Japan is old school in something that I adore - free leaflets, maps, magazines available to visitors looking to explore, find hidden gems, and also, a great source for future scrapbooking. I’ll speak about the latter at another time. I had picked some of these, and on my first evening in Osaka, back at my … Continue reading Discovering Katsuo-ji, Osaka’s Hidden Gem
My time in Japan was coming to an end in Osaka, my last stop before flying back home. On the train from Kyoto, there was a strange sadness taking over my overall mood. I didn’t want my holiday to end. Certainly I didn't feel like I was done with Japan - in fact, on my … Continue reading Osaka – the city refusing to take life too seriously
When I found out Jidai Matsuri was happening on the 22nd of October, precisely when I was planning on being in Kyoto, I was jubilant. And I had good reason. Every year on the 22nd of October, Kyoto celebrates its history with a long parade with over 2,000 volunteers dressed in authentic, detailed costumes representing … Continue reading A Gallery on Jidai Matsuri – I was in Kyoto when it was its birthday
I don’t know what it is that I adore more about Shinto. The undeniable connection with nature. The Kamis, their presence, their spirits. Or the elevation of animals to sacredness. We’ve spoken about the deer in Nara, from woodland munchers to sacred messengers. We’ve also talked about the looking back rabbit of Uji, the carp … Continue reading Fushimi Inari – a place of pilgrimage, not photoshoots
Was it crazy to do Nara and Uji on the same day? I don’t think so. Would I have liked to make it slower? Yes. But I had limited time… and I know I can start a day very early. Toda-ji Temple And that’s precisely what happened. I was in Nara at 7:30am. Which was … Continue reading Nara and Uji in one day from Kyoto. P.S. The deer aren’t that polite
The Winged Bone 