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[benjy]

Tuesday in Tokyo off to Osaka

Previous night I bought my return Shinkansen tickets at Tokyo station, had a bit of a cough at the price of around $370AUD. Had some regrets that I decided to do the bullet train twice instead of flying from Osaka to Tokyo... oh well!

Booked the 11:23am train which gave me enough time to sleep in, have breakfast and get to the station with enough time just in case I got lost.

Found the platform, found the train and found my reserved seat with no issue, got comfortable and travelled quickly to Osaka, just a little under 2hr 30mins. Got to Shin-Osaka then quite easily got to the hotel, Sheraton Miyako which is conveniently placed next to the station.

Checked into the hotel at 2:50pm and reminded that check-in opens at 3:00pm and as such my room wouldn't be ready for another 40mins... I repeated just in case I misheard. I sat down for no longer than 5 minutes and miraculously my room was ready. A "king deluxe" room, a lot larger than the Tokyo room





After a quick charge of the phone, I took myself off for a short (2km) walk to Osaka Castle. It was just before 5pm so the castle was closing so I just viewed from outside.



Afterwards, I took myself off to Dontombori. Wow, what a place. So many food and shopping options, quite easily get lost. Found myself something to eat, took a few photos, like below. It was a bit rainy so didn't spend all that long out. I wanted to enjoy the Japan atmosphere so walked back to the hotel, which is only 1.5kms away.

 

[benjy]

I'm up to Wednesday in Osaka - today is Universal Studios day

Having been to Universal Studios Singapore before I was really looking forward to this park, a lot more than Disney.
I got to the park a little later than planned, about 9:30am, (Hey, I like my sleep ins!) and the park was already quite packed.

I decided against purchasing an Express Pass ticket as I knew USJ had a lot more single rider queues for rides and I should be able to breeze through the queues... WRONG DECISION! There were friends/couples joining the single rider queues hoping to bypass the extremely long Standard (about 90-120 mins wait already, at 10am) with a chance to ride together, which then results in both queues blowing out to be the same.

The below was taken at the Flying Dinosaur ride at 11:11am (another 10 minutes until I get on the ride)... this was the first ride I lined up for, since I entered at 9:30am. CRAZY



I enjoyed the ride though, worth the wait, but I was not lining up for the ride again

Was trying to get on as many rides as possible before lunch, I think by 12:30pm I had been on 3 rides. By this time, was getting hungry, off to Harry Potter world



Had some lunch, went on a few more rides, and before I knew it, it is was dark.



Came out of a ride exit and next thing I hear is a whole bunch of people screaming (mainly teenage girls)... what the hell was going on I wonder, and BOOM, I see the below, plus a whole of other zombies on the street (Halloween event)




(sweet dreams!)

By this time it was about 6:30pm and I wanted something to eat. Even though park closes at 9pm, food places were shutting already, I eventually found a food place open near the front of the park.

USJ is a good park but it is way too small for the crowd it pulls. Single rider queues not being used by genuine single riders kind of reduces the experience for genuine single riders, such as myself. I enjoyed DisneySea more

 

[benjy]

Been so lazy since I've been back!
I'm up to Thursday in Osaka - Aquarium Day (Kaiyukan)!

I was so tired the night before so had a good sleep in. Got to the Aquarium around 11am, I was hungry and noticed there were lots of young school kid groups waiting to get in, so decided to have brunch at small shop nearby selling pancakes, so delicious!



The aquarium is multilevel, plenty of exhibits and aquatic animals to look at, around 1km walking through place. The seals, dolphins and penguin exhibits appear very small. Here are a few photos






Half way through the walk there's a small cafe where you can buy sandwiches, drinks, and a very overpriced ice-cream while overlooking the harbour



All up, spent around 2 hours inside, then went on the nearby ferris wheel... save some yen and combine the ticket with aquarium admission! Full circle of the wheel is 30 minutes, great way to relax.



It was around 8pm before I decided where I wanted to go for dinner, the reason I waited so long is because I wanted to Pokemon Go! The place I needed to go was about 300m away from the hotel, in a neighbourhood area. When I walked to the location there were already 30 or so people waiting, totally normal in Japan (I love it!), totally not normal if this occurred in Australia.

I went back to Dontonbori for some more ramen. Used foursquare app and went to the place with the best rating, a place called Ichiran. While waiting in the queue outside I was handed an ordering sheet, in english, so was easier to understand. But, got inside, there was a vending machine to order, which totally confused me for a little while, eventually figured out what to press. Received my ordering slip and was seating in a solitary booth, perfect seating for people who want to eat without being disturbed.

Sat down and the person in front of me but behind the screen was talking Japanese, had no idea what they were saying. But they took my ordering slip, handed me a tray (this was when I wanted dessert), handed me a beer and I waited for my food.
While I waited, I eventually figured out the ordering sheet I received outside was for the extras I wanted to add to the ramen, of which I had to pay cash for at the booth. I didn't order any extras but have some regrets because I was still hungry, food was delicious though

 

[benjy]

I'm up to Friday, from Osaka back to Tokyo then off to Hawaii!

I knew this was going to be a long travel day and unlikely going to get any sleep, so I made sure I slept in.
After buying various kitkats and japanese vitamins the suitcase was starting to get very challenging to close, and I took all the way up to 12pm to check out.

Had lunch at the hotel's restaurant taking advantage of 15% off voucher given to me at check-in, I forget exactly what it was (no photos) but I do remember that it was filling and good value, surprisingly for hotel restaurant.

Caught the 2:13pm Shikansen, arrived into Tokyo station then found my way to the Tokyo Express platform. Tried looking for an area to reserve a seat (I already had a ticket, just hadn't reserved a seat) but couldn't find any place so just hopped on to the next train, waiting for last minute before boarding so that was little risk I was sitting in someone's seat.

Got to the airport around 6pm and I'm very glad I did. As mentioned in post #31 , here's where I had my first experience of US immigration questioning. Had to wait about 20 mins for the official to arrive before asking me about 20 questions. Eventually I was allowed to be checked in and enjoy the various lounges.

Flight to Hawaii was on Japan Airlines 787, was slightly excited to have an opportunity to potentially sleep on a lay flat bed on a place (haha good joke!) Nice place and set up though, I enjoyed it. Here are some photos

 

[benjy]

Flying over the date line to Hawaii means I get to experience Friday all over again.

Landed in Hawaii and as expected, was grilled at immigration. Read all about here

I had arranged an airport shuttle pickup but of course after I was permitted entry to Hawaii the driver had already left. Thankfully the airport has Wifi, sent off an email to the shuttle company (Johnny Cabs), a quick response and the driver was there within 20 mins. The driver was very talkative, and told me a story how he picked up a Ben at the same time he expected me, when he realised it wasn't me when the Ben didn't want to be dropped off at Hilton Garden Inn. Driver offered some great tips and what to visit and how to get around, so despite some dangerous driving (for Australian standards), I tipped him favourably as a thank you for coming back to pick me up.

Checked into Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach, offered the choice of points or breakfast (yes pls), and was given an "ocean" view... you could see the ocean if you stood tall and looked over the carpark. It was a nice room though, here are some photos:








I was pretty tired so had a fairly long nap. After waking up, perhaps it was 6pm, was dark and raining, wasn't going to stop me exploring and having a walk around, deciding what to have for dinner. Ended up having tacos and some coughtails at the International Market Place, located across the road from the hotel. Fish tacos were delicious!


(not the best food pic )

 

[benjy]

I'm so far behind this trip report I'm starting to forget what I did on what day, relying solely on the photos I've taken

I had a few places in mind where I wanted to visit and knew the "waikiki trolley" would take me there.
I bought a 7 day all line pass on the waikiki trolley website where the tickets are 10% cheaper than if buying at the shop front at the T Galleria.

First line I went on was the Green Line off to Diamond Head. The trolley takes you to the base of the crater, where if you choose, pay $1 entry and do the 60-90 minute hike up to the base of the crater. I was wearing my joggers ready for the hike but it was around midday, hot and humid, only had a bottle of water, and yeah, I wasn't going hiking. Some great views and photos taken, here are some I took










The trolley tour takes about 1hr 10mins. At the end, I hoped on to the Pink Line (a shopping line) that comes around every 10 minute. Did some more sightseeing, looking for something to eat and drink. There are definitely no shortage of places.

At 7pm every night at the International Market Place there's a small performance of sorts about the history of Hawaii, little bit of entertainment for the family

 

[benjy]

Following day, I went to the zoo. The zoo is quite close to the hotel, walking distance for me. If you don't feel like walking, catch the Pink Line Trolley just outside the Hilton Garden Inn, you'll get to the zoo in about 15-20 minutes.

The zoo itself is medium in size, plenty of exhibits to see and different animals. Bring water with you though, there isn't much shade.
There are a couple of refreshment carts and a Snack Bar. Enjoy these photos of the animals I took








So cute!










I headed back to Waikiki then decided to jump on the Green line again. Just after the inside crater stop the driver decided he wanted to have a break, fair enough, it's a scenic stop anyway. Where we had stopped there were plenty of birds around with people feeding them (don't know where the bird seed come from), anyway, I got the chance to feed them out of my hand

 

[benjy]

I'm up to Monday in Hawaii, today is the Sea Life Park trip

To get to Sea Life Park, you have a choice of catching the public buses or the Blue Line Hawaii Trolley, and since I have the trolley pass I caught the trolley!

The trolley visits Sea Life Park 3 times a day (10am, 12:20pm, 2:50pm) but at times that don't align to the Sea Life Park show times (11:30am, 1pm). The Sea Life Park is very very small, you can do the park in an hour but as the shows are spaced inconveniently for the trolley, you're kind of forced to stay at the park all day if you're using the trolley... catch the public bus back!

Here are some photos I took of the tour and park





Halona Blow Hole

 

[benjy]

Up to Tuesday, woke up this weather


Didn't really matter as I planned on going on another trolley tour, today was the Cultural Red Line trolley. I didn't take many photos, here are some of what I did take






The tour takes 2 hours depending on traffic. Near the end you have the choice of getting off at Ana Moana shopping centre, which I decided to do and enjoy some lunch. Quite a number of food choices at the food court, and there's also a Japanese Food Market at the other end of the centre.

Had lunch, walked around, went back to the hotel on the Pink Line, recharged a little then head back out again. When I'm walking I noticed a number of people looking at the sky and taking photos.... I look up and see this


Photos taken, shared to social media, and went souvenir shopping... since I haven't really been souvenir shopping in previous countries. Since dinner at the hotel restaurant was relatively cheap (at the bar), I convinced my friends from Australia, who happened to be visiting Waikiki same days as me, to come and enjoy the atmosphere with me. Was a very enjoyable night

 

[benjy]

Now for the day I was looking forward to, Halloween in America

First thing to do on this day though was to go to Pearl Harbour. Based on reviews, it was recommended to book Pearl Harbour admission tickets prior to attending, so I did. I booked a deluxe tour, which involves a short movie and a boat tour out to the memorial.

I booked a 1pm tour and to get there I went on the Purple Line trolley which was scheduled to get me there at 12:45pm. It didn't stuck in traffic and I missed my 1pm session, not to worry, easily into the 1:30pm session. Must have a been a quiet day as there was no issue getting into sessions and didn't seem busy at all.

Here a few photos I took






The memorial is currently closed due to repairs with no planned restoration date




I also explored the submarine which costs an additional entrance fee that also incorporates a museum tour. I didn't get a chance to go through the museum as had to catch the trolley back. As part of the trolley commentary, the driver stated one of these condos, located above Ala Moana Shopping Centre car park allegedly costs US$9m. The driver also mentioned Mark Zuckerberg struck up a deal and bought 4 condos for $US20m



Here's another fancy building, imagine having a pool like this


Got back to the hotel, relaxed a little, have some food, drinks and to prepare for Halloween. Walking around different places and noticing staff dressed in their costumers and really getting into the spirit. By around 8pm the main street along the beach was absolutely crowded, surprisingly the roads weren't blocked for traffic but there were plenty of gates to contain pedestrians to designated footpaths.

I was in awe of the experience that I didn't take many photos, here's a few that I did take





Really enjoyed the night, and so glad I got to experience Halloween in America

 

[benjy]

Trip review nearly finished, phew!
1st November - check out day.
Was able to secure a 1pm checkout which gave me enough time to sleep in, do clothes washing, enjoy breakfast, and do some last minute shopping.

After checking out, I had the whole day to explore since my flight wasn't until 1am. Ended up on the Pink Line and went to Ala Moana Shopping Centre again. Went to Target to buy some face wash for the bf (seems to be only available in America) then a short walk to Whole Foods Markets to buy some organic shampoo (also for the bf), that was allegedly only available in America, and good value when compared to Australia.

Headed back to the hotel, packed the shampoo and face wash as well as some larger souvenirs into the suitcase, which was a struggle! I probably should've spent some extra time repacking because packing two bottles of shampoo wasn't the brightest idea, as discovered in Fiji.

I booked a pickup at 9pm so I before leave Hawaii, I'm off on another trolley run, this time, the Food Express! Food Express trolley only available at night and takes you to the restaurant area out the back of Waikiki. On every trolley the drivers always mentioned Leonard's Bakery, so that's where I went.

GO TO LEONARD'S BAKERY. The Malasadas (cream filled pastry puffs) are delicious! I also had an apple turnover, which was also delicious.
Just go there when you visit, you'll have no regrets






Got back to the hotel, had some dinner (thanks happy hour food), received a couple of comp'd drinks, car arrived and went to the airport, perhaps a little early, but oh well.

The only food and beverage outlet open late at night in HNL is Starbucks, no lounges opened either. As Business Class passenger on Fiji Airways, I received a $15 f&b voucher to use, a bit meh but better than nothing.

Flight was on Fiji 737, felt like an older plane, but didn't matter, the service was excellent. Here's the seat and the menu


I chose row 2, plenty of leg room as well!

 

[benjy]

Final post for this trip report!

The trip to NAN from HNL also goes via APW (Apia, Somoa) to drop off and pick up passengers. The airport is so small!



First time I experienced stopping on the tarmac, having people get off the plane but you staying on it. The atmosphere was quite relaxed with cabin crew and pilots chilled talking to passengers as well as having the coughpit door open for passengers to have a look. I was too tired to even think about taking photos.

Going from Hawaii to Apia the plane was only half full but from Apia to Nadi the plane was full.
I had a 10 hour stop over in Nadi before I went home. Got my bags, went through security, had my bag inspected, only to discover one of the shampoos started to leak, uh oh!!! Thankfully not that much. I wasn't going to risk the shampoo leaking anymore so I offered the shampoo to the inspection agent, she was relatively pleased.

I could've stayed at the airport for all that time but I planned in advance and decided to book a villa at First Landing Resort.


It gave me a chance to have some sleep (although didn't get much), get a massage and relax by the beach. So amazing and so glad I chose to do it. First Landing Resort has airport pickup and drop off, at $36 each way. Not the best of value and probably not the safest. But apparently, the driver's style of driving is "Fiji style, no worry mate".

My lunch at the resort was the fish of the day plus a few coughtails to finish off the trip




The menu on the way home




I chose the chicken, was very tasty!


I finish the trip report with one of my favourite photos

 

[benjy]

In review, I loved the trip! Enjoyed every single country for very different reasons.

For the 2nd half of my trip next year (YVR, JFK, LHR, HEL), I will definitely do some more advanced planning, have an itinerary and plan on visit places further out of the main cities.

If I was to visit the main countries again:
Malaysia: Plan on visiting the National Park and Penang
Japan: This country needs a lot more than just a week to explore, so many places to visit. Also do more research on the themeparks, make sure there are potentially no school holidays happening
Hawaii: Visit the other islands, not just the main island. Also, probably not a good idea to visit Asian countries prior to visit America, otherwise be prepared to be grilled by immigration

Highlight of the tour was most definitely go karting through the streets of Tokyo, so amazing!
Favourite airline: Japan Airlines, on the 787. Service, food, seats and the Sakura Lounge, all quite outstanding

Thanks everyone for reading my trip report

 

[kermatu]

And thank you for posting!