Icicles of Misotsuchi (Misotsuchi no Tsurara)

I've always wanted to go to Chichibu, Saitama because of two reasons: first, I want to hike up Mt. Chichibu and second, I want to see the Shibazakuras in spring. But then, I came across with an article about Misotsuchi no Tsurara, also located in Chichibu, which "sparked joy" lol at my #KonMari reference~ And so around this time two years ago, I went... with the beau of course! *hurrah*

Edit: I've had this in my drafts for what seems like forever... but thanks to it, I won't struggle remembering the details~

So, let's start, shall we?

Set the alarm a little early on a Saturday morning to catch the trains to Mitsumineguchi Station, the nearest one to Misotsuchi no Tsurara. Yes, trains. We needed to do three train line transfers from what I remember, so just a tip, know your train route beforehand. :)

As if a few train line transfers were not enough... there's more haha! From Mitsumineguchi Station, we rode the bus to reach Misotsuchi no Tsurara. Buses to our destination come infrequently. We arrived at Mistumineguchi Station at around 11 o'clock in the morning and had to wait for the 12:40PM bus bound for Mitsumine Shrine and get off at Misoba stop, which should take us 30 minutes. 

Unfortunately, my beau and I weren't able to get off at the said stop cos we were waiting to get off at a rather non-existent stop: Sanjuba stop. Before this trip, we've researched for tips re: Misotsuchi no Tsurara and according to a few blog posts, Sanjuba is the nearest stop. Little did we know that there's no Sanjuba stop, only Misoba stop. Probably a Kanji mix-up... so yeah. Remember, it's Misoba stop lol!

Because of the mishap of not being able to get off at the right bus stop, we were able to reach the last of all the stops the bus we're on had: Mitsumineguchi Shrine ー a shrine on top of Mt. Mitsumineguchi, which was about 30 minutes away from our intended destination. That looooong~

Imagine how pissed off I was, not to mention how hungry I was cos we didn't get to eat lunch (Mitsumineguchi Station has one or two restaurants around but unfortunately those were closed when we got there). So we decided to eat lunch in one of the restaurants near the shrine's entrance and take a few photos around as we wait for the next bus bound back to Mitsumineguchi Station, with Misoba being one of the stops before reaching it.

And yeah, after less than an hour, we finally made it to Misotsuchi no Tsurara! It is located in the confines of Wood Roof Camp, so when you get off at Misoba stop, you need to follow the road to Wood Roof Camp. There are arrows on the road leading you to the place, so don't worry. :)

Ahhhhhhhhhh finally what I went here for~

When we got tired of taking pictures plus our fingers and toes were already numb from the cold (despite the two coats I have on), we walked up to the entrance where a cafe sits. They offer coffee, cakes, and other light treats on sticks (which I don't have any idea of). Ordered coffee and cheesecake. Normal taste, nothing special, only that the cups and saucers had Peter Rabbit characters on it. I'll admit that made me smile- Peter Rabbit was one of my childhood besties sooo~

At exactly 5PM, Misotsuchi no Tsurara lighted up in different colours! Yup, we stayed for the illuminations even though the last bus leaves the place at around 5PM and we don't know how to go back to Mitsumineguchi Station except for a taxi company's number saved on my phone. Nevertheless, we still were amazed  by the light show! It was great! It would have been greater if some music accompanied it~

(watch in HD *wink*)

After our eyes finished feasting over the greatness that is Misotsuchi no Tsurara, we decided to head home but to our dismay, the taxi company that we called said no taxi driver could pick us up cos there's  a traffic jam in the area. We were thinking of staying the night there and so we started to look for some airbnbs or ryokans in the area but to another dismay, we found none. 

We were on the verge of playing dead hahahahaha but the beau thought of asking the guards near the cafe if they know other ways of going back to Mitsumineguchi Station and yessssss they did! They said if we run, yes ruuuuun asap, we might be able to catch the last bus at Misoba stop (which should have been gone at 5PM) cos it was caught in the said traffic jam, too! 

And so we ran like we were running for our lives in high hopes that we'll make it. It was the scariest run of mine so far cos it's dark with only the headlights of the cars on our sides and those coming towards us guiding us, plus there is a lack of walking space- I was literally rubbing elbows with the cars on the road! Geez! Good thing we got to Misoba stop with our body parts still intact and zero wounds haha! And after a few minutes, the miracle of miracles came! The bussss!!!!! *hurrah* The end.

What an adventure! Or a misadventure at that! Nevertheless, I'm glad I went to see Misotsuchi no Tsurara even once in this lifetime~ You should go and see it, too! Just make sure you don't make the same mistakes as us -- maybe bring a car and remember, it's Misoba stop. *wink*

Details
Misotsuchi no Tsurara
4066 Otaki, Chichibu, Saitama-ken 369-1901
Hours: From 9AM onwards, Light-up at 5PM
Nearest Station: Mitsumineguchi Station, ride the bus bound to Mitsumine Shrine, and get off at Misoba Stop

Life, Lately: Hello and Bye, January!👋🏻

Ahhhh one month down 2019! How are you? I still can't decide whether January went fast or slow lolー that's how lost I was and still am. Surprisingly, I was not that bothered (okay a little bit) that I'm lost. The past years I was lost too but at least then, I had things in mind I wanted to pursue and reach. I looked straight and just went on until I get them. But now it seems like I'm lay-lowing on life. I'm not my usual go-getter self. I feel like this year's theme would be living one day at a time... way different from the previous years. It's refreshing, though. I just don't know where this will take me. Who knows?

Anyway, before I bore you with my 27-year-old-lost-girl thoughts, let me share with you the highs of my January! At least the pictures are more entertaining than me just babbling nonsense, right? LOL

Hatsumode/ first Shinto shrine visit of the year

(Okunitama Jinja, Fuchu)

Went around five in the morning to pray and wish, as well as buy omamori/ lucky amulets~

Omiya Railway Museum

Been meaning to go here for a looong time and we finally did after years of trying haha! Kenji and I enjoyed the museum like kids lol! I love everything! We bought tickets at Lawson (Loppi Machine) instead of on the day at the museum for it was a little cheaper that way~

Yamanashi Weekend

(Gasthof Lumiere, Arakurayama Sengen Park/ Chureito Pagoda)

Staycation with Kenji for our monthsary aka an excuse to leave Tokyo and breathe in fresh air~ I was searching for real fireplaces x private baths and it led me to Gasthof Lumiere! The Chureito Pagoda visit was a last-minute decision and we had to hike for the great view but it was totally worth it!

Tokyo Metro: The Underground Mysteries

This was actually our second time to try this Tokyo-wide-puzzle-solving challenge and as always, it was amazing! Got to roam around parts of Tokyo I know exist but never really bothered to go to lol~ It was funnnnnn! Try it when you have the time! The 2018 version ended this 31st of January so you might have to wait for the 2019 version! Kits are available in Japanese and in English, doncha worry! *wink*

Art Bar Tokyo Painting Night

(The Hive, Jinnan)

Finally got the guts to join a painting class~ I knew this for a while now but I was always hesitant to go because I don't really paint and the classes are usually conducted in Japanese (which you and I know I'm bad at lol). But then, the stars must be on my side for they offered a lesson in English and the subjects were close to my heart: Tokyo and Van Gogh! Hell yeah, I went! Dragged Kenji, too! Ha!

Karuizawa Snowboarding/Skating Trip with Friends

(Prince Snow Resort, Harunire Terrace, Kera Ike Skating Rink)

Second time in Karuizawa, Nagano and it was indeed lovelier~ I blogged about this already and you can read it here: https://alyssashimode.blogspot.com/2019/01/a-winter-weekend-in-karuizawa.html.

Fuji Youchien Campus Tour

Sooo Fuji Youchien is a famous kindergarten in Tokyo, famous that I knew it from a Red Duck video that circulated on Facebook~ I was surprised that it's in my city! A friend went earlier and tipped us about the four times a year campus tour it hosts so off Kenji and I went~  I loved the rooftop playground!

Believe it or not, these things were *not that planned* the Alyssa way a.k.a. planned months before with an itinerary (except for the campus tour cos I had to fight for my slot so I had to book it early). But you know what? I'm finally learning to be more okay with unplanned things, to just live and savor each day when it comes, to just rest. I must have been restless all these years (because I felt the need to). I'm slowing down but my heart is calm. And that's a good thing, right?

How was your January? Any goals / realizations / discoveries?

xx,

Alyssa

Karuizawa Days

Been wanting to visit Karuizawa for the longest time. For some reason, my preschool/kinder students always bring home omiyage/souvenirs from that place... one of my conversation students owns a rest house in the area... that's enough for me to want to check what the little area in Nagano is all about. Off I went two weekends ago. The beau tagged along, of course. 

No itinerary...
Just three days and two nights of nature, onsen, food, and good company~

Hope you enjoyed this photolog of what transpired during our very chill Karuizawa trip! We literally just ate, slept, and breathed nature in! Sometimes, it doesn't hurt to take a break from our usual busy lives and just breathe.

MIND FART #14: Cheese Cares

✧✧✧

Why do I even care, geez

I just need some cheese

I don't really wanna, please

But hey, it's alright

Someday you'll sleep so tight

No more tears at night

✧✧✧

Just thought about this while I was browsing my Twitter feed earlier today. Originally posted it there but deleted it after a few minutes, just because. 

Oh, the thoughts that snow and silence can bring.

I hope that your hearts are always warm. I sincerely do.

Chasing Winter Lights

I have been fond of city lights and lights per se for heaven knows how long. That's why I couldn't help but feel giddy whenever December comes for it means lots of winter illuminations in and around Tokyo! Ahhhh definitely one of the reasons why I don't mind the winter cold!

This year, I challenged myself to visit more illuminations than my usual one per year haha talk about being lazy and I'm just glad I was able to visit five! Yes, five! Hence, this post! :)) 
So without further ado, here are some photos I took as I chase them winter lights! 

Enjoooy! ♡

 1. Tokyo Midtown Starlight Garden

Before transforming into an outdoor ice skating rink, Tokyo Midtown Garden houses an enormous Christmas illumination. This year's theme Midtown Cruise, boasted of approximately 280,000 LED lights, a vision dome, and scheduled audiovisual mini shows. This illumination made me feel like I'm an intergalactic queen even for just a few minutes! :)) 

So blueeee~

Here's a clip I managed to record when we went there. It's a little shaky though. >_<

Access
Toei Oedo Line, Roppongi Station Exit 8 (direct link)
JR Chiyoda Line, Nogizaka Station Exit 3 (3 minutes)
Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, Roppongi-itchome Station (10 minutes)

2. Meguro-gawa Minna No Illumi

I went here with a few workmates on a weekday so the time I spent here was relatively short. This illumination stretches from Gotanda Station to Osaki Station, lighting up the Meguro River in shades of pink mimicking cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms in winter? Awesome!

You can opt to get off at Gotanda Station and eat some legit curry and nan at Thali-ya, a few minutes walk from the station before heading to see the illumination. They have gorgonzola naan which goes perfectly well with butter chicken curry! Then you can just walk until the end of the illumination, which will bring you to Osaki Station. We did just that!

3. Tokyo Dome City Illumination

Get off at Korakuen Station, cross the street towards Tokyo Dome (it's too huge for you to miss) and voila, you got yourself into a wonderland of lights and sounds! With towering Christmas trees and colourful lights, plus a water symphony show, going here would surely boost your Christmas spirits up!

LaQua Water Symphony

This tunnel plays Exile's Kiminimuchu on loop! My friends and I crazied our way through the tunnel dancing to it haha!

Ultramaaaaan~

And look who came to town! Santaaaa~

Access
Tokyo Metro Namboku Line /  Marunouchi Line, Korakuen Station
Mita Line, Suidobashi Station

4. Showa Kinen Koen Winter Vista Illumination

I have been to Showa Kinen a couple of times before but this is the first time that I went here on Christmas Day. And it was a good decision that I did! Not only did I witness the beautiful parade of lights but also a good five-minute fireworks display! It also had a themed light display entitled "Attaka-Warmth" in and around the field! Merry Christmas, indeed! ♡

A Christmas tree made of champagne glasses

Access
Akebono Gate: JR Chuo Line, Tachikawa Station (10 minutes) / JR Tama Urban Monorail, Tachikawa Kita Station (8 minutes)
Nishitachikawa Gate: JR Ome Line, Nishi-Tachikawa Station (2 minutes)

Fees
Adult (over 15 years) - 400 yen / Child (6 to 14 years)  - 80 yen / Over 65 - 210 yen

5. Tokyo Tower Winter Fantasy Orange Illumination

Whenever I'm in Roppongi, I always see Tokyo Tower from afar and it has always been magnificent in my eyes. Yesterday was not an exception, especially when it's strikingly orange and everything around it were adorned with lights! The main observatory was also lit up with blue and pink LED lights to match the official event ambassadors, Sanrio characters Kiki and Lala! What a sight to behold! ♡

Oraaaange~

Tokyo Tower replica

Chiizu~

Access

Metropolitan Subway Oedo Line, Akabanebashi Station  (5 minutes walk to Akabanebashi Gate)

Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Kamiyacho Station Exit 1 ( 7 minutes)

I hope your December was as shiny, shimmery, and splendid just like the lights I've chased! 
Happy  winter! 
Happy New Year, too! ♡