[Hakone] Yama No Chaya – Ryokan Stay

While we were at tourist hotspot of Hakone, we decided to plan a one-night stay at a luxury ryokan – Yama No Chaya. Setting off from Shinjuku station, we took Odakyu Limited Express “Romancecar” directly to Hakone-Yumoto station. [learn_more caption=”Wikipedia – Origin of Romancecar”] The name comes from romance seats, two-person seats without separating armrests … Read more

[Hakone] Yama No Chaya – Ryokan Breakfast

Good Morning, Japan! What better way to start the day with  a sumptuous, Japanese-style breakfast! Breakfast timing was pre-arranged the day before so that the Ryokan has time to prepare the food for us. The keys to our special room are engraved with the name of the room. Once again, I don’t quite recall what we’re … Read more

[Hakone] Yama No Chaya – Ryokan Kaiseki

During our visit to Japan, we wanted to experience a Ryokan stay and at the same time, being able to break the language barrier. We found out that many of the Ryokans didn’t even have English websites, and so making a reservation was a problem. Even if we could make a reservation, there was no … Read more

[Shibuya, Tokyo] Meiji Shrine and Harajuku

Our Japan Free-and-Easy tour continues! After our early morning venture to Sensoji in Asakusa, we made our way to Meiji Shrine in Shibuya, Tokyo. Meiji Shrine is the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. When we visited on a Sunday, Japanese and tourists flooded the shrine in great numbers! The … Read more

[Shinjuku, Tokyo] Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

For our Japan trip, we made Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku our headquarters, so as to speak. From here, we made our way to Hokkaido, and back, and then to DisneyLand, and back. One very important thing to take note of regarding Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku – if you are planning to make it your headquarters, … Read more