[JAPAN] Princess’ Castle – Himeji.

After checking into our next hotel in town, Hotel Kinki (which I absolutely recommend, for its price and facilities), we made our way for Himeji castle, one of the more popular ‘historical’ tourist attractions in Osaka.

But before we started on the trek, a good meal is a must! There were alot of little shops leading up to Himeji Castle, and this was the more popular one. (Can’t remember what its called but it was linked with a Souvenir food shop). Ordered some handmade soba noodles, and it was d-i-v-i-n-e. Was a little more pricey than what you would find in Osaka (Around Y900), but I guess its understandable since its located at a hot tourist spot.

Just across the road was, Himeji Castle, standing tall above the castle walls.

It’s winter in Japan, and its different/weird how trees are green, but the grass becomes a dry, dull, yellow colour.

I absolutely love how it is built on top of those stones-rocks (whatever its called), adds character to its architecture.

It was quite a walk up there, followed by the 5 levels of steep stairs just to get to the top of the castle.

Lower levels of the castle was used to store weaponry. I love the colour/texture of the wooden walls.

At the highest level of the castle, was a shrine,and of course a good view of the city.

about 2hours later, we made our way next door, to the gardens (which I forgot the name of :( ). It was quite nice, and I imagine it would be nicer if the cherry blossoms or maple trees were in bloom. Nevertheless, we still managed to get a few sightings of cherry blossoms.

I loveeee how light plays on the leaves of these trees. You have to look from a lower angle to see this.

Plum blossoms in bloom.

On our stroll back to the station, we got distracted by the sight of yummy mochi desserts! we couldn’t resist not having any – we are in Japan afterall!. Mochi and red bean in green tea soup, ice cream and tea. Y600 for the set.

There were many nice little handmade souvenir shops that we came across.

Recognize this big fella?, Yep, its the giant crab in Dotomburri, a popular meeting point for food in Osaka.

We had some grilled spider grab claws (sold just under the giant grab), Y500 for 2.

Then we went for some takoyaki, okinomyaki and yaki soba :)

Posing with the icon of Osaka, till this day, I’m not even sure why this guy is so popular, anyone care to tell?

That was our last night in Osaka before Tokyo, we absolutely loved Dotomburri, and can’t wait to go again before we depart.

[JAPAN] touch down in Osaka!

Hello boys and girls,

(07th March 2010)

clearly, I have failed to blog my Japan adventures as I encountered it, since, it was tiring at the end of everyday, and hard to get internet connection since we moved from one city to another every 2-3 days. So, this is my attempt of catching up; I may get lazy and let photos to do the talking, hope you appreciate those more than my long winded-ness!

Here it goes!

(i’m getting distracted by wedding blogs lol,)

So, it was the morning that I looked forward to all year, and the morning that I dread – 6:30am flight to gold coast, meaning we had to leave by 4ish to make it. Knowing me, my last minute everything wouldn’t let me sleep early, I was lucky enough to sneak in a long nap (2hrs)

The 14 hour travel to Japan was almost bearable, which included a 4hour wait in goldcoast airport just lounging around, and we ended up being ‘final called’ for boarding. I had no idea it was a 8.5hour flight, even if we were departing from goldcoast, since it was quite near hong kong. Thank god, 2 days before departure my boyfriend had helped me convert all these series I had mass downloaded some time ago, and loaded it on my ipod touch. That helped me survive the trip. Even with only 2hours sleep that night, I couldn’t get myself to sleep much during the flight. So magazines and Heroes Season 3 helped me get by.

our first look at Osaka, Japan.

the moment we got off the plane, all I could say is. It was FREEZING, probably the coldest night while we were in Japan.

After a 50min bus ride to town, and getting lost at a subway station for an hour and abit, we were saved by kind locals who even walked us to the Capsule Inn where we spent the night. It was cheap, and it was for the experience. We went the the original capsule hotel, and at first sight, it appeared a little old and kinda run down at the front. Nevertheless it was an interesting night, thankfully it was actually cosy just sleeping in a capsule. I had always imagined it to be like a morgue experience, that’s a creepy way to think of it…

We arrived quite late, hence a late dinner or rather supper. This was a small restaurant located near the capsule inn, our first taste of Japanese food, and it was nice!

A choice of appetizers;

For main, we had RAMEN!

and gyoza

I loveeee Japanese egg, to be honest I’ve never tried it before.

mmm mmm Japanese food!

Getting married on Valentine’s Day

I had just came home from watching Valentine’s Day with a girl friend (catch the space) and I’m just full of love after watching. One whole day, love-hate occurring in different parts of town… makes me wonder whether V’day over in the states is SO lovey dovey or it’s just for the movie’s sake? Made me realize I haven’t been out and about on V’day, in the city to come across the many roses one may have, love hearts, etc. (not that i’m avoiding it, i have no need to avoid it!). I should consider doing a V’day photo project next year, head out to the city and capture the many signs of love ~ let’s hope I remember it!

A note on the movie, I totally loved it! All the twists and hook ups that took place, several scenerios that were quite unexpected. Taylor Swift was so dopey, while Taylor Lautner was some eye candy right there… yes I said it. We sat next to a group of indo girls (trust me I know how to tell them apart :P), they full squealed when Taylor L was on. O M G. He was of course not the only eye candy in the movie.. My favourite pair? Jessica G and Ash K. Anne Hath and her pair up was a funny one haha… i love how polaroids were involved though <3

Although Valentine’s day, was just another day for me, we didn’t get around to celebrating anything as I had a 6 hour job lined up. Photographing a wedding. I’m a photographer under a wedding planner @ Couples Choice wedding and take up occasional event photography.

Valentine’s Day is a busy day itself already on the commercial front, and getting married on Valentine’s Day? Is more than sweet to me, that’s love right there! It makes me wonder how many other couples got married on that day?

I’m limited to how much I can share, so these are just a few favourite shots from the day :)