I’ve visited Japan several times before but never had the opportunity to visit western Honshu. I’d read several tour brochures showing the natural beauty countryside and those beautiful snow-laden mountain range of the Japanese Alps which made me more determined to plan a trip soon. However, the idea of the trip went almost forgotten until one day my wife told me that that she wished to experience an autumn season and to see for real how leaf turns golden brown. I could not believe what I’d heard and I did not ask any question that could make her change her mind but immediately made preparation for the trip despite the costly air-ticket due to the 2008 fuel price-hike. Like a dream, I was in Japan again on 9th October 2008; it was 7:20am in the morning when the plane landed in Kansai International Airport. With my limited command of Japanese I managed to buy 2 tickets a going west on an Express Train. We took the opportunity to tour the Airport and had coffee from the dispenser until it was time to board the train. As soon as the train was leaving the City and as we traveled further into the countryside, the beautiful and enchanting scenery of paddy fields with the beautiful mountain range in the background whose color were then gradually changing from green to light brown. Then, after 3 hours, the porter informed that the train will ends her trip at the next station, it was Toyama Station.

Being the first time in Toyama, I was little nervous and worry because I must look for a reasonably cheap hotel so as not to unnecessary lose the Ringgit’s value over the expensive Yen. There was a huge and beautiful hotel right front of the station but my hands were in the pockets tightly protecting the Ringgits. As I was figuring out which direction I Should start out, as it was well over lunch time and the last meal was that papercup of coffee at the Airport, we were hungry, really hungry. We went from restaurant to the other not looking for the right food but the right price. Well! Then I saw at the far end corner of Toyama Station where a crowd was standing holding bowls and chopsticks and the signboard read UDON 350 Yen. It was decided that our 1st meal in Japan was hot, cheap and delicious udon. Despite having to stand did not mind us at all and we ordered a second bowl each. (700 Yen = RM24.50) x2. It was not cheap after all ne!
In the coming issue, my story will continue on how I managed 5 days lodging-free, just like home in the City of Toyama.

Mata, ne!