Although visiting Japan had been in my mind for sometime, it was quite an impromptu decision when I booked the return flights from Singapore (SIN) to Osaka (KIX) with AirAsiaX via Kuala Lumpur (KUL). The promotional airfare by the low cost carrier was SGD396.40 (~GBP200) and the ~6hour flight between KUL-KIX was a breeze despite the no-frill service. My first visit to Japan was an intense cultural experience that covered four cities in the Kansai area, namely Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto and Nara in four full days. It was also perfectly timed with the full bloom of cherry blossom in spring (満開日), best experienced at the Philosopher's Walk (哲学の道) in Kyoto and Osaka Castle (大阪城).

Philosopher's walk (哲学の道) in spring (04/2012)


Osaka Castle (大阪城) from Nishinomaru Garden (西の丸庭園) (04/2012)

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Tags: Japan, Nature