KYOTO - JAPAN

 

Previously Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto is rich with culture, history and heritage listed sites.  When we ventured out of the main Kyoto Cross area, we were privileged enough to lay our eyes on astoundingly beautiful and harmoniously zen sights and sounds.

Temples and shrines are a plenty! Our favourites were Nanzen-Ji, Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavillion) and the trek pass Fushimi Inari Shrine (the main shrine is at the bottom but there is a long, pleasant walk up the mountain through many orange structures called "torri" to smaller shrines).

We also enjoyed a visit to Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. We ventured down a well-known street called Hanami-Koji where there are plenty of tea houses and places to eat.  At the end of the street is Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, Kennin-Ji, which is definitely worth a visit.

For a cheap eat, we loved going to our local sushi train, Musashi Sushi.  All plates are under $1.50 (AUD) but the quality is exceptional!  Any lover of raw fish will love this place!

For dinner or afternoon drinks, we often frequented the area of Pontocho.  These bars and restaurants which line the Kamogawa river offer a pleasant sunset view and plenty of options when it comes to types of cuisine.

DISNEYLAND - TOKYO

It is hard to put into words the emotion we felt as we approached the majestic Disney castle... 

childhood memories stirred inside our heads and an almost juvenile excitement washed over us.  It was as if we were kids all over again... and who wouldn't want that!

The morning of perfect weather, fellow patrons in full costume and headgear, and general all-around high spirits made the perfect backdrop to the goofy and magical world of Disney. 

  

Despite some afternoon showers, we were not deterred from completing a full 13-hour day at Tokyo Disneyland.  We kitted up in Mickey ponchos (half the fun) and continued on, sampling as many rides as we could in one day.

Our favourite rides: Space Mountain, Winnie the Pooh and Buzz Light Year.  

Best time saver against long lines is working out the 'express pass' ticketing system and planning your day carefully.  

Comfy shoes and no hangovers are a must as it is a BIG day! 

AIR NIGHTCLUB - TOKYO

Like all good techno clubs, finding the venue is half the fun. After ducking and weaving through the dimly lit back streets of Shibuya, we finally arrived at our chosen destination for the evening. A rather swish-looking yet casual eatery. And underneath it... the formidable techno bunker knows as AIR.

Renowned as Japan's premier venue alongside Womb, the opportunity to step behind the console and join the list of dance legendary's that have graced the AIR decks was a super exciting yet nerve racking prospect. Fortunately I had one of my best mates Danny T on the bill alongside me sharing this rare opportunity. Our wonderful host (amazing Dj, and all round legend) Jaxx Da Fishworks (known to his mum as Nao) told us that the people go out in Japan to listen purely to the DJ and he was not wrong.

For the whole hour of my set, I was able to handpick every record I really loved (you know, the ones you always wish you could get away with playing to a floor but never do).   I played them to the  enthusiastic crowd in front of me as they danced away squarely focused on the music, heads down and feet moving. To have these records play through a literal wall of speakers that could've supported a main stage festival was a truly amazing experience; one I will never forget.

After doing my liver plenty of damage and wearing down my feet on the dance floor to Danny & Jaxx's sets, it was time to call it a night. We headed upstairs out into the sunlit street and took ourselves home.  We later found out that Sven Vath came down and played an impromptu set from 7am through to 2pm! Guess we will have to catch him next time.

Thank you AIR for giving my soul what it needed.

TOKYO - JAPAN

Tokyo is one of the most unique and astonishing places with its endless city-scaped streets filled with people, bright lights and fast-paced style.  Despite being home to 13 million people,  the city seems almost unbelievably efficient and orderly.  The first thing we noticed as we weaved through the busy streets and navigated the underground metro is that the people here are really respectful, polite and methodical.  In other places around the world this type of busy and hectic environment would normally lend itself witness to road rage, angry confrontations or at the very least a little bit of exasperation.  Not the case here!  The orderliness of the Japanese people allowed us to take pleasure in the sensory overload that Tokyo provides, making the city less overwhelming and all the more enjoyable.

Like a well-oiled engine, Tokyo can be described as 'organised chaos' in the best sense of the word.  The best place to see this?  The underground metro to start with, as well as Shibuya's famous intersection where over 1 million people cross everyday!

The beauty of Tokyo city lies in a harmonious relationship between its deeply rooted, rich history and its adoption of all things new and novelty.  Within our first few days, we visited the beautiful Bhuddist temple  Sensō-ji in Asakusa,  witnessed the crazy hairstyles and fashion in Harajuku and visited the aptly named 'Electric Town' in Akihabara (showcasing more than enough electronic tech gear for the biggest geeks amongst us).

When it comes to dining experiences, the options are limitless and the same contradictions can be found.   In the same week, we bought our dinner and drinks out of a vending machine, we also ate ramen in lightning speed standing up in the metro, discovered 'Yakitori Alley' nestled between the train tracks and Shinkjuku station, as well as enjoyed one too many sakes at the Golden Gai (a small and interesting area within a network of of narrow passageways in Shinjuku).  

On a whole, Tokyo is a city which seamlessly and effortlessly draws together all its amazing elements into a contrasting yet cohesive landscape.