Solo in Japan! ~ Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine ~

That signature of Kyoto.

That double-visited place.
Both in the late evening and night. (Thanks to Cosine's "recommendation")

And getting lost several times in the tori gates.
Thanks to the darkness and mosquitoes and lack of tourists around.

The results - some creepy "human-less" photos. :D

The majestic Fushimi Inari Shrine

Tori gates

Deeper into the hills

Given the choice to visit again, I wouldn't want to visit during the night time. Perhaps it was just the increased risk-taking behavior from the fact of being solo and hit by typhoon. And day time sceneries should be worth it too. :)

Solo in Japan! ~ Wakayama ~

Another Plan B. As the typhoon circled in Kyoto city. Didn't get to escape it for long as it hit Wakayama city in the afternoon while I was there. But that added to my story how I boldly survived the typhoon on my own XD

Wakayama could be a nice irregular place to visit for returning tourists. There has been some efforts done on the tourism side. Again there is also a castle of the city, but I decided to skip it as I had enough of castles (and the previous visit didn't seem very fruitful).

One of the attractions is the Wakayama Electric Railway (Dentetsu) which has several theme-decorated trains, and more interestingly, Tama-chan, a feline stationmaster.
Basically Tama-chan had the best job for being a celebrity stationmaster that sleeps through. :/

The strawberry train

Dropped by a shrine along the railway line

Personally not too enticed by the place and trip, but at least it filled my itinerary for the day. As the typhoon flew in during late afternoon, I prepared to retreat back to Kyoto. 

While having dinner nearby the Wakayama station, had a complicated chat with a Japanese uncle. Interesting as in, I couldn't speak Japanese and he couldn't speak English. Best experience of using Google Translate with live chatting, with both of us trying to figure out if the other actually get the message trying to be conveyed! (And at one point, he called his doctor son to try for better translationg HAHAHA!!) XD 

Perhaps... talking to strangers is an interesting process indeed, letting the stranger remain a stranger.

Read up: Talking to Strangers, by Malcom Gladwell. :D

Solo in Japan! ~ Fukuchiyama Part 3 ~

The idea of visiting Japan did not really come to mind until the recent months before the trip. Surprisingly I found myself deeply attracted to the vibes of the local atmosphere, especially the quiet streets, and the friendly people. 

Perhaps there is a hidden connection between the two nationals.

Perhaps it was just rare to see a girl walking around alone with a camera. :P

Perhaps, one of the best getaways for me. :)

Not a scene in Malaysia. Of kids walking by themselves on the streets without guardianship. 

Half-understood shop names. 

Nostalgic classic.

Coca-cola everywhere.

The little girl who passed by and greeted enthusiastically. :) 

My place. :D

Storm invading soon.

Goryo Shrine 

Lots of love, coca-cola.

Ended the extraordinary lunch-less day trip at Fukuchiyama, only because the stormy typhoon clouds were flooding in during the afternoon. Missing the vibes even as I was stepping into the train station.

Thank you, Fukuchiyama.

Solo in Japan! ~ Fukuchiyama Part 2 ~

Now for some street photography <3

Haven't done this for some time, and I'm glad Japanese towns had the charisma. 

Sokuritsuoneimon, a local famous spot for chestnut confectionery. 

Feels like my grandpa's old place. Only much cleaner. :)

A lil modernized. 

Still wondering where the people are...

TBC~

Solo in Japan! ~ Fukuchiyama Part 1: Fukuchiyama Castle ~

Second detour, as typhoon neared Kyoto. Wish to fully utilize the last of my JR Pass, but trains to Amanohashidate were suspended. Recommended by Cosine to visit Fukuchiyama city, located in the north west of Kyoto prefecture. 

Having not much expectations, reached the place and find  the township very uncrowded and quiet. Too quiet, like a ghost town. :/  Thankful to find a tourist information center right at the train station, which gave some clues on spending half the day there.

AS the town is relatively small, places are reachable on foot. Little did I know then, this was perhaps one of the most relaxing and most enjoyable photography trip I had, for some time. :)

Ghost town, as if. Probably the most lively thing is the traffic light.
But I love the vibes.

First destination was the local castle, the Fukuchiyama Castle.

Fukuchiyama Castle within the village.

It was quite small as compared to Himeji Castle, and did not proof too helpful in getting to know the history and place as the information was not translated to English. Nevertheless, I liked how uncrowded it was; there weren't many visitors, and thanks to the typhoon, I could have some dramatic shots. :D

The yards of Fukuchiyama Castle 

Fukuchiyama Castle

TBC~

Solo in Japan! ~A stop by Himeji~

The first detour when typhoon screwed up my plans. Didn't get to visit the Rabbit Island, Okunoshima, and so took a slower ride towards Kyoto, stopping by Himeji and Kobe.

Himeji Castle, often known as the greatest castle in Japan, is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, which survived through World War II and the great Hanshin earthquake in 1995. 

And here, I have another UNESCO World Heritage site checked.  =)

Headed to Kobe, for dinner. Was highly recommended to try out the Kobe beef despite its high price. And yes, no regrets about it.