The trip started with a red eye flight on 30 Oct 2018, via ANA (All Nippon Airways). Realised that it was quite hard to fall asleep yet there's nothing for me to do since lights would be off soon after we took off. ANA has a night pack for passengers, which is essentially a bottle of drinking water, wet wipe and a cake.
Breakfast was served at about 5.30am. The plane was supposed to land in Tokyo by 8am. I'd choose the local breakfast, which was essentially porridge with salmon flakes and cold somen. As usual, there'd be cut fruits and yoghurt.
breakfast on ANA
Was worried of having cold noodles in the morning as that might wreak havoc in my sensitive tummy but it was unfounded. In fact, the cold noodles were refreshing!
cold somen for breakfast
おはよ
Then, the plane touched down at Narita. Felt good to be back in Japan, though at times, still felt a little awkward but I could navigate my way with the help of Google Map and Translation. Hahaa! Of course, I'm those type that needed to research like 100 times, and at the end, may decide not to proceed. =P
arrival
The necessary accommodations have been booked prior to arrival and typically, I used Agoda for that purpose. Flight is usually bought direct from the carrier. Got myself the Japan Rail Pass Ordinary 7D Pass for SGD342 at that time but will only activate it when I'm going from Tokyo to Nagoya.
So first things first, I needed to get to Kinshicho which is a new area that I have not stayed before. Took a normal train out of the airport and direct to Kinshicho.
no one
Stayed at Sotetsu Fresa Inn chain at Kinshicho, booked via Agoda for SGD146 (after 5% discount) for 2 nights from 31 Oct till 2 Nov 2018. This hotel is about 5 minutes walk from Kinshicho Station.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kinshicho
shrine next to the hotel
hotel lobby
welcome coffee - self service
bath salt for the ladies
My room was at the 14th floor, and of city view.
searching for my room
Sotetsu Fresa Inn - Double Bed 12 m²
view from room
compact bathroom with a tub
Kose handwash
bath things
Bathroom was well equipped and the only thing that I was apprehensive about, is actually the shower curtain. Being alone in the room makes on imagine things and being behind a curtain, probably exerbated that fear by a bit. However, practically the shower curtain was a necessity to keep the water from splashing out to the floor.
work desk (and bath salts from downstairs)
things kept neatly
my morning things
when in Japan, drink tea
small table to snack on bed
Enough of the room, so I went around exploring the area. There's a Family Mart like next door to the hotel, so that was utmost convenient to get breakfast and whatever nots, when the hunger strikes,
feels like autumn
let's get some lunch
fried chicken? Yes please!
Famichiki~
juicy and hot
I didn't know it then, but the right etiquette was to purchase food that's on-the-go, and have it outside of the shop (unless they have on-site seats). So, there I was... standing outside of the convenience store by its side, and enjoying my hot chic. Hahaa!
Satisfied after having that snack, went walking around the neighbourhood to scout for other food shops. Hehe.
first time seeing a 'box' car (the driver waved at me since I was looking at his vehicle with much interest)
ramen shops seemed popular here
so retro
western food
And, I was happy to see Tokyo Skytree from where I was.
I see you, Tokyo Skytree
stopping to see other interesting things
looks walkable
looking at the flowers along the way
Pretty awesome to be looking at such an amazing structure.
Tokyo Skytree
Night view at the same location.
Dinner that night was a simple meal of oden, bought from Family Mart next door.
First attempt to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace was in 2014 but it was closed that day when we dropped by. In 2017, finally went inside to take a look. Built in 1395 and is the largest palace when compared against the Eastern and Western palaces.
On our way to the palace, we dropped by Yesul Gimbap for some snacks.
shopfront signage
ham gimbap
Afterwhich, we strolled over to the palace. Nice weather and clear blue skies.
main gate to Gyeongbokgung
Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)
spotted a bee
While many were taking pictures of Gwanghwamun, the main gate to the palace, it was also worth admiring the plants outside of the gate. There were some tourists in traditional costumes, which I think other tourists may want to take a photo of them as well.
many tourists
Coincidentally, there was some special event going-on in the palace ground so we also 'kaypoh' to watch. Lots of people in soldier costumes, some in palace attendants costume and the King was there as well!
the King and his attendants
soldiers
martial art performance by kids
the King is watching
Nice to walk around the palace grounds and many were just looking for that right spot for OOTD.
After Busan, it was back to Seoul again. This time round, my friends would be staying at the Hongdae area but am not in favour of the crowds. Searched for a while prior to the trip and decided on ROinhome, one of the many guesthouses available in the quieter side of Hapjeong, which was just a station or two away from the vibrant Hongdae.
Read more about my review of ROinhome in Tripadvisor.
ROinhome
outdoor patio
lobby
double bed
daily breakfast
The place was comfortable and quiet and the simple breakfast were mainly sweet stuff like muffin or a cake with a sweet drink. Along the way to the hotel, there's a convenience store. So I'd always stock up with my favourite banana milk drink.
banana milk
Worth trying is the mandu shop that one will pass by when getting to the Hapjeong MRT to/from guest house. Inexpensive and tasty.
Mapo Mandu shop
steamed beef dumplings
galbi mandu
We spent a day at Ewha and was trying to look for lunch around that area but unfortunately, many restaurants or food shops were closed for Chuseok. We had our Isaac Toast and street food but was still in need of something more substantial.
Found a dakgalbi shop and it looked like it was closed for the afternoon (since we only found this place at about 230pm). Fortunately, the lady re-opened her shop and let us in. It was empty and we got a bit worried if they have prepared any food for the diners since this was not their usual time for a meal.
dakgalbi shop nearby Ewha shopping street
stir-frying in progress
here comes the rice
almost ready
dakgalbi with rice topped with cheese
ginseng chicken
The meal re-energized our souls and back to Ewha for sightseeing and walking. There were some first-timers in the group so we explored quite a bit the University grounds.
EWHA
up close
familiar view
After that we headed back to the hotel to rest up before meeting up for dinner. Diner venue shall be in Myeongdong.
Myeongdong Cathedral
streetfood
gyeran bbang
We decided to get some grill meats for dinner but didn't know which restaurant to go to. Was just walking around and looking at makan places when a man called out to us. He suggested his restaurant and we thought why not.
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