China: Shanghai

I was fortunate enough to check out Shanghai for a few days on a flight back home from Osaka. Long story short, what was supposed to be a 2 hour layover turned into a 3 day layover!! Most people would categorize this trip in particular as a disaster since it really was for the most… Continue reading China: Shanghai

Japan: Hiroshima Part II

Perhaps the most attractive sites in all of Japan are found in  Miyajima, a World Heritage Site. Miyajima (Shrine Island) is an island that features some beautiful sites. The highlight is of course the Floating Tori /The Great Gate, which is every bit spectacular as I imagined it would be. We had a great time! The gate is… Continue reading Japan: Hiroshima Part II

Japan: Hiroshima Part I

Of all the places I have been to Hiroshima is by far my most favorite place to visit in Japan! We took a bullet-train from our Hakone Trip to Hiroshima, spent a few days sightseeing and had a wonderful time. When traveling to Japan for the first time most people, including myself, usually skip over traveling… Continue reading Japan: Hiroshima Part I

Japan: Koyasan

Koyasan (Mount Koya) is located in Wakayama Prefecture. It is a historical site recognized as the center of Shingon  Buddhism. Koyasan is home to about 120 temples and a university that focuses on religious studies. My brother, sister-in-law, myself and a friend recently visited Koyasan and easily accessed it via Shinimamiya Station. The best way to travel… Continue reading Japan: Koyasan

Japan: Hakone

Hakone is a really nice and tranquil place to visit. I do have to admit that it was not on my list of places I wanted to see whilst in Japan however. During my December Kingdom of Bahrain Trip, my brother, sister-in-law and I spoke about a future Japan visit and they made it happen. We… Continue reading Japan: Hakone

Japan: Kyoto Part II

My favorite places to visit in Kyoto are definitely Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama and Carland. These places are definitely worth checking out. Getting to each of these destination however, will require some extra planning as they are each a bit out of the way. Fushimi Inari Funshimi Inari is a very popular shinto shrine located in… Continue reading Japan: Kyoto Part II

Japan: Kyoto Part I

No trip to Japan is complete without visiting Kyoto. Once the capital of Japan and now recognized for its rich historical value. Kyoto offers countless temples and shrines to its many visitors from around the world. Traditional Japan is best offered here. Kyoto completely dazzled me back in 2009 when I visited for the first… Continue reading Japan: Kyoto Part I