A bit of a deep city that you have experienced in Hong Kong, one of Asia's most trading destinations

Hong Kong arriving in Japan in about four hours by air is a city where various cultures from all over the world caught up and developed distinctive because it was the center of finance and circulation for a long time. It was a position as a colony for a long since being ceded to the UK in 1842, but its color is left behind strongly even after its name was changed to "China People's Republic Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" in 1997 It is. Since we had a chance to visit Hong Kong in the interview this time, I have experienced a part of Hong Kong with a voice that the Chinese color has become stronger as well.

◆ Cheap guesthouse in Chonquin Mansion
This lodging accommodation is a novel by Sawaki KotaroLate-night expressIt is also famous for being crowded togetherChonquin MansionIt was a guest house in.


Chonquin Mansion is one of the center of Hong KongTsim Sha Tsui(Tsim Sha Tsui) It rises in the middle of throat.


It was a famous slum areaKowloon FortressAlthough it was torn down, there are also many cases that Chonquin Mansion took over as a successor, but nowShopping mallIt is said that the dark and scary atmosphere like before has become less.


However, when entering the main entrance separate from the shopping mall, there is a slightly dark atmosphere. It seems I hesitate to enter a bit if I am not used to it. Shops and exchange stores by Middle Eastern African residents are on the first floor and the second floor of the building.


Inside the building where narrow places and small shops are crowded.


At first it may be hesitant to enter into the intimidation feeling, but once it gets used to it, it is surprising that it becomes comfortable unexpectedly. The yellow signboard store is a currency exchange store, and you can exchange money at a rate better than 10% better than the exchange office in the city except for the building entrance. Of course it is also possible to exchange money from the Japanese yen.


It is the scene unique to Chonquin Mansion that wiring is exposed in this way.



The room we stayed at this time was "Guest House" which is operated by Chonquin Mansion for agesDragon Inn(Long Hui Hotel) ". It is also possible to make a reservation online from the website. It rises to the 3rd floor with an elevator, and it is directly in front when the door opens, so you can reach almost without hesitation. In addition, attention is required as it will be "2nd floor" of British style in the field notation.


Hong Kong, Dragon Inn (Long Hui Hotel) & amp; Dragon Hotel's official website
http://www.dragoninn.net/

Inside of "super · deluxe · single room" used here. When you open the door, a bed occupying about half of the room appears, a small desk with a mirror on the right, and a toilet and bathroom in the back of the room. Because there is an electric pot, you can make coffee and instant noodles, but there was not a refrigerator. The accommodation cost at the time of the interview was HK $ 475 to HK $ 500 (about 6300 yen to about 6700 yen) due to no meal, but considering that the price of hotels around it was at least 15,000 yen It was an affordable price.


Looking at the rooms from the opposite side, it looks like this. The wall has a hanger. There was no room to put a suitcase in flattering even though there was no space to put a suitcase, but from the guesthouse staff there is a clear answer that "I'd put it under the bed." Although it is a very simple facility, it is equipped with air conditioning · In addition, guests are free to use Wi-Fi for free.


The toilet / bathroom is like this. This room has become a type without a bathtub and there is no partition with a toilet. Shampoo · body soap was equipped.


Since I use a shower in this state, the toilet bowl is completely wet with water. I felt a tremendous sense of discomfort in the first night, but I got used to it on the second day, wonder. Since the toilet paper is contained in a plastic case, there was no worry that it will get wet with water and will not be usable.


Bed is like price suitable. The mattress is a type that is hard and does not sink too much, but sleepiness was not bad.


The corridor inside the hotel was glassed.


Although facilities such as emergency lights are provided, worrying a little a little when considering things such as a fire.


We were able to spend comfortably with good correspondence of staff, including owner's woman. There is no service like a normal hotel but you can enjoy the atmosphere like Hong Kong, so it seems worth taking a challenge if you like travelers or cheap business trips.

◆ Airport Express
There are methods such as buses and taxis to travel from Hong Kong International Airport to the city, but this time we tried using the train "Airport Express" which can be moved to the center in about 30 minutes.

ByShankar s.

MTR> Fares & Tickets> Airport Express Services> Tickets and fares
http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/fares_tickets/tf_index.html

The airport express depot is directly connected to the airport, and it is conveniently only about 3 minutes.


I will buy a ticket at the customer center on the station platform.


This time, I bought "Airport Express Travel Pass". Normally it costs about 100 HKD (about 1350 Yen) round trip fare from the airport to the city center and the unlimited 3 day MTR (subway) rideHK $ 300(About 4030 yen), it is a convenient pass for travelers. The ticket includes a security deposit of HK $ 50 (about 670 yen), but you can return it to the counter when returning to the counter. Like the SUICA and ICOCA used in Japan, it is a contactless card with built-in IC chip.


The more commonly used is hereOctopus cardWith this one card, it is a convenient card that you can use almost all transportation except for taxis, and also to pay at various shops including convenience stores. Developed by SonyFeliCaTechnology for the first time in the world for public transportation has also been known to have adopted.


The interior of the Airport Express is like this. Two row seats are equipped on the left and right.


In addition to the spacious seat width, the distance between the front and rear seats is also widely taken, so if you have a small suitcase you can move with it at hand.


There is also a space to keep a large suitcase etc.


I arrived at Kowloon Station. Spacious space is spreading in the station premises and it is a great place to have a cart for luggage.


Also, very convenient when returning to the country is "targeting Airport Express users"In town check-inIt's service. An airline counter is set up on the premises of Hong Kong and Kowloon Station, so you can check in before you arrive at the airport, and you can deposit suitcases and other luggage. Since the baggage we deposit here will be posted on the aircraft you will be on board, it is a convenient service that you only need to receive at the destination. Please note that all airlines are not compatible with the service, so confirmation in advance is required.


◆ Two-story tram tram "Tram"
One of the synonyms of Hong Kong's rides is to say "tram" of this two-story tram. Since its opening in 1904, the tram which has been used as a citizen's leg for more than 100 years is still active in the life and active.


The way to get on the tram is as follows. When the tram arrives at the bus stop in the city, the door behind the body opens. Because it is postpaid, you do not need to pay or touch the card when you board.


In the first floor part, a single-seat and a long-standing chair are placed across the aisle. The interior width is about 2 meters, which is pretty narrow.


To the second floor part, it goes up through steep stairs.


Although it feels wider than the first floor part, it is still narrow second floor part.


Since so many trams are running around, they often get caught up with the following vehicles.


I arrived at my destination. When getting off the tram go through the door next to the driver 's seat. Beside the door there is a cash slot for placing the fare and a touch terminal for the Octopus card, but most passengers were using Octopus cards.


The view from the second floor part of the tram is like this. You can see how running like running between buildings.

View from the tram / second floor part of Hong Kong Island - YouTube


In a maniac place, the state of passing over the intersecting rail is here. Because the curvature of the rail is large, the sound "Goki ... ..." is generated.

Hong Kong Island tram / rail intersection passing - YouTube


As for the tram, the following applications are also released, and it is also possible to check destinations and routes with smartphones.

Hong Kong Tramways for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad currently on the iTunes App Store


◆ Star Ferry connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Side
Transportation means of the sea connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon side separated by Victoria · HarborStar ferryAnd its start has been around 1890 and boasts a history older than the tram of Hong Kong Island. Ferry's fare is extremely cheap, from 2.5 Hong Kong dollars to 3.5 Hong Kong dollars (about 35 yen to 45 yen) for adults, so even as the subway and the submarine tunnel have opened, it continues to be a citizen's leg, and at the same time important tourist resources and It is getting.


Even ferries can use octopus cards, but this time I bought a "token" for boarding.


Black plastic token


Go through the tripod rotary gate and head to the platform.


I was waiting in the waiting room, a ferry from the other side came.


As soon as you get off the passengers you got on board, the return flight will start.


The inside of the ship looks like this. The central part of the hull is an open deck without windows.


A glass window is attached to the front and rear part of the hull, and a safe area is also prepared for rainy and windy days.


Because the width of Victoria Harbor is relatively small, approximately 1 km, you can see the other side right there. Like combining trianglesBank of China TowerAnd boasts the ninth place in the world that penetrates the cloudsTwo IFCThe tower is visible.


At the feet of the tower, "ferry head" of "Central ring".


Although it is a short trip by just under 10 minutes, the landscape crossing the island swayed by the waves was relaxing and comfortable.

◆ Various buses
Speaking of Hong Kong, a two-story bus is famous, but in the city large and small buses run narrowly and run side by side.


Minibus (small Tomoe) whose capacity is about 15 people is also an indispensable foot for citizens. There are two types of minibuses, here the green type roof. The car body is made by Toyota.


And this is the red type minibus which is said to be the most local. For this type of bus, only the departure place and the final destination are decided, and the route and stop place on the way is not fixed.


A mini bus that runs at eccentric speed


And, tour bus tour major giantBig bus route tour(BIG BUS ROUTE TOUR) The second floor part of the bus is open also runs.


A large bus terminal is being built in some parts of the city.


Atmosphere that it has multiple lanes and just like big train station.


As soon as there are many buses, we will take the next guest and run away.


This is an unusual one-storey type.


Even if it is late at night, the waves of the bus did not fit.


The upper floor part of a two-storied bus is like this. As soon as the stop you want to get off is approaching, you press the button just like you do in Japan to inform the driver.


It is also nice to sit in the front row and enjoy the view of the city.


On the other hand, inside the minibus is like this. It is like a balancing bus, and the stop button is not equipped. Instead, in a loud voice I shout out to the driver "Yu Rou!" (Meaning falling down).


◆ MTR (Subway)
I also tried the MTR (subway) which is developed as well as the bus. This is the ticket gate of the station.


To use Octopus card, touch a yellow terminal. It is like a Japanese IC card.


At home there is a protective wall of glass to prevent accidents.


Although it is inside the car which feels a little narrow, I do not feel pain so much because the time of riding is short. All seats are made of stainless steel with indentation and slide well.


The convenience of MTR is to be able to pick up radio waves from mobile phones on all lines. Although it is an increasing service in Japan, in Hong Kong it has never been out of the service area while aboard. Manners are different from Japan, so even if you make a call in the car, it is not an inconvenience. Therefore, I often saw the appearance of a lady who was talking all the time in a loud voice.


Convenience stores and snack shops are in the station premises, but they are making very small stores.


I found a vending machine to buy something for drink, but something is different.


Among the two, the folding umbrella was on sale at the vending machine on the right.


The sale is only Octopus card, the price is slightly higher, 78 Hong Kong dollars (about 1050 yen).


It was contained in a transparent PET case. It was only expensive, and it was a durable product.


◆ Various sceneries
Former CIA employee,The US government revealed the "PRISM" problem that was collecting information of citizensEdward Snowden"Mr. Lee was hiding in Hong Kong"The Mira Hong Kong Hotel"Is also located in the center.


Construction scaffolding assembled with Hong Kong specialty, bamboo.


The joints are merely threaded with a black polyphon.


Box structure that was made up with kitchen is splendid. Although it is a scaffolding of bamboo that seems to be weak, actually, in order to form this foothold, it is a highly specialized occupation that you must acquire practical skills at specialized schools and acquire qualifications. By using bamboo, it seems that there is the merit of being "strong" by strong "strong" typhoons when hitting Hong Kong.


Mobile ice cream van which you see in all over the city.


It is a queue anytime.


I tried one. It has become a strong seasoning of sweetness, I do not feel too much milky feeling. It's a place like a soft cream a long ago.


In the advertisement of the bus stop, the movie "The wind risesThe advertisement of "was posted.


Jackie ChanThe scene where the jumping off the clock tower is famous movie "Project ABut listen to the nameHong Kong Water PoliceRestored the building1881 HeritageIt is in the center of Tsim Sha Tsui.


After restoration, it is open as a luxury hotel / restaurant. Brand shops are lining under the building.


Also beautiful light up in the evening.


One of the best luxury hotels in the worldThe Peninsula Hong Kong"Is located right next to you.


On this day, a projection mapping event for the Christmas season was taking place.

The Peninsula Hong Kong's Christmas projection mapping - YouTube




Famous for Hong Kong's night marketWomen's cityScenery of. It is a famous market where stores of about 2 meters tall are building eaves for about 1 km.


This store sells miscellaneous goods.


Plates for souvenirs


Daily necessities such as belts and bags are also sold.


There were football uniforms etc.


The scenery around 11 o'clock is like this. People will not be interrupted until late at night.


To the ladies' town, it is close to being called 'men's street'Temple Street(Temple Street) ".


Compared to ladies' towns where there are many products for women, since Temple Street has many products for menMen's streetIt is called the common name.


Alongside the shops, many food stalls in the stalls are open, everywhere is prosperous.


A scene that seems to be unintentionally drawn in


Some people sleep on the shoulder box.


It is a guarantee that you can taste the deeper Hong Kong.


Near the ladies' town "Mongkok · Computer Center(Mongkok Electronics Division), many large and small computer related products are shoping out.


A shop that narrowly conflicts from the 2nd floor to the 5th floor of the building.












An unusual keyboard made of bamboo was also sold. Price is 299 HK dollars (about 4000 yen), indeed cheap.


Hong Kong, where the old and new culture is confounded, was an interesting city, as many people are caught in their charm in a strange city that left some nostalgic atmosphere in a very modern landscape.