Shimanami Kaido

Shimanami Kaido ( しまなみ海道 ) is an expressway which links the main islands of Honshu and Shikoku through a series of bridges and 6 islands ( Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima and Oshima ). The best part about it is that you can travel the Shimanami Kaido by bicycle. Cycling is a very popular way of experiencing the Shimanami Kaido.

See Full Photoshoot here

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle (松山城) is definitely the best Castle I've been in Japan. The castle stands proud above the hill, right in the middle of the town. This castle is one of the preserved castle. It is still original, with a little bit of repair here and there because of the fire long time ago. It also offers you a gorgeous view of the city from the top.

Take a look at the Castle here.

Matsuyama

There are four main islands in Japan: Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Shikoku is the smallest of the four. It is considered to be the forgotten island among the four.

Shikoku is Japan's hidden gem. If you like outdoor, nature, adventures, and willing to spend some time to venture into the inner part of this place, you will be rewarded with amazing scenic views, natural beauty untouched by human.

See Full Photoshoot here.

Teuchi Udon Kuukai

Last month I had a chance to visit to Shuunan City in Yamaguchi Prefecture for business trip. The city itself doesn't offer any interesting sightseeing spot, however the city does have a lot of delicious food to offer.

See Full Photoshoot here

Oshino Hakkai

Oshino is a small village in Yamanashi Prefecture. The village used to be a lake called Lake Utsu. Lake Utsu used to be the biggest lake surrounding Mount Fuji. When Mt. Fuji erupted around 800 AD, the lava from Mt. Fuji split the lake into two, Lake Yamanaka and Lake Oshino. Later, the lake Oshino dried up, but the eight spring (pond) still remain and they are called Oshino Hakkai.

See Full Photoshoot here

Ryusenji Temple Meguro Fudou

There are probably exist a few thousands of temple and shrine in Japan. It's quite to easy find a temple or shrine close to where you live. One day, I was taking a walk around Meguro and I was surprised to find the Ryusenji Temple (滝泉寺) there. See Full Photoshoot here

Fuji Shibazakura

I first set my eyes on Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri two years ago, right after I went to Hitsujiyama Park Shibazakura. The harmony between mount Fuji and Shibazakura are so mesmerizing that I promised myself that I will definitely go to this place. Last month, I finally able to visit this place.

See Full Photoshoot here

Doraemon Museum

Japan has so many interesting museums, from Ramen to Gyoza museum, from Parasite to Dinosaur museum, and from Bandai to Ghibli museum. Regardless of your age and interests, you will be able to find some museums that are worth the visit. For Doraemon's fans, the Fujiko F Fujio Museum is definitely a place I would recommend.

The Fujiko F Fujio Museum, also known as Doraemon Museum, was first opened on September 3, 2011. The museum is still new and a bit small, but it has its own charm, especially if you're a big fan of Doraemon. See Full Photoshoot here

My favorite season, the Sakura Season, is here. A couple of years ago while I was still living in Indonesia, I really had no idea why people always making such a big deal about Sakura. Only after coming to Japan, I could truly understand the joy of watching flowers and Sakura immediately became my favorite flower. And during this time, I would feel really bad if I don't spend time blogging about it.

See Sakura Photoshoot here

Tonki - Tonkatsu Restaurant

Tonkatsu, deep fried pork cutlet, is no doubt one of my favorite Japanese foods. Tokyo offers lots of Tonkatsu restaurants. However, when we talk about personal recommendation, there are two places I would recommend. One is Katsukura in Shiodome, and the other one is Tonki in Meguro.

See Tonki review here

There is always something fascinating about the sea creatures and Seaworld is a good place to learn about them. It has a little of everything for everyone. The penguins, the sea lions (I love the show !), the polar bears, the manta rays, Shamu, Kraken (roller coaster), etc.

See the animals here.

Wonhobby Broadcast International

At the end of each Wonder Festival, Good Smile Company usually has a live broadcast called Nama Wonhobby. Last Sunday, for the very first time, they started an English version of it called Wonhobby Broadcast International Ver at Good Smile Tetsujin Cafe in Akihabara. The broadcast was hosted by Danny Choo and Ferlyn Yoshimi using Nico Nico Douga.

See Full Photoshoot here

Apple Store 5th Avenue

While in New York, I visited the most beautiful Apple Store I've ever seen, the Apple Store 5th Avenue. The tall glass cube, with Apple logo on the middle of it, stood high and proud among the buildings. It was a beautiful piece of architecture.

Full Photoshoot here

I rarely eat a cake. Not because I don't like cake, I just prefer to eat other foods. However, if I live in DC, I would definitely treat myself once in a while with these delicious mouthwatering Georgetown Cupcakes.

See Full Cupcakes here

Happy New Year 2012

Happy New Year 2012, everyone ! How was last year ? Did you accomplished last year's goal ? Sorry for not updating this blog as often as I promised. Last year, especially last month, was a bit hectic. Now that things are starting to quiet down, hopefully I will have more time to blog.

Anyway, goodbye 2011 and welcome 2012 ! Hope for more adventures in 2012. Happy New Year ! :)