Kitano Tenman-gū, Kyoto

It's a Shinto shrine that I found quite interesting. For more info on the history of this shrine visit here. During my visit here, I saw many Japanese people fascinated with a particular flower which made me curious but didn't stop me from taking a few snapshots. Turns out, it's actually plum blossom (or 'ume'). However, I'm still uncertain whether this plant is found only in this area or not?

Okazaki, Kyoto

It's an area that i'll be definitely making a return trip cause it's nearby and i've not completed visiting all the attractions here. A visit to one of the art gallery the other day is not enough for me. Not to forget, I even observed some people flying kites in this area. Maybe, it's a perfect place to hang out with friends and family

Dinner with Zuru-chan and Wiltod the other day was in a restaurant that was completely new to me. The dish that we ordered was 'omuraisu'. Surprisingly, the same type of dish is served in my country. It is called pattaya rice (or 'nasi pattaya'). It's a small world after all (or 'the world is flat'). This restaurant turns out to be quite interesting with a 60s design and Freddie King's song in the background

Shigaraki, Shiga

A visit to Shigaraki pottery town (Shiga) was an interesting one. With an opportunity to take a closer look at pottery sculpturing and a chance to color our own clay cup (yeah! it was only a cup), it was quite an experience.. especially with the chance of making fun of other peoples design ('like mine was that good, hehe'). Another interesting thing about this trip is that I was able to know about ‘Tanuki’ (Japanese raccoon dog). Before this I had never known about it, but now I realize its importance in Japanese culture especially in folklore and proverbs. For more info on 'Tanuki' visit here. For more pics, click here (sorry-sorry for not posting for 2 weeks)

Odaiba, Tokyo

Surprisingly enough, the best observatory in Odaiba area is Fuji 'terebi' (Fuji TV). One could enter the 'giant sphere' for ¥500. Otherwise, we could just visit the observatory one floor below the 'giant sphere' for free. Both these spots are not very much different in enabling us to enjoy the surrounding beauty of this area from a bird's eye view. However for me, because I was already there and may not have the opportunity to make a return trip, I may as well pay ¥500 and visit the 'giant sphere'

Rinku town, Osaka

Not to forget, after visiting Heian shrine, I went to this place. It turns out to be located at Osaka bay, very close to Kansai airport. I believe, the main attraction here is the 'Rinku premium outlets'. Many famous brands have their stores located here. For new year's day, there were special discounts, goodie bags etc. In my opinion it's better to shop wisely even though it was new year's sale! some items were not worth it, some were very old stocks, others are simply a bargain

Heian Shrine, Kyoto

Compared to last year's 1st of January, this year I did something memorable. I woke up early in the morning ('never done this before') and I went to Heian shrine. After cycling for 15 min, my fingers were numb, but I still continued my journey. Luckily, there were very few people around.. I took some pics and tried to imitate some Japanese rituals. The second pic indicates a Japanese new year custom, whereby the drawn fortune slip ('omikuji') is tied in this designated area, with high hopes for a better luck/future, Ganbatte Kudasai!