JAPAN TRIP 2012: PART 2

So...it's been a while. I've kind of been in blogger shut down mode for the past couple of weeks. Ever since hitting that one year mark, I've really struggled to keep up with a regular routine (and I'm sure it's apparent). How do you guys do it?!?! I desperately need some blogging advice! ><

Despite the delay, I'm going to finish with part 2 of my Japan trip. Every time I think back to my experiences in Tokyo and Osaka, food and shopping pops to mind. On many occasions I would get so distracted by the shopping that I completely forget about taking photos. This post is extremely image heavy nonetheless - and haul photos are included at the end!

OSAKA

Osaka Castle
I'm sure when people visually picture Osaka (for those that have been there), this structure is somewhere in the background. Osaka Castle is a very impressive, and culturally significant, piece of architecture. If you get to the very top (lots of stairs involved) you also take in an all round view of the beautiful city.

Osaka Aquarium
I had high hopes for this place (I LOVE going to aquariums), but was a little disappointed by how small all the exhibits were. The whale shark however - which is the main draw card - had me in awe!

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
Instant ramen (or cup noodle) is an absolute food necessity to me. So naturally, I had to pay homage to the man who invented it all - Momofuku Ando. You also get to customize your very own cup noodle at the museum so it's all very cool.

Takoyaki
I LOVE Takoyaki, and Osaka is the place to go to stuff yourself full of this yummy goodness. At this particular joint (I believe it's call 'Pizza Ball House'), you get to make your own Takoyaki from scratch, which proved to be MUCH harder than it looks. The waiter had to come around so many times to help and ensure the takoyaki was cooking properly - it was quite embarrassing.

Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a must for food and shopping in Osaka. It's where the famous running man (or glico man) lives, and is a definite tourist hotspot. I highly recommend hitting up 'Kani Doraku Honten' if you go pass it, I know it's a chain restaurant, but their all-crab courses are AMAZING! Surprisingly affordable too.

JAPAN TRIP 2012: PART 1

Finally, snippets of my trip to Japan! I didn't realise how many photos I had taken (over 2000!), so I do apologize for taking my time in making this post. Looking back at all these photos though just makes me desperately want to go back...I miss Japan so much! :(

Now before I get into the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and Osaka, I want to share my photo diary of the breathtaking city of Kyoto. I never thought Kyoto would leave much of an impression on me, it's more about sightseeing and culture, but I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the experience. I love the clash between traditional Japan and it's modern technological advances; Kyoto is definitely a very unique city. Anyhoo, I'll keep the text to a minimal and let the pictures do the talking! Though be warned, this post is VERY picture heavy! 

Kinkakuji Temple

A temple covered in gold. Yes, GOLDDDD!!! And though you can't physically go inside the structure, it felt surreal just being in its presence - almost like I've jumped into some fantasy movie. Alongside it's surrounding gardens, Kinkakuji is absolutely picturesque.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine is most famous for its big red gates (called torii) that form tunnels which are just ENDLESS. Walking through the forest greenery (it's built on mountain) whilst being encaged in these red structures was a really amazing experience!

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a district on the outskirts of Kyoto, and is probably one of the most beautiful and scenic places I've ever been to. The mountains, lakes, bamboo trees...I'm really not much of a nature girl generally, but I would be happy to spend all day taking in the scenery at Arashiyama.