Japan. Kyoto. Osaka. Repeat

The morning Elle and I woke up when we arrived in Osaka we headed to Kyoto via the Hankyu Train. ( which I could not afford not to post as this train is vintage and charming. ) 

It's now obvious that I am a Japan lover. I've been here last June 2016. Late last year when Elle booked our flight to Japan. It was late March when we went here. That was 9 months after. Call me crazy but I call this as a blessing. So I've been in Kyoto and Osaka before.  What difference does it make? 

KYOTO

I will never get tired of Kyoto and Osaka or better yet, Kansai Region.

My first Kyoto page:Click Here

Elle and I did a day trip in Kyoto. I saw Kyoto in a different perspective but still very beautiful. Kyoto has a special place in my heart. Arashiyama is still very magnificent especially during the transition to Spring. I know you're thinking of me posting sakura. Just wait and see. 

I missed Cathy when I saw Kyoto again. I remember how we woke up early in the morning every day during our 3 day stay in Kyoto. How we catch the bus and how we easily navigate downtown without wifi. I remember long walks and conversations. How the rain tested our patience and friendship. How tiring it was and how fulfilling it was (that  Elle and I experienced the same.) How we win friendship over anything else. 

How we dreamt of living here - imagining of staying here for good. 

How unforgettable that trip was. It's our #friendshipgoal as what they say.

I let Elle decide on what places to visit in Kyoto since I've been here before. She wanted to see Toei but because we're just going to spend a day in Kyoto and as much as possible I want her to maximize her stay in one place instead of just seeing bits of what Kyoto's tourist spots she then opted to what Kyoto is popular for. 

Bamboo Grove and Fushimi Inari. Placed in two opposite directions.

Togetsu-kyo Bridge is a landmark in Arashiyama. It is a wooden bridge over the Katsura River.

Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

The best time to see Sakura in Kansai Region is on the first week of April. We we're a week early. Despite of that, we we're still blessed to see few cherry blossoms. 

White Sakura 

From Arashiyama we went directly to Fushimi Inari with the help of google map. Thanks be to Apo! Everything went well. 

Fushimi Inari

To see more of Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari: Click here or here for 3 UNESCO Sites I've visited last June. If you want to see TOEI Studio.

OSAKA

Osaka Shochikuza Theater in Dotonburi.

Dotonburi and Universal Studios. Take two. Oh well, wait until you see my more food discovery in Dotonburi on the next posts. And the pictures below, are pictures taken from Universal Studios from I think of a different angle of Hogwarts.

Click here if you want to go back to my USJ June 2016.

And of course, Hello Kitty.

OSAKA CASTLE 

Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo Ward.

One thing, Cathy and I missed during our stay in Osaka was to go to Osaka Castle. Well in fact, it's walking distance from the place where we stayed. Hahaha!!! Anyway, If you are in Osaka take the opportunity to have a picture taken with the castle. Do your selfie. It's a must! (Kidding!) 

Osaka Jo Hall is the largest arena in the west part of Japan. It's walking distance from Osaka Castle. 

Food stands can be seen around the area.

Looking for Sakura? 

Below is the area where you can find cherry blossoms. 

It's not yet in full bloom but to see it in a way is fair enough. (magrereklamo pa ba ko?)

                     There you go... 

TSUKENKAKU TOWER

Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Naniwa Ward, Ebisuhigashi. 

Another place Cathy and I have not seen when we went to Japan is the Tsukenkaku Tower. Elle and I were able to manage to go to this smallest tower in Japan, because it's near our place. It's almost similar to Dotonburi with an alley of restaurants and stores but fewer than the one in Dotonburi. 

Yes, the clown is still here. Do you remember his name? 

Kuidaore Taro

See more of him in Dotonburi. Click Here.

There's more of my Jaja in Japan Part Two Edition. 

I'll see you again guys! 

Ja Mata Ne!