One of the things I did not want to miss, on this first trip to Ubud, was to explore the majestic rice patties that I have seen so many pictures of on social media. There is one specifically that is within walking distance of the town. Walking thru the Kajeng rice fields in Ubud is …
Facing another long travel day, I gathered my wits and dove straight in. This one was a doozy, with a nine hour, middle of the night layover. Yuck. Travel day Osaka to Bali on Scoot via SIN was upon me. Lets go. This is a loooong door to door post. Osaka Airport KIX Having to …
I had no idea what to expect when I arrived in Osaka. Not being a ‘city girl’, I did find it very overwhelming. It took me a few days to get my groove on and feel comfortable walking around these unique streets and districts. With so much to keep me occupied, here are my top …
If there is a beach to be found in any destination, I will be the one to find it. 😁 I feel my absolute best at the beach, near the water, exposed to the big sky and horizon. Beside this beach is another attraction though, so a two or even three in one! A visit …
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 …
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 …
Oh man, I knew without a doubt, I was going to blow my budget once I arrived in Japan. Not only do I have to replenish my wardrobe and toiletries, that have been with me for the past 16 months, but there are so many things I want to eat! Tasting Japanese street food for …
I decided on a day trip from Osaka and it was going to be on a single sunny day in the forecast. For my trip, I was taking two trains, and heading out towards Nara. This ancient city is located between Osaka and Kyoto. Having fun at the Nara Deer Park was how I spent …
Wanting to explore the city to a wider extent, I walked to this fun and vibrant district. Here visitors will find the Japanese youth culture threaded through a multitude of tiny streets. Looking for boutique shopping and some amazing eateries? The wonderful world of Amerika-Mura in Osaka is not to be missed. Thrift Shops If …
Oh, what a treasure trove I walked into completely unawares! I adore antique and flea markets, well any type of market really. And completely by accident, I stumbled onto this one, located in a 1,000-year-old Japanese temple! The best flea market at Shitennoji Temple in Osaka is a wonderland of goods, food and ambience. Deets …
Who doesn’t love a castle? There was no way I was going to miss having a look at my first ever Japanese castle. Occupying 15 acres right in the middle of the city and complete with moats and turrets this was a splendid way to spend a morning. Want to find out what to see …
Of the little research and photo’s that I had looked at before arriving in Osaka, I knew there was one place I was going to visit for certain. Generally, I don’t like touristy places, can’t stand the crowds and oftentimes find them over-hyped. But this, I needed to see. The magic of Dotonbori Osaka by …
Wow! I cannot tell you how excited I am to be here visiting Japan for the very first time in my life! It is a place that, for some reason, I never thought I would get to see in person. I have not done very much research; I want this trip to be as virgin …
This is a long venture, on the road for 30 hours but only a 2-hour time change. Today I will fly VietJet from Phuket to Ho Chi Minh city, have a 9-hour layover and then red eye to Osaka. Let’s go, here are the details of my travel day Phuket to Osaka via SGN Ho …
I fully expected to love the food here in Thailand. Coming from Vietnam, where I couldn’t get enough of the local dishes, I was of a similar mindset when I entered this country. However, I have really struggled here. This is why I have not enjoyed Thai food as much as I expected to. My …