Japan & Busan, South Korea!

HEY GUYS!

Wow oh wow… since the last time I wrote (about ten days ago) I’ve been to Japan and Korea. These were the perfect countries for me to choose because at this time of the year is the beautiful Sakura season! I’ve been lucky enough to witness the glowing Sakura in Takamatsu, Naoshima, Shodoshima, Tokyo and Busan. It’s been absolutely indescribably wonderful.

So, my first trip was a Friday morning to the very early hours of Wednesday morning trip to Japan. This amounted to basically five days which was a perfect holiday for me. It was the Qingming Festival, in China, that allowed for me to have this amazing trip. A festival of appreciation and respect for dead ancestors.

I stayed in a really great, cosy and lovely hostel in Takamatsu; called Takamatsu BJ Guesthouse. On the day I arrived it was raining quite badly (luckily I didn’t have any rain and nothing but sunshine for the rest of my days in Japan) so I decided to do more indoor activities like shopping, relaxing in a café and dining. I took the metro two stations down, immediately seeing the beautifully blossomed Sakura around me, to the centre of Takamatsu for shopping. I love Japanese fashion and found a great second hand shop. I quickly bought a cool jacket and also bought some products from LUSH (as I don’t think there’s a LUSH in Shanghai that I know of). After this I had a relaxed afternoon in a café where I actually wrote my last blogpost in fact! Later on, I made friends with a lovely Japanese man in the hostel, we had dinner together which was lovely. 

The next day, I decided to wake early and explore the old Takamatsu Castle that was close to the hostel before heading over, via ferry, to the beautiful Shodoshima Island. The castle was impressive with a fort lying around it. It was really awesome to see the modern metro structure blend in with the ancient castle. I loved seeing the trains pass through from the castle bridge view.

So then I conveniently took the ferry across to Shodoshima. WOW. The ferry was AMAZING. Its luxury inside and an amazing view at the deck! The weather was sunny and I was happy and excited to arrive to the island.

Upon arrival, I was immediately amazed. I took the bus through the town and decided to visit the Olive Park, Garden and Beach. It was such a cute island. Peaceful, relaxing and calm. I remember breathing in the fresh air at peace with my surroundings.

The garden itself was amazing. So natural. I’d never seen olive trees before which was great. An old Greek windmill lay on a hill overlooking the islands and sea which was a great place to relax and sit. I saw many people flying pretend broomsticks which was interesting and fun. I carried on exploring the island as I wandered around towards a restaurant for lunch. Words cannot describe the tranquillity and immense nature I saw. So much vegetation, plants, trees, nature and wonder.

I ate an olive pizza for lunch with some juice before heading over to relax at Olive Beach. It had been an amazing afternoon and I felt at peace and ready to return, by ferry again, to Takamatsu and chill at the hostel.  This holiday for me was not only to be exploring and active but also to have a break and just relax from all work. The hostel was so warm and cosy, I had a nice relaxed evening, watching Eastender’s in bed and having dinner nearby. For dinner I had Udon noodles (Kagawa speciality).

The next day I went to the famous Ritsurin Japanese Garden in the morning. It was absolutely beautiful. Genuinely mesmerising. Such a beautiful, grand, cultural and natural garden. I spent some nice time walking around, appreciating the Sakura and nature.

After visiting here, I took the train back to get the ferry to Naoshima Island. This Island is famous for its art and art museums. It was another sunny day and great ferry ride across to the island. I immediately noticed the amazing art around the island upon arrival. I then took the bus to the museum I’d decided to visit; Chuchi Museum. It was pretty expensive but once I experienced it and saw the insane views and pieces in side, I understood why.

I’ve always appreciated art, but never have I experienced art like this. It was a completely insane experience; almost out of the body. There were various sections to the museum. In one part there was an open-air square in the ceiling revealing the beautiful blue sky. It was using natural light as art. It was simply so beautiful and peaceful. Art has never made me feel in such a way. Definitely recommend you to visit this museum!

When I arrived back to Takamatsu, I had a tasty ramen for dinner and then relaxed at the hostel. It had been an amazing weekend in Takamatsu. True nature, peace, quiet, beauty and culture. After such nature, I was ready for two days in one of my fave cities – Tokyo!

I met a friend, who I’d stayed with last time I went to Tokyo, which was lovely! I’m realising that I’m rambling on a lot about my trips, and I still have Busan to talk about so I’ll try and be more concise! I intend on writing separate articles for Japan and Busan – so stayed tuned for those.

Anyway, Tokyo was awesome. The day I arrived, after catching up with Yuka, who I was staying with, I had a relaxing day at the Japanese Onsen. This was such an amazing, Japanese experience; wearing a Yukata gown and bathing in the relaxing baths. After this, I met up with a Japanese friend I’d met in Hampi, India!! Yes!! What a small world. It was so great to meet up with my friend, Fumiaki, again. We had an amazing dinner exploring the Odaiba area where Tokyo’s version of the Statue of Liberty is! It’s such an amazing statue and area with an awesome view of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower in the distance. After this we had an amazing dinner of okonomiyaki.

The next day, Yuka and I did some vintage shopping in the morning before heading to the Shinjuku-Gyeon Park to relax and enjoy the Sakura. It was such a nice, calm and relaxing day. After a nap in the beautiful park we headed to Starbucks for a coffee. We got chatting and made friends with a lovely guy! Fumiaki also joined us and we all had an amazing dinner together. We ate Tonkatsu, a famous dish in Japan! It was tasty as ever!

My time in Toyko and Japan as a whole had been absolutely incredible; truly the perfect trip. I arrived back to Shanghai in the early hours of Wednesday and happily found out my classes were cancelled! So I enjoyed a nap in bed for a few hours and a chill out, wind back into Shanghai mode day. But… only for two days before I’d be flying to BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA!

Busan was incredible. I flew out on Friday morning and arrived into Busan by the afternoon. I immediately reunited with my wonderful friend, Ohjooo, at the guesthouse. We immediately headed out for a late lunch of Jokbal aka porks feet. It was delicious and like nothing I’ve eaten before! After this, we were both tired so had a relaxing evening. I decided to go to a nearby café by the sea to do some work and lesson planning. It was so nice.

The next day (Saturday) we had a full day of exploring! In the morning we headed to the beautiful Hae Dong Yong Palace, and then we had a scrumptious and VERY FRESH seafood lunch at Jagachi Fish Market. We ate fresh grilled spicy eel! After lunch we took a bus to the amazing, cute and lovely Gimcheon Cultural Village. It was such a nice village, cute artsy shops and amazing views! We stopped for a coffee before heading back to the guesthouse to get ready for the evening.

The HIGHLIGHT of my trip has to be that evening when we went for KTV (KOREAN KARAOKE). After having a great Korean BBQ dinner we went for karaoke. It’s different to the KTV I’ve experienced in China. These rooms are smaller and cheaper. You just wack 50 pence in and get 4 songs to sing! The disco lights on and you’re a momentary popstar! It was so much fun and I am so proud of myself for doing Eminem Stan so well!

The next day Ohjooo left early and I spent my day relaxing at Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Park. I then took my flight back to Shanghai in the evening.

So, theres a summary of my amazing trips! Japan and Korea have been AWESOME, embracing the Sakura, enduring the cuinese and exploring around! Life is good, and I’ve got some exciting trips coming up! Tomorrow I’ll be finally visiting my friend Eddard in Xuzhou! Excited!

I’ll be in touch!

Sabrina Xxxx