Kamakura: Kyoto of the East

Located in the Kanagawa Prefecture just south of Tokyo, Kamakura is also a must-see if you have time to spare to go outside of the capital. The city is abundant in Buddhist and Shinto temples, which is why some people hail it as the "Kyoto of the East".  One can very well spend an entire day exploring the city; however, we decided to limit ourselves to covering a few tourist spots in half-a-day. Read up on how we spent our time in Kamakura below the cut!

Yokohama: Noodles Over Canoodles

True story: I could hear the rain pouring hard as I began writing this story within the comforts of home. Even with bursts of sunshine in between days, the rainy season is truly upon us. Cuddle weather, ramen weather, whatever-you-wish-to-call-it weather, it definitely makes us want something that will keep us warm. That's why I find it really timely posting about our quick day-trip to Yokohama last April. Wonder what makes it timely? Well, read on to find out!

Chasing Blossoms

Last April, my family and I flew to Tokyo with the main goal of catching the sakura trees in bloom. Although the buds began opening up a week earlier than expected, we're glad to have seen a bunch of trees still covered in varying shades of pink at Shinjuku Gyo-en. 

Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama

It's been a while, hasn't it? With the holidays around, it seems like a lot of people have been going to Japan lately. And because that's making me miss the place a lot and I realized I still have a lot of backlogs (!), it's high time I bring back Japan on this blog. So here it is, the final entry to complete my Kyoto 2016 series: snippets on and snaps from Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market and Arashiyama.

Kyoto: Fushimi Inari

Although our trip to Japan happened-- gasp!-- a little over a year ago, a feeling of wonder still washes over me every time I look back. There truly is something so captivating about Japan that makes you want to return over and over again. Even if its just through words and photographs, join me as I go back to one of Kyoto's top tourist attractions and highly-revered shrines.

Osaka: Kuromon Market & Dotonbori

Osaka is truly a feast for the eyes and the tummy-- from its waking neon signs to its tempting food. And really, there's no better place to indulge your senses than the famous Dotonbori area.

Osaka: Shinsekai

To most, Osaka is almost synonymous to blinding neon signs and mouth-watering street food. But there's more of those than what you'll find in the famous Dotonbori. So before I share with you everything about that tourist magnet, let me first take you to Shinsekai.

Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera & Gion

Also located in Japan's Kansai region, Kyoto is just approximately fifteen minutes from Osaka via the famous shinkansen (bullet train). Exploring the city puts you right in the heart of Japan-- or at least one of its chambers, as it was also once Japan's capital. It beats not erratically, but rather steadily. The song of coursing waters, brushing trees, and from a distance, the ringing bells, all become the soft thump, thump, thump.

Osaka: Osaka Castle & Tenjimbashi-Suji

Osaka (well Japan in general) was like a dream-- one that I can remember vividly as if it was only a few days ago when really, it was months ago! The first capital of Japan is known for its abundance not only in food choices, but also historical and cultural marvels. It is almost a far cry from Japan's current capital city, which only adds to its captivating charm.

Osaka: Universal Studios Japan

I was so excited to go to Universal Studios Japan for two major reasons: one, I can finally visit a Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and; two, we can already say that we have been to all Universal Studios theme parks across the globe!  (It's a feat that's easier to achieve than Disney, but a wonderful milestone nonetheless) Out of all the Universal Studios parks, I can't exactly pinpoint a favorite; but I can definitely say that USJ has something special about it.

Osaka: Ichiran Ramen

The name may or may not ring a bell, but you've surely heard of it before. This specific Japanese chain has become viral for being "a ramen store perfect for introverts", as they say. As a self-confessed ramen junkie and introvert, allow me to share my thoughts on Ichiran Ramen-- all below the break.

A Nod to the Neckerchief

I'm sure we can all agree that the Japanese are one of the most stylish people in the world. And the truth is, they don't even have to try! For the most part, I managed to fit in with the crowd while putting my own spin on the latest trends.