eagerexplorer

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber

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

May 10, 2021 · Leave a comment

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

April 30, 2021 · Leave a comment

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

April 24, 2021 · Leave a comment

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

April 17, 2021 · Leave a comment

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

April 10, 2021 · Leave a comment

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

March 31, 2021 · Leave a comment

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

March 24, 2021 · Leave a comment

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

March 17, 2021 · Leave a comment

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

March 10, 2021 · Leave a comment

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

March 3, 2021 · Leave a comment

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

February 24, 2021 · Leave a comment

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

April 30, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 26, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 23, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 19, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 15, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 12, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 9, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 6, 2015 · 2 Comments

Japan is amazing!

It has been barely a week since I got back from this wonderful country, but I cannot help think about the next time I’ll visit. Truth be told, I was … Continue reading

April 1, 2015 · 1 Comment