Tokyo City Tour 2nd part; Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Shrine

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Tokyo City tour 1st Part; inside the Roppongi Hills

How to go to Shinjuku Gyoen;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Shinjuku Station at 200JPY fare fee. Shinjuku Gyoen is around 1km away from the Shinjuku train station. Admission is 200JPY. Photography and video taking with monopod and tripod is permitted inside.

Shinjuku Gyoen, the representative modern western-style gardens in Meiji Era, was completed in 1906 as an Imperial Garden.  The entire garden was designed by Henri Martinet, the French landscape gardener, based on a concept formulated by Hayato Fukuba, a Meiji and Taisho era agricultural scientist. This extensive garden is composed of three distinctive-styleed gardens such as English Landscape, French Formal and Japanese Traditional Gardens, each of which harmonizes with the others. Shijuku Gyoen's historical background can be traced back to the beginning of Edo era. The area used to be the residence of Naito Kiyonari who was assigned to be a guardian of West Tokyo as a hereditary vassal of Shogun Tokugawa Lekasu when the Shogun got a stronghold on Edo Castle.

Tokyo City tour 2nd Part; Shinjuku Gyoen

Kamakura Trip last Part; Benzaiten and Sasuke Inari Shrines

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Kamakura Trip 5th Part; Kotoko-in Daibutsu (Great Buddha)

How to go to Sasuke Inari Shrine;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Kamakura Station for almost 1.5hr travel time at 920JPY($9.29) fare fee. This temple is around 1km away from the Kamakura train station. Admission is FREE. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

Sasuke Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kamakura and the site of the Hidden Village of Kamakura. It's located within a stone's throw of Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine. Tradition holds that Sasuke Inari Shrine was created by Minamoto Yoritomo. While in exile in Izu, Yoritomo was visited in a dream by an old man from the Hidden Village of Kamakura who instructed Yoritomo of the timing to begin battling his enemies. When Yoritomo succeed and became Shogun, he created this shrine in gratitude.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasuke_Inari_Shrine

Kamakura Trip last Part; Sasuke Inari Shrine

Kamakura Trip 5th Part; Kotoko-in Daibutsu (Great Buddha)

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Kamakura Trip 4th Part; Forest trail of Daibutsu Hiking Course

How to go to Great Buddha (Daibutsu) of Kamakura;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Kita-Kamakura Station for almost 1.5hr travel time at 920JPY($9.29) fare fee. Starting point is just beside the Jochi-ji Temple, 400m away from the Kita-Kamakura train station. Trail is around 3.5km which is 1hr going to Great Buddha. There is a direct bus also coming from Kamakura train station. Admission fee is 200JPY. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

The Bronze Statue of Amita Buddha Daibutsu or Great Buddha was cast in 1252 by the sculptors of Ono-Goroemon and Tanji-Hisatomo at the request of Miss Idanonotsubone and priest Joko who not only originated to build the big statue and temple covered it but also collected donations from people for it. In 1498 a tidal wave swept away the Great Temple leaving only its foundation stones but did not injure the Buddha's body. The big earthquake in 1923 did not harm the body but destroyed its base. The seated Buddha, Amida Nyorai known the familiar name of the Kamakura Daibutsu is the principle Deity of Kotoko-in Temple which is a national treasure. The height including the pedestal is 13.4m, height of the cast is 11.3m and weighs 121 tons.

Kamakura Trip 5th Part; Kotoko-in Daibutsu (Great Buddha)

Kamakura Trip 3rd Part; Kosho-ji, Tokei-ji & Jochi-ji Temples

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Kamakura Trip 2nd Part; Enno-ji and Kencho-ji Temples

How to go to Jochi-ji Temple;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Kita-Kamakura Station for almost 1.5hr travel time at 920JPY($9.29) fare fee. Entrance gate is 400m away from the Kita-Kamakura train station. Admission fee is 200JPY. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

Jochi-ji Temple is nested in a cypress wood, established in 1281 and considered one of the Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples. Jochi-ji is ranked fourth among the Five Great Zem Temples, and its temple ground surrounded by rich green vegetation is designated as a national historical site. Designated as important cultural assets, the three wooden statues on the central altar represent, from left to right Nyorai "past", Amida "present" and Miroku "future". The temple is enshrined with these three Buddhas.

Kamakura Trip 3rd Part; Jochi-ji Temple

Kamakura Trip 2nd part; Enno-ji and Kencho-ji Temples

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Kamakura Trip 1st Part; Meigetsu-in and Engaku-ji Temples

How to go to Kencho-ji Temple;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Kita-Kamakura Station for almost 1.5hr travel time at 920JPY($9.29) fare fee. Entrance gate is 1.5km away from the Kita-Kamakura train station. Admission fee is 300JPY. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

Kencho-ji Temple is the first ranked of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura and is oldest Zen training monastery in Japan. It was constructed by order of the Emperor Gofukakusa during the regency of Hojo Tokiyori (1227-63). Work was completed in the fifth year of the Kencho Era (1253) from which the name of the temple was taken. The founder of Kencho-ji was Rankei Doryu, a Chinese Zen Master of the Sung Dynasty. He left China in 1246 to teach Zen in Japan, spending several years in Kyushu and Kyoto before coming to Kamakura to found Kencho-ji. After his death the memorial title "Daikaku Zenji" (Teacher of Great Realization) was conferred upon him by the Emperor Gouda. This was the first time in Japanese history that such a title was given to a Zen sect.

Kamakura Trip 2nd Part; Kencho-ji Temple

Kamakura Trip 1st part; Meigetsu-in and Engaku-ji Temples

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Mt. Fuji Solo Trek last Part; the Trail Markers

How to go to Meigetsu-in Temple;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Kita-Kamakura Station for almost 1.5hr travel time at 920JPY($9.29) fare fee. Entrance gate is 700m away from the Kita-Kamakura train station. Admission fee is 300JPY. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

Meigetsu-in Temple was founded in the year 1160 as "Meigetsu-an" (Bright Moon Hermitage) by Yamanouchi Tsunetoshi for the repose of the soul of his father Toshimichi, who died in the Battle of Heiji the previous year. Fugenzan Meigetsu-in is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Kenchō-ji school. Famous for its hydrangeas, it's also known as The Temple of Hydrangeas (ajisai-dera). The main object of worship is goddess Shō Kannon. Meigetsu-in started as Meigetsuan hermitage and was built by a military commander in the region during late Heian period. One of the Ten Wells of Kamakura is still in use on the compound. Through the round window of the temple, is a garden that brings memories of ancient times.

Kamakura Trip 1st Part; Meigutsu-in Temple

Bali Temples Hopping last part; Coastal Temple of Tanah Lot

3-days White-Water River Solo Trip in Bali, Indonesia
August 02-05, 2014

Bali Temples Hopping 2nd part; Water Temples of Taman Ayun

How to go to Pura Tanah Lot;
I visited Pura Tanah Lot via a hired motorbike with a driver for an afternoon temples tour starting from 1200H until 1900H. Negotiated fare was 300,000IDR($25.86) for a round-trip from my hostel in Kuta going to the famous 3 temples nearby, entrance fee's excluded. Admission fee costs 30,000IDR($2.60). Photography and video, monopod/tripod, is permitted inside

Tanah Lot is one of the important directional temples in Bali. The temple is located on a rock just offshore. It is said to be the work of revered 15th century Hindu priest Nirartha and forms an important element of Balinese spirtualism and mythology. This is an extremely popular tourist destination and the whole area is often very busy indeed, especially in the late afternoons, pre-sunset. The area between the car park (Rp 5,000 per vehicle) and the beach adjacent to the temple is a maze of souvenir shops selling just about every Balinese trinket imaginable. Once you have fought your way through the souvenir vendors to the beach, you will see the magnificent temple perched on a rock just a few metres offshore. There is a footpath to the raised cliff area just to the south from where the views of the temple and the sunset behind it are outstanding. Photo-opportunities abound. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Tanah_Lot

Bali Temples Hopping last part; Coastal Temple of Tanah Lot Temple

Bali Temples Hopping 2nd part; Water Temples of Taman Ayun

3-days White-Water River Solo Trip in Bali, Indonesia
August 02-05, 2014

Bali Temples Hopping 1st part; Cliff Temples of Uluwatu

How to go to Pura Taman Ayun;
I visited Pura Taman Ayun via a hired motorbike with a driver for an afternoon temples tour starting from 1200H until 1900H. Negotiated fare was 300,000IDR($25.86) for a round-trip from my hostel in Kuta going to the famous 3 temples nearby, entrance fee's excluded. Admission fee costs 15,000IDR($1.29). Photography and video is permitted inside but the tripod is prohibited.

Pura Taman Ayun (Mengwi Water Temple), (2 km west of Mengwi on the road to Abiansemal). This very pleasing temple was built in 1634 by the King of Mengwi as his family temple. The terraced courtyards of the temple are set in very well maintained grounds, surrounded by man-made waterways and entered over a bridge. Mengwi is about 8km east from the town of Tabanan.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Tabanan

Bali Temples Hopping 2nd part; Water Temples of Taman Ayun

Bali Temples Hopping 1st part; Cliff Temples of Uluwatu

3-days White-Water River Solo Trip in Bali, Indonesia
August 02-05, 2014

Denpasar (Bali) Airport arrival in the morning

How to go to Pura Luhur Uluwatu;
I visited Pura Luhur Uluwatu via a hired motorbike with a driver for an afternoon temples tour starting from 1200H until 1900H. Negotiated fare was 300,000IDR($25.86) for a round-trip from my hostel in Kuta going to the famous 3 temples nearby, entrance fee's excluded. Admission fee costs 20,000IDR($1.72). Photography and video is permitted inside but the tripod is prohibited.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a Balinese sea temple in Bali. Built in the 11th century, it is one of nine directional temples meant to protect Bali from evil spirits. It is located in Pecatu village, Kuta South District of Badung Regency of Bali.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pura_Luhur_Uluwatu

 

Bali Temples Hopping 1st part; cliff-hanging Temples of Uluwatu

Garni Temple - Geghard Monastery Afternoon Tour

3-days Solo tour on Winter Armenia
february 22-24, 2013 friday to sunday

Zvartnots Airport visa-on-arrival

Upon my arrival in Republic square, since I am totally lost how to figure-out everything because of the very impromptu planning, I always look on map image in my mobile phone how to find the hostel I researched. It did not took long time to find due it was easy to navigate and ask locals. After leaving my bag and having only the tripod and camera to bring, I went outside again with no idea where to go honestly. My initial plan was to locate where was the public transportation terminal but since I couldn't see any, I immediately switch looking for any travel agency. Good thing there was one which is 300 meters away after almost 3 hours of roaming around and asking locals I crossed along the sidewalk.

This is the dormitory hostel I researched almost an hour before I went to airport for departure going to Armenia.
http://www.backpackmojo.com/hostel/armenia/yerevan/67834

This is the tour service I acquired and I'm very thankful they charge fairly and friendly.
http://www.hyurservice.com/eng/trips_request_eng.php

Around 1400H, I started my tour to Garni temple and Geghard monastery which will last as per contract of 4-5 hours that includes private sedan car, entrance fees, a driver and with no tour guide. There was 20% discount for certain tours which will begin on or after 1400H. So my tour was charge only for 14,400amd ($36) from original fee of 18,000 amd ($45).  

Garni Temple

Biking the Luxor's West Bank

fearless 4.5 days DIY solo backpacking Egypt

october 25-29, 2012 thursday to monday

luxor temple & museum (luxor's east bank)

Bike rental is located just exactly outside the West Bank port and Bus terminal, around 100 meters away. I rented for 3 hours that costs only 15 EGP. Since I already mapped-out my planned destinations the day before during my van tour to major landmarks, I know somehow where to go.

Photography is allowed to all, and strolling can be enough at most 3 hours.

Colossi of Memnon (known to locals as el-Colossat, or es-Salamat) are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. For the past 3400 years (since 1350 BC) they have stood in the Theban necropolis, across the River Nile from the modern city of Luxor.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colossi_of_Memnon



biking the luxor's west bank



Luxor Temple & Museum (East Bank)

fearless 4.5 days DIY eid season solo trip to Egypt
october 25-29, 2012 thursday to monday

magnificent karnak temple (luxor's east bank)

Luxor temple has also this great numbers of huge columns located along the corniche and just at the Luxor downtown.

How to go to Luxor temple;
From Luxor Railway Station, just walk straight to corniche at around 300 meters away. Entrance fee costs 55 EGP, opens daily from 0800H to 1800H.
Photography is allowed inside, and strolling can be enough at least 1 hour.

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes) and was founded in 1400 BCE. For centuries Thebes was once known as the capital of the known world. Known in the Egyptian language as ipet resyt, or "the southern sanctuary." In Luxor there are six great temples, the four on the left bank are known to travellers and readers of travels as Goornah, Deir-el-Bahri, the Ramesseum, and Medinet Habu; and the two temples on the right bank are known as the Karnak and Luxor.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxor_Temple

luxor temple

Magnificent Karnak Temple (East Bank)

fearless 4.5 days DIY eid season solo trip to Egypt

october 25-29, 2012 thursday to monday

hatshepsut and ramessium temple (luxor's west bank)
 
Probably the most fantastic temple I have ever seen in my entire backpacking because of its 134 huge columns which is the largest accounted in the world.

How to go here;
Starting from corniche in east bank, walk or hire a carriage (costs 5EGP) going straight at approximate 3 km. Entrance fee is 65 EGP, opens daily from 0800H-1800H.

Photography is allowed inside, and strolling can be enough at most 1 hour.

The Karnak Temple Complex—usually called Karnak, comprises a vast mix of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings. The area around Karnak was the ancient Egyptian Ipet-isut ("The Most Selected of Places") and the main place of worship of the eighteenth dynasty Theban Triad with the god Amun as its head. It is part of the monumental city of Thebes. The Karnak complex gives its name to the nearby, and partly surrounded, modern village of el-Karnak, some 2.5 km north of Luxor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnak

karnak temple

Hatshepsut and Ramessium Temple (West Bank)

fearless 4.5 days DIY eid season solo trip to Egypt
october 25-29, 2012
thursday to monday

valley of the kings & queens (luxor's west bank)

Hatshepsut temple is my next destination after finishing the tour in Valley of the Kings.

How to go to Hatshepsut Temple;
From Valley of the Kings, plan your itinerary next ideally to this place as this is the next nearest important tourist landmark on this valley. Entrance costs only 30 EGP only with 2 EGP charge for the mini-train inside.

Photography is allowed inside, and strolling can be enough at most 1 hour.

The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, "Holy of Holies", is located beneath the cliffs at Deir el Bahari on the west bank of the Nile near the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. The mortuary temple is dedicated to the sun god Amon-Ra and is located next to the mortuary temple of Mentuhotep II, which served both as an inspiration, and later, a quarry. It is considered one of the "incomparable monuments of ancient Egypt." The temple was the site of the massacre of 62 people, mostly tourists, by Islamist extremists that took place on 17 November 1997
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortuary_Temple_of_Hatshepsut

hatshepsut temple

Valley of the Kings & Queens (Luxor's West Bank)

fearless 4.5 days DIY eid season solo trip to Egypt

october 25-29, 2012

thursday to monday 

collosal abu simbel temples (ramesses & nefertari)

Valley of the Kings is the major tourist landmark of West Bank. Separate entrance fees are charge inside of every tomb especially the famous ones (Ramesses and Tutankhamun) aside from the general entrance fee for the compound.

How to go to Valley of the Kings;
It is cheaper to hire the public microbus (van) rather than a taxi in touring major spots of West Bank. As for what I did, I hired a van which is exclusively for me as only passenger during my ENTIRE tour, the local driver is considerate enough not to hitchhike possible passengers along the way. I negotiated to a fixed price of 80 EGP ($13) starting from west bank port to valley of the king and queens, hatchepsut and ramessium temple (1230H-1700H). Compared to taxi, they will charged around more than 100 EGP ($16) depending upon the places to visit.

So we started the round to the Valley of the Kings which is the farthest one, I think its around 12km from the port. Local touts have been roaming around since the start of my journey here in Luxor so be prepared how to avoid or leave them away politely. Entrance fee for this valley is 80 EGP with 4 EGP charge for a round trip mini-train inside.

inside valley of the kings

Collosal Abu Simbel Temples (Ramesses and Nefertari)

fearless 4.5 days DIY eid season solo trip to Egypt
october 25-29, 2012 thursday to monday

train travel from cairo to aswan

Abu Simbel temples are one of the best tourist spot in Southern Egypt. This temples are for Ramesses and Nefertari (King and Queens, husband and wife).

how to go here;
from Abu simbel downtown, the distance to the Abu Simbel temples is around 4 km. There is a minimal tricycles roaming around but I still prefer walking to feel the place. Just go straight on the main road until you find a huge billboard fo the temples. Entrance fee totals 95 EGP that includes the 80 EGP for the entrance on Rameses and Nefertari temples, 13 EGP for guide fee (which I did not experience to have) and 2 EGP for environmental fee. Opens daily from 0800H to 1800H.

abu simbel (ramesses temple)