Must visit areas in Kyoto: Gion (Geisha District) and Okamoto Kimono rentals

The city of Kyoto is truly the center of Japanese culture; here you may spot the remaining Geishas walking by the streets of Gion, where a number of  temples and shrines are still preserved as part of the 17 World Heritage Sites across Kyoto and the tradition of Japanese stage drama, theater and dance numbers are still showcased.



Gion is the known Geisha district of Japan. The wooden homes are lined up on both sides of the street, restaurants offering traditional Japanese cuisine and entertainment can be found in each corner. The most expensive and exclusive of these restaurants are known as Ochaya (teahouse) where maiko's and geiko's hosts and entertain hundreds of guests that still visit til this day.

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There are also several stores you can choose from that offers whole day kimono/yukata rentals! We tried out a place called Okamoto Kimono which we found over the internet. The streets of Kyoto are a bit confusing since there are not many street signs to guide you, we found that the best way to getting to your destination is asking the locals for help. Some of them would actually walk with you so you wont get lost!

We arrived at the Okamoto branch of Gion after a few minutes. We were greeted with a warm welcome and the store ladies guided us on the process. There were a few locals who were also availing of the services. Most of them were young couples going out on a date.

The store offers different set of rentals ranging from Y3,000 to Y5,000 per person. The cheaper sets can get you limited choices of kimonos to choose from (around 15-25 designs) while the most expensive set includes a wider variety of kimono outfits (600+ outfits to choose from).

The kimono set includes the following pieces: undershirt, kimono, obi (stretchable belt), obi accessories, tabi-socks, geisha bag and traditional Japanese sandals.

After selecting your chosen kimono design, you are ushered to a changing area where you will be dressed by professionals. You literally just stand there while the women do all the dressing for you. It took around 20 minutes for you to get fully dressed. (Scenes of Memoirs of a Geisha come into mind during this whole experience)

FYI. There is an optional geisha hair styling service for an additional Y500 yen. Choices include stylish and modern updo's as well as the traditional geisha hairdo complete with hair accessories. Will definitely avail of this next time for the complete geisha experience!

My set came in socks with panda designs on it (kawaii!), and you get to take home the socks as souvenir afterwards! Plus the shop is picture perfect for that awesome Japanese corridor shot.

We were able to walk around Kyoto for half a day feeling like a proper Geisha, we even had lunch in our Kimono outfits in a nearby Japanese tatami restaurant.

There are so many temples and heritage sites in Kyoto you can visit while wearing the kimono, just be sure that your feet is prepared to walk with the Japanese slippers as it is a bit slippery and hard to walk in. All in all the kimono rental experience was well worth it and actually pretty affordable! Hope to hear all about your geisha experience as well!

The 5 Star Japanese Dish: Mastusaka Beef of Matsusakagyu Yakiniku

The Japanese is known all over the world for their excellent taste and finesse in food, from their sushi/sashimi, to their shrimp tempura and miso ramen. So when we heard of this restaurant that served the BEST beef in Osaka (according to one of our executives at the office), and Osaka being the food capital of Japan, we just had to find our way to Matsusakagyu Yakiniku.

The restaurant has over 6 branches across Osaka, but the most visited one is located in Namba, just a few blocks away from the famous Dotonbori canal and Shinsaibashi shopping arcade. In order to get a reservation, you must call atleast 2 days ahead, especially on weekends. The seating is limited and your reservation is timed. 

Getting to the restaurant is a bit confusing especially if you're not familiar with the streets of Osaka. It is along a small alley a few blocks from the crowded tourist area. We had to call the restaurant again to get proper directions. It was a great relief that the restaurant actually sends over a guide to meet you at the front of shinsaibashi and walks you to the restaurant! Talk about hospitality!

You have to take a lift to the 2nd floor of the building to get to the restaurant. The venue is dimmed with warm lighting, and the walkways are very tight. I believe there were only a total of 6 to 8 rooms for table seating. Per room can accommodate 4-8 pax.

Were getting to the best part of the post.. The Matsusaka Beeef!

Not known to majority of the tourists, but Matsusaka beef is considered by many Japanese as superior quality compared to its rival Kobe beef. This is thought to be because of how the beef was raised; from specially pampered Japanese Black virgin heifers. The beef is described as soft-melts-in-your-mouth texture, rich, and evenly marbled.

We ordered 3 different parts of Matsusaka beef, but since we did not know which part was the best we requested to serve the recommended cuts

We were advised to cook the meat as medium rare (the more rare, the more it melts in your mouth)

The meat was so juicy, rich and oh so tender! Definitely a 5 out of 5 experience! I wish I could have ordered another platter all to myself (if only I had the extra 3k yen). All in all, another dining experience to remember! Kampai!

For reservations you can contact Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Below is the contact details and location of the branch we ate at

TEL +81-6-6211-2917

1-1-19 Namba, Chuo-ku,
Osaka-city, 542-0076

HOURS 17:00-24:00 (L.O.23:00)
(Open 7 days a week)

Cruising Together... The Royal Caribbean Asian Cruise

The Royal Caribbean International is one of the best known cruise ships around the world that offers a special vacation experience for couples, families and retired folks alike! They have over 16 destinations to choose from including Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe etc.

Last December we chose to try out the Asian Destination 4D3N weeked trip from Singapore - -Malaysia - Singapore via the world class Mariner of the Seas ship.

We arrived at the boarding gates of the Royal Caribbean around lunch time along with 2,000 other guests. (Mariner of the Seas can accommodate up to 3,100 passengers aboard the ship). 

We soon arrived at our rooms, with the breathtaking view of the ocean! Below is a photo of the balcony stateroom. There are also options to have a room with no balcony in case you have a fear of open water.

The great thing about this particular cruise is... You dont even notice you're on a moving ship! Unlike the Star Cruises (which I took a couple of years ago). This is perfect for those who are anemic or easily dizzy. 

There are so many things you can do in this ship! Activities that cater to both the young and mature alike can be found in every corner. There are indoor and outdoor pools, basketball court, outdoor golf, rock climbing, gym, arcade room, board games room, ice rink, casino and many more!

The main area for shopping and casual dining is the promenade, where designer brands such as Michael Kors, Gucci and Ray Ban are located. There is also a quaint cafe located at the side for some light snacks (pizza, cookies, pasta etc)

We were able to try out the rock climbing located outside of the south side of the ship. It was around 3 to 4 storeys high (which is not bad to have in a moving ship!) All activities in the ship is unlimited, so you can do them over and over again!

Complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the main dining room which has a great panoramic view of the sea, thanks to the amazing ceiling to floor windows.

All day snacks are also being served at the kiosks beside the pool area. Our personal favorite is the hotdog and soft served ice cream stand!

View of the pool deck area from above. We are actually standing on the runners path that goes all around the ship.

During the last night of the cruise, you are treated to a world class multi-course cuisine dining experience at the main dining room. 

Must try dishes of the evening included: escargot buorguignonne (baked escargot with garlic butter), royal shrimp cocktail, roasted rack of lamb and last but not the least, steak!

The food, ambiance and service was 5 out of 5! We were so pleased with our whole cruise experience including our shore excursion in Malaysia (where we were able to check the Petronas tower and other must see sites within the 5 hours)