So I've put planning to the really last minute for this trip =P until we had to plan every night before going off the next day (SORRY GWEE) 

But in actual fact, out of all of the places I've been on earth... Japan has made it to my top travel destination =) (yep even beating the US) I admit I've gone with certain expectations, from their pop culture to all the influences they have over here in Singapore. But over there, I was still amazed ;)

Amazed at their people- their politeness, consideration, robot-like behaviour (esp the morning rush hour crowd), culture and harmony. Amazed at the entire country- richness of history, religious integration in daily life and the whole buzz of a nation knowing where it's going. 

In short, it was incredible and I know I'll be back for very many more times =)

Before heading over I knew I HAD to visit 3 places- fushimi inari taisha, one piece mugiwara store and anywhere with sakuras. So all these places blew me away. They made my 2nd, 3rd and 4th favourite places throughout the trip. And one lucky find that made it to the top of my list was the philosopher's path in kyoto. Oh. My. Goodness. The quaint, quiet, rosy, Sakura-filled little canal that ran from Nanzen-ji to Ginkakuji simply blew me away. But I believe if there weren't sakuras, the path would not have seemed as magical to me...

The entire 2.4km walk was nothing but picturesque wooden traditional japanese houses with koi and ducks swimming in the canal and absolutely adorable little shops lining the path. Gearing up with our reliable kicks with Gwee in her onitsuka tigers and me in my Nike lunarglides, the walk was an unforgettable break from the hectic struggle we call life. 

 

Well, a trip isn't complete without good food, right?

So we were in Japan for goodness' sake. Walk into any food joint you see and you'll never regret ;) 

We had so much planned for food that we couldn't fit all we wanted to eat in 3 meals for 10 days HAHA.

Anddd according to my adorable bestie, we planned our entire trip by where the best foods were =P

So all pictures are up on facebook, I'll just pick my 2 very favourites throughout the trip ;)

6 years of teammates, 11 years of friendship and I've got myself a bestie and one of the best travel companions one can ever ask for ;) so here's to you my friend and half sister, may we have more of these times to come! (Hinthint =P)