Day 8: Temples

Koryuji Temple.

It's famous for a large wooden statue of the "Miroku-Bosatsu" which was designated as the first national treasure in Japan. It's also the oldest temple in Yamashiro, Kyoto. Couldn't take photos inside the hall, but, I loved the place for the gardens. So so so so beautiful. ;_;

I wish I brought my camera. D:

Ninna-ji. The temple boasts a collection of more than 600 treasures, which can be seen at Reiho-kan twice every year, April-May and October-November. (So yeah, I didn't see any, except for the temple's unique low-branched sakura trees called Omuro Cheery T_T) It's also a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site~ (reading from pamphlet ha)

Well, I think the photos aren't quite enough but, yes, it's super beautiful~ T_T

And Abby demonstrates her awesome self portrait skillz (with her point and shoot, I can do it with a DSLR hey~).

Ryoan-ji.

Didn't take as many photos there... was a bit tired and too crowded. And well.. it was under renovation. ~_~

Headed back into the city after a while and went down to Teramachi Street.

Had awesome parfaits~

Day 9-10: Photoshoot #3

Well, Kami-sama decided he didn't love me as much that day. So with every element in the photoshoot possible working against me, model's flight, styling, makeup, hair... oh and the weather, having us nearly freezing to death, there weren't really any photographs. We did have lots of fun being silly though. Just a pity it was one of the photoshoots that I'd really been looking forward to...

On the way back.

Round 1 of more-parfaits-to-reward-ourselves-for-a-day-of-hardwork. XD

Headed back to Tokyo the next day, but before that, Chris and I stopped by an awesome dessert place in Gion.

Matcha+azuki crepe. Awesome is awesome. Suuupperrrrrrrr delicious can~ ;_;

Back in Tokyo, I found awesome green tea cream puff. It's seasonal~! I wanted to bring some back home but the freaking thing expires in a day. @!(*&$)@%

Day 11-12: Hakone

Walked around Hakone Yumeto station just a little bit to buy my Himitsu Bako (Japanese Puzzle Box). It's a specialized art in Hakone (and I'm currently having an obsession with it)

The himitsu bako unopened.

And opened. :D This is the 12-move puzzle box, I also bought a 21-move one later on at the airport.

The view nearing our ryokan.

View from our room. I absolutely loved the pine in front of us, hearing the streams was super serene.

Kaiseki dinner. :3

Met up with Chris back in Tokyo the next day to head for the airport.

Found this at the Lawson there. It's a seasonal item again~ I'd love the Morinaga milk puddings since day one, finding a matcha flavoured one was just pure bliss.