Category: out & about

just japan things, out & about

931 Meters Above Sea Level: On Top of Mt. Rokko

The city of Kobe sits between the Rokko mountain range and the sea. Its location made it an important port city beginning in the 19th century. The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake hit Kobe and some nearby cities in January of 1995, killing thousands of people and causing much damage to the city’s infrastructure with tremors and the resulting fires. Looking at Kobe today, however, you’d never … Continue reading 931 Meters Above Sea Level: On Top of Mt. Rokko

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just japan things, out & about

A Kyoto Day Trip: Otani Hombyo, the Pokémon Center, and Some Snacking

Having already been to quite a few tourist spots in Kyoto – including Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – we decided to go elsewhere this time, and ended up at Otani Hombyo temple. We also made a stop at the Pokémon Center. Otani Hombyo serves as the mausoleum of Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist sect. Otani Hombyo is also the … Continue reading A Kyoto Day Trip: Otani Hombyo, the Pokémon Center, and Some Snacking

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just japan things, out & about

Up Close and Personal with the Historic Himeji Castle

Himeji is a city rich in history. It’s about an hour and a half away from Osaka by train. One of the most popular attractions in Himeji is UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji Castle. The history Before the towering structure that exists today was in place, a simple fort was built on the grounds in 1333. After 13 years, it was rebuilt into a castle. … Continue reading Up Close and Personal with the Historic Himeji Castle

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just japan things, out & about

A Nature Walk Through Time at Koko-en Gardens

After touring Himeji Castle, take some time to explore Koko-en Gardens. It’s a short walk from the castle and only costs ¥300 (~Php140) to enter. If you plan to visit both, you can get a combination ticket for ¥1,050 (~Php500) and save ¥250. Koko-en officially opened to the public in 1992. It gets its name from Koko-do, a school for literary and military training originally … Continue reading A Nature Walk Through Time at Koko-en Gardens

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out & about

Bitter than B4 – Fond Memories and New Memories at Ampalaya Monologues’ 4th Anniversary Show

My love affair with spoken word My first encounter with spoken word (outside of YouTube) was a poetry slam in a book shop. I was getting my undergraduate at UP Baguio, and I had attended for bonus points in my literature elective. In the aftermath of it all, gushing and comparing favorites with my friends, I knew I was hooked. Those who have known of … Continue reading Bitter than B4 – Fond Memories and New Memories at Ampalaya Monologues’ 4th Anniversary Show

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just japan things, out & about

Where I Went in Japan

My journey-slash-vacation took me to three cities in Japan: Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. Here I talk about the museums, temples, parks, and other tourist attractions on my itinerary. I’ve also included their business hours and how much admission costs, but keep in mind that you might be eligible for certain discounts, or you might get a better deal from a package. I highly recommend taking … Continue reading Where I Went in Japan

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just japan things, out & about

Five Tips for a Japan Trip on a Budget

I experienced Japan for the first time in August of 2019. After researching, planning, and actually taking the trip, this post summarizes how I managed to make the most of my time there without overspending. Book your flights during seat sales or at travel fairs I spent less than Php8,000 both ways because I booked my flight via the AirAsia app. Most non-sale round trips … Continue reading Five Tips for a Japan Trip on a Budget

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full-time feminist, out & about

What to Bring to Pride March

The Metro Manila Pride March and Festival is just around the corner, set for June 29, 2019, 12 noon at the Marikina Sports Center. In the meantime, stay updated on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and get some essentials ready for the big day. Friends You can register for Pride ahead of time as an individual or as a company or organization. Pride is safer and … Continue reading What to Bring to Pride March

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out & about

Shoe Shopping in Liliw, Laguna

The sleepy little town of Liliw, Laguna is known for its historical church, mountain springs, and handmade footwear. All up and down P. Burgos Street and Gat Tayaw Street, you can find shops selling strappy sandals, boots, kids’ school shoes, leather shoes for formal occasions, beaded house slippers, stylish slip-on shoes, and of course, tsinelas. The shoes in Liliw are priced much lower than those … Continue reading Shoe Shopping in Liliw, Laguna

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