Although over-tourism has become a hot topic in recent years, Kyoto remains an iconic destination that every first-time traveler to Japan dreams of visiting at least once. Known for its rich history, timeless temples, and serene gardens, Kyoto’s charm is undeniable.

However, if you’re visiting Kyoto in the summer, be prepared for a different kind of experience. The city, nestled in a basin surrounded by mountains, can feel like a steamy cauldron during the warmer months. And just when you’ve adjusted to the heat, late summer has its own tricks—sudden downpours that can take you by surprise! read more

(Mario statue at 1F of Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. new area T8.)

For any avid fan of Japan, the name Takashimaya resonates as an emblem of international repute among department stores.

My sojourn in Singapore in 2016 placed me in close proximity to Ngee Ann City, and I found myself drawn to “Taka” – as Singaporeans affectionately call it – every other day, seeking a slice of Japan. For many, Takashimaya serves as a beloved portal to authentic Japanese culture.

Did you know how Takashimaya was born? read more

Last week, I have decided to make one last trip back to Kyoto before the international crowd returns. While I usually favor visiting low-key remote locales that are still under the radar of mainstream tourism, the pandemic has given me a fortunate once-in-a-lifetime chance to see one of the most popular prefectures in Japan in a new light.

The theme for my trip was to bask in all the energy of Kyoto’s “power spots” – a term used in Japan to refer to a particular area where one can feel in tuned with nature and take in all its spiritual energy, whether for healing, for blessing and good fortune, or simply to refresh your body and mind. I considered it a mini pilgrimage in line with my recent walk on the spiritual path. read more

Kyoto is without a doubt, one of the best known and most popular travel destinations in Japan, while Nara, once the capital of Japan some 1300 years ago, is full of historical charm too.

Today I am going to share with you 15 iconic places to see and things to do that you can easily access with your JR-WEST Kansai Area Pass!

Read my previous blog post on how to purchase and redeem JR-WEST Rail Passes online effortlessly!

Let’s start!

Okay, honestly? This post is going to be  a little overwhelmingly lengthy, because I will be introducing 3 different passes from three different railway companies for those of you who intend to travel to the Kansai area of Japan.

But stay with me here and I hope it will be a worthwhile read for you to make the best out of your next Japan trip!

In this blog post, we are focusing on the Kansai area of West Japan. While I believe all of you are familiar with the classic route to conquer Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, there’s so much more to explore within the Kansai region with just a couple of train rides. read more

Hello! A blog post to continue my #CheesieConquersWestJapan journey.

I have been to Kyoto several times but this is my first time visiting Amanohashidate (天橋立). Did you know that Kyoto actually is by the sea? Many people don’t picture Kyoto and the ocean together, but Amanohashidate, located at the Kyotango Peninsula is also dubbed “Kyoto by the Sea”. It’s a very very different side of the usual traditional Kyoto we have in mind. 🙂

Thanks for reading my previous blog post on

1. JR West Rail Passes
2.  Sanyo-San’in Area Pass

Today I’d like to introduce the second JR West Rail Pass:

Kansai WIDE Area Pass

I hope you have a better idea on JR West Rail Passes after reading my previous blog post. ^^

So now, sample itinerary time! 

The first pass I’ll be introducing is Sanyo-San’in Area Pass. This pass is valid for 7 days, here’s a sample itinerary that brings you across 6 prefectures in 7D7N (or 7D6N) with minimum change of hotels so that you won’t have to haul your luggage everywhere with you! You will be staying 2 nights in Hiroshima, 3 nights in Okayama and 1 or 2 night(s) in Osaka. ^^ read more

After exactly 3 years i was in Kyoto again!!

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Some of the the night shots of Kyoto streets.

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#3

Us shopping at Shijo （四条）after Yasaka shrine visit and returning our kimono.

#4

Two of us wearing black like obake wtf.

Kyoto is like Aud’s turf (while Osaka is mine) so i let her be the boss that night so she brought me to her fav restaurant ever-Seiseriya.

It’s an italian family restaurant that’s super cheap. Will illustrate how cheap is cheap.

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This Aud was damn greedy we ordered a plate of Tarako pasta each, then horenso (sauteed spinach), THEN SHE SUMMORE ORDER A HAMBURG STEAK WTF. read more

My fav part of our Kansai trip!!

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Woke up early to travel from Osaka to Kyoto! Today is Kimono day!!

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It was super cold we breathed mist. Silly thought we could show you guys how cold it was in picture. Now we just look like retarded frogs. Awesome.

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#UFOD

Grey knitted top from Loose House (turned out i like it ALOT!), fur gloves by DRWCYS from minimaos, bag from EMODA.

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Arrived at a hair salon in Kyoto arranged by Bailin Production to do our mori hair!

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>.<  😛
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Have to wake up 8am for filming again tomorrow now tahaning very hard not to fall asleep so that i can blog this picture.

Just one picture. But the best nonetheless.

Update again soon! Oyasumitan!

is sooooo beautiful.

Eh wrong picture, sorry.

We drove to Kyoto and met our host Katou.

Sweetest guy! Very soft spoken, very gentleman.

First stop: The Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji 金閣寺

Had tea by the park.

Macha and some dessert with red bean.

With gold on it!!

Black sesame Dango. Very very nice!

Next we walked for lunch. The weather was very good. Cold but warm with sunlight. Dunno how to explain. If you have experienced winter you will know.

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