Melanie Toye dreams of Japan

Image sourced via:  SHINJUKU NINJA LIVE SHOW   One day, when I travel to Japan, I would like to visit a Ninja show. Currently, Shinjuku Ninja Live Show offers acrobatics, drums (which look super cool) and Japanese traditional dance. They also have great performance effects. Each show lasts about 90 minutes and the show is on 3 times a day. Tickets cost 8,000 yen (which as of today is $81.76 AUD - Australian dollars).  I love the majestic movement of Ninja's and have only seen it in TV shows or movies. I have never seen it acted out. And as I have an aerial background, acrobatics seems like a good addition to the performance.  You can check it out here:  SHINJUKU NINJA LIVE SHOW #Japan #Ninja  Follow me on Pinterest at: @melanietoye Follow me on Facebook and receive all my blog posts here:  https://www.facebook.com/share/1AEkVDXzeT/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Subscribe to my Hobbies YouTube channel at littlemissmel23.  

Cool traditions in Japan  Image sourced via:  http://textappeal.com/cultureshocks/japanese-culture-facts-and-traditions/ KFC for Christmas  All around the world, Christmas is celebrated in different ways and this is not just about the food but also some places have a white Christmas and some experience a hot summer Christmas. Japan they make it easy and have KFC for Christmas.  Clothing Wearing a kimono is a traditional Japanese outfit. Tourists can also buy kimonos and dress up in the formal attire for the day.  Temples  There are many beautiful Japanese temples. And the traditions and customs involved include bowing, clapping, ringing a bell and praying.  Tea ceremony  A Japanese tea ceremony is considered one of the three main traditional art forms. The Japanese tea ceremony prepares and then presents a green tea.  #Japanesetraditions  Follow me on Pinterest at: @melanietoye Follow me on Facebook and receive all my blog posts here:...

Ok, so I admit, I have seen a documentary about people walking up Mount Fuji, and I am afraid of heights, plus there are some parts near the top, where it's uphill and only one or two people can fit through the space. However, I understand many people would love and do love to climb up Mount Fuji.  However, for me, I would be more, looking at the scenic mountain views like this image below ... far away on flat ground. I believe anytime of year, would be ideal to see Mount Fuji. Whether it is snowing, or it's cherry blossom season, the Mountain is epic of Japan and boasts tranquil.  If I fly 8 hours around the sky to then stand in front of this mountain and in awe, I feel like that is 8 hours worth my time. (And I hate flying!) Image sourced via: www.getyourguide.com  Some facts about Mount Fuji: Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan.  Mount Fuji is a volcano.  One might climb the Mount Fuji for religious practice Another reason is Mount Fuji is a tourist a...

I spent about three months, on and off learning to speak (not read) Japanese. I signed up to www.Japanesepod101.com and received easy and not too long Japanese online classes. What I liked is, you could select what the English words were and what the Japanese words were.  I found the year subscription price, quite affordable, if broken down how much I would be spending a day. For example, I could use the online classes any time of day or night, for a long period or a short period.  I did like how they spoke in English and then in Japanese. I also liked that they had the normal easy starting off Japanese language learning, such as numbers and introducing yourself. But what I really liked is you could also learn full sentences. I like to learn full sentences, because I feel like I can say cooler stuff than just trying to say one word.  If for Christmas or the New Year, you want to learn Japanese, I strongly suggest you learn from www.Japanesepod101.com. 

  Image sourced via:  Pokemon “My Pikachu” Plushies Released In Japan, Features Unique Design For Each One – NintendoSoup The hard part about travelling to Japan is the sizing of plushies that either have to be posted home (because they are too big for the plane or suitcase) or just left behind. :(  I can imagine the Plushie stores in Japan just filled with all of my favourites, from Pokemon to Kirby to Hello Kitty and then the none brand plushies, like Unicorns (one in every colour thanks) and just cute ones like strawberries or cherries. And then what about Disney favourites, like Winnie the Pooh and Minnie Mouse?  As you can see the list just keeps growing.  Yes, I am aware there are sites where you can order special Japanese plushies, like Pikachu in different themes like Christmas Pikachu. And these are sites from Japan that ship to you.  But imagine, travelling to Japan and just being consumed by all the plushies you could think of. That would be amaz...

Image sourced via:  Japanese Craft Paper for sale | eBay I love craft, scrapbooking supplies such as scrapbooking paper, stickers and washi tape.  What I find limiting in Australia is there is not much Japanese style cute craft supplies. (Yes, I have even tried Aliexpress.com).  My friend has been to Korea and she said the craft stores were amazing. I imagine in Japan the craft stores are legendary.  Just absolute cuteness and traditional styles and the latest cool stuff like Kirby and Pokemon. (Ok, I do have Kirby and Pokemon stickers, but one can never have enough when it comes to craft).  The tricky bit for me is ... do I fill a whole suitcase up with craft? How will the plushies fit in? Oh the dilemma.  My friend went to Japan and I asked her to get me a postcard. I thought that would be easy but she had no luck and then said, well they don't sell postcards in Australia either. Fair point.  But imagine the wrapping paper? Absolutely divine. I am in...