Melly Tango

Day 14: #Karuizawa station, bus to “Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu”, Harunire Terrace = popular. @sngo1982 and I designed our own rings at the Glinta. Soba at せきれい橋川上庵. #nomnomnom Jelly sake had some gold flakes! #Halloween lights at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza. #Japan

Day 13: @sngo1982 and I visited Zenkoji Temple. Huge site! Sampled food as we approached the gate - oishii! Great views from the gate. Dark underground passageway (main hall) - tests patience. We gently pushed a turntable (Kyouzou). The combination ticket - best. #Nagano #Japan

Day 12: Staff at the #Yudanaka train station were friendly but they pressed the machine to issue 1 too many tickets, when u only need 2 not 3. Bye to the monkey-branded town and off to the city, Nagano.@sngo1982 already dislikes the budget dated city hotels, and bars. #Japan

Day 11: @sngo1982 and I took the free shuttle bus (via Info Center) to Mt Ryoo ropeway. The Sora Terrace was covered in snow. Frozen fauna. The sun shone on Sekai Heiwa Seikanzeon Bosatsu (World Peace Kannon Statue). Then back to 24/7 pudding hut and foot bath. #Yamanochi #Japan

Day 10: Oooh. After 40 mins of winding pathway in mud to the gate with @sngo1982. We saw unholy cuteness and wild animals in action at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Coming back down we ate fresh apple soft serve then monkey cookies with matcha dessert set. #Yudanaka #Japan

Day 9: shipshape @sngo1982 and I were off to #Nagano for lunch and transfer to #Yudanaka. Nothing but simple pleasures. View of misty mountains. Foot bath by the train station. 24/7 dessert bar (self-serviced - cash only - exact amount required). Matcha pudding. #Japan

Day 8: It rained all day in #Kanazawa. @sngo1982 and I ate at Omicho Market (seafood!). Kanazawa Castle Park was HUGE! Hirosaka 21st Century Museum of Art - closed exhibits. Higashi Chaya district - great local produce. Gold sprinkle on my matcha warabi mochi - Yes pls! #Japan

Day 7 (24 October 2026). @sngo1982 and I zoom’ed to Himi. Passed Amaharashi rock. Sighted warning of bears. Saw 0. Manga Rd dotted with characters from Fujiko Fujio. A must-see was the automation clock. Visited Takaoka daibutsu >> Aeon Mall in Shin-Takaoka. #Japan

Day 6: JR #Fukui train stn has great seafood snacks. Premium too! The Fukui Prefecture Dinosaur Museum (#Katsuyama) was most accommodating, staff helped @sngo1982 and I with tickets and table allocation at the restaurant. There were animatronics! #Japan

Day 5: a sleepy-train ride for us today. @sngo1982 and I have made it to #Kanazawa relatively smoothly. So much food and snacks to eat here! Plenty of seating space. Great for waiting on mates to arrive at the train station. Kawaii mascot btw! #Ishikawa #Japan

Day 4: @sngo1982 and I munched on crab meat. Snuck in a #Halloween dessert at Rex Cafe near Universal City Stn. Then u/gnd Mos Burger for dinner in #Tennoji. Finished w #Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts’s Illumination session. Wow. #Kansai #FTW #Japan

Day 3 (20 October 2026): the animals were most loveable and adorable. I got the chance to see a group of Capybara follow a leader to the human-only gate. Oof. They are knowledgeable. @sngo1982 and I had a great laugh. Off to Umeda for retail therapy. #KOBE #Japan

Day 2: @sngo1982 and I had our fill of matcha goodies in Kyoto. High-end brands have taken over Isetan. Meanwhile,the poke stops with poke lids art work only give 1 gift per spin. Sleuth! Many were in bug-infested locations. Otherwise, good walks. #Kyoto #Japan

Day 1: rested. @sngo1982 and I hit up a local fish market, supermarket, and Yosakoi festival. Dance performers wore traditional gear. Followed by a sweet dinner at Cinnamoroll Cafe. Namba Square had an amazing free walk-thru installation, Chimney House #Halloween #OSAKA #JAPAN

Day 27 (29/05/2026). Bon Voyage #London bro and I had a wonderful time. We got the chance to enjoy your pre-summer heat wave. Also, I have learned the Oyster travel card does not work beyond a certain zone. Paper tickets are required for transit. #UK

Day 26 (28/05/2026). Coach to #Brighton was cheaper that’s for sure. Preston garden had roses in bloom. A few tent based events near churches. Zipliner! The pier & esplanade was by far the busiest. Pebble beach folks! Deck chairs on pier = free. Deck chairs on beach = hire. #UK

Day 25 (27/05/2026). Sunny #London who would have thought? Took a coach to majestic #Stonehenge I can see Y it is a bucket list destination. Grand Union Canal walkway was chockers. Our visit to the Harry Potter Shop and Platform 9¾ was a blast, filled w laughter n fun!

Day 24 (26/05/2026). Adieu #Scotland Thanks for the sweet memories, rain and sun. We learnt a great deal about the past thru your fabulous storytellers. Highland produce was delicious - whiskey fudge, seafood, and chocolates. We specially enjoyed Water of Leith trail and gems.

Day 23 (25/05/2026). Brunch at Rose St Cafe. Tour of #Edinburgh Castle (3rd party). A few buildings were open. Lots of war ephemera. Tasted whiskey liqueur. St Giles Cathedral had decorated rooms (Thistle Chapel - closed). Scottish Whiskey Exp shop had a UX unit w brands origin.

Day 22 (24/05/2026). Sun came out for #Edinburgh. A marathon was ON. Saw 1 dino + 1 knight. Edinburgh Dungeon exp was exhilarating + fun. National Galley of Scotland had great tapestry n art. Dean Village n garden was relaxing for a night walk. 1/2 pot of mussels for dinner.