✈ Osaka Travelogue: Christmas Light Illuminations

As cliché as it may sound, Christmas is indeed my favorite holiday season of the year, where it is the time to rejoice, spend time with your loved ones and show appreciation to your family and friends by giving.

This year, spending Christmas in Osaka has certainly exceeded my expectations. I hadn't expected Osaka to be big about Christmas, in fact I was all cool about just having a simple casual dinner with my other half and enjoying each other's company in a foreign land. Little did I know that there is actually a committee set up to plan and put together a structured program which includes a series of events and illumination displays that were lit across the city center of Osaka! Trust the Japanese to be so thoughtful and organised. For more information, you may look it up here.

There was little research to be done with all the information readily available at the website. We were on a mission to see all the lights illumination at "Festival of the light in Osaka 2013". Let the merry making begin!

The Christmas carols playing, bright lights shining, with streets all beautifully decorated with ornaments and trees, have really lifted the Christmas spirits. 

Osaka Hikari-Renaissance 2013

Miotsukushi Promenade  @ Nakanoshima Park 

Christmas stalls selling hot wine, sausages, turkey legs and the likes near the vicinity of Osaka City Hall. So reminiscent of the Europe Christmas markets I have been to during my school exchange days!

Super pretty 3D lights display on the facade of Osaka Central Public Hall

Twilight Fantasy @ Osaka Station City

Merry Christmas all, xoxo

✈ Kyoto Travelogue | Ayashiyama x Bamboo Grove x Tofu Ryori

We travelled to the western outskirts of Kyoto to Ayashiyama for its famous bamboo groves. Ayashiyama, a popular area for day trips, has much to offer be it travelling by foot or by bicycle.

Directions to Ayashiyama
Take JR Sagano Line to Sago-Ayashiyama from Kyoto Station

The 10-minutes walk from the JR station to Ayashiyama was a pleasant one. The cotton-like clouds that spread across the clear blue sky was an instant mood-lifter, and we were blessed by the sun which gave us some warmth from the chilly weather.

"The Sagano Bamboo Forest is one of Japan's national treasures. It is spectacularly beautiful - not just visually, but aurally as well. The sound of culms knocking together and the wind sighing through the upper branches is an extraordinary sensory experience."

The lush greenery and rustle of bamboo leaves is definitely a sight that city dwellers like us do not get to see everyday.

Tenryū­ji's scenic garden designed by the Zen master Musō Soseki 

There are many different types of Ryori that is unique to Kyoto, such as Shojin Ryori, Obanzai Ryori, Kawayuka/Kawadoko.

Famous in Ayashiyama/Kyoto for its tofu cuisine which include yudofu (boiled tofu), koyadofu (dried-frozen tofu) and yuba (bean curd skin), we had to give it a try! It wasn't an ordinary vegetarian meal but a delicious and satisfying one. The yudofu simmered in vegetables and broth was so soft and simply melted in one's mouth. If only more healthy dishes could be this delicious!

So many things to uncover about Kyoto, so little time. We ended our Kyoto leg with Kinkaku-ji Temple. Such a pretty sight, with the golden reflection of the Golden Pavilion shimmering across the pond.

Beautiful landscapes captured in the train from Kyoto to Osaka

✈ Kyoto Travelogue | Tōfuku-ji x Fushimi Inari Taisha

I was looking forward to today's itinerary the most and reeling with excitement and anticipation at the thought of visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha. I have watched too many animes and Japanese-related movies about the famous Senbon torii and i cannot wait to experience walking through the thousands of vermillion gates myself!

As recommended by a friend, we first headed to Tōfuku-ji since it was on route to Fushimi Inari. The best season to visit is actually during autumn for the blossom of maple trees!

Directions to Tōfuku-ji
Take JR Nara line to Tofukuji from Kyoto Station

Tōfuku-ji is one of the five "Kyoto Gozan" temples. The name "Tofuku-ji" was taken from two major temples in Nara, Todai-ji Temple and Kofuku-ji Temple.

A sneak peek from Tsūten-kyō bridge

The view that greeted us when we entered the garden (400 yen to enter). Even though it was winter and despite the barren trees, the autumn colours of the remaining fall foliage which littered the ground were simply breathtaking and a sight to behold.

Thanks to Clement's fantastic navigation, we took a little walk via a pleasant side-path through the woods and private properties from Tōfuku-ji to Fushimi Inari. And here we are, at the magnificent and awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine of Kyoto!

It felt so surreal to be walking through the countless torii gates! 

Right at the other end of the stretch of torii gates was a small shrine dedicated to the fox messengers as well as the starting point of a trekking trail. I had my prayers hung up as well! 

I couldn't believe it myself, but we actually made it to the top of Mount Inari! It was really cold and the air was thin which made the trail more difficult to trek during winter. The torii gates were more sparse and less maintained as you climb higher into the woods and in all honesty, there was only a shrine with not much of a view when you reach the top. Nevertheless, it was an experience i was glad i pushed myself to accomplish. It took us about two hours to complete the trek.

I am truly blessed to be here. ありがとう！

東京/箱根 ♥

It was by a stroke of luck that we chanced upon an awesome deal on Zuji and hurray, we're back in Tokyo in less than a year! Included Hakone in our itinerary this time because I was sorely disappointed that I didn't get to see Mt. Fuji (and experience onsen) the first time. I mean, traveling Japan is just incomplete without seeing Mt. Fuji!

It was a much needed getaway for me too, away from the commitments and shortfall of expectations.

6 days including traveling time was simply too short - in addition to shorter day time in winter, we had to do away with some of our original plans in order to prioritize the sights we haven't been to. And what a right decision we've made!

東京♥

The highly recognized Kaminarimon leading to Sensō-ji

Nakamise Shopping Street with a wide array of omiyage and street food

 

Tokyo Tower 東京タワー

 

Obligatory tourist pica

 

Passed by this gorgeous park on our way back. When fall turns to winter. Feels like a scene taken out from a movie.

 

Prettiest autumn leaves I've seen!

箱根♥

Hakone is such a lovely place I'm so glad we made it a point to travel out of Tokyo! Cable cars and ropeways are part of its everyday transportation which make navigating and exploring around Hakone so much more adventurous and exciting. We opted for a 2d1n ryokan stay and it was such an indulgent experience!

Tatami mats & futon beds!

 

Yukata

 

This is bliss. Outdoor onsen in the middle of the night at subzero degrees was an experience not to be missed! I could get used to this everyday.

 

On our first day in Hakone, the ropeway to Ōwakudani was closed by the time we rushed there. The beautiful sunset at Sounzan made up for our disappointment despite the wasted trip and time.

寒い

The next day we made our way up again, feeling hopeful upon greeted by the good weather when we woke

 

And there! The sight I've been longing for

 

Snow-capped & majestic looking!

 

My life is complete ♡

 

Kuro tamago @ Ōwakudani Valley

 

Said to add 7 years for every one you eat!

 

Kuro ramen. The authentic volcano ramen that beats Ajisen's hands down.