Japan: The Land of the Rising Sun

Welcome back, everyone! I know I have been MIA for the past few weeks, but I have a valid reason; I promise! I have been traveling around and exploring Japan during my much needed winter break with a few co-workers. Prepare yourselves for the next few posts to be all about my amazing adventures in Japan!

Day 1- The Journey to Hakata Port

My day began promptly at 5 in the morning after getting a restless 2 hours of sleep. Travel anxiety, need I say more. I did one last check ensuring I would have everything I needed: passport, cash, charging cord, toothbrush, etc. (spoiler...I did not). I set out for the subway station and sent out one final prayer that we would all get to the ferry port and on to the ferry without any major hiccups.

The ferry port terminal was not too large, and we quickly found our way to the ticket office where we received all our information for the boarding process. Nothing too out of the norm for me. We were given seats near one another and quickly found ourselves rushing through security (so much easier when you don't have to worry about putting laptops in the bins or taking your toiletries out of the bag).

Busan Port

The boat ride itself was easy peasy lemon squeezy. Fortunately, I do not get motion sick, so I just sat back and enjoyed watching the waves slosh against the boat, moving us inch by inch closer to the island. The 3 hour and 40 minute journey was over in the span of what felt like minutes. We then made the long trek through immigration and customs and received a sticker in my passport (sadly not a stamp).

View outside the ferry window

The next part of our journey started with us trying to navigate our way to the train station. With only 1 out of 4 of us having an international SIM card and very little English provided on the bus schedule, things were looking fairly bleak. After some time, we managed to locate a bus that would take us to where we needed to go. Once at the station, the next goal was to secure our JR passes (a ticket that would allow us to board any train in Japan for long distance trips), and then determine which train would take us to Okayama where our hotel was. The station was absolutely bustling with people, and I found myself quite overwhelmed with the bodies surrounding me every which way. The passes were eventually secured, food was purchased, and we found ourselves sitting for yet another hours long journey. I did fall asleep, and my seat mate, Tom, was kind enough to film the passing landscape as I snoozed on his shoulder (no drool though!).

Okayama was finally reached, and we finally were able to rest in the hotel rooms. I quickly realized I did not bring the proper outlet plug for all my cords. Who knew Japan used the same plug as the U.S.? Evidently, not me. No matter, I quickly ran to a 711 and grabbed myself a new adapter.

Dinner was a quiet affair at a local Chinese restaurant where we munched on hot gyoza, steamy fried rice, and soft noodles. I also tried sake for the first (and last) time after deciding it tasted a tad too much like old wine. I am still into the fruity, moscato wines at home (and yes, my parents are very much disappointed in me for this).

Once back at the hotel, showers were quickly taken and we all settled in for a much needed deep sleep. Adventures were awaiting us after all.

Day 2- Okayama

The day started with me eating my first ever bao bun...and my life has simply never been the same. How had I gone 22 years of my life without tasting such a delectable food? I blame my father and his lack of enthusiasm for Asian cuisine. Nevertheless, I got my hands on the warm, savory pork bun and make quick work of devouring it. I got one, but I should have gotten 5.

After a short bus ride, we arrived at Okayama Station where we quickly dropped our belongings off in a coin locker (we had all our stuff with us since we would be traveling to Osaka later that afternoon) and began the trek to Korakuen Garden. At first glance, the garden was underwhelming. The majority of the foliage had yet to bloom (one of the downsides of visiting Japan in winter), however I quickly came to realize I had judged this book by its cover too soon. Walking through the entrance, I was met with large trees that filtered the sunlight and a serene pond right in the middle of the garden. Upon closer inspection, the pond had koi fish, which I spent a few minutes watching swim aimlessly around.

The garden itself is home to ancient tea houses, walking paths, a cherry blossom grove (not yet in bloom), and an old rice field. I found myself walking slowly along the paths, contemplating life and enjoying the sunshine kissing my face. Never would I have dreamed I would be living in Korea and traveling around Asia. What even is my life??

Korakuen Garden

Once we had our fill of the garden, we headed over to Okayama Castle, which was right outside the garden walls. The castle itself was destroyed by bombs during the Second World War, but it was fortunately rebuilt in 1966. The imposing 6-story black structure can be seen from the Korakuen Garden, as well as other parts of Okayama. While the inside of the building is not technically original, it is a stunning mixture of modern and antique. Each floor is representative of a different part of its long history.

Okayama Castle

The first floor was dedicated to the gift shop and a miniature diorama of the castle. The second floor was devoted to weaponry used in Edo era Japan. There were katanas and guns and tantos (a Japanese dagger). I had a fun time sitting in an antique carriage and riding a plastic life-size horse. I named him Butter. I also got to sit on a fancy squatty potty. Floors three through five provided insight into the history of the castle and the surrounding area. The final floor offered a panoramic view of the surrounding area, and it was absolutely stunning.

Inside the castle

The day was starting to wind down, and we made our way to a restaurant for dinner. We stopped at a little mom and pop shop. I ordered a yummy curry with rice and, to no surprise, struggled to finish the portion, so Tom came and saved the day. Just to be clear, the food was absolutely delicious, I simply struggled to finish the whole plate (something I struggled with the entire trip especially since the cultural expectation is that you finish all your food). The 2 owners asked the four of us lots of questions using their translator app, and we were happy to oblige.

Delicious dinner

Dinner was finished and paid for, and we finally found our way back to the train station. We had to grab our belongings before hopping on another train to Osaka. The hotel was great, albeit a little small, and I did have to sleep on the top bunk (throwback to Girl Scout camp).

My lovely bed for the next 5 days