Japan Life : West Kyoto : Arashiyama

Arashiyama is one of my favourite place in Kyoto! I just LOVE how the trees and river transforms itself every season in Arashiyama. Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn, you won't get the same view! Personally, I think the best time to come here is of course in autumn/fall which is around Oct to Nov. The various colors of autumn foliage is just too magnificent! But a short boating trip across the Oi river in the middle of winter was also a great experience!

Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. (wiki)

From Kyoto  Station, you can take the JR Sagano Line train to Saga Arashiyama at platform 33.

 

Don't worry, they have gasoline heater inside the boat.

 

Aren't they pretty?



Wild ducks enjoying their winter bath



Bamboo Trail



It's a long walk, so you can also try the trishaw

Japan Life : North Kyoto : Amanohashidate

Since becoming a  会社員(company employee), I was able to enjoy my new life in Japan more! (Gone off the days of lack of sleep & stressing over 日本語quizzes and tests!!) I’m eager to travel to the different places in Japan every time there's a public holiday here. On weekends, I would try to discover Kyoto city as much as possible but there are so many interesting places to visit in Kyoto itself! Here are some of the places that I’ve visited so far (and more to go!!) Hopefully it can ignite some ideas for those of you who are planning to go to Japan!

Seikiro Ryokan & Gallery, Amanohashidate, North Kyoto.

Amanohashidate (天橋立) is one of Japan"s 3 scenic view  (Matsushima, Amanohashidate, Hiroshima). The sandbar is located in Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It forms part of the Tango-Amanohashidate-Ōeyama Quasi-National Park. From Kyoto Station, you can take the JR Limited Express train to Amanohashidate at platform 31.

  

My first Japanese Ryokan experience! And it ain't cheap..









Our room have so many sliding door opening it's just amazing!





We got the best room, both garden and Amanohashidate sea view!

Guest will be serve personally by the staff at the dining hall.

Our Dinner! We boiled everything raw and eat happily.

We even participated in the Obon Festival Dance with the local folks.

Time to say good bye..But see you again Amanohashidate!

2014 : BIGBANG CONCERT TOUR IN JAPAN (again and again..)

Happy New Year!! 2014 is here. Let's work hard, be a happier and better person. Spread love! :)

2 and a half year of living in Japan, so I have attended 7 ,9 11 BIGBANG show in total.

1) BIGBANG Alive Tour - Kyocera Dome Osaka 241112
2) BIGBANG Alive Tour - Kyocera Dome Osaka (Special Final) 130113
3) GDragon OOAK Concert in Japan Dome Special - Kyocera Dome Osaka 280413
4) GDragon OOAK Concert in Japan Dome Special - Nagoya Dome 010613
5) BIGBANG 6 Dome Japan Tour  - Tokyo Dome 211213
6) BIGBANG 6 Dome Japan Tour  - Kyocera Dome Osaka Day 1 (Final Show) 110114
7) BIGBANG 6 Dome Japan Tour  - Kyocera Dome Osaka Day 2 (Final Show) 120114
8) YG Family World Tour - Kyocera Dome Osaka Day 1  120414
9) YG Family World Tour - Kyocera Dome Osaka Day 2  130414
10) BIGBANG JAPAN DOME TOUR X in OSAKA DOME D4 231114
11) BIGBANG JAPAN DOME TOUR X in TOKYO DOME D2 271214


Seeing this list, to say that I am a mediocre BIGBANG fan, would be a lie, RIGHT? But to say that I am hardcore VIP is too much of a statement coz I made new friends at the concert from all around the world who are wayyyyyyyyy crazier than me! But, from 1st concert until the last concert, I noticed that my Japanese comprehension skill is getting better as I could understand most of the conversation!! YeaY!!

So many things to write, so many photos to upload, so many great VIP friends made, so many new experiences, so much love and respect for my boys. It's my obsession and yes, I'm loving this journey.