日本 !!

One (of many) great things about living in Asia is that there are so many countries just a hop, skip and a jump away! From Seoul, Korea (where I live on the airport express line and only about 45 minutes from the main airport) Japan is only a 1 hour and 25 minute flight away. So really a weekend trip away!

I traveled with two great people, Ali and John. We booked our flights and hotel through a Korean travel agent who I am sure provided us with amazing information & resources. None of us are fluent in Korean making all the information irrelevant BUT that's fine, because that is what information centers are for. In all my travels thus far the info centers you find in the airports, subway stations or main bus terminals are total saviours. After arriving in Osaka and having some great locals help us find the way we were off on our way. 

Soup with Noodles - A great place to "nom"

As you can see this place was busy!
This was around 11pm, the food was delicious though. 

How to make sure you've paid for parking & / or to prevent car theft.
Brilliant. 

On Saturday we headed to Kyoto via Train (30 mintes away from Osaka)
Stop 1 - Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle - the garden that was built so wherever you stand in the garden it looks like the "front"

Nijo Castle 

 First person we saw in a Kimono at Nijo Castle
Later that day we saw so many girls in Kimonos. 

Famous Ryoan-ji Rock Garden, Kyoto Japan
This Zen Garden (rock garden) is considered to be one of the finest in Japan. 

The Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

We ended up stopping for some energy - Yes that is a frape, with vanilla pudding on the bottom. Japan you're an interesting one. People in Canada do you have this weird and wonderful drink?

At Houkan-ji Temple, Kyoto 

Day 2: The Osaka Castle
This played an important role in the unification of Japan

Yup, I have a jumping photo in nearly every country I have ever visited! :) 

Just incase you don't remember what country I was in. 

Japanese sushi we bought on the street.
This was the BEST sushi I have ever taste in my life. 

Of course I have many more photos but these were the highlights. Something to note is how everything in Kyoto (temples specifically) are so far apart. The bus system is great though, and locals were wonderful at helping us find our way if we got lost.  Another amazing weekend in the books!

Live, follow dreams & enjoy life's moments.

Until next post, 

M

p.s. I knew this trip was going to be awesome when I got on the subway heading to the airport. What a couple!! Couple outfits are normal here in Korea but this is just EXTREME!