Japan: Tenryu-ji, Kyoto.

Spring was in the air at this UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Japan: Golden Shrine, Kyoto.

I really like Kyoto. It is so historical and I like looking at all the old architecture. They are so elegant and "human" size, from a time when human beings were more a part of nature and not replacing parts of nature. These days, countries are all competing to see who can build the tallest building. There is no warmth in modern day buildings, I feel. Just a lot of hard concrete, shiny glass and cold metal.

Some photos of the Golden Shrine (Kinkaku-ji) in Kyoto taken from different angles and elevations:

I would like to visit again one day.

Japan: Nishiki Food Street.

I love this street in Kyoto for obvious reasons: lots of delicious food! I walked and I bought and I ate and I was so happy!

Fish cakes! Lots and lots of fish cakes! The variety was just mind-boggling. It puts the fish cake store in Tiong Baru market to shame!

Japan: Shinsaibashi, Osaka.

Shinsaibashi. Sheltered street shopping in Osaka. It reminds me of Bugis Junction in Singapore.

PARCO! Like the one in Bugis Junction? I didn't know the gal (or guy) was looking at me when I took this shot. Creepy. Maybe, she thought I was weird. "Never seen PARCO meh?!"

Japanese Casino! Pachinko, anyone?

Lots of stores still open at 10pm. Japanese people work till late at night. See them going home after work? They might go into one of these shops to get some stuff at bargain prices. No sign of Watson's there. It wouldn't stand a chance.

Japan: Universal Studios, Osaka (Part 2).

More photos of Universal Studios in Osaka. I like these "old buildings".

How did the laughter sound like again?

Hello Kitty balloons... but where are the bodies? ;p

A Snoopy Meal, anyone? You get a Snoopy water bottle as a momento!

A magic show just a short distance from the Universal Studios train station. I recorded just one of many acts. The guy went around with a hat in hand and everyone gave him some loose change in appreciation in the end. We should have baskers in Singapore like him!

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Japan: Universal Studios, Osaka.

Didn't really want to go to Universal Studios because I have been to the one in the USA but it was the first time for my young niece. Anyway, it was an experience because everything was in Japanese including the commentaries. Imagine Spiderman spouting Japanese! I wonder if Universal Studios in Singapore would have Spiderman spouting Hokkien or Cantonese. ;-p

Going Japan? Save up to 30% off hotels when you book with ZUJI!

Japan: Dotonburi, Osaka (Part 2).

Best Tako balls in Japan? Well, there was a long queue and my sisters gave it the thumbs up.

Look at how many hot plates the store had? The young guy behind the hot plates was really good at making Tako balls, not like some of the people in Singapore's Tako balls stores messing things up half the time. He must have been selling thousands of Tako balls every night! Imagine all the octopi without tentacles!

Fugu (Puffer Fish), anyone?

Holy crab! It's alive!



Going Japan? Save up to 30% off hotels when you book with ZUJI!

Japan: Dotonburi, Osaka.

My favourite holiday destination is Japan but the very expensive Japanese Yen has made me reluctant to visit the country for the time being.

For two years in a row, my family visited Japan and stayed in Osaka, using it as a base, and took the very efficient public transportation (trains) to make day trips to Kyoto, Himeiji and Nara. Osaka is known as Japan's kitchen and has great food. It is also less expensive than Tokyo where we stayed during another vacation in the 90s.

Dotonburi in Osaka.  Lots of restaurants and street stalls here.  Glorious food!

Going Japan? Save up to 30% off hotels when you book with ZUJI!