maruko's travels: July 2008

07Sept08 Sun
Day 7 - Osaka→Kagoshima

大阪→鹿児島

we went for a little walk again.. before leaving the tour group and departing for Kagoshima..

The doors are within the Golden Arches.
Almost all doors in Japan operates automatically.

Energy drinks many many.

going off to Kagoshima from Universal City station.
It's our first time on Japan's rails, and first time just the two of us.

step 1! buy tickets.

checked.

step 2! get on the right platform.

checked.

was at a slight loss here because they have different trains coming on to the same platform.

日本の電車は初めてだったから、ちょっと困った。
シンガポールの方は簡単だね。

Super cute Mister Donut advertisement.
the lion's mane, the squirrel's tail.. all donuts! haha!

Finally, Osaka station.

At the Osaka station to change for the Japan Rail Pass.

What is a Japan Rail Pass?
http://www.japanrailpass.net/

It is a pass valid for foreigners only, for travel on JR Lines, including Shinkansen.
I paid 28,300Yen for mine.
Well, quite worth it since I am travelling from Osaka to Kagoshima and back to Tokyo.

Done!

Daimaru in Japan. 15 levels!

Singapore's was only 3,4 levels? and it closed down. Haha.

Daimuru was my favourite haunt while I was young :(
When it closed down I was quite sad... big part of my memory..
now AudioHouse takes its place at Liang Court..

シンガポールの大丸は私の小さい時、よく遊んでいたところでした。
いい思い出すができて。。。今もうないんだけど・・・

Bentos at Daimaru

While I was browsing an obaasan talked to me..

on to Shin Osaka for Shinkansen

The Bullet Train

Kiki is unknowingly becoming an obaasan like the first one in the row..

これみて！妹はもう、だんだんおばあさんになってきますよ。
並んでいるおばあさんのようにしてますねｗｗ

Waiting for Hikari Line to Hakata
Nozomi Line is not allowed for JR Pass...

Yes please queue. I hate Singapore's way of rushing into the train...zzzzz

No it's not a plane!

なんか飛行機みたいね～

2hrs plus ride to Hakata.
This means we are safely in Kyushu!!

博多に着きました☆
無事に九州にいることだ！！
よかった (^▽^;)

New Relay Tsubame we are taking later.
Takes 2hrs 12 mins from Hakata to Kagoshima Chuo.

PaoPao which sells Pao.

What is this queue for?

Croissant-looking things that smells heavenly.

We joined the queue! Haha. Not bad tasting..

waiting for Relay Tsubame..

Quite a crowd!

New train~~

6 is the cabin number.
自is short for 自由席, which is Free Seating.

the chocolate croissant.
available in vanilla, chocolate and sweet potato..

More greenery compared to Tokyo and Osaka

The Shinkansen is super close to the surrounding estates.
I wonder if the residents are affected..

新幹線はビルと、チョー近いですよ。
住んでいる人が迷惑をかけるかな・・・

Sun setting..

Getting off Relay Tsubame to transit for a train bound for Kagoshima.

We are talking and talking on Tsubame that we forgot to alight. the good Samaritan in the background of this picture reminded us.. thank you!

話して話してツバメから降り忘れちゃった　(^▽^;)
隣に座っていた日本人は「鹿児島へ行きますか？」って聞いたら気づいた。
よかった（‐＾▽＾‐）

着きました！！！

We are here!

Oh right. Why did I plan Kagoshima in the itinerary when it is so far from the central part of Japan?

To visit my Kyushu fair friends! Kuroki-san offered to be the guide.

"Kagoshima is very hot!"

Checking in. BlueWave Inn.

Off to Kuroki-san shop which is closed already.

Kiki waiting for food.

またペコペコの顔していてね・・・

ゆうしょく亭！黒木さんのお店

Yushoku Tei - Kuroki san's shop

メッチャメッチャうまい！！！！！！！！！！！
刺身とさつまあげ。
もう幸せだ！

Sashimi and famous Kagoshima deli, Satsuma Age.

Good beyond words!!

鳥刺身

生鳥は初めて、絶対食べららないと思ったけど、けっこうおいしいよ！

Chicken Sashimi.
Kuroki san says probably only served in Kagoshima because of the breeding of chicken.
At first I didn't dare to try, but let me tell you, it's unexpectedly good!!!
you eat it with a little soy sauce and ginger.

Tempura. I ate lots of it in Japan lol

黒木さんが作ったペパーチッキンだ。シンガポールで食べて、おいしくて日本で作りました。
黒木さんの方がおいしいよ！！

Paper chicken that Kuroki san improvised after eating it in Singapore.
I swear it's better than those in Singapore.