Melanie Toye dreams of Japan

Image by u_zv1vzaxjdh from Pixabay When one day I travel to Japan, I would like to see a Geisha. A Geisha in Japan is known for their entertainment and hosting of tea ceremonies.  I think they are beautifully dressed with wearing kimono’s and sandals with white socks. As well as their make-up beautifully displayed and stunning hair-styles that they showcase.  I love the elegance and artistic traits of a Geisha. From their cute and beautiful traditional Japanese umbrella’s to their traditional style dances.  It takes training to be a Geisha and this occurs in their teenage years. I guess that’s one aspect I am drawn too, they commit to training and being the elegant form of a Geisha. Maiko is a Geisha in training and they live in Geisha houses for five years. Talk about immersing themselves in the complete tradition and transformation to become a Geisha. I also appreciate that they study etiquette. It’s similar to princesses and princes-to be, studying etiquette to be see...

Cool 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  ^please note, I use affiliate links and banners in this blog post, Which means if you make a purchase, I receive a percentage of the sale price from the seller. Follow me on Pinterest at: @melanietoye Follow me on F...

^Please note, this blog post uses affiliate links. This means, I receive a percentage of the sale from the seller. 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...

^Please note, this blog post uses affiliate links. This means, I receive a percentage of the sale from the seller. 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 amazing. If you went ...

  Image by Ridwan Hardjowibowo from Pixabay   Personally, I am a huge Hello Kitty fan. I have always liked Hello Kitty but this year she has taken off. I have Hello Kitty mugs, a bag, knee high socks, key chain and even thinking about crocheting my very own Hello Kitty plushie.  So it makes sense, one day, when I travel to Japan, I will visit Sanrio Puroland in Japan.  What is at Sanrio Puroland in Japan? It’s awesome to see that there is a parade and show at Sanrio Puroland. In addition, rides and attractions and also food is available.  Where is Sanrio Puroland located?  Sanrio Puroland is in Tokyo in Japan. When I travel to Japan I will be visiting or maybe even staying in Tokyo, so it is fantastic that Sanrio Puroland is located there.  The closest station is at Tama Center Station, which is only a five minute walk to get to Sanrio Puroland, which is very handy.  Ticket prices For the most up to date ticket prices, click here:  https://e...

^Please note, this blog post uses affiliate links. This means, I receive a percentage of the sale from the seller. I spent some time learning the Japanese language verbally, not reading/written. However, I have found it hard to keep it all in memory. I think I did it too fast. Instead of focusing on maybe 5 key sentences a week, or even just words. I tried to learn about 30 sentences in a week. It didn't work.  I know only remember a few key words, such as Arigato (Thank you), Sumimasen (Sorry/Excuse Me), Watshi wa Mel des (I am Mel). Plus some counting numbers, such as 1 - 10 in Japanese. I am disappointed in myself, but I feel, I may have made it too difficult in a short number of time, trying to learn.  In addition, I do not have a chance to practice it very much, although, I do seem to add it to conversations of Japan, but then I only remember those above words.  I want to learn. I need may be a word a day? Or a sentence a day? And then every day, repeat the word/sent...

Image by Igor Podobriy from Pixabay Welcome to my blog post. Today I am exploring more about Universal Studios in Japan to see what it has to offer. How to find out about Universal Studios First of all Universal Studios has their own website and it can translate it to English, which I find impressive. I just googled Universal Studios Japan and found the link at the top search results:  ショー＆アトラクション・スケジュール｜ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン｜USJ What can you see at Universal Studios I was told Super Mario World is there and as per my last blog post on Disneyland in Japan, I thought Harry Potter was there and it might be, but it is at Universal Studios. There is also a Minion park, which I assume would be filled with fun. I would definitely visit the Jurassic Park section of Universal Studios. Prepared to be in awe of those dinosaurs. I am also a huge fan of JAWS, so Amity Park looks right up my alley. The list of sections to see doesn't even end there! Purchasing of food at Universal Studios The food ...

Image by GraphicMama-team from Pixabay Disneyland in Japan is the one / top place I want to travel to with my family. I have always wanted to take my family to Disneyland and why not visit Japan at the same time?  My questions for travelling to Disneyland in Japan So I have some questions, like, when travelling on rides, are the actor's/spokespeople talking in Japanese or do they also speak in English?  I feel like this is an important question. If people came to Australia, it is in English. So it makes sense if the language spoken is in Japanese.  So I found this:  Tokyo Disney Resort – Travel guide at Wikivoyage  and apparently, the main language spoken at Disneyland in Japan is Japanese. However, most signs at the park are multilingual.  Ok, so I definitely need this as a reason to keep learning Japanese. Also, what sort of attractions besides rides are there? I believe Harry Potter is a big theme in Disneyland. I love Harry Potter, so is this true? Ok,...

Hello and welcome, My name is Mel and I am excited to start this new blog related to Japan travels. I personally haven't visited Japan yet, but I am keen to take my family there in the next ten years. (Seems like a long time, but other goals trump this one at this stage). However, there is nothing wrong with a long goal. I can learn the language and may be even the wording to read while over there.  I have started to learn the Japanese language, such as Watshi wa Mel des. I am Mel and Arigato - Thank you. Obviously, I need to learn a lot more and ten years should give me a wealth of time, I just need the commitment to keep learning.  Have you ever travelled to Japan, please comment below with your most favourite location to visit.  This blog is going to be everything Japan that I want to see when I travel and hope you might find some cool discoveries as well.  Please follow my blog, plus check out my other social media pages: Subscribe to my YouTube channel: littlemi...