When I was initially deciding what countries to visit on this first taste of Asia, and I arrived at planning April, I knew it had to be Japan. If there is one thing I have heard over and over in my life, it is to experience spring here. Seeing the beautiful Sakura cherry blossoms in …
I have just had an amazing, short, first time visit to Kyoto, and am astounded at all of the things to see and do here. Dubbed as Japan’s cultural and traditional centre, I can tell you that you will have no shortage of activities to keep yourself busy. Here are my top 5 free things …
I have been blowing my budget in Japan, my food budget that is. There are so many delicious things to try here, and almost everything I taste is marvellous! While in Osaka, I was heavily influenced by social media, and ate things I had seen or heard of before. The best Japanese food I ate …
A long time ago, I read ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ by Arthur Golden. It is an historical fiction novel, perhaps my favourite genre, and moved me so deeply. I never thought I would ever have the opportunity to see a geisha in person. Whilst visiting Kyoto, I did. The exquisite geisha & maiko of Gion …
Having seen a photo of an unusual mound located in a shrine in Kyoto, my curiosity was peaked. I knew I must travel here to see this with my own eyes. The unique & beautiful Yasui Konpiragu Shrine is nothing short of fascinating. Getting There This little treasure is tucked into the Gion District in …
A must for me while travelling to a new destination is always to visit a market. Having been in Osaka and seeing all that was available there, I was curious as to what I could find here. The bountiful Nishiki market in Kyoto was even better! Brief History As early as the year 782, fish …
Wanting to see what old Kyoto, and old Japan might have looked like, I researched areas to visit within the city, that might offer me a glimpse into the past. What I discovered were a few spots I might find what I was searching for. I explored the beautiful Gion District in Kyoto one day, …
On my first full day in Kyoto, and the only one that was forecast to be sunny, I decided exploring the famous Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine would be a good plan. I had done very little research, but knew that the earlier I arrived, the less crowds I would encounter. Social Media I have seen pictures, …
Oh how fun! I had no idea when I booked this trip that I would be travelling on such a decorated and adorable train. There are two main train options for this route and I chose this one. Taking the Haruka Hello Kitty Train from Osaka to Kyoto was easy and cute. Online Booking Try …