Walking around Kyoto at night, I noticed the doors. Wooden doors, metal doors and small shopfronts sat quietly under soft lights. Each one felt calm and timeless, resting after a long day (except of course for the ever busy Don Quijote – a Japanese discount store). I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge.
Category: Travels 2025
Doors can be fun
Japan’s doors are not all about quiet minimalism, nor are they purely chaotic bursts of detail. Some sit gently in between … and some are simply fun. I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge and Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge
Where Smiles Meet the Grumpy Chef
In Osaka, I spotted several smiling golden figures sitting proudly in Japanese restaurants and shopfronts. This is Billiken, a beloved good-luck character. Originally inspired by a Western statue and introduced to Japan in the early 1900s, Billiken has become a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. Billiken is usually shown seated, with pointy ears…
Simple Doors in Osaka
Osaka may be bustling, yet these doors whisper simplicity and serenity. I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge.
Travel Diary in Osaka Castle – Day 14
TRAVEL DIARY: OSAKA CASTLE, SHINSEKAI MARKET There’s a charming little tourist train, often called the Osaka Castle Park Train, which loops around the castle grounds. It is an easy way to see the sights and save on walking. Here are some images from around the castle, with the added bonus of autumn colours. Food stalls…
Travel Diary in Katsuo-ji Temple – Day 13
TRAVEL DIARY: KATSUO-JI TEMPLE I’d seen Katsuo-ji Temple on Instagram and had been really excited to visit. We left at 9am, taking the train and then a bus, and the hour journey itself already felt like part of the adventure. This is the Katsuo-ji Temple in Mino, Osaka, and we knew we had arrived the…
Kyoto Doors
Kyoto doors, much like the city itself, feel quiet, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in tradition. In general, they are simple and understated rather than grand. Many are made of wood that has been left to age naturally, so you’ll often see soft browns, greys, and weathered textures that tell a story of time passing. The…
Travel Diary in Namba – Day 12
TRAVEL DIARY: NAMBA Today we’re exploring the Namba area. Our first stop is Yasaka Shrine, famous for its giant lion head that looks both fierce and fascinating, and is said to swallow bad luck and bring good fortune. So many quirky shops around the Namba area. Walked all the way to Dotonbori which is a…
My Favourites from 2025
This week’s challenge is My Favourites from 2025. I went back through photos from two of my travel destinations and chose a few favourites. Some may be familiar, but they’re images that still hold meaning for me and bring back moments I loved. For the South Island of New Zealand, choosing a favourite wasn’t easy….
Travel Diary in Nakazakicho & Umeda – Day 11
TRAVEL DIARY: NAKAZAKICHO & UMEDA It was still a tour day in Osaka for those who booked the optional excursions, but Jack and I decided to explore on our own. Took the train to Nakazakicho. But first Brunch… I’d read about this place called Nakazakicho, Osaka’s bohemian soul. It is just the place for me…narrow…
My 2025 Travels in Pen & Ink
I enjoy urban sketching—plein air sketching, sketching on location, or whatever you may want to call it. I may not be very good at it but I find it incredibly relaxing. Seeing my travels captured in watercolour and pen is the best way for me to keep those memories alive. Here are some of the…
Travel Diary in Nara – Day 10
TRAVEL DIARY: FUSHIMI INARI, NARA, OSAKA From Kyoto, we headed to Fushimi Inari … and as expected, it was incredibly busy. We wandered around, browsing here and there, taking in the energy of the place, and even found time to try the famous 10-yen coin–shaped, custard-filled pancake, which was a fun (and sweet) little treat…
Tavel Diary in Miyama & Kinkaku-ji – Day 9
TRAVEL DIARY: MIYAMA, KINKAKU-JI It was our free day on the tour, so I asked the hotel if they had any trips to the Golden Pavilion. They said the shuttle wasn’t direct and would pass by Miyama, which meant the journey would take a bit longer. Oh well — it was a free shuttle, so…
Travel Diary Kyoto – Day 8 (Part 2)
TRAVEL DIARY: KYOTO Jack and I continued our walk and reached the Kamo River. The Kamo River (鴨川, Kamo-gawa), runs through Kyoto and is a popular place for locals and visitors to wander, sit by the water, and enjoy a slower pace of the city. Enjoyed a lovely lunch overlooking the Kamo River. Honestly, it…
Travel Diary in Kyoto – Day 8
TRAVEL DIARY: ARASHIYAMA, KYOTO Kyoto has this quiet charm that reveals itself in its little laneways—narrow paths lined with wooden houses, simple doors, and tiny details that feel like stepping back in time. Every turn seems to lead to a hidden shrine, a tea shop, or an old doorway that has its own story. It’s…
Travel Diary On the way to Kyoto – Day 7
TRAVEL DIARY: OBUCHI-SASABA, KYOTO Another long day of travelling awaited us, with around four hours on the bus ahead. We started the morning with an early breakfast, took a quick walk around the hotel grounds, and then began our journey toward Kyoto. It was one of those quiet travel days where you just settle into…
Travel Diary: On the way to Shizuoka – Day 6
TRAVEL DIARY: 5TH STATION MT FUJI, LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO, FUJI FIVE LAKES, OSHINO-HAKKAI, SHIZUOKA Today’s tour from Tokyo to Shizuoka was a mostly relaxed one, spent largely on the bus as we made our way from one stop to the next. Altogether, we were on the road for about three hours. It is just enough time…
Last Chance: South Island
Some South Island scenes I haven’t posted yet … or may have forgotten if I already did. Sharing them now before the year closes, for Tina’s Lens Artist Photo Challenge with the theme “Last Chance”. A last glimpse of autumn purple at NZ Alpine Lavender Farm. The South Island skies is always dramatic, vast, and…
Travel Diary Azubadai Hills – Day 5
TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 5 AZUBADAI HILLS Our main itinerary for today was to visit TeamLab Borderless, since we had a free day on our tour. So we took our time exploring the area before heading in on our designated entry time of 12 noon. Azabudai Hills is a modern shopping centre with a sleek architecture…
Travel Diary First Day of Tour – Day 4
TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 4 MEIJI SHRINE, HARAJUKU So today, our tour officially began. We finally met our tour mates, and they all seemed like such a happy, easygoing bunch. It already feels like the start of a fun trip. First stop is the Meiji Shrine. I walked into Meiji Shrine through its huge wooden gate,…
Asakusa & its Doors
As I wandered through Asakusa, I found myself slowing down for something most people probably walk past without a second thought—the doors. Unlike the ornate temples or the colourful bustle of shopping Streets, the doors here are simple, clean, and almost understated. Some are plain wooden panels softened by age, others are neatly painted with…
Travel Diary in Asakusa – Day 3
TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 3 ASAKUSA It was our third day in Tokyo, and we took the train around 9am. Since it was a public holiday, I wasn’t too worried about it being crowded. We took 2 trains and a bit of walking to reach Nakamise Street. Walking through Nakamise Street felt like stepping into a…
Travel Diary in Shibuya & Shinjuku – Day 2
TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 2 SHIBUYA & SHINJUKU Right after breakfast on Day 2 in Tokyo, we were off again, heading straight for Shibuya. It is busy, loud, and buzzing with its own kind of magic. And just outside Shibuya Station, we found the famous Hachikō statue. I’ve seen it in photos countless times, but standing…
Coffee time at Nakazakicho
A great place to rest after an hour of walking… coffee time. This area is Nakazakicho in Osaka, famous for its high concentration of unique and stylish cafes. For Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge For Jude’s Bench Anniversary
Doors from Ginza to Shibuya
We went from Ginza to Shibuya by train, and of course I was busy taking photos of the doors and every quirky little detail. Japan does this to you haha I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Door Challenge. And of course Jack had to go through the doors of the famous Tower Records to…
Travel Diary in Roppongi – Day 1 (Part 2)
TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 1 (Part 2) ROPPONGI Our first day in Tokyo wasn’t over yet, but my last post was getting a little long—so here’s the continuation. We hopped on a train to Roppongi, known for its artsy vibe, and ended up arriving earlier than our booking to a Museum. Perfect excuse for lunch. We…
Shadows of Beams & of Little People
Some shadows cast for Becky’s November Shadows taken at the Sou Fujimoto’s exhibit at the Mori Museum
Tuesday Streetart: Dotonbori – 110
Walking along the Dotonbori River, I noticed colourful painted walls stretching along both sides. They added so much life to the walk—bright characters, bold colours, and little details that made me stop every few steps. It’s one of those small surprises in Osaka that makes a simple riverside stroll feel fun.
Travel Diary in Ginza – Day 1
TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 1 GINZA Well, it’s our first full day here in Tokyo and so far, things are off to a great start. Flight Centre booked us at Hotel Monday Premium Toyosu, and because we added three extra nights before our tour, we got to settle in properly. Best decision ever. The hotel turned…
Rose Lips Shinsaibashi
Spotted this cute hotel by the Dotonbori River in Osaka. It is called Petit Hotel Rose Lips Shinsaibashi . From the outside it looks like a charming place, but upon my research, all are smoking rooms… so definitely not for me to book. I am linking this to Ludwig’s Monday Window Challenge.