Train Travel: From Toyama to Takayama
Next up on our itinerary was to travel from Kanazawa to Takayama. Two segments were involved: a bullet train to Toyama and a scenic train from Toyama to Takayama. Though … Continue reading
Kanazawa: Stepping Back in Time at Higashi Chaya
Following our visit to Kenrokuen, we decided to drop by Higashi Chaya, Kanazawa’s answer to Kyoto’s Gion. It was still relatively early for our journey to Takayama, so we opted … Continue reading
Kanazawa: Strolling around Kenrokuen
It was drizzling by the time we were ready to leave Omicho Market, but no weather misfortune could deter us from heading to Kanazawa’s claim to fame: Kenrokuen. Touted as … Continue reading
Kanazawa: Enjoying Seafood at Omicho Market
Early the following morning, it was time to embark on another journey in Japan. My initial goal was to see the village of Shirakawa-go, but a day trip from Kyoto … Continue reading
Osaka: Ajinoya, Dotonbori and Abeno Harukas
The sashimi slices we indulged in Kuromon Ichiba weren’t enough to tide us over until dinner, so we had to grab a more filling meal before moving on our Osaka … Continue reading
Osaka’s Kuromon Ichiba
Though we were to visit several markets over the course of our trip, I was admittedly more excited to visit Osaka’s own. The city is known as a gastronomic hotspot, … Continue reading
Himeji-jo: A Striking Japanese Castle
Barely an hour from Kyoto, Himeji was an easy day trip from the historic capital. The city’s pride, Himeji Castle, had a commandeering presence even from the train that passengers … Continue reading
Kyoto: Ginkakuji and Honke Owariya Soba
Shortly after our exploration of Nishiki Market, we were back on the bus to get to our next destination. Ginkaku-ji, or Silver Pavilion, stood in the shadow of Kinkaku-ji when … Continue reading
Snacking at Kyoto’s Nishiki Market
Kyoto’s Shijo Street may not exactly be the first image that comes to mind when talking about this Japanese city. This modern hub is filled with sprawling commercial establishments, and … Continue reading
Kyoto’s Temples: Kiyomizu-dera
The steps leading to Kiyomizu-dera were almost devoid of crowds, a far cry from the sea of people standing there a few years back. Indeed, it paid to get to … Continue reading
Kyoto’s Alleys: Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Disclaimer: All photos were taken prior to the photography ban. As it was my brother’s first time in Japan, we decided to revisit a lot of the must-see temples and … Continue reading
Back in Japan
I had long been dreaming of visiting Japan, a dream that came true in 2015. It was short, but it was a trip of lifetime. We saw bits and pieces … Continue reading
D.I.Y. Japan: Itinerary and Expenses (Kansai-Hiroshima)
Our trip to Japan was shamefully short, but it was one of the best trips I ever had in my life. Here was where the journey was so much more … Continue reading
Tummy Travel: My Favorite Food Experiences in Japan
Our trip to the Kansai and Hiroshima regions would not be complete had we not tried various dishes that made Japan’s cuisine on the map of the foodie world. Here … Continue reading
Kyoto: Sakura, Ginkaku-ji and Path of Philosophy
It was time to say goodbye. As much as I would’ve wanted to stay, all trips have an end. Sadly, the end came too soon. Yet the end was wonderful. … Continue reading
Osaka: Umeda Sky Building and Dotonbori
Though we were based in Osaka, and in Umeda at that, we never really got to explore this city until the day before we left. Our base in Umeda proved … Continue reading
Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha
Of all the places we would be visiting in Kyoto, I was excited for Fushimi Inari Taisha the most. This is a Shinto shrine consisting of thousands of orange torii … Continue reading
Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera and Southern Higashiyama
Following our morning and early afternoon spent in the northern and central parts of the city, it was time for Southern Higashiyama. From Nijo Castle, we took the bus traversing … Continue reading
Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle
After spending our first (tiring) day in western Japan, we decided to spend our second day closer to home. It was time for Kyoto. Kyoto was actually our main reason … Continue reading
Himeji, Hiroshima and Miyajima in One Day
Japan gave us a cold welcome, literally. While the temperature soared during the first half of March, it suddenly dropped by the time we arrived. Yet, our short stay made … Continue reading
eagerexplorer 