Nippon Series: Nara, Japan

Winter of February 2015 when I finally saw Nara, Japan. I didn't imagine there's a place so serene and civilized until I've visited Nara Prefecture.  Did you know that it is the 1st permanent capital that was established in the year of 710? Whoa, right? I guess this is the reason why you'll really feel how their culture has evolved and has been kept. But personally, aside from the Big Buddha in one of the temples, I adore those deer that were roaming around tourist spots. 

What to see here:

1. Todaiji Temple - huge temple where you'll see the Big Buddha
2. Omizutori - ceremonies of Buddhists that include water and fire
3. Horyuji Temple - the world's oldest wooden architecture
4. Isuien Garden - amazing and vast garden near Todaiji
5. Wakakusa Yamayaki - annual festival where the whole mountain is set to fire
6. Nara Park - large green park that has deer roaming around
7. Kasuga Taisha - peaceful and grand shinto shrine
8. Toshodaiji Temple - huge temple in Nara
9. Yakushiji Temple - wonderful temple in Nara
10. Shin-Yakushiji Temple -  life size statues of 12 guardian deities
11. Heijo Palace / Nara Imperial Palace - old imperial palace of Nara
12. Kofukuji Temple - family temple of the Fujiwara Clan
13. Other tourist-y things to see here 

If you're planning to visit Japan, make sure to add Nara on your list. It's one-of-a-kind and being a Filipino, we don't usually get to see deer roaming around a park. If it was in Manila or other parts of the Philippines, they might be gone or use for commercial purposes. You know what I mean right? Kung sa Pinas ito, wala na yang mga usa, binenta na yan at hindi naalagaan ng maayos.

What I wore:

Pink coat - Forever 21

Scarf - SM Department Store

Hoodie & Stockings - Terranova

Chuck Taylor - Converse

Bag - Myeongdong

Floral headpiece - Chatuchak

The Nippon Series - Kyoto Day 1

Well hello there! It has been ages since I posted on my first love - my blog. I'm assuming you missed me. Yes? Even a little bit? I'm sure you do. Hahaha! I miss writing too. Sorry in advance as I was stuck in the real world pretending to be an ex-mermaid. What? Hiccups, yes but I'm definitely back to share my fashion, travel, food, and lifestyle happenings. Hope you're still here with me. Pretty please? :)

I'm sure looking at the photos you already know where I have been. This was February 2015, the week of my birthday, in fact Winter of this year. It's very obvious with the clothes I was wearing that it was frozen cold. But that didn't stop me from showing you what Kyoto can offer. 

If you are a lover of culture, then Kyoto is the best place for you to see.  This place was once the capital of Japan. You'll see hundreds of all sizes of Buddhist temples, lovely gardens, enormous imperial palaces, majestic Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. 

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most breathtaking shinto shrines I've seen in Kyoto. It consists of numerous torii gates placed on top of a 233-meter sacred mountain called Mount Inari. This was built as a place of worship and respect where Japanese pray for good fortune.

If you're planning to go to Kyoto soon, this place is a must-see and experience. See more detailed information on the helpful links below:

How to get to Fushimi Inari

How to get to and around Kyoto

P.S. If you want to see the place in Winter of next year, make sure you're wearing comfortable and thick clothes for the temperature goes down up to -8 degrees celsius. For affordable, fashionable, and fits-the-weather clothes make sure to visit the Zalora Pop-Up Store now.

What I wore:

Scarf and Hat - Cotton On

Hippie Skirt - Forever 21

Manic Panic Hair Dye - Funkystreaks

Purse - Coach