[JAPAN] Kyoto - Fushimi Inari Taisha

There is no other places quite like Fushimi Inari Taisha where you will find thousands of bright orange torii gates densely erected next to each other, forming a seemingly never-ending trail leading up to a mountain. If you have watched “Memoirs of a Geisha”, you would recognize it as one of the sites where the movie was filmed.

[JAPAN] Kyoto - My kimono experience

Kyoto, ancient capital of Japan, provides a perfect backdrop to take photographs while dressing up in kimono. It is one of the must-do things for ladies while visiting Kyoto. There are many kimono rental shops in Kyoto, especially around Gion or Kiyomizudera area, which are tourist hotspots. The shop I chose was Mission Gion, which is conveniently located in the Gion area.

[JAPAN] Kobe Harborland and Kobe beef

Two must-do things in Kobe is to visit Kobe Harbourland at the waterfront and to eat Kobe beef. I arrived in Kobe late in the evening but I managed to do both. If you have more time, visit Kitano Ijinkan (former residence of foreign merchants and diplomats) and take the cable car to the top of Mt. Rokko and enjoy the panoramic night view of Kobe there.

[JAPAN] Osaka - Alice on Wednesday, Amerikamura

Amerikamura (American Village) is a retail and entertainment area nearby Shinsaibashi, mainly catering for Japanese youth culture. It is known for its quirky clothing shops, cafes, music stores with an American influence. It even has a mini replica of Statue of Liberty on its roof to boot.