[Osaka: Shinsekai] Kushikatsu Daruma, an Osakan specialty.

Posted on by Jamie Liew

there are a lot to eat in Osaka, and I wouldn’t lie about it. but other than the normal Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki which could easily be found worldwide, let me introduce you to Kushi-katsu, a stick of almost anything deep fried. and it is not easy to find anywhere outside of Japan.

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Kushikatsu can be found in many places in Japan but the famous (with chain restaurants!) one is kushikatsu Daruma. it is easy to spot. just look for an angry looking cartoon character outside the store! Continue reading “[Osaka: Shinsekai] Kushikatsu Daruma, an Osakan specialty.” →

[Fukuoka] Dazaifu

Posted on by Jamie Liew

I took an 8 hour night bus down to Kyushu from Osaka and got off at Hakata Station, Fukuoka. it was a little bit rural but everything there was so much more peaceful and the people seemed much more nicer and patient. for this post, I’d be writing about one of the most popular place to visit in Fukuoka, Dazaifu.

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but first, here’s my tour guide of the day, Megumi! aka my best friend. Continue reading “[Fukuoka] Dazaifu” →

[Kyoto: Gion] Jouvencelle, a one of a kind cafe.

Posted on by Jamie Liew

after reading about this amazing cafe on kyotofoodie where he said is his favourite cafe, I told myself that I HAVE to come here one day despite how expensive it looks. Jouvencelle, which I believe means young (girl) is a cafe located at Gion, it isn’t located at the brightest place but because it is next to Yakasa Jinja, it makes it a little bit more easier to find.

Directions : basically, just get into Yasaka Jinja (or Yasaka Shrine) and head right and look for an exit on the right side. upon exit, walk straight and you’ll see Jouvencelle.

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Jouvencelle is located on the second floor to this pottery/porcelain shop. see that green cloth? that’s the entrance to Jouvencelle. Continue reading “[Kyoto: Gion] Jouvencelle, a one of a kind cafe.” →

[Osaka] Dotonbori

Posted on by Jamie Liew

what’s coming to Osaka without visiting Dotonbori? since where I was living was pretty near, Dotonbori’s now my favourite spot despite the crazy amount of tourists and sky-high food prices. but I am sure those of you on budget are smart enough to dodge the tourist traps and hunt down for the cheaper ones.

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the famous street of Dotonbori. with the huge crab. there’s two huge crabs by the way. this one’s just more central and and attractive. there’s also a humungous REAL crab inside which is the hugest king crab I’ve ever seen in my life. just pop inside and take a picture. I had a picture with it but my face was awful so.. Continue reading “[Osaka] Dotonbori” →

Cheapest way of travelling from Namba, Osaka to Gion Shijo, Kyoto.

Posted on by Jamie Liew

I thought I should not tell anyone so that Hankyu can be filled as always and I can have Keihan all to myself. to a tourist, what is 50yen for the extra hassle (which isn’t. but ONE minute longer)? but since I was on budget and I travel to Kyoto pretty frequent, getting to know about this method is like saving me enough to buy myself a bowl of Gyudon with 4 trips down to Kyoto from Osaka. Continue reading “Cheapest way of travelling from Namba, Osaka to Gion Shijo, Kyoto.” →

[Kyoto] Popular Japanese Cafe in Gion Shijo

Posted on by Jamie Liew

you’ve got to admit that the cafe is a popular one when locals tell you they are and when the whole cafe is packed with local Japanese people waiting in line to get seated.

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this cafe is located on the left row of shops beside the Shijo Dori road towards Yasaka Jinja Shrine. Continue reading “[Kyoto] Popular Japanese Cafe in Gion Shijo” →

[Kyoto] Ryoanji, the Zen temple near Kinkakuji

Posted on by Jamie Liew

just a short bus ride away from the famous Kinkakuji is the most famous zen temple, Ryoanji. Also listed as one of the UNESCO wolrd heritage sites, this was put on my list when I first went to Kyoto.

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the whole area is very calm to begin with. despite having a lot of tourists (mostly from visiting Kinkakuji), the beauty of the area did not subside. Continue reading “[Kyoto] Ryoanji, the Zen temple near Kinkakuji” →

[Kyoto] Kinkakuji, The Golden Pavilion

Posted on by Jamie Liew

there are so much I’ve heard about this place. while most say it’s spectacular some commented that it’s far too over-rated. but being already here in Kyoto, I had to check it out right?

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Kinkakuji was one of the first tourist attraction I’ve visited in Kyoto and I was already taken aback by the beautiful landscape outside the attraction. the green moss (?) grew so beautifully I thought a magically deer was going to pop out of somewhere. Continue reading “[Kyoto] Kinkakuji, The Golden Pavilion” →

[Kyoto] Kiyomizu-dera

Posted on by Jamie Liew

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” →