Konnichiwa! LH F (via FRA FCT & a 911) to Japan for Sakura. Back home via Shanghai.
May 31, 2017, 12:58 am
#121
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
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Posts: 1,880
Brilliant again JohnRain. I really must visit Kyoto again, it's been a while (more than 15 years I think!) and each time has only been for a day or two, there's too much to see for such quick visits.
My then wife was disappointed that we didn't see any Geisha. Well, she didn't but I did! I told her many times that they're not out and about until between 5 and 7pm and when it came to time to wander round Gion she decided to chill out in the hotel instead because we'd spent the day climbing hills. I went out and came across 2 or 3 pairs of Geisha on their way to "clients" - I thought it politic to not mention this to the mrs when I got back
My then wife was disappointed that we didn't see any Geisha. Well, she didn't but I did! I told her many times that they're not out and about until between 5 and 7pm and when it came to time to wander round Gion she decided to chill out in the hotel instead because we'd spent the day climbing hills. I went out and came across 2 or 3 pairs of Geisha on their way to "clients" - I thought it politic to not mention this to the mrs when I got back
I also felt I only scratched the surface as Kyoto has indeed so much to offer it takes several trips to get a grasp of it.
Funny that you mention the geishas as in my case Mrs JohnRain was just as curious as me to see them...
That's good to know...
This is like saying the tooth fairy doesn't exist either!
Thanks for bursting my bubble, NewbieRunner...
Actually it was the concierge of the St Regis Osaka who enlightened me about the Chinese tourists posing as geishas.
May 31, 2017, 6:56 am
#123
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: MAN
Programs: FB Platinum
Posts: 500
May 31, 2017, 12:17 pm
#124
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Left
Programs: FT
Posts: 7,285
there are also some very very subtle things that you must be able to notice to be sure. that that neck make up but one item but items such as a burabura and a painted upper lip would be a give away that they are not real as I have been advised by someone who appears to know their stuff that if they have a burabura they would be too young to have a painted upper lip also....so that design is probably not determinitive.
same with whether the hair ornament is the correct one for the month or time of year etc.
apparently it is a pretty complicated stuff
May 31, 2017, 1:08 pm
#125
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 1,782
Our group of 6 just got back from Japan. I was told that it was a big hassle to manage luggage on the trains etc. I did not find that to be the case and I wouldn't want to have to worry about smaller bags and what not. We moved from Tokyo/Hakone/Hiroshima/Kyoto/Osaka and there is an expense to all this shipping of luggage too.
+1 on takkyubin.
While it is next day delivery, a smaller weekender type bag worked fine for us having a change of clothes, toiletries etc.
You simply call the front desk, they send bell staff to measure the luggage, and give you the receipt , and the luggage should be waiting for you in your next hotel room the following day. Took all of 5 minutes and saved a ton of hassle on the transfer!
While it is next day delivery, a smaller weekender type bag worked fine for us having a change of clothes, toiletries etc.
You simply call the front desk, they send bell staff to measure the luggage, and give you the receipt , and the luggage should be waiting for you in your next hotel room the following day. Took all of 5 minutes and saved a ton of hassle on the transfer!
May 31, 2017, 2:12 pm
#126
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 1,782
As to the geishas in Kyoto, we saw many people dressed up as such. Many of the girls were out celebrating the completion of their exams prior to university. You can rent them for the day or weekend or whatever. There were plenty of shops to do so.
Jun 2, 2017, 1:13 am
#127
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
The StR Osaka is a great hotel indeed, much fresher and better located than the RC IMO.
Simple....not so sure. And I think that the more correct term would be Maiko or Geiko depending on the age.
there are also some very very subtle things that you must be able to notice to be sure. that that neck make up but one item but items such as a burabura and a painted upper lip would be a give away that they are not real as I have been advised by someone who appears to know their stuff that if they have a burabura they would be too young to have a painted upper lip also....so that design is probably not determinitive.
same with whether the hair ornament is the correct one for the month or time of year etc. apparently it is a pretty complicated stuff
there are also some very very subtle things that you must be able to notice to be sure. that that neck make up but one item but items such as a burabura and a painted upper lip would be a give away that they are not real as I have been advised by someone who appears to know their stuff that if they have a burabura they would be too young to have a painted upper lip also....so that design is probably not determinitive.
same with whether the hair ornament is the correct one for the month or time of year etc. apparently it is a pretty complicated stuff
I guess this is just one of the many examples of how complex the japanese society is. Fascinating though.
Our group of 6 just got back from Japan. I was told that it was a big hassle to manage luggage on the trains etc. I did not find that to be the case and I wouldn't want to have to worry about smaller bags and what not. We moved from Tokyo/Hakone/Hiroshima/Kyoto/Osaka and there is an expense to all this shipping of luggage too.
Jun 5, 2017, 3:09 am
#128
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
The next and final day in Kyoto started with a visit of Iwatayama Monkey Park.
This attraction isn't for the lazy as you have to take a pretty steep 30 minute hike through the woods...
...before you see the first monkey...
... or more specifically: Japanese Macaques also known as Snow Monkeys.
Once you reach the top of the hill the views are quite rewarding...
...but only to those who have the right vantage point.
If you want to see all of Kyoto...
...it is recommended to use the right gear.
First step before asking your sweetheart out on a date: a good perm.
Feeding the monkeys is part of the experience...
... as they seem to have an endless appetite for peanuts...
...more peanuts...
...still more peanuts...
All downhill from here.
Typical Kyoto house.
Yet another Kyoto highlight: the Arashiyama bamboo forest.
Tenryu-Ji temple.
Daikakuji Temple.
And finally: the Philosopher's Path, a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Approximately two kilometers long, the path gets its name from Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University.
Busy times.
A beautiful lunch.
After another incredible voyage through the centuries, back to Osaka and the real world, which according to Mrs JohnRain starts at Hermès. Fortunately she quickly found out that the prices in Japan aren't attractive at all, which is why we spent more time in the Hermès Café than in the actual store. The little Birkin-bag-shaped chocolates were complimentary -shocker!- or rather they were included in the 10$ coffee.
Back to the St Regis for a well-deserved Happy Hour....
...and a quick in-room dinner as we were exhausted.
Final impressions of the hotel on our last morning...
Up Next: JAL Business Class to Shanghai & Park Hyatt Shanghai.
This attraction isn't for the lazy as you have to take a pretty steep 30 minute hike through the woods...
...before you see the first monkey...
... or more specifically: Japanese Macaques also known as Snow Monkeys.
Once you reach the top of the hill the views are quite rewarding...
...but only to those who have the right vantage point.
If you want to see all of Kyoto...
...it is recommended to use the right gear.
First step before asking your sweetheart out on a date: a good perm.
Feeding the monkeys is part of the experience...
... as they seem to have an endless appetite for peanuts...
...more peanuts...
...still more peanuts...
All downhill from here.
Typical Kyoto house.
Yet another Kyoto highlight: the Arashiyama bamboo forest.
Tenryu-Ji temple.
Daikakuji Temple.
And finally: the Philosopher's Path, a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Approximately two kilometers long, the path gets its name from Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University.
Busy times.
A beautiful lunch.
After another incredible voyage through the centuries, back to Osaka and the real world, which according to Mrs JohnRain starts at Hermès. Fortunately she quickly found out that the prices in Japan aren't attractive at all, which is why we spent more time in the Hermès Café than in the actual store. The little Birkin-bag-shaped chocolates were complimentary -shocker!- or rather they were included in the 10$ coffee.
Back to the St Regis for a well-deserved Happy Hour....
...and a quick in-room dinner as we were exhausted.
Final impressions of the hotel on our last morning...
Up Next: JAL Business Class to Shanghai & Park Hyatt Shanghai.
Jun 5, 2017, 4:50 am
#129
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
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JR, did I just noticed that you have on purple/lavender pants when you took the photo of the bed?
Only you can pull this off, my friend
Too bad you can't redeem style points for luxe hotels...
Only you can pull this off, my friend
Too bad you can't redeem style points for luxe hotels...
Jun 6, 2017, 3:06 am
#130
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Jun 7, 2017, 11:59 pm
#132
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Jun 9, 2017, 1:57 am
#134
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Your itinerary sounds epic, hopefully you'll take us with you via a TR...
Update: the next installment will be online on Saturday.
Last edited by JohnRain; Jun 10, 2017 at 1:57 am
Jun 10, 2017, 2:18 am
#135
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
No First Class today as JAL only flies 738's and 321's from Osaka to Shanghai.
Go!
The Sakura lounge was pleasant enough...
... with the booze selection being the highlight. I had never tasted Japanese plum wine before and found it very enjoyable, especially when adding an ice cube or two.
Hey, don't judge, I also enjoy my daily glass of Romanée Conti Grand Cru on ice...
What's even more remarkable is that even Mrs JohnRain joined the party (she never drinks). After a couple of glasses we were just in the right mood to board the plane, ready for our next adventure, Mainland China.
Our bird.
No F but at least a C cabin worthy of its name.
Bye Osaka!
I tried both the western...
... and the Japanese lunch options.
After dessert I was looking forward to napping a bit but before long we were already starting our descent.
Hello China!
The equivalent of the total population of Geneva will probably soon be living in this new development.
Final approach.
PVG
On our way to the hotel.
Here we are, the second-highest hotel in the world.
Take me to the top.
Upon entering our 130 sqm Bund View Suite, I was welcomed by quite a view.
I was pleased to see that my friend Toto had also made it to the hotel.
Dinner at 100 Century Avenue, located on the 91st floor of the PH.
One penny for every duck eaten in China...
Dumplings & tea. We're now officially in Mainland China.
Up Next: Holy Smog!
Go!
The Sakura lounge was pleasant enough...
... with the booze selection being the highlight. I had never tasted Japanese plum wine before and found it very enjoyable, especially when adding an ice cube or two.
Hey, don't judge, I also enjoy my daily glass of Romanée Conti Grand Cru on ice...
What's even more remarkable is that even Mrs JohnRain joined the party (she never drinks). After a couple of glasses we were just in the right mood to board the plane, ready for our next adventure, Mainland China.
Our bird.
No F but at least a C cabin worthy of its name.
Bye Osaka!
I tried both the western...
... and the Japanese lunch options.
After dessert I was looking forward to napping a bit but before long we were already starting our descent.
Hello China!
The equivalent of the total population of Geneva will probably soon be living in this new development.
Final approach.
PVG
On our way to the hotel.
Here we are, the second-highest hotel in the world.
Take me to the top.
Upon entering our 130 sqm Bund View Suite, I was welcomed by quite a view.
I was pleased to see that my friend Toto had also made it to the hotel.
Dinner at 100 Century Avenue, located on the 91st floor of the PH.
One penny for every duck eaten in China...
Dumplings & tea. We're now officially in Mainland China.
Up Next: Holy Smog!
Last edited by JohnRain; Jun 10, 2017 at 5:01 am