Planning a holiday is honestly very different than when I'm going on flights. Somehow or rather, when it's work, I only need less than a day to pack and get everything done. Even my to-do list is secondary. I usually wouldn't think too hard about what to do and how to get to the places I want to visit- plans just fall into place.
However, for a holiday, I will take days and sometimes even weeks to sort everything out. From the air tickets, to accommodation, the itinerary and then the most stressful part- the outfits. But of course, no matter how fancy I wish to go with the outfits, I will always end up packing basics.
Nad and I are the yolo-est type of people ever, so we sorted out the most important things like air tickets and accommodation weeks beforehand, but left the itinerary to the very last minute.
Day 1: Journey to Osaka and settling down
Day 1: Journey to Osaka and settling down
So, on the day of departure, although I was extremely exhausted as I just came back from a multi-sector flight just the day before, I still couldn't contain my excitement for Japan. It's funny how I fly for a living, but I still get excited to fly every single time, especially as a passenger. I remembered being so happy that the day was finally here.
Upon touching down in Osaka, Nad and I had so much figuring out to do. It's no longer like how it is whenever we fly for work and all we have to do is go through the express custom, hop onto our transport and there we are, in the comfort of our hotel rooms. This time, we had to do everything by ourselves and the first thing that we realised is that- cabs are extremely expensive in Japan, and it's a total no-no as an option to get from point A to point B.
So we took the Haruka JR train to Shin-Osaka station, where our Airbnb accommodation is located. It was already so late at night, and we almost got lost on our way to the apartment. But thankfully, with the help of this angel of a stranger, we made it safely to the apartment. I find myself smiling to myself now as I recall that night, because writing this makes me realise that it's really the hurdles of the trip that made it even more memorable.
The street was so quiet like a scary movie, the building and corridor just gives off a creepy vibe but when we finally stepped into the apartment, it was such a relief- it's a humble little apartment, so clean and well-equipped. The living room was our favourite part, it's where we spent most of our time at whenever we're back from a long day.
Day 2: Kimono experience in Kyoto
We got up really early the next day to head over to Kyoto! We wasted no time to do the main thing we're in Japan for, which is to experience wearing the kimono.
It only takes 30 mins to reach Kyoto from Shin-Osaka station, which was perfect for us as we are planning to commute to and fro Osaka and Kyoto for two days. Reaching Kyoto was another hurdle for us, as now we've got to figure out how to get to the Kimono shop that we decided to go for.
The funny thing about this trip is that Nad and I really left the planning to the very last minute, and we didn't think too much about how to get somewhere, yet we still spend no time worrying or panicking. It was just like, "okay how do we get there? let's ask around" and then somehow, there we were. I guess our jobs made us used to getting lost that it no longer affects us anymore because we know that somehow, we'll get to our destination anyway.
When we finally arrived in the kimono shop, we just couldn't wait to get the whole thing started. You know that feeling when you're playing dress up with your girlfriends? It feels a lot like that. We spent so much time just choosing our perfect kimono, a belt to accompany it, a matching bag and we also needed to choose an outerwear as it's really cold outside.
I chose a deep blue kimono because I honestly cannot pull off sweet colours, so I settled on a darker colour while Nad chose this beautiful pastel blue kimono for herself. I think I was more excited to pick the perfect colours for Nad because she's such a beautiful girl, but she's so bo-chup (anything goes) and I'm so happy with the end result? I think she looks so amazing.
After choosing the kimono and accessories, it was time to change into our kimonos and get our hair done- another exciting part!
Wearing the kimono is such an intricate process that we would need the help of the kind ladies from the shop to get into it. It took quite a bit of time, and it made me realise that "wow, wearing a kimono is truly a form of art". You literally have to learn how to wear it right, otherwise it will not look good.
Once we're done with all that, we had the whole day to sightsee in our beautiful kimonos. Nad and I were such giddy, excited girls after that because it's such a fun experience! We had compliments from strangers on the street, and got used to wearing the kimono in no time. It doesn't feel weird anymore because you'll find so many others wearing a kimono and looking just as beautiful.
Kiyomizu-dera temple was just a walking distance away, so we walked up the street and headed over there and that was our first stop.
Autumn is the perfect season to be here in Kyoto, look at the beautiful colours of the leaves on the trees around.
I remember the first time I saw Nad during bond signing day, and I thought to myself, "whoa this beautiful girl is going to be in my batch" and when we talked about this, she told me that when she saw me, she thought to herself, "I want to be her friend". And truly, she was one of the first friends I made in STC and now, she's one of the best friends I have in the airline.
Our next destination was Fushimi Inari shrine, to walk through the famous 1000 torii gates! We commuted via the subway train, in our kimonos, and were a little embarrassed but the locals really look at us like it's the most normal touristy thing in the world to do.
The shrine looked as vibrant as how it looked in pictures. It feels so surreal to see this in real life because pictures of the torii gates are found everywhere online when I was doing my research on Kyoto. I think wearing the kimono made the whole experience a lot more special.
It was so hard to get a picture without the endless crowd but hey, we got it!
Strawberry mochi! I was a bit skeptical about this, but it really tastes just as good as it looks. The mochi was so soft and rich in filling and the strawberry was ripe and sweet.
This giant crabmeat was worth every yen, okay. It's so, so, so, so good.
We had high expectations for this beef skew, but this was just baaaad. Not worth it.
It's just a whole day of non-stop photo-taking, but looking back on these pictures really bring back lots of lovely memories of Kyoto and I love them so much.
With the partner in crime - So glad to have this girl with me for this trip.
When it was time to return our kimonos, it felt like we were taking off our second skin. We've grown so in love with the kimonos, I wish we could keep them. But all good things have to come to an end, and the day was filled with so much happiness- like we finally did what we came here for!
Day 3: A day in Arashiyama, Kyoto
One day of Kyoto is definitely not enough, so we made our way here again the very next day. And this time round, we went to Arashiyama- yet another thing to check off our bucket list for the trip.
The highlight of Arashiyama is the Bamboo Forest, which was the main itinerary for the day. Before making our way there, we decided to make a stop at Tenryuji temple which was already on the way. The autumn leaves on the trees surrounding the area were so vibrant and red, and it just adds to the beauty of this brilliant place in the outskirts of Kyoto.
The takoyaki in Singapore ain't got nothin' on this authentic Japanese takoyaki.
We're so incredibly lucky to chance upon such a vibrant display of autumn leaves, this would be the reddest leaves we got to see throughout the entire trip! So pretty.
And of course, I have to take a selfie against the gorgeous backdrop.
Nad was telling me when we were here that she'd love to retire here in Kyoto, because truly, look at that. How can you ever get sick of this view? There's just so much tranquility in this place, it almost feels like time moves really slowly and everything will always be okay.
According to Google, Arabica coffee is one of the places we must visit when we're in Arashiyama so we tried their coffee! There was a long queue outside, but we joined the line anyway because, well, we've got to see what's the hype about.
Look at that perfection? I'm not much of a coffee person, but I'd say it's worth the try, because just look at that latte art, I give 5 stars for aesthetics okay #win
It was so hard to get a good shot in the bamboo forest because the place is swamped with tourists. I guess it's just that it's the holiday season so there's just twice as many people around as there normally are. So this is the only good shot I got here! But I like it, so I guess that's alright.
Another selfie against a very pretty backdrop- God help the vain child.
After spending a whole day in Arashiyama, we headed back to Osaka for dinner. Since it was still early in the evening, we decided to travel a little further to try the food from a Halal restaurant that we found on Have Halal Will Travel's website.
As you guys know, the broth in ramen in most restaurants in Japan are made with pork as one of its ingredients. Therefore, it's not the most suitable food choice for Muslims to have ramen anywhere in Japan. I'm normally not very particular with my food, I'm alright as long as there aren't pork in whatever I eat so knowing about the ramen in Japan, I would stay away from it unless I'm sure it's from a Halal-certified restaurant.
So Nad and I decided to head over to Ramen Honolu in Namba area for dinner and this would be the first time that I had ramen in Japan. I must say, it was sooooooo delicious even though it's literally a 20-25 mins walk from the train station and we were wondering if we were ever going to get there because the walk took forever. But it was so worth it! So worth it that I had to share it on Instagram although I don't normally post food photos.
I know that the availability of Halal food can sometimes be a factor for some not to visit the particular country, I know the importance of it because my parents are particular. But I would say that Japan has more options for Muslims now, and it has become so much easier for all of us thanks to the abundance of Muslim-friendly travel blogs available for us to use whenever we're doing our research so tap on that.
Day 4: Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, Osaka
It's only on the 4th day that we finally went around Osaka. And of course, the best place to start our day is Shinsaibashi Shopping Street! It's this entire stretch of shops, you name it, everything is right there. I fell in LOVE with Japanese fashion and realised that I find every single thing of good quality and so cute. It's no wonder Japanese girls dress up so well.
Nad and I did lots of eating throughout the entire day as well! My Instagram story was filled with videos of us eating, and eating, and eating. It's crazy sinful, but hey, holidays are supposed to make you fat, right? #iaccept
Busy, busy street in Dotonbori.
Calbee plus! I'm so happy we got to try this. And it's gooooood.
So Pablo is a bakery that has gathered a lot of attention from tourists so we decided to give it a try- and I'd say it's not worth the hype guys. Their cheesecake is honestly just meh. If you want something that's gone viral on the internet and is actually worth it, get Rikuro cheesecake (the wobbly cheesecake with an uncle stamp on the face of the cake). Now, THAT is definitely worth the hype.
Grilled crab! So expensive for the portion they give, but well, it's crab. It's good though!
If you guys happen to be in Dotonbori and you see this shop with the giant octopus, join the queue!!! Best takoyaki we had throughout the time we're here and we had no idea how good it was, we just joined the queue. So when in doubt, just follow the line.
BEST. MATCHA. ICE CREAM. EVER. It's really that good, it really is.
I couldn't resist taking a picture in this super kawaii shop- like look at the deco, I can't deal, it's so girly and so me.
With my Nadnad.
So much love for this girl please- we're so different in so many ways but she will always entertain my nonsense.
You haven't been to Japan if you do not take neoprints! This really brings back childhood memories when SG actually had neoprint booths like everywhere. Now, it's so rare to find! Oh well... that's why everyone should go to Japan!
Day 5: Time to say Goodbye
It was so hard to accept that our time in Japan has finally come to an end! Nad and I still went out in the afternoon because it's a night flight back. So we didn't want to let the last day go to waste and used up all our energy to do some last minute shopping and to breath the Japan air a little more before we had to go.
It's been such a great trip in two lovely cities in Japan, and this trip will always have a special place in my heart. All the times we got lost and had to figure things out on our own, the hurdles and language barrier that we went through, the amazing Japanese locals who helped us through those hurdles, the amazing food we got to try, the best kimono experience ever, the endless travelling via trains (until we got so good at it) and our humble little Airbnb apartment that we've gotten so comfortable in.
And Nad had been the best ever, I think we've gotten closer after this trip. It's always a nice feeling when you get to know someone a little better after spending so much time with them. I instantly missed Nad when we arrived in Singapore and had to go on our separate ways because we've been inseparable for the whole 5 days. She's always just a few metres away from me and I would share every random comment, every random thought with her. This trip wouldn't be the same without her.
And Japan, will always be one of my favourite destinations. There's so much about Japan to be in love with. I already can't wait to come back.
Till the next adventure.
Love,
Ashhy
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