection so I walked to the gate 76 at 9:30am. Under the sunny California weather, I spent quiet time at the lobby while resisting sleepy feeling. The boarding began on time and I again get on the plane with group 2 priority and took a seat at 10:30am. This is my first time in B787 Dreamliner, the roomy cabin with new look was pretty cool and also the window using polarized blind. They were even giving people a souvenir which a deck of playing card. The departure was supposed to be at 11:05am, but was delayed due to a computer issue. The door finally closed at 11:30am, then pushed back 5 minutes later. During the pre-flight, CA announced that were are allowed to use portable electronics for entire duration of flight, adding that once landed in Narita, it is not allowed. Just made me laugh a bit...

The plane began taxing at 11:40am, then took off to west then turned right and flew toward land and to Baker's Field, passing Fresno, CA at 12:15pm, then continue toward the northwest. Soon the plane crossed into ocean. Lunch was served and then I finally get to sleep so the next time when I wake up was at 5:29pm (10:28am in JST) when the plane was flying over southwest Alaska, flew over Cold Bay, AK, about 5 hours to go with the plane was flying 866km/h at 40,000ft.

Lunch served

The lights are up at 2:20pm in Japan time, the plane was flying at east of Aomoti, 617mi away from Narita, with 500mph still at FL400 where -53C is reported. A meal was served. At 3:20pm, the plane began descent from 26,000ft, and display shows 30 minutes to go. The plane changed the heading to west then reached to the shore line where the plane was flying at 6,500ft at 261mph, at 3:36pm. Made the left turn toward the final at 3:45pm and landed 5 minutes later. The plane taxied for another 5 minutes and reached to the gate.

Breakfast served

Landed at Narita

To Nagoya

After getting off the plane, I began walking toward the immigration. While I waited for my bag at the baggage claim, I called my dad. This time, I was able to pick up both of my bags, unlike the last time. Walking out the doors after passing the customs. I am back in Japan!

Approached to JR ticketing counter for a ticket to Nagoya. I will be taking a train to Shinagawa first then switch to Super Express there to Nagoya. I paid 13,490Yen then began going down to the platform. This was my first time I get on the new Narita Express. The first leg, which was on Narita Express (NEX) 38, left the airport at 4:44pm. The train moved without any problem, passing Narita, Tsudanuma and other stations without a stop, just saw a completed Tokyo Skytree right before the train going underground. Arrived to Tokyo's underground level 4 station then the train separated into two 6 cars formation, and mine began heading to Shinagawa and arrived there at 5:52pm.

NEX 38 at Narita Airport station

Skytree in a distance

I stepped out to the platform under chilly and dark sky. I felt the air of Tokyo in the winter. I could hear familiar train station's melody as I walk up the stairs. Passed the gate to Shinkansen at 5:55pm and grabbed dinner at a store.

So many to choose from....

When I walked down to the platform, there's been quite a lot people waiting. I am glad that I bought a reserved ticket. The Nozomi 57 left Shinagawa on time at 6:17pm, the train was packed. The train moved under dark evening sky, made a stop at Shin-Yokohama then kept moving without stop until Nagoya. The train began to slow down after passing Mikawa Anjo, arrived at Nagoya at 7:51pm. Walking with bags, I decided to take city transit to come home, so dragged my bag to downstairs. Left Nagoya at 8:00pm, arrived at a bus station near my home at 8:40pm, come home at 9:00pm. Took a quick shower and went to bed around 11:00pm after talking with my dad and brother.

Nozomi 57 arriving at Shinagawa

My dinner~

Moving in dark

Train is fairly packed.

2014/2/3 In Nagoya, Visiting Sakae and Nagoya Station (Done)

2/3 Nagoya: 13.9/6.7

In the morning (Done)

Woke up at 3:00am because of the jet lag but managed to stay in bed until 5:30am. Had breakfast with my brother's family and stepped out to get my slacks and shirt cleaned at a cleaner which can get the job done by Wednesday after 9:00am. I have many errands to run today, so I stopped by at a Post Office, a bank and a bicycle store for the morning. Come home and began unpacking and packing for my trip later this week.

In the Afternoon at Sakae (Done)

For the afternoon, I left home at 12:15pm and get on a bus to a train station, switched to a subway train which left at 12:42pm. After arriving to Sakae, I stopped by a bank to withdraw cash to allow me to stay in Japan without being cash strapped, then began walking toward Nagoya City Science Museum at Shirakawa Park under cloudy sky. I used to go there many times when I was a junior high school student. Since today is Monday, the place is closed but I was able to check out some of the exhibits placed at outside; old light rail car, locomotive, an engineering model of ISS's Kibo unit.

 

Nagoya City Science Museum

 

In the Afternoon at Nagoya (Done)

I continue to walk to Nagoya station, and bought a dress watch which is powered by solar at Yamada Electric Appliance store around 2:00pm. The belt needed to be adjusted for the size of my wrist, which took about 15 minutes so I walked around the store checking out magnificent 4K TV and 3D printer. The both were great but I am not sure if I need them. After getting my watch, I began walking back to Sakae after eating a late lunch at McDonald's at 2:30pm, purchased a book about Tokyo at nearby book store. Before I hop on the train back to home, I needed to stop by at Crispy Creme to check out the place. Ate a few donuts at 3:30pm then left Sakae before 4:00pm. Back home at 4:30pm, relaxed unit dinner time. My dad wanted to eat together so we walked to a nearby restaurant and had hot sake, doteni, salad, sashimi... Come home at 8:00pm and then read book with my nephew until he and niece went to bed. I stayed up until 11:00pm.

Krispy Kreme in Sakae

2014/2/4 In Nagoya, taking things easy... (Done)

2/4 Nagoya: 12.4/0.4

Woke up at 4:00am, stayed in the bed until 5:30am then stretched my body. When the sun come up, I realized this morning is sunny unlike yesterday which was whole day cloudy. Went for a run in the morning, it was nicely chilly but enjoyed. Logged about 5 miles and took a shower after coming back.

Sunny winter day

 Stepped out under sunny weather later to buy groceries for tonight's dinner, as well as gifts but could not find some. In the store they had many banners to recommend customer to buy electric appliances before the sales tax rate increase in April. I think it is not a great way encouraging consumer to buy stuffs by using scare tactics. Come home and gave the groceries to my sister in law.

Electric appliance on sale ahead of sales tax increase

Had lunch at Komeda Coffee at noon. I had a fried pork cutlet sandwich with bean paste while reading book about Tokyo to decide where to go. The sky turned darker and became windier and even some rain. I just updated my webpage for the afternoon. The sky turned to sunny again but still windy, expecting freezing temperature by tomorrow morning.

Having lunch at Japanese Cafe while reading walking-tour book about Tokyo

2014/2/5 In Nagoya, Visiting a Museum, Relatives (done)

2/5 Nagoya: 5.5/-1.6, Kesennuma: -0.4/-8.4

Morning at SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Woke up around 3:00am again. Stayed in the bed until 5:00am then stretched my body. I had breakfast with brother. Packed and left home around 8:15am, hoping to catch a bus leaving at 8:20am. However, when I get to the bus stop, I realized that they have changed the timetable. Now I switch to a different route. Arrived at Nagoya at 9:10am, just enough to catch a train to the museum I am planning to go. I stopped by at Midorinomadoguchi to buy tickets for tomorrow's trip. Walked to the trail platform for Aonami line, it was a little chilly so I took a seat inside the waiting trail. Just realized that they have a heated seat... The train left Nagoya at 9:20am on aonami line bound for Kinjo Futo

After arriving the terminal at 9:44am I walked out from the building and headed to SCMAGLEV and Railway park. It was before opening time but seen several people already waiting in front of the door. Inside the museum, I was able to see all Shinkansen and other trains I used to see and the old ones which I have never seen before. Admission was 1,000Yen, and I guess it was worth the price I paid.

Meet the Bullet trains~ (and more)!

Pictures from the museum

Visiting relatives (Done)

I walked out from the museum around 9:50am to get on a train back to Nagoya. The train left at 9:59am, and arrived Nagoya at 11:22am. I changed to Sakuradori Line and getting off at Aioiyama at 11:58am. It was 10 minutes walk to my uncle's house. We had lunch together and chat, stayed until 2:00pm, stopped by at the apartment where my grandma used to. Got a ride to nearby train station, and waited for the train leaving at 2:50pm. It was a little cold to just wait at outside. Arriving back to Nagoya, changed to a bus going to my home. Picked up my laundry at 4:00pm, used local Laundromat for 30 minutes to get the Landry from the morning dried. Began packing my suitcase for shipping to the airport so I don't have to take all my belongings to my trip from tomorrow.

Dragged my bag to a near by dropped off location and come home. My dad wanted to have a dinner with me, so we stepped outside in cold air and walked to an Italian pizza place but the place was closed for today. We settled at Japanese BBQ place. Come home, went to bed around 11:00pm but kept looking.

2014/2/6 Going to Kesennuma/Rikuzentakada

2/6 Kesennuma: -0.4/-8.4

To Kesennuma/Rikuzentakada

Fell sleep while waiting for updates on FB and woke up at 0:30am realized it is pretty cold but managed to sleep until 5:00am. Stretched my body and chat with my dad, then left home at 6:30am to catch a bus. The bus took 30 minutes to go to Nagoya. After walking into JR Nagoya station, I bought some food for the trip today. Reached to the platform in 10 minutes.

The Nozomi 302 leaving Nagoya 7:39am was late by 5 minutes because of the snow in Maibara area. The train was washed to clear snow and proceeded. The train moved under partly cloudy weather, I could not see Mt. Fuji because it was cloud covered. The train was supposed to arrive at 9:20am and I thought it would be at 9:25am but actual arrival was only 1 minute delay.

Nozomi 302 arriving at Nagoya station where snow removing crews standing by

At Tokyo station, I changed the platform to Tohoku Shinkansen Line. They have several different looking ones so I enjoyed watching it. I bought my lunch before getting on the train. The Yamabiko 55, left Tokyo station at 9:40am, made several stops on the way. The sky was clear until passing Kurikoma Kogen station then snow started. Arriving to Ichinoseki at 12:14pm.

At Tokyo platform

Yamabiko 55 at Tokyo station

 

My lunch.

After arriving to Ichinoseki, I walked to a platform for local train. 2 car train model KIHA100 left Ichinoseki at 12:22pm. It was snowing outside. The train moved on single tracked winding trail. The outside I see are a few houses, mountains and farmland and all of them were snow covered. The train's windows soon got fogged because of the weather condition. Arriving at Kesennuma station at 1:41pm on time.

I had about 10 minutes before getting a bus leaving Kesennuma station. Because of the Tsunami, the rail track was destroyed from here and bus service was needed to substitute. The but moved in major road toward Rikuzentakada. I could see a lot of construction machines and dump trucks for the reconstruction, as well as the open spaces with some debris or foundation of the houses stood left, they were the damage done by tsunami,

KIHA100 train at Ichinoseki

Moving on a single track

  Snow covered area


Walking at Rikuzentakada

After getting

Arrived at Rikuzentakada at 2:40pm, in front of the temporary city hall. I began walking on Route 340 to south toward the former downtown area. As soon as I came down the hill, I can see the entire region leading to the ocean is flat and many places are undergoing the reconstruction such as putting soil about 20ft high. Turned left into Takadakaido at 2:55pm, some roads are closed for the construction work but I can tell by looking at the street that this place was where people used to live. I see the sidewalk.
Stopping by the former Rikuzentakada station at 3:10pm which only leaves rotary at front of the road, no station building is left. Walking along the former city
 
Swing by memorial at 3:20pm it was decorated with many pictures and paper cranes.
Stopped by kisekinoipponmatsu at 3:30pm. It was pretty hard to reach area since I had to walk in fast pace for 5 minutes, walking around the water treatment plant being rebuilt.
I hurried back
At bus stop at 4:00pm

BRT to Rikuzentakada

Pictures from Rikuzentakada

Coming back to Kesennuma, Staying at a hotel

Get on a bus going to kesennuma at 4:07pm, which is one earlier than I was planning. Because the outside is snowy, I guess I am glad. The bus ran back the same route to Kesennuma, I could see more damaged area while looking at the coast, also I did not realize that some area I thought flat was actually was residential area before the tsunami. After getting off at Kesennuma terminal at 4:55pm, I retrieved my backpack from the coin locker and walked crossed the street to check myself in at the hotel at 5:00pm. I get to use their wireless internet with a device I plug into Ethernet port.



Dinner~!

Relaxed at the room, stepped outside to grab snacks and drinks from a convenience store at the train station. I came down to the restaurant inside the hotel around 6:30pm and had seafood dinner. The seasoning was not what I liked but better than eating something off the franchised restaurant or convenience store. Took shower and took evening easy but experienced the room shaking 9:00pm while I was watching TV. A few minutes later, TV ran announcement about the earthquake, it was not that serious. Decided to go bed around 11:00pm

2014/2/7 Going to Tokyo

2/7 Tokyo 7.2/1.1

To Fish Market at 7:00am

Woke up after midnight since I felt cold. I turned the heater up then fell back to sleep. I then woke up at 5:00am, get ready for the day. The news says that in kesennuma, the daily high of yesterday was at -0.6c.
Stepped out after 6:00am and walked toward the fish market under night sky with snow falling silently. There are some people already up, clearing snow in front of their house. Old style of Japanese merchant lives back of the store.

Still snowing, dark yet quiet...


Arrived at the Fish Market at 6:40am. There is a observation deck so I can see buyers bid for the catches. On the ground, there were separated in several sections. One was small items, tunas,
Fish market at 6:40am and
Left there at 7:40am. The outside was
Back at hotel at 8:30am, and took a quick shower, then had a breakfast at 8:45am


 

Sightseeing

Left hotel at 9:30am, dropped off my large backpack at a locker at the train station then began walking back to the fish market. Now most of the snow is gone from the road. Something good about this part of country, is people passing by greets. While I was walking on the road, I greeted with many local people who I do not even know. At the city hall, saw a line drawn on a column with indication of tide level around adult's chest. I checked on the Google earth and saw the elevation is 40ft, so the water actually came in that high from the sea level. at 9:45

Walking around the port area, and saw a shrine, so I decided to walk up there using snow covered stairs. Watched the scenery of the port from high above, watching a ferry leaving the port around 10:00am. Walking by the fish market and then to a hill nearby around 10:30am. I can see the area is pretty much wiped out and some remaining buildings are either being demolished or missing the first floor.

Decided to walk back to the station so I won't miss the train. Bought a lot of gifts and had a lunch at the restaurant there for seafood which was delicious! Left there at 11:40am,

びんちょうタコの頭卵メカ中落ち


Going to Tokyo

Arrived back at the Kesennuma station at 12:08pm, picked up my bag from a locker and get in the train. The local train, which has only one car, left Kesennuma station at 12:20pm. It was another long train ride, making stops at every stations. The outside is snow covered and more than yesterday's. The train slowed down and entered the platform at Ichinoseki at 1:42pm.

 

The train arrived to Ichinoseki on time at 1:42pm. I walked up to the bridge and changed the platform for the bullet train toward Tokyo.

Ichinoseki to Ueno Yamabiko 58, 13:48 - 16:18

Yamabiko 58 to Ueno

Evening with friends


Left Ueno at 6:31pm on keihin Tohoku line.




2014/2/8 In Tokyo

2/8 Tokyo 4.0/-0.9 (22cm snow)

Kokyo Run

Woke up at 5:00am, the outside began to snow. The news was reporting that we are likely to get heavy snow, up to 20 cm today. Stepped out from the hotel at 6:50am and took a train to Tokyo station for Kokyo Run, which was a part of my plan for the trip. Exited from west exit. It was snowing and some parts are already covered in white. There were very a few people running today. Since I did not know the route well, I decided to follow a guy who was running ahead but looks like he had another route so I just kept going counter clockwise, along Uchibori Dori

 

Meiji Shrine, Omote Sando Walk, Ginza stops.

After coming back to the hotel, I took a hot shower and get changed. Stepped out again after leaving the key at the front for the day.

My breakfast.

I took Yamanote Line from Ueno to Harajuku, counterclockwise. I can see the snow was falling pretty hard but no delays yet. (I hope the weather holds good, keeping my fingers crossed) Once arrived at Harajuku, I now need to use an umbrella. Walking in the Shrine property from the front entrance to the shrine, walking around the back yard then to a garden. When I finish,

       
       
     
     

 

Tour buses parked, meaning the tours must go on...

 

Met up with my friend there and began walking on Omotesando street under snow, he wanted to take me to Omotesando Hills, a newly opened shopping mall. We ate vegetable meals at a restaurant there, walking back towards the station while swinging by Takeshita street. It was already hard to walk condition with snow. Took a train to Yurakucho, checked out Wako and Kimuraya where the famous "Anpan" a sweet red bean paste bread. Bid farewell to my friend and I took train back to Ueno station.

 

 

Dinner

Left the hotel around 5:00pm to go to Ikebukuro to meet with my friend. I arrived there after 5:45pm and found my friend near one of the entrances for the station. We had dinner at a Korean restaurant, catching up the time since last November. The restaurant had to be closed at 7:00pm due to bad weather. Got a ride to Nishi-Nippori and bid a farewell. Come back to Ueno station which is snow covered and I do not see snow plowing crew anymore. Come back to the hotel around 8:30pm, went to bed around 10:00pm.

2014/2/9 Coming back to the U.S.

2/9 Tokyo 9.2/1.1

In the morning

Again, it's another cold day and I woke up at 4:00am. I guess I keep losing the blanket while I am asleep in Japanese sized futon bed. I got up at 5:00am and ready for the day. I was checking the weather news on TV, very much all the toll toads, most of trains except in metropolitan area are not operating. I checked out from the hotel around 9:00am and stepped out toward to Ueno station with all of my bags. The first thing I did was to drop off my bags in a locker then walked to Keisei electric railway station to check out the operation status. At Ueno station, I saw about 400 people waiting for the train operation which was suspended since the morning. Even the ticket vending is halted. I began checking web on my smart phone, which already exceeded the maximum of data roaming but I needed the information anyway. Later I decided to monitor the situation as the time passed. I also checked into the other transportation methods but they were all not good. No JR line can get to the airport, or any express bus services.

I decided to take a walk at Ueno park while I wait for the update, being optimistic about the service will return in operation in the afternoon.


Ueno Park



Decided to walk around the Ueno park

Ueno Park
Takamori Saigo
Dr. Hideo Noguchi



Botan En
         
         

To Airport Ueno - Narita Airport (Keisei Tokkyu Skyliner #33) 14:00-14:43

The train began moving around 1:45pm, the first train carrying passengers to the airport left around 2:00pm. Then they have no inbound train for a while. They also announced that they have no plan on running Skyliner Another train came
Left Ueno at 2:55pm with full of people. The train made stops between Ueno and Takasago to pick up people but very a few can get in. The train then made a few more stops while maintaining the same condition. Finally arrived at narita airport station at 4:55pm, my 30 minutes ride became a 2 hours ride. Took out my passport for the security checked at the station exit then proceeded to the check in via escalator. There's been so many people moving around me, as well as people who are waiting to get out from the airport.
I reached to the 4th floor of the terminal and picked up my bag which I sent from Nagoya. I repack some items then walked to check in at United Airlines. The agent told me that my flight will likely be cancelled. So, they got me a different flight which is departing at 6:30pm but was originally scheduled to leave at 1:30pm. I think all the flights are in mess today.



To Los Angeles UA33 6:15pm - 11:00am (Changed to UA1754, 1:25pm (5:30pm) 6;43am) (Done)

Since I had only 30 minutes before the gate closure, I had to rush thru the passport check. However, I did not forget buying green tea flavor kit kat and also a Japanese Whisky at duty free shop. When I get there 10 minutes to the gate close, there was no plane. Asked people around who is waiting for the same flight, found out that crews are also waiting for the plane. The gate was changed later and we all moved to fate 34 at 6:15pm, meaning that 6:30pm departure is now 7:45pm. The plane was soon towed to the gate. The boarding began at 7:30pm and prepared for the flight. The plane departed from the gate, taxied for a while and took off at 8:20pm, soon I fell sleep. Good to know that I can now go back home. The dinner was served at 10:00pm, then I fall back to sleep again. Next time when I wake up was at 4:30am (JST), and have two more hours to go before arriving to Los Angeles. The plane was flying at 39,000ft at -57C, the ground speed was at 621mph with 60mph tailwind. Later the plane rose to 41,000ft to gain 100mph tail wind. At 12:55pm, the plane began initial descent. We flew east, on the north of Los Angeles and turned right to head west toward the airport. Landed at 1:30pm, and taxied to the gate. One get out from the plane, I proceeded to the immigration, since I was in the economy plus, there weren't many people waiting in front of me. Picking up the baggage and passed the customs, they were curious about what kind of food I was bringing but since they were dried,

To Houston UA1168 2:59pm (PST) - 8:10pm (CST) (Done)

I went thru screening and made it to the gate at 2:30pm. The lines were already formed so I lined up myself behind group 3. I wish I could keep the privilege. It was another full flight and the plane was pushed back at 3:00pm. Taxied to the east side of the airport then took off. I fell sleep but woke up 2 hours into the flight because the air got turbulent. The initial descent started around 7:20pm in CST with 100 miles to go. The plane was flying over the cloud so I could not see where the plane was flying until very last moment. The plane landed in Houston at 8:00pm, taxied to the gate. I am back.

Sun is setting

Arriving to Houston

 

To Home (Done)

Walked to the baggage claim and retrieved my belongings then proceeded to the exit. Left airport at 8:30pm on a shuttle van to the parking. It was mostly filled and everybody seems to be happy about their trips. The van arrived at the parking in 15 minutes and I picked up the car which was (finally) washed and waxed. Loaded my bags then began driving home. It's been a little while since I drove and needed to be careful not to drive on the wrong side. Drove under cloudy night sky with some rain coming down. Bought groceries before reaching the home. At home, powered up the modem and began using internet and also unpacking. Went to bed around 1:00am but could not sleep at all.

Cost

 


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