Last 2 days in Beijing then we will be off to Zhangziajie. Finally made it over to see the amazing buildings inside the Olympic Park, such as the Bird’s Nest and the Bubble. There is a really incredible looking observation tower there as well, but we couldn’t go because it was undergoing construction. We...
Wangfujing, Pearl Market
There’s a funny thing about Beijing. It is so crowded that you need permission to live there. I’m not sure about hotels, but since we were staying AirBNB we were advised by our host that we needed to register at the local police station. It was certainly interesting, and the police officers were not...
The Great Wall of China, Mutianyu, Hot Pot, Dingling Underground Palace, Dingling Mausoleum of Emperor Zhu Yijun
Took a guided tout to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall today. We didn’t have time to do more sections of the wall but this location was satisfying. The hike up the hill and the wall itself has some very steep sections, so be prepared for some tough hiking. The good news is, you...
Dumplings, Tiananmen Square, Street Food
Explored our new neighborhood. Tried recommended dumpling place and ordered too much food. No regrets there, everything was so good! Went down to Tiananmen Square and explored the mall across the street. Cool street food there. This is definitely the place you should start in Beijing. Walk around and try some Bao and some...
Flight to Beijing (Day 21)
Flight from Tokyo to Beijing. Took airport express (25 yuan) to main transfer station (I forget the name) and switched to line 2 and walked to our airbnb house. Met crazy local lady on the way who knew our host and she almost got us lost. Went to bed and slept for a lot...
Train and the Game – Kyoto to Tokyo, Nozomi Shinkansen, Tokyo Giants Baseball
Nozomi back to Tokyo. Stashed bags in Tokyo station and went to Ueno station looking for mochi guy but he wasn’t there. Bought shoes in Shinjuku. Back to Tokyo station for bags and tried to get to airport hotel before the baseball game but was taking forever so turned around stashed backs at Asakusa...
Imperial Palace, Bamboo Forest, Matsuya
Went out to the Emperor’s Palace and were a bit early so went across the street for rice and meat bowls at Matsuya which is kind of like Japanese fast food. The Imperial Palaca walking tour is really neat, but very hard to get reservations. You must make reservations far in advance and we...
Nara, Kintestsu Limited Express
Went to Nara and saw the largest Buddha inside the largest wooden building (in the world?). Also saw and fed the sacred deer of Nara. Super long train ride. Paid extra 500 yen to ride the Kintetsu Limited Express back to Kyoto which saved us half an hour.
Fushimi Inari Shrine (1000 Torii Gates), Arashiyama, Teppanyaki, Bamboo Forest, Okonomiyaki and Waraikaki
I took a lot of photos today. The Fushima Inari Shrine had a lot to do with that. If you are in Kyoto this is a must see. In the afternoon we went to Arashiyama which is the way to get to the bamboo forest. We were hoping to see some monkeys but no...