Jan 9, 2019 | Cosplay, Cosplay Tutorial, Photoshootings, Travel, Travel Reports |
This summer we decided not only to visit Karatsu, but also to take some pictures in the Yukata Version of Yuri and Yurio in an tradtiiaonal Ryokan near to Karatsu Castle.
I wrote about my trip in Karatsu >>here<<
I also reported about my first photo shooting experience in a Ryokan >>here<<
The Ryokan we booked is called Yoyokaku.
The Ryokan is located a few meters away from the famous jogging course bridge of Yuri and the Castle. Sadly it takes about 2 Km to the station. Normally a distance you can walk, but not during the tremendous heat of 38 degrees and 90% humidity. ^^” Japanese summer can kill you….
We did not only chose this Ryokan, because of the location but also because of the beautiful interior and really good reviews.
Another important point were the Yukata´s they offer. They are exactly the same type of Yukata´s Yuri and Yuiro are wearing in the Yukata Collab button collection! (Yes, I am a nerd, shame on me!!)
As I mentioned before, Cosplaying in public is not very well received in Japan. Hotels are no exception. Even in the own private room!
Before booking the Ryokan I contacted them (in Japanese) and asked kindly for a permission to take pictures. They not only agreed kindly but also offered us to take pictures in their most beautiful room and lobby. We were really happy about it.
The Ryokan was not booked out and there were only a few customers. I am not sure if they always allow guests to take pictures or only do if their house is not full. So be sure always to ask beforehand if you are allowed to take pictures!
We also could take some very beautiful pictures in their garden and enjoyed later an full course meal with garden view.
Also the Onsen was amazing and we enjoyed the small pottery exhibition with some tea and coffee.
The breakfast in the dining hall was very tasty and the staff member took really really good care of us. She even took her time for some small talk (in Japanese, they tried but weren´t that fluent in English).
They also helped us with sightseeing spots and gave us some advices. It was great to stroll around in Yukata at the bridge and castle.
If you can spare the money and want to enjoy yourself (and drown in “Yuri On Ice” feels) I can really recommend this Ryokan.
We really enjoyed ourselves!
Pictures by Meermiau or Shiroku
Yuri by Shiroku/ Yurio by Chiko-chan
Informations:
Name: Yoyokaku
Type: Ryokan (traditional guest house)
Price range: 11.880 yen ~ 43.200 yen per room and night (might include breakfast/ dinner)
Webside: http://www.yoyokaku.com/
Adress: 2 Chome-4-40 Higashikaratsu, Karatsu, Saga Prefecture 847-0017, Japan
Jan 7, 2019 | Cosplay, Japan, Photoshootings, Travel, Travel Reports |
The real life version of Yuri Katsuki´s hometown „Hasetsu” is called Karatsu. A beautiful small town located near to Fukouka in the Saga region of Japan.
The Anime “Yuri On Ice” became popular all over the world. With the rising popularity, also Karatsu became more and more popular among foreign tourist.
As a huge fan of “Yuri On Ice” I took the chance to visit “Hasetsu” and explored together with friends Yuri´s hometown.
Many of you might know, that Cosplaying in public is not well received in Japan. As a foreigner you might get the “baka gaijin” (stupid foreigner) bonus, but in general if you appear in Cosplay at an event they might refuse to let you enter until you put off your costume.
Karatsu is different. With the “Saga on Ice” campaign they encourage Cosplayers to take pictures in the real life spots of “Hasetsu” and to explore this city while cosplaying.
The residents were very friendly, supportive and obviously used to “Yuri On Ice” cosplayers.
Fukouka Airport:
We decided to go by Airplane to Fukuoka, because this is how Yuri Katsuki arrived in Japan in the first episode.
We were too tired so we didn´t took any pictures.
We took the Kuukou Line to Karatsu, like Yuri did. The Kuukou line connects the Airport directly with Karatsu. It takes you about an hour to reach Yuri´s home.
When you are lucky you will be able to ride the new type of train, which also Yuri took.
Karatsu Station:
Karatsu Station is the spot were Yuri got fetched up by his family.
When we arrived, we also looked up the tourist information, were you could get free English “Yuri On Ice” sightseeing maps.
We also found tons of merchandise.
At the North exit of Karatsu you can also find the infamouse octopus statue, where Yurio took a Selfie.
Sadly the original is not an octopus but an lion.
Koyomachi (shopping district):
Of course we also visited the shopping district Koyomachi.
We went there very early in order not to disturb anyone during our shooting.
It was amazing, the shopping street played the “Yuri On Ice” OST non stop.
We also found next to merchandise and the tiger shirt, which Yurio discovered during his visit. The shop owner gave us a “Yuri On Ice” fan and flyers. She was super friendly and told us to take more pictures. XD
Tsubomi Snack Bar:
Tsubomi Snack Bar, is the bar where Victor was looking for Yuri and where he met Minako.
It was closed during daytime, so we didn´t went inside.
Hasetsu Castle:
The Castle is obviously one of the main spots to visit.
We visited Yuris jogging course. The stairs and the bench at the castle.
Also the spot where he talked to Victor.
And the most important place: The selfie spot of victor.
You could find photo spot signs with information’s about the location and the scenes of the Anime.
Karatsu did some promotion campaigns with the castle. You could find lot´s of merchandise in the shop and the characters all over the castle.
I loved it! (We also loved the aircon and free wifi ^_-).
The bridge:
Also one of Yuris jogging course: The bridge.
With an wonderful view to the ocean and the castle.
Especially during the night, the castle looked so beautiful.
Yu-Topia:
Yuri´s home and hot spring resort in Karatsu. We visited Yuri´s home and got some original Katsudon!
They even had the TV, where the family gathered together to watch the ice skating competitions.
They also offered a photo spot area with lot of “Yuri On Ice” characters.
Their merchandise booth were full of “Yuri On Ice” special edition stuff.
I really loved it there. Luckily it was pretty empty and were allowed to take some pictures. We got also asked by some Japanese fans for a selfie. You could meet “Yuri On Ice” fans in every corner, silently fangirling (BTW we were the only foreigners there).
Sadly we didn´t had time to visit the hot spring.
Makkachin´s vet:
We visited Makkachin´s vet and saw a lot of cute cats and dogs. Their window was full of “Yuri On Ice” merchandise and Makkachin´s.
Udon store:
During the Anime the ice rink showed some advertisement for an Udon store in “Hasetsu”.
Apparently this Udon store really exists and had a small collaboration with the Anime.
We visited the store, found the poster and the exact spot of the poster.
We tried to get the same seats but it was super crowded. The food was really amazing!
Fukouka (Yatai Stores):
After our stay in Karatsu we moved to Fukuoka and spent there a few days.
The ending of “Yuri On Ice” showed some famous spots of Fukuoka, like the Yatai stores or this unique tower.
Conclusion:
We really really loved this place. If you are a huge fan of “Yuri On Ice” I would really recommend to visit this town at least once in your life. The people are really welcoming and helpful and you can also meet a lot of fans there. Doing this photoshooting was one of my dreams and it was way better than expected.
We also could took some pictures in the Ryokan which provides the Yukata´s of the collaboration edition (I will write a blog about it later).
You could say it was one of my highlights during this travel!
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to write me a message ^_-
Pictures by Meermiau or Shiroku
Yurio by Chiko Chan
Yuri by Shiroku
Map of the “Yuri On Ice” sightseeing spots in Karatsu
Dec 12, 2016 | Travel, Travel Reports |
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| Outside |
The Penguincafe:
I really love penguins and of course I visited the Penguin café in Nagoya!
I visited this place during my trip as World Cosplay Summit representative for Germany.
This is why I could enjoy the Penguin experience together with some German friends and my cute students.
The café is located in the Osu shopping district. As an Otaku you would say, near to Mandarake!
It is a very small shop with 2 floors.
But even it is a small cafe, a penguin sign will lead you to the right entrance. In the ground floor are some seats, the kitchen and the toilet.
The main seat area is located in the 2nd floor.
What I really loved about this shop is that you can find penguins in every corner, in every shape and size.
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| Penguins everywhere! |
You are also allowed to take them and to put them on your lap.
They even put some really cute plush penguins on the seats and displayed some penguin books.
Even the menu is full of penguins!
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| The menue |
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| Kingpenguinplate |
I ordered the Kingpenguinplate (1.100 yen) with an extra penguin and the Penguin Café Latte (600 yen)!
It hurt to eat them ToT all the penguins were so super cute! But it was super tasty!
After eating slowly our menus (puh it was a lot!) I went down to pay my food.
In the entrance area they have a small shop with penguin merchandise.
Of course I got some penguins. *o*
I really enjoyed that experience and had a lot of fun.
The penguins there are super cute and you are allowed to take pictures everywhere.
If you like penguins please have a look and visit this awesome café!
Website: http://www.pgcafe.jp (Japanese only)
Operating hours: 12:00～20:00, Closed on Wednesday
Size: 1F-> about 6 People, 2F-> about 22 people
Budget: Lunch: ~1.000 yen, Dinner: ~2.000yen
Adress:
Feb 16, 2016 | Japan, Travel, Travel Reports |
Japan is not only famous for beautiful shrines and traditional culture but also for a very modern and unique pop-culture.
While being in Japan I always recommend visiting theme cafes/ restaurants. I guess the most famous ones are cat cafes and Butler or Maid cafes.
I visited different cafes until now and want to report this time about my experiences at a maid cafe.
What is a maid cafe?
A maid cafe is a restaurant where young waitresses are serving food while wearing a European style maid uniform. The original idea was to create a space likely to a rich household in Europe with maids and butlers who are taking care of their “master”. In Japan flats are very small and the daily routine can be very stressful. Maid cafes are supposed to be a space where people can relax and escape the daily routine.
You can find different types in Japan. At some cafes the waitresses are just serving the ordered items politely like at the Cure Café in Akihabara, while other waitresses are also entertaining their guests with games or live music shows.
You are not allowed to touch the maids and to take pictures of her. You can buy a picture afterwards, which is normally taken by another maid. Also calling her if you don’t want to order something is mostly prohibited.
Generally you are paying a certain fee (about 0-1.500 yen) for a certain time frame. Mostly it will be about an hour. At some maid cafes you are also obligated to order a certain amount of drinks or dishes.
Dishes and drinks are a bit more expensive than the average Japanese restaurant although the prices can differ a lot between the cafes.
Sometimes you also can buy merchandise or order stuff like a picture with your favorite maid or a live concert.
Which maid café would you recommend?
Maidremin
I always like to visit the Maidreamin maid café. Maidreamin is a Maid café chain and has stores through the whole Japan.
It is very easy to find the cafes because you can check out the locations at their homepage or just look for a maid in their uniform standing around at the street in Den Den Town (Osaka) or Akihabara (Tokyo).
Maidreamin is the only Maid café I could find where pictures, except of the maids, are allowed. Mostly you are not allowed to take pictures at all.
They also provide English menus and have sometimes English speaking staff (although we always needed Japanese, because the English was very basic).
Maidreamin is a maid café where maids are behaving like a “kawaii” (cute) maid. The maid uses magic spells to make your food tastier, talks with you, play games and sometimes sings for you at the stage (I visited 2 times and experienced 2 concerts).
I also like, that every Maidreamin café has another setting. My favorite so far was the Mario Café where you have Mario boxes hanging above you head.
The dishes are tasty and always arranged cutely. You are paying an admission fee about 500 yen (1.000 yen if you want a special seat, so be careful!) for an hour and are obligated to buy a drink and a dish.
Dishes and drinks are starting with 500 yen.
Set menus are starting with about 1.500 yen and are mostly including a picture with a maid, a drink and food.
@home
I have never been at the @home café before but I know it is very famous along foreigners.
They also provide English menus and have cafes especially for foreigners.
They own several stores in Akihabara, located at the Don Quiote with different settings and also have a traditional setting for where the maids are wearing Kimono orientated uniforms.
The follow the same “Kawaii” concept like the Maidreamin café but pictures are prohibited. So you can’t even take pictures of your food or your friends while enjoying the maid café expect paying a certain fee for taking a picture with a maid. The admission fee for an hour is about 600 yen and they have a strict ranking of their maids. You can see at the ribbon they wear which ranking they have.
Food and drinks are starting with 500 yen.
The reason why I never visited this café before was, that you need to line up. Waiting can take until 3 hours. I tried to visit this café 4 times and always needed to wait between 2-3 hours.
So be prepared to wait or visit the café at 10 in the middle of the week to prevent lining up for hours.
Cure Maid Cafe
Café cure is the first Maid café in Akihabara located in a side street in the 6th floor. Everything started with this maid café.
This café is very different compared to the other two maid cafes mentioned before.
The waitresses are wearing traditional Victorian style maid dresses and the setting is based on a typical European café.
The waitresses are extremely polite and very well mannered (it was very embarrassing how they talked to me…).
The food is very good, priced average and if you are looking for a place to enjoy and relax in the busy and bursting city Tokyo, this is the right place!
You don’t have an admission fee but you are expected to leave the café after an hour.
The coffee is very good and the drinks are starting with about 300 yen.
Pictures are not allowed, even if you want to pay for it.
My opinion:
I really like visiting theme cafes and it is always a great experience to visit a maidcafe.
It is a unique but still important part of Japanese cultur.
Sometimes it is very difficult to go without any Japanese knowledge. So I would recommend to take at least a Japanese speaking friend.
If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask.
Jan 20, 2016 | Cosplay, Cosplay Tutorial, Japan, Travel, Uncategorized |
It is a dream of every Cosplayer/ Anime fan to visit Japan once.
Next to a huge variety of shops stuffed with Anime/ Manga merchandise you can find a large sum of shops with Cosplay related goods or Cosplays itself.
Although Cosplay in general is not a reputable hobby in Japan, it is more acknowledged than in Europe.
Generally you will find in every city of Japan shops selling Cosplays and goods.
Because of that most of the Japanese Cosplayer are buying their costumes, of course there is still a notable number who like to craft their costumes by their own.
This time I want to write a shopping guide about getting goods for your self made Cosplays.
I will write a blog about buying Cosplays and wigs later.
I want to concentrate on Tokyo, because I think that everyone who will visit the first time Japan will start with Tokyo or at least stop over. Furthermore I am much more familiar with getting fabric and goods in Tokyo than in other cities, because I visited Tokyo several times already.
Getting fabric and dry goods:
Japanese fabrics and dry goods are quite affordable. Of course it is not cheap as in Taiwan and if you want some special goods be prepared to pay for it. But you can get 1 meter of your desired fabric for about 108 yen (75 Eurocents) if you are lucky. Japanese friends told me that the fabric prices in Germany are just crazy.
Generally spoken, Japanese fabrics are not only affordable they also have a good quality.
So you can make some good bargains and are still buying quality.
They also have a big variety of different fabric types. If you are looking for cute or typical Japanese prints you will find a large choice to choose from.
Gemstones can be cheap but you mostly will find yourself paying the same as in Germany.
Dry goods are in general cheaper than in Germany. They also offer a bigger choice and if you are lucky you can find reduced products and make a good deal.
If you want to buy cheap laces/ braids and gemstones, I would recommend buying them in Dubai.
The most of these stores are located near to the Nippori Station at the northeast of Tokyo.
This district is also well-known as “Nippori fabric town”.
At Nippori you will find one fabric store next to each other, offering dry goods, fabrics and more. You can enjoy fabric shopping the whole day.
Just be aware, that no one speaks English and you should be familiar with the goods you want to buy. Even the labeling is mostly in Japanese. So you should be able to read Japanese or know how a 100% cotton fabric looks and feels like. If not you might be lost or buy the wrong kind of fabric.
Like nearly everywhere in Japan most of the shops are only accepting cash payment. I haven’t seen an international ATM (or 7/11) in this district so withdrawal money before heading to this shopping paradise.
At Nippori the most famous shops are “Tomato”. You will recognize these shops very easily, because their company logo is a tomato.
Tomato owns several different stores at Nippori, which are offering different kind of fabrics.
You will also find a wide range of frequently reduced fabrics for 108 yen per meter. If you want to make a bargain I would recommend going to Tomato.
Location:
Station: Nippori (Yamanote Line/ Keisei Main Line/ Joban Line, Tohoku Main Line)
Exit: South east
Operating hours: Mostly 10 am – 6 pm (depending to the shop)
Map of the Nippori fabric town:
