There are plenty things to see and do around Osaka, no matter what your interest is. If you love history or going to museums, then you’d love these two places that I visited with my friends using the Osaka Amazing Pass (two-day transport pass plus free entrance to many attractions/museums around Osaka). The first place we visited was the Osaka International Peace Centre, a museum located just south of the Osaka Castle Park. Peace Osaka explores Japan’s …
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This February… To Tokyo, with love
They say time flies faster as you get older, and I can say that it sure feels that way. After one year of planning and deliberating, it’s becoming really real that we are leaving Melbourne soon… At the end of this month, we will be moving to Tokyo! It’s not a “oh it’s forever” kind of move, but it definitely is a “let’s try this for one year and see what the future holds” kind. I am excited to …
{Japan Winter} Osaka (Part 3): See the sealife at Kaiyukan & Tempozan Harbour Village
There’s more to Osaka than just the bright neon running man of Dotombori. As part of our two-day Osaka pass, we visited the bay area just before sunset until dinner time… and it was pretty fun! Our main purpose for the visit was to check out Kaiyukan (海遊館), the Osaka aquarium that famously housed two whale sharks. If you love aquariums, this would be one you should visit as I thoroughly enjoyed the walk around …
{Japan Winter} Osaka (Part 2): The view from up high the Hep Five & Umeda Sky Building
Ever wonder what Osaka city looks like from up high? Well, wonder no more… There are different ways to view the city. One of them would be the HEP Five ferris wheel ride with a 360 degrees view… We took the ride for free, because we had the Osaka 2-day pass which I would recommend to anyone who wants to go all touristy around Osaka! It was rather cloudy when we were up high, but we …
{Japan Winter} Osaka (Part 1): Back in time at Osaka Museum of Housing and Living & Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai
We visited Osaka mainly for the food, shopping, and bright lights that it promised (i.e. Dotombori / Namba area). However, we also squeezed in a couple of fun day trips with the Osaka 2 Day Pass. This pass allows travel within certain areas as well as free entrance to many museums and attractions, alongside discounted prices for other things. Is it worth the price? If you’re into sightseeing, then yes, definitely! Visit as many things …
{Japan Winter} Nara (Part 2): Oh deer! Wandering around Nara park & Kasuga Taisha Shrine
It’s hard to talk about Nara without talking about the deers. Apart from the temples and shrines, Nara’s deers are probably one of the main reasons why people visit Japan. It definitely was one of our main reasons, apart from experiencing the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri… Most of the deers can be found roaming freely around Nara Park (奈良公園). They are gorgeous for close-ups, so make sure you bring your good camera out! ;) They are also …
{Japan Winter} Nara (Part 1): Experience the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri festival
When visiting the Kansai region, most people will stop by at Osaka and Kyoto. However, Nara is becoming a popular tourist destination too, filled with rich history, temples, shrines, and deers. Japan’s first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara (奈良). Nara is located less than one hour from Kyoto and Osaka. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including …
{Japan Winter} Kobe: Be enlightened by wagyu beef & Luminarie winter illumination
What comes to your mind when someone says Kobe, Japan? I assume wagyu beef! ;) Kobe beef is, after all, famous worldwide. So when we decided to do a daytrip to Kobe, we knew that eating this expensive beef would be our main priority. Plus there was also this pretty illumination… But that’s much later. So let’s focus on our main reason for visiting Kobe… Wakkoqu Kobe Beef (Shin-Kobe Branch) There are obviously plenty of restaurants …
{Japan Winter} Kyoto (Part 8): Hipster art gallery hotel Anteroom & recommended hotels
In our two trips to Kyoto, we have now stayed in 3 different hotels – and each of them has their pros and cons. I will go through the hotel comparison soon, but for now, let me show you my favourite hotel in Kyoto thus far… Hotel Anteroom. If you are looking for an affordable accommodation that is more than just a bed to sleep on, come and hang out at Hotel Anteroom. I highly …
{Japan Winter} Kyoto (Part 7): Savouring the many food & desserts of Kyoto
I’ve talked a lot about Kyoto’s beautiful temples and serene walking routes, but not too much about food (apart from the Kyoto Ninja & Nishiki Market post)… So I think it’s about time we concentrate on the food and desserts that make Kyoto even more alluring… A taste of Gion Gion is one of the most popular areas in Kyoto, Japan. And I totally get why… The main roads are filled with shops and bright …