Spent a few days in Japan’s ancient capital recently. I’d seen pictures of Kyoto in vivid red foliage and just had to see it for real. I never expected it to be so crowded. Yes, it was jam-packed with tourist (autumn and sakura season are peak in Kyoto). Flea market in Kitano...
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Took a short trip to cold, cold Hokkaido (finally!). Temperature was below zero throughout the few days we were there. But that did not stop us from eating A LOT (as always). And having some winter fun. Christmas market – Odori Park, Sapporo Sapporo Classic beer – special brew available only in Hokkaido....
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Found this in the fridge…I’d almost forgotten all about it. We got this from a roadside stall while strolling along Kamo river in Kyoto. The old lady manning the stall even threw in some tomatoes which were the sweetest I’ve ever had. It’s been almost a month since we got back from Japan. I’m amazed...
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Maze is not your usual tourist destination. It’s a small mountain village of 1500 people in Hida area of Japan’s Gifu Perfecture. With lush greens and crystal clear river, Maze is known mainly in Japan for fishing, especially the ayu (sweetfish) – an indigenous freshwater fish found only in Japan and some parts of Korea,...
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Our 2-day stop is Osaka was pretty much free and easy, mainly shopping and random eating. There’s one must-do on my list though – breakfast at Endo Sushi. I’ve heard rave reviews about this tiny, 106-year-old sushi bar in the Central Wholesale Market and was eager to check it out. We arrived at Endo...
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After my first geisha-spotting in Gion Kyoto a year ago, I walked away intrigued, and yet feeling as if I may be missing something. Ever so often, I’d be pre-occupied with capturing the perfect shot. If only I’d taken more time to observe the little details. This time around, as we hang around Hanami-koji in Gion...
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My first kaiseki was at Nishiki Arashiyama. While I was looking forward to a multi-course feast, what I didn’t expect was a visual treat. To be frank, I wasn’t sure what some of the dishes were as the nice lady who served us spoke only Japanese. This made it even more fun, and no less...
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After a few days in the city, Koyasan was a nice change of scenery – peaceful and serene. This secluded temple town is the center of Shingon Buddhism and located high in the forest-covered mountains of Kansai region . Getting to Koya-san is easier than it seems. From Osaka, it takes two change of trains, cable car...
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These are probably the worst shots of my recent Japan trip. Please excuse the blurry, out-of-range images and underexposed photos. Japanese thoughtfulness and politeness has rubbed off on me and I can’t seem to get myself to use a flash in these circumstances. I think it’s bad enough that these exquisite ladies are being...
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After the tuna auction, we chanced upon a fishmonger cutting up a sizeable fish. I have never given much thought on how a whole tuna would be cut up, until this encounter at Tsukiji Market. It takes quite a bit of skill, four different knives and two men, if it’s a huge fish. First off,...
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Never have I been more awake and determined at 3.30am. That’s how early we got up for the tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market. After missing it on my last trip, the tuna auction was top on our Tokyo itinerary this time around. We arrived just after 4am and were the last few to make...
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While I did not set an itinerary for Tokyo, I thought my trip would not be complete without a visit to Tsukiji market. The market consists of a wholesale seafood section, vegetables & fruits section, with retail shops & restaurants on the outer area catering to the public. I arrived a bit...
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