Year: 2016

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

In Review: 88 Days of Backpacking and Living in Japan

How it is to backpack in Japan, spending summary, and my favorite pictures of this fascinating country.

Aska wooden roller coaster, Nara Dreamland

Nara Dreamland – Abandoned Amusement Park

After going to the amusement park at the top of Ikoma Mountain, I found out that there was, in the city of Nara, another even bigger one which was completely abandoned. Closed since 2006 because of competition from Disneyland Tokyo and Universal Studios Osaka, Nara Dreamland became one of the things I had to do before leaving Japan.

Takeda Castle

Short Trips to Kobe and Takeda Castle

A visit to a friend in Kobe, and the so called “Machu Picchu of Japan”.

Ikoma Sanjyo Amusement Park

Ikoma Sanjyo Amusement Park

On the way back from Nara, I stopped at Ikoma Station and took the funicular to the top of Mount Ikoma, where I found a very pleasant surprise.

River Plate vs FC Barcelona, FIFA Club World Cup

Following River Plate at the FIFA Club World Cup

Knowing that River Plate had qualified for it by winning the Copa Libertadores, I coincided my return to Japan with the FIFA Club World Cup. Watching them face FC Barcelona also meant I got another chance to see Lionel Messi.