[Kyoto] Kiyomizu-dera

perhaps one of my favourite places in Kyoto would be the great Kiyomizu Temple. it is indeed a very very touristy spot. but the thing is, its beautiful! that’s why it’s so packed with foreigners. I have yet to visit many hidden temples/shrines since I am not quite much of a temple or shrine person. but I will! slowly.

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took a bus here. did I mention it costs only 500yen for unlimited bus rides? Continue reading “[Kyoto] Kiyomizu-dera”

[Kobe] Kobe Beef at KOBE!!!

having two weeks spent at Kansai, how could I not go to Kobe?! to have Kobe beef of course. but no matter where you have it, it seemed like these beer-fed (rumoured) cows are just expensive everywhere. we searched the web for a cheaper and popular place and ended up in a Korean restaurant which serves Kobe beef hahahaha. my Japanese friend didn’t know it was Korean. I was just.. speechless since I live in Korea hahaha.

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hello. Kobe station! Continue reading “[Kobe] Kobe Beef at KOBE!!!”

[Kyoto] Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion

in Kyoto, the most iconic place would definitely be the Golden Pavilion– Kinkaku-ji. but it’s really sad how Ginkaku-ji’s so under rated. it is even more beautiful than Kinkaku-ji in my honest opinion. super beautiful. it isn’t just what pictures can express; you just have to go there yourself.

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and the great thing about Kyoto, the buses. if you’re interested in traveling to Japan I bet you’d notice how crazy the transportation costs. like madness. but in Kyoto, you can purchase a bus card for 5o0yen and you can ride AS MUCH AS YOU WANT! in places like Fukuoka one way might cost you that much already >_>. Continue reading “[Kyoto] Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion”

[Osaka: Namba] MOULiN

how ironic. I told myself to devour all the Korean food since I wouldn’t be back in Korea in 2 months, but there I was, drinking Kirin. (and I also had CHINESE food for my last dinner in Korea) with a frozen poop on top. =D. yummay.

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met up with David but that good looking American Korean friend of mine refused to let me take a picture of him so one less eye candy for you. had the Kirin beer at a place called Bee located at Itaewon if you’re wondering. great interior and ambiance by the way. Continue reading “[Osaka: Namba] MOULiN”

Kyoto and Osaka in a day

I am back here in Kyoto. again.

after 4 months. right after midterms. but the only thing was, I had REALLY LIMITED TIME. so this was what I did for a day! it might even be a good reference on where to go from AM to PM =D. I returned to Osaka since I stayed there at around 6pm though =D.

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ahhh. the streets of Gion. I actually like shopping here compared to other places because the OPA and some other malls here were actually pretty good! Continue reading “Kyoto and Osaka in a day”

[Kyoto: Gion] Izuju, the 100 year old Kyoto style sushi

my friend living in Kyoto didn’t even know about the existence of this fabulous small scaled restaurant. but once he had it, he said it’s amongst the top 10 sushi he had ever eaten. and guess what? he’s from Hokkaido; where all the amazing sushi are.

there’s also another place called Hanaore which is said to serve the best Sabazushi (came here for this!) in Kyoto but I placed my bet on Izuju as it has a longgg history plus it’s more affordable (main point!!!!)

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opposite the shop is Yasaka Jinja  Shrine. a relatively famous shrine at the Gion area. we went near new years day so there were LOADDSSS of people. Continue reading “[Kyoto: Gion] Izuju, the 100 year old Kyoto style sushi”

[Osaka] Pablo Cheesecake VS. Rikuro Cheesecake

I’m a big fan of cheese. and cheesecakes.

so there’s this huge hype over cheesecakes in Osaka and if you’re a foodie like me, you’ve probably heard that Pablo and Rikuro Ojisan (grandpa) are the best in Osaka. these shops often have a long queue outside them but I didn’t stand in line too much as I bought them late since I stayed in Kyoto and I didn’t want to carry the cake everywhere I go. they are really popular in Osaka and each time I pass by their shops I feel like buying another one. D=!

BUT the thing is, you gotta buy the whole cake. which.. isn’t too big. but certainly not for one..

I could only have two slices at one time (out of 8). so we left the rest of it at the refrigerator.

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we first tried out Pablo as the advertisement of it drives me gaga. and at 780yen I’d say it’s a steal. I mean, even a slice of cake at Hongdae at a nice place would cost you around 600yen. Continue reading “[Osaka] Pablo Cheesecake VS. Rikuro Cheesecake”

[Kyoto] Arashiyama – Togetsugyo Bridge

it is a little complicating to travel around Kyoto but it is definitely cheaper than many other cities as you can ride on the bus as much as you want for only 500yen.

note: the buses in Japan are quite different from Seoul and other places. you get on the bus from behind and pay in front. for the day pass, just get in front and tell the bus driver and make sure you prepare 500yen! I am not sure how to ride on it normally because apparently the fares are all different depending on where you’re riding. so if you’re riding for more than 2 bus rides or a far one, the day pass would be best. and later on you can just flash your card (showing the date) to the drivers and enjoy unlimited rides! will blog about that next time! and pay another 500yen and you can take unlimited subway/train as well! but we only opted for the bus as we don’t take the subway too much.

however, we took the train there!

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the unique seating system in Japan. different in almost every line. amazing. Continue reading “[Kyoto] Arashiyama – Togetsugyo Bridge”