Travel Japan | Nara, Hiroshima, Itsukushima

In the second installment our Japan series, I'll be sharing about several day trips out to the following cities: Nara, Hiroshima, and Itsukushima (Miyajima). As mentioned in our previous post in Kyoto, Kyoto was our central location and lodging for 5-6 days as we explored different cities that were within 1-2 hours from our destinations. This was only made possible with the efficient transportation system in Japan, and having the 14 day JR pass was a must! We were pleasantly surprised how much money we saved, since we actually stayed for 10 days in Japan, yet we saved more than 50% of transportation costs with the pass. Here are some of the places we explored and recommend for your future trip to these cities!

Nara Park

One surprising thing I noticed about my husband was how excited he was to visit all the animal parks and cafes in Japan. Nara Park was no exception since it is known for the vast number of deer. They are certainly not timid  in approaching people, hoping visitors have a treat to offer. The park is quite vast, and the city overall is worth a day to explore its rich history since it was the first permanent capital of Japan. 

Itsukushima Shrine

This iconic torii gate  is known to be one of the most popular attractions and was ranked as one of Japan's three best views. My husband and I originally intended to visit during our first trip to Japan, so we were excited that we were able to this time around.  Itsukushima is an island located less than an hour away from Hiroshima, and makes for a great half day trip. Despite the larger crowd in the afternoon, there is a spot for everyone to enjoy this breathtaking view.

Mount Misen

Since my husband and I wanted to see the torii gate during the high tide, we decided to make the hike up to Mount Misen. We took the Momijidani course, which became quite an adventure since the hike was relatively steep and filled with stairs. However, it was well worth the trek since the summit offered a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea. 

Hiroshima Peace Memorial

A place not to be missed in Hiroshima. The area is noticeably distinct from the downtown area with spacious walking areas filled with trees and lawns, and the A-Bomb Dome served as a tangible reminder of the devastating past. The museum is highly recommended, and was both informative yet heart-wrenching to learn how events following the atomic bomb shaped the country's people and those who remained.

Shukkei-en Garden

A petite garden in Hiroshima where we met a fellow photographer, Nari, who was also appreciating the budding cherry blossoms! We enjoyed the little path along the park where one can enjoy many mini vignettes of traditional aesthetics. It is also a popular location for evening sakura hanami. 

Shintenchi Micchan
Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki

This restaurant was recommended by Nari as an ideal location for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Most people might be familiar with the Osaka-style, and what's unique about Hiroshima is the base of the savory pancake is a thin crepe that is then layered with different ingredients, such as cabbage and agedama. It is then finished with a generous mound of yakisoba noodles, pork belly, and egg. After hiking more than ten miles, this dinner definitely hit the spot!

Travel Japan | Kyoto

For those who might not know, my husband and I traveled to Japan for our honeymoon a little more than four years ago. During our first trip, we visited Tokyo, Hakone, and Okinawa. When we shared with our friends the cities we chose, many were surprised that other cities such as Kyoto or Osaka were not on our list. We were glad to have visited those cities, and experience activities such as scuba diving in the Kerama Islands while we were young and adventurous (we would like to think we still are!). 

My husband and I are thankful to visit this country once more this past March during the peak of cherry blossom season. Japan always held a special place in my heart. Ever since I was a child, I am fond of its culture, and its sense of simplicity and minimalism. My husband also shares the same admiration for the country, so naturally we knew one day we would visit once more to experience the fleeting beauty of spring. 

Since our second trip covered a vast number of cities across the main island of Japan, I will spread out the details of our trip to four to five posts. It sounds extensive, but I am excited to document these memories, and a make helpful guide for those who are planning their trip.

Although we stayed in Kyoto for six nights, we actually only spent about a day and a half in the heart of the city. When we planned our itinerary, we preferred exploring in the outskirts, which we will share in later posts. However, we felt that it was enough time to explore the city and experience the rich history that Kyoto had to offer.

Philosopher's Path

A quiet, stone path lined with hundreds of cherry blossom trees located along the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. Since we lived within walking distance to this location, it made of an enjoyable morning stroll. Since Kyoto is an extremely popular tourist location, it was treat to feel that we had the place to ourselves. We highly recommend arriving early to bask in the soft morning light, and avoid heavy tourism that follows later in the morning. 

Kyoto Gyoen

We were absolutely captivated by some of the most spectacular shidare sakura (weeping cherry blossoms)  in this park! Our favorite part of our trip was observing all the different types of cherry blossoms that covered parks and streets with soft shades of pink.

Arashiyama

Per request of my husband, we enjoyed walking through the vast bamboo forests in the morning. Afterwards, we made our short, elevated hike up to Iwatayama Monkey Park. It was a nice diversion from seeing parks and landmarks, and was fun to see the monkeys freely roaming the area. The park residents also had a friendly relationship with the monkeys, and knew all of them by name and were able to identify each one's respective parents and children. We also recommend stopping by  % ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama to enjoy its light-filled space and iced latte!

Gion Tokuya
warabi mochi & matcha kakigori

Although our original intent was to try the kakigori (Japanese shaved ice), we absolutely loved the warabi mochi and its light and subtle sweetness! It was presented unconventionally as a gelatinous goop served with kinako and kuromitsu (black sugar) on the side, but definitely one of the best traditional desserts we've ever experienced!

Kaikado Café
fresh dripped coffee & azuki red bean butter toast

After visiting numerous cafés throughout our trip, this was probably the best I've ever visited in Japan. Tucked away from the bustle of the city, it made for a relaxing retreat from our hectic trip. Kaikado was first known and renowned for its handcrafted tins for tea storage, and more recently opened its café within walking distance from its original store.  Their coffee was masterfully brewed, and the azuki red bean butter toast had the perfect sweetness and crunch that was simply unforgettable! We also admired the modern interior, with touches of Heath Ceramics bloom vases occupying each table.

Saryo Tsujiri Gion Honten
parfaits & tea

If you're a matcha fanatic like me, this is one of the best places to treat yourself to cute parfaits and jellies. It is also an ideal location to purchase a variety of teas as souvenirs for friends and family. 

Shimpuku Saikan
Kyoto style shoyu ramen

Known as the roots for Kyoto-style ramen and conveniently located near the Kyoto JR station. Despite the dark broth that almost looks like soy sauce straight from the bottle,  the broth was both surprisingly both light and flavorful. The noodles, slices of roast pork, and green onions was perfect to warm our bellies as we made our walk back home. 

Portraits | The Barba Family

It was a wonderful privilege to meet the Barba family, who traveled from South Carolina to enjoy a trip in the San Francisco Bay Area during the holidays. Family portraits have a special place in my heart, since children and parents express genuine and organic expressions that are simply personal to them. I am extremely grateful to have documented this special time for them, and preserve some sweet moments they shared at the iconic Palace of Fine Arts.