travel

Osaka (Aug. 2016): Back to Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi + Airport

November 16, 2016

On to the last day of our trip, it was pretty much a simple day spent on shopping for last-minute souvenirs/clothes we wanted to buy the day before/etc. We decided to just go back to Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi, since it was within walking distance from our AirBnb–also, since it’s pretty much the central shopping district of Osaka. Apart from that, we didn’t really go to any other new place.

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Osaka (Aug. 2016): Universal Studios Japan & Wizarding World of Harry Potter

November 4, 2016

I think it would be impossible not to write about our day in Universal Studios Japan (USJ). For one thing, I can definitely say it was one of the most unique experiences I’ve had in a theme park. Why? Because we spent the entire day under the pouring rain. hahahaha! 🙁 Continue Reading

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Osaka (Aug. 2016): Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi

November 2, 2016

It’s as if Dotonbori was a tourist spot taken straight out of “Tidy Town” of Hayao Miyazaki’s Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch video game (or, should I say it was the other way around??). Even among the busy city streets of Osaka, there lies this hidden area of festivity and gastronomical adventures in between its tall buildings!

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Kyoto (Aug. 2016): Fushimi Inari Taisha

October 21, 2016

If I’d have to pick a favorite among the places I’ve visited in Kyoto, it would definitely be Fushimi Inari Taisha (Shrine). I’ve had friends who have visited it in the past, and I’d get jealous whenever they’d post pictures online with the iconic thousand vermillion torii gates! Imagining myself walking the golden trail leading to a forest of the sacred Mount Inari makes it feel like somewhat of a dream. ♥

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Kyoto (Aug. 2016): Arashiyama & Togetsukyo Bridge

October 11, 2016

As if Kyoto’s city center didn’t charm us enough, it turns out that there’s even more beauty to be found in the city outskirts. Tucked along the base of Arashiyama Mountains (“Storm Mountains”) in the far west of Kyoto is the lush natural scenery of Arashiyama.

Arashiyama is popularly known for its vast Bamboo Grove, the large streaming Oi River, and its pockets of zen shrines and temples. If you’re planning to travel to Kyoto, this is definitely one of the main attractions you shouldn’t miss out on!
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Kyoto (Aug. 2016): Kiyomizudera Temple, & Gion

October 1, 2016

I remember the last time I was ever able to travel together with the entire family was back in 2014 during our trip to Seoul, Korea. We rarely get the chance to travel together, so when given the chance, these trips tend to become extra memorable. This time around, we were able to travel as a family to Osaka and Kyoto, Japan.
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Taipei (April, 2016) Day 4: Taipei 101 Mall, & Airport

August 17, 2016

Our flight back home was scheduled in the evening, so we wanted to make use of our last few hours in Taiwan for some last-minute shopping. We decided to head back to Taipei 101 Mall, since we didn’t know of much places to shop in during the day time (as opposed to the many options of night markets in the evening). Continue Reading

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Taipei (April, 2016) Day 3: Jiufen, & Ximending

August 13, 2016

Jiufen gives off its own calming charm as a tourist destination being ways away from the bustling and busy city center of Taipei. Similar to Tagaytay in the Philippines, Jiufen is situated in a mountain area just within the Ruifang District of the New Taipei City.

What excited me the most about going to Jiufen was that you can find there the famous 100-year old A-Mei Tea House that served as the inspiration for the popular animated film, Spirited Away. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to drop by due to time constraints. 🙁 But, seeing the rest of Jiufen with all its hanging lanterns, and stalls with local goods somewhat made me feel like I was walking around the actual set of Spirited Away. ♥

We dedicated an entire day for Jiufen since we knew that the travel time would take about an hour (one-way) from the Taipei Main Station. We had to make sure that we were able to get enough rest just the night before.

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Taipei (April, 2016) Day 2 (Pt. 2): Huashan Creative Park & Shilin Market

July 29, 2016

Continuing on from Part 1 of my Day 2 blog post, we headed to Huashan Creative Park after our nap time (the 1-2 hour nap time I mentioned in Part 1. lol!). This time, we were fully prepared attire-wise (no more thick shirts!!). The art center wasn’t that far from our place, so we ended up just walking there. Continue Reading

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Taipei (April, 2016) Day 2 (Pt. 1): Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall & Addiction Aquatic

July 23, 2016

I think because we visited an art center (I ended up taking pictures of EVERYTHING hahaha!) on this day, I ended up having to divide our Day 2 into two parts! Not to mention, we had lunch in such a unique restaurant, that I just had to take as much pictures as I could to preserve the memory (and share the experience!).

Anyway, for Day 2, we started out our day by visiting the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. For a bit of a backgrounder, the memorial hall was put up in memory of Chiang Kai-Shek, who was the former President of the Republic of China. The monument is surrounded by parks and plazas, and to the north and south of the monument are the National Theater, and the National Concert Hall. Continue Reading

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