Iga Ueno - Ninja Museum, Iga Beef, Iga Ueno Castle

Day Trip from Osaka

In the West, Ninja Turtles is a cartoon which features turtles who fight against evil. In Japan, according to historical records there were Ninjas. This covert group is none other than nimble secret agents who are clad in black and trained in battle tactics to assassinate their enemies(The Samurai Clan).

There is a mysterious aura surrounding this group and a thin line between fact and fiction. The Ninjas are rumoured to have extraordinary magical skills which include art of concealment, walking on water and control over natural elements. Also the origins of the Ninja are highly debatable! *Japanese folklore states that the Ninja descended from a demon that was half man and half crow. Whether you believe the story or not, I am sure these invincible creatures will delight the whole family as you spend a day roaming around Iga Ueno - Ninja Town!
*I extracted the Origin from here

At Ueno-Shi Station
They even have Ninja Trains -






Ninja figurings around Town






Since you are there, you might want to visit
(1) Iga Ueno Castle & Ueno Park(it has same name as the park in Tokyo) - It is the tallest castle in Japan and seats atop walls which are 30m high! One thing which I love about castle is that it gives you a 365 deg view of the landscape below.



I have been to about 8-10 castles in Japan. But this was the first time I caught sight of paintings on the ceiling of the top deck inside the castle. Perhaps I am not observant enough!


(2) Iga-ryū Ninja Museum

The Ninja Museum is highly entertaining with a demonstration of the agility of the Ninja in a mini mock up of a Ninja's House: Think Trap Doors, Hidden Passages & Secret Compartments - it sounds like a scene out of a spy movie! It is quite interesting seeing live action even though the whole show is narrated in Japanese. And trust me to pull off the stunts ain't as easy as it looks! You need to be swift footed and quick minded while wearing an 4-5kg armor! - I doubt I can qualify as a Ninja! The museum in highly informative with a couple of hands on sections, which give you the opportunity to role play as a Ninja. Do visit the other museums around town.







Most of us have heard of Kobe Beef, but do you know that the Iga region is also famous for Beef? There are many Beef Shops featured on the tourist guide(you can pick up a copy at the JR Station) I had Sukiyaki at this shop which is near to the train station and recommended by a local. The meat was heavenly!


You might find this site useful

Enjoy Yourselves!

Getting There -
1) Take the JR Line from Osaka to Kizu
2) Take the JR Kansai Line from Kizu to Kamo
3) Continue along the JR Kansai Line from Kamo to Iga-Ueno
4) Take the Iga Tetsudo Iga Line from Iga-Ueno to Ueno-shi

Getting around Town - On Foot

"Woof"

Sometimes your need to have a little creativity to capture attention : Dogs on the Roof! This unusual shop caught my eye -



Location: Kurashiki

Okayama and Kurashiki

Momotaro Hometown: Okayama
The mascot of the city. Picture taken from http://www.pref.okayama.jp/kikaku/kokusai/momo/e/
I grew up watching Superman, Batman, Robin Hood and Spiderman who are fictional superheros from the West, they fought against the baddies to protect civilians. Momotaro "Peach Boy" is the name the Japanese famous legendary superhero born out of peach. He fought the Ogres on Ogre island with the help of a monkey, a dog and a pheasant. And came back victoriously with all their treasures. The legend can be read here Click here for the song on his triumph over evil!
Therefore do catch sight of (1)Momotaro Statue in front of JR Okayama Station,(2)The Momotaro statues along Momotaro-Odori Street & around the town which depict the characters from the legend and the young Momotaro. (3)Momotaro Festival from the end of July to the beginning of August
If you are feeling peckish do try - (1)Kibi Dango(Millet Dumplings) (2)Peaches

Okayama Castle & Koraku-en
Okayama Castle aka Crow Castle(烏城, U-jo) It is a refreshing change seeing a black castle compared to a white castle. There is also a museum inside the castle but the text is mostly in Japanese.





Pink vs Green Trees


*The highlight of the museum is the dress up section, which allow visitors to don on an Edo Period Costumes & headgear and have their pictures taken in them for FREE! There is even an attendant who will help the visitors to dress up! However there is a catch, there is a limit to the number of visitors who can dress up in an hour!


Day Trip from Osaka
Opening Hours 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
A combination ticket for the castle and Kōraku-en is also available.

Kurashiki - 15 Mins JR ride from Okayama to Kurashiki
Kurashiki has a waterway with Willow Trees surrounding it, running through the Bikan historical district. And in the warmer months(Mar-Nov), take a boat ride down the Kurashiki River.








*This place reminded me of Suzhou in China

You might also like to visit:
2) Ivy Square


3) Seto Ohashi Bridge

You might be interested in
Matsumoto Castle The other "crow castle in Japan)
Information on what to do in Okayama Prefecture
Accomodation in Osaka(Japan Stay Club)

Mikoan Vegetarian Restaurant 彌光庵 : Kyoto

Since we are on the topic of Vegetarian Food, I decided to write a post on Mikoan A hole in the wall establishment serving traditional Zen vegetarian food 精進料理 (shoujin ryori) in Kyoto. Shoujin Ryori is usually served in a temple, so if you are in Kyoto why not take this opportunity to sample it? This joint is run by a nun and her mum who are strong advocates of promoting tasty vegetarian dishes to the general public.







Even when you order the same set as your partner, both of you will be served different side dishes.




Itadakimasu (いただきます) Let's Eat!

Getting There
彌光庵 (Mikoan)
〒600-8032 京都市下京区寺町通四条下ル中之町570
570 Nakano-cho, Teramachi-dori, Shijo-saguru, Kyoto
To find the shop go down Teramachi from Shijo. The lane is beside a departmental store. You will pass a Japanese Fruit Shop on the left, go further down the street and Mikoan is on the right.


Opening Hours
17:00-23:00 on Weekdays
12:00-23:00 on Saturdays
12:00-20:00 on Sundays and Holidays

Three Virtues Vegetarian Restaurant: Hong Kong

No trip to Hong Kong will be complete without a visit to the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Wisdom Path on Lantau Island. More often than not most tourists will purchase a ticket which allows them to view the museum inside the Buddha and have a vegetarian meal at Po Lin Monastery.





Getting there:
Take the MTR Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station, then take New Lantau Bus No. 23 to Ngong Ping (approx 50 minutes)

Monastery Opening Hours: 09:00 to 18:00
Big Buddha Opening Hours: 10:00 to 18:00
Vegetarian Meals will be served from 11:30 to 17:00
Enquiries: (852)2985 5248

You might also be interested in
1) Citygate Shopping Mall
2) Tai O

Omakase is a word in the Japanese language, which roughly translates as "it's up to you" - The dishes are decided by the Chef. Poh Lin Monastery runs on the same concept. The only choice that diners have is the type of set meal they want: Deluxe or Basic. The dishes are pre-set by the Chefs.


Though I have read good reviews of the Vegetarian Restaurant at Poh Lin Monastery online. In my opinion this dining establishment somewhat resembles a fast food chain. The dishes are served in a rapid manner and lunch there felt like a hurried affair! The food isn't bad, but there is nothing special about it.


If you have a craving for Vegetarian food but you are just too lazy to head to the Big Buddha. Why not try THREE VIRTUES VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT? We arrived at the restaurant around 1.30pm and it was still very full! We had to wait close to 1/2 an hour for a table! My friend told me that this restaurant is a popular eating joint for the locals. It is advisable to make a reservation first, if you plan to head there for lunch or dinner. There is bound to be something for everyone with its extensive Vegetarian menu - Dim Sum or Ala Carte Dishes.






Location in Hong Kong:
1) 1/F, 395 King's Road, North Point, Hong Kong Tel: 28561333
2) Shop D, G/F & 4/f, JD Mall, 233-239 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon Tel: 36221888

Shoppaholics Listen Up
There is an Esprit Factory Outlet at North Point too and I felt that it was much better than the one at Citygate Shopping Mall! If you are looking for size 32 or 34, there is a higher chance of finding that size at the North Point or Mong Kok outlet.
*3/F METROPOLE INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT STORE, 416-426 KING'S ROAD, NORTH POINT
*SHOP A & B, BASEMENT, HOLLYWOOD PLAZA, 610 NATHAN ROAD, MONGKOK
A list of Factory Outlets in Hong Kong

Kulfi Bar: Little India

Kulfi originated from India and Pakistan and it is their version of ice cream! Most of the Kulfi shops serve exotic flavours such as Lychee & Banana. This is to meet the demand for newer variations, in addition to the traditional flavours. Traditionally in India and Pakistan, Kulfi is sold by street vendors.


Unlike Western ice cream, which is scooped from a tub and served as a spherical ball. All around the world, Kulfi is frozen in molds or tubs and it is served in different shapes and sizes. The texture of the ice cream is another difference between the two. Western ice cream is soft, therefore you can spoon it into your mouth immediately. Whilst Kulfi is much harder and that explains why it is usually served in small pieces. So that you can just pop a piece into your mouth. This is just a simplified explanation of their differences, therefore do visit an India Restaurant or Kulfi Bar to try out this cooler -


I decided to pop into the Kulfi Bar at Little India, to escape from the scorching heat.



*Vegetarian can eat Kulfi because it is not made of egg.
Address:
15 Upper Dickson Road
Closest MRT Station: Little India


A must try on the menu is local fruit flavoured Kulfi: Mango and Lychee Obsession garnished with nuts. I feel that it deserves 4/5 stars even though I dislike Mango!



Traditional Flavour: It has an intense taste and aroma of a cross between Cinnamon and Ginger. Don't bother ordering this flavour if you dislike the taste of these two spices! This Kulfi is made with Cardamom (A plant part of Ginger Family)



Possible Places to visit at Little India:
1) Mustapha Centre - A Shopper's Paradise
145 Syed Alwi Rd
207704
6295 5855
Subway: Farrer Park
2) India Temples eg: Sri Veerama-Kaliammann Temple/Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
If you happen to be in Singapore in Mid January, do catch the Indian Festival Thaipusa It is an annual procession by Hindu devotees offering thanks to celebrate Lord Subrahmanya triumph over evil
Venue: Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
3) Little India's Art Belt
4) Tekka Market