Category: History

CategoriesArchitecture Essay History Kobe Kyoto Light Night Osaka Photography

My Kansai Region Travel

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“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” ― Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest Overall, my October travel to the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, was amazing and refreshing. As I mentioned in previous posts, I’ve already traveled across Osaka back in May. So, my main focus of this time was socializing with my friend who newly moved to the city all the way from Germany with his wife. We walked around the city and ate Kushikatsu together. I had a lot of fun! And the third day was the busiest. Having been to Kyoto, which is … Continue ReadingMy Kansai Region Travel

CategoriesArchitecture Decorations History Kyoto Photography

Nijo Castle

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“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.” ― Winston S. Churchill Nijo Castle is a very well reserved sightseeing spot where Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu once resided. The castle is composed of various different areas, architectures, and towers. Inside the main castle, you can see how cleverly designed the architecture is with great details. Even though the entrance fee is a little more costly when compared with other Kyoto sightseeing spots, it’s one of the must-see spots.

CategoriesArchitecture Decorations History Kyoto Nature Photography

Kinkakuji Temple

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“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” ― Bill Keane This is the highlight of my Kyoto trip. KInkakuji Temple is one of the hardest sightseeing spots you can ignore when visiting Kyoto. You can definitely be guaranteed to geta breathtaking photo of this gold leaf decorated temple. I walked around the surrounding lake and garden to take the temple from every angle. This place is somewhat magical and is really worth your visit!

CategoriesArchitecture History Kyoto Photography

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

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“Tradition becomes our security, and when the mind is secure it is in decay.” ― Jiddu Krishnamurti After visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, I walked towards the famous pagoda, stumbling upon those amusing streets knowns as Sannenzaka/Ninnenzaka. The whole area is great with traditional style shops. Walking through the streets, the area gives you a glimpse into how Japan used to look like. It’d be much better in the evening for photography to capture dimly lit streets when you walk. All in all, this breathtaking nostalgic and romantic atmosphere is a must-see in Kyoto.

CategoriesArchitecture Decorations History Kyoto Nature Photography

Unfortunately…

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“There are very few bad people. There are just a lot of people that are unlucky.” ― Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Yep, you’ve read the title… During my trip to Osaka, my friend told me Kyoto is only 30 minutes away from the city. Since I have already visited almost all major sightseeing spots of Osaka back in May, I thought why not visiting somewhere new, like Kyoto. As the title reads, my first destination of the city turned unfortunate. Kiyomizu-dera Temple should be a landmark sightseeing spot. It, however, was under renovation… But the visiting experience in the temple overall was great and refreshing. Even though … Continue ReadingUnfortunately…

CategoriesArchitecture Chiba History Museum Photography

Tojo House

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“Photography is a magical kind of art that allows people to preserve time and moments, and to describe the world the way they see it.” ― Sahara Sanders Built in 1884, Tojo house (Tojo-tei in Japanese) is a former residence of Prince Akitate Tokugawa, brother of the last Shogun, Yoshinobu Tokugawa. Akitate was supposed to be the shogun after Yoshinobu, but the Meiji Restoration abruptly and dramatically finished the 200-years-long Edo period. His ambition to be the last shogun never came true, and he spent the rest of his life in Tojo-tei. The building itself is well reserved. Once inside, you’ll find a very well reserved structure of the house. … Continue ReadingTojo House

CategoriesArchitecture History Kanagawa Light Night Photography Yokohama

Three Creeks Garden

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“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.” ― Bob Dylan Sankei-en, meaning Three Creeks Garden, represents the true beauty of Yokohama. Many old architectures and historical properties were moved from Kyoto, Wakayama, Kanagawa, Gihu, and Tokyo. The garden is well maintained, and there are many things that deserve your attention. If you really want to enjoy traditional Japanese architectures and atmosphere in the modernized Yokohama, this place is for you. Take your time, walk slowly and inhale that unique fresh air.

CategoriesAnimals Art Decorations History Photography Tokyo

Cats Overload

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“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” ― Robert A. Heinlein To commemorate the 90th anniversary, the Hotel Meguro Gajoen held another cat exhibition. 29 different artists contributed to this project, and more than 3000 cat figures and art-pieces were collected. The Idols of the Cat Capital exhibit represents Japan’s fascination with cats over the Heian, Edo, Showa, and Heisei periods. The exhibit was on display only until May 19th. It was such a like-no-other experience to be surrounded by thousands of cats. Absolutely cats overload!

CategoriesArchitecture Art History Nature Osaka Photography

The Tower of the Sun

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“Strength is seeing yourself as you are.” ― Taro Okamoto The tower was built for Expo ’70 and was designed by a Japanese artist, Taro Okamoto. During the expo, the tower was open to the public but closed after the event. Back in 1970 during the expo, the gallery inside displayed a huge artwork “Tree of Life”, which represented the evolution of creatures. Since then, the tower was long closed until 2014 for repairs and reformation. The Expo and the tower itself are occasionally mentioned in modern Japanese history as symbols of the post-war economic recovery. The tower is so Osaka, and look a little comical. My dad jokingly told me not … Continue ReadingThe Tower of the Sun

CategoriesArchitecture Art History Osaka Photography

Osaka Castle

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“Many a book is like a key to unknown chambers within the castle of one’s own self.” ― Franz Kafka If you’re in Osaka, a stop at the Osaka Castle is a must. The history and beauty are breathtaking. Being the symbol of the city, it brings the entire cultural origin alive with the presentation. Despite the fact that the castle we see today was rebuilt, it has been done in a great manner that it accurately reflects the origin. The grounds surrounding the castle offers a great walk, and you can enjoy the view of the castle from different angles. I wish I could be there at spring when … Continue ReadingOsaka Castle