overnight bus...a learning experience

I took the 11pm bus to Nagoya. We had a couple of rest stops, one of which I got off to use the restroom. Upon stepping off the bus and walking away towards the rest area...I came to a horrifying realization. I didn't know which bus I came off of. o.O I turned around and headed for the nearest bus. Good thing, all the buses had seat assignment papers pasted at the front next to the door. I knew where I sat, so I checked each one. The 3rd bus I peeked in was mine. *whew* I made note of the location, bus number and any details I could gather in the dark before heading to pee. ^^;

two meals: ordinary and extraordinary

The bus dropped me off at Nagoya station close to 7am. I made note of where I will wait for the bus on sunday night and headed in. The first stop on my agenda was the JR Central Towers...which was located above Nagoya station. By the time I refreshed myself in the restroom, noted the opening time of the elevator to the 12th floor (10am) which will lead to the 51st floor of Office Tower (also 10am,) it was already close to 8am.

I decided to have breakfast at McDonald's and just wait until it opens. I ordered the hot dog set and changed my coffee to orange juice. It was nice...reading the time away. ^.^

FYI, the two towers that make up JR Central Towers are of two different heights with a variety of restaurants, stores and salons at the top. The top floor of the Office Tower dubbed the 'Panorama Salon' is the taller of the two. I decided to have brunch at the Cafe Du Ciel.

I was their first customer and chose a window seat so I may see the outside...which was my original purpose of coming to the Towers in the first place.

They took my suitcase and placed it in the front. I decided to order their breakfast special of egg salad sandich that came with a green salad with light dressing and coffee jello with whipped cream. I changed the coffee drink to hot matcha instead.

I continued reading my book while enjoying the view and my meal. I found that I like coffee jello...it was delicious. ^.^ Afterwards, I had a chocolate parfait dessert which had chestnuts in it with gold shavings at the top. I enjoyed everything immensely.

step into the past: Nagoya Castle

After my relaxing meals, I headed out to Nagoya castle via subway. I placed my suitcase in a locker at Shiyakusho station. Right outside of the exit was what I'm assuming is city hall.

I bought my ticket and walked through the East entrance.

I headed for the main castle while snapping pics along the way.

The first tower I saw was the Southeast Tower.

Here is a pic of a manhole...Nagoya castle style. ^.^

Around the castle towers is a moat-like ditch. 'Moat-like' since there is no water. There were some deer though. ^-^

Here is nice pic of me peeking through the fence at the reconstruction of Honmaru Palace and the main Nagoya Castle.

There is a no pic policy inside the main castle itself (save for a few parts) so I don't have much from the inside. You walk up each floor to check out the various exhibits. The first floor had a 3-D theater with a short documentary about the Hommaru Palace that is currently being restored. Thankfully, the show itself was subtitled in English. ^.^ I cringed a bit as they talked about the burning of the castle in 1945...because of the air raids in WWII. ^^; Along the first floor was also a insect exhibit of those native to the area. There were butterflies that had a wing span about the size of my hand from finger to thumb: really wide. O.O I think I will freak out if I saw one of that size. ^^; There were beautiful blue ones with iridescent wings and tiny ones as well. Of course, we also have the cicadas and horned beetles. Of course, one of the main attractions and the symbol of Nagoya are the golden donjon or dolphins (but they look more like golden fish to me. ^^;) so there were many restored statues and figures of them. There was even one where you can sit on and take a pic.

Another exhibit that was more interactive was pulling of a stone. I didn't try it, but a bunch of kids were pulling with their might. ^.^

At the top was the observation floor with a gift shop.

I picked up a Nagoya Hello Kitty phone strap. I took several pics around the various sides before heading back down.

I stopped by the gift shop at the side which I knew had food. I picked up a box of mochi for my roommates and picked up another Nagoya Hello Kitty for fighter and two regular golden phone strap of donjon and castle for kumi-kun and fighter's friend. I headed out (into the growing heat and rain) to grab pics of the main castle gate before heading back to the east gate.

The above is a pic of the Fumei-mon (gate.)

Along the gate was the 'sword fence'...since there were spearheads along the eaves of the roof.

Above is a pic of the Nagoya Castle and as close up as I can get of the donjon at the top. Nearby was the Ofukemaru Exhibit hall with paper dolls.

Below are more pics of the Nagoya castle...

...and of the Southwest tower with the Nagoya castle at the back.

The above is a pic of the main gate.

Beside the main gate was a golden donjon on display.

There was a Ninomaru teahouse near the East entrance. I stepped for a traditional tea ceremony. I don't think I did everything properly, but I did my best from my memory. ^^; They first served me a treat which I ate slowly. Then they served me my tea. I turned the tea cup (though I think in a different direction) and drank it in 4 sips. <.<; *blushes* We tried to speak to each other to no avail, but at least I understood and was able to respond when she asked where I was from. ^^; I thanked her for the tea and bowed out.

cosplay emergency: missing wig cap

Stepping out of the subway, I ventured to find my hotel which is right across from Nagoya TV Tower. Simple enough...I asked someone where the TV Tower was. ^^; I found the tower and located my hotel with no problems. I chose the Hotel Econo Nagoya Sakae after a recommendation. I checked in and confirmed that they can hold my suitcase after checking out on sunday. Upon stepping into my room, I unpacked and looked over my cosplay things...and discovered that I didn't have a swimming cap aka. my wig cap. >.< I suspected as much when I was on the bus last night. Good thing a department store is nearby so I went there. I found the bathingsuit section and asked for the 'swimming cappu'. I was directed to many and found a simple black one to suit my cosplay needs. Disaster averted, I headed back to my hotel.

Dinner would be at Yoshinoya which is right downstairs. I have a craving for unagi so I will probably have that. ^.^