The Natural Caverns of Batu Caves - Selangor, Malaysia

Batu Caves Temple is one of the most visited sight in Selangor Malaysia. With an average 41 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur, this sacred place attracts a number of visitors in the country.

Combining awe-inspiring natural caverns and Hinduism, distinct of the enormous golden statue of Muruga also known as Lord Subramanian to whom the caves are dedicated, and the 272 steps besides it to reach the caves makes Batu Caves Temple truly a feast to the naked eye.  

                 

Batu Caves Temple

Address: Jalan Batu Caves, MRR2, Selayang, Selangor

Date of Visit: November 2010

Asakusa Temple - Our Old Tokyo Experience in the heart of the City

Asakusa Temple also known as Sensoji is the oldest and famous temple in Tokyo. Asakusa makes a traditional feel in the vibrant district of Tokyo. Thus, it hosts many traditional events significant to the culture of the Japanese people. 

Many believed that Asakusa originated from the story of two brothers who had found the statue of Kannon, goddess of mercy in the Sumida River. Thereafter, Sensoji  Temple was built in honor for the goddess of Kannon.

The first and front gate of the Sensoji Temple is the Kaminarimon Gate from which you can see the "god of thunder" on the left and "god of wind" on the right.

  The Kaminarimon Signage at the Side of the Main Entrance

    The Large Red Paper Lantern 

       

The sculptures underneath the lantern

Asakusa is one of the most visited spot in Tokyo. Thus, there are a lot of souvenir shops lined-up along the Nakamise Shopping Street, Here you can see a lot of items from foodies, fans, wooden Japanese dolls, masks, lanterns etc.

                           

Japanese Noh Masks

Japanese Lanters

Assortment of Pastries with very nice packaging

cute ref magnets

Next to Nakamise Shopping Street is the Hozomon Gate also known as "the gate for storing treasures" 

is the second gate in the Asakusa Shrine. Visible to the gate are two Nios or muscular buddhas at both sides guiding the treasure house gates.   

There is even a huge large Japanese straw slippers hung in the side of Hozomon Gate

At the side of the Hozomon gate, you'll find the Asakuisa's famous Five Story Pagoda

                                  

Photo credits given to my sister's nice capture of the Five Story Pagoda

and a Japanese man sketching the pagoda 

Lucky me I spotted two Geishas and have a souvenir photo.

There are even fortune boxes placed in an area near the Hozomon Gate. Out of curiosity we tried this to know our fortunes. 

There are these Hexagonal Container filled with stick that have corresponding number on them. You'll drop your 100 coin and shake the stick bin from which a stick will fall from the hole of the container. 

My sister got the best fortune while yours truly is a bad fortune :( So, to negate the bad fortune, I need to tied-up my paper.

After the Hozomon Gate you'll now see the Asakusa or Sensoji temple. Due to the high volume of visitors that day, we were not able get a good shot of the temple

view from the temple

Indeed, Asakusa introduced us to the most historical and cultural side of Tokyo. The architecture and even the way of life or the traditions hosted here are the distinct character of old Tokyo during the Edo and Meiji era.

Locks of Love at N Tower - Seoul, South Korea

N Tower is one the many tourist attractions in Seoul. It was opened in the public on October 15, 1980 and has become a major attraction since then. It is placed atop of the Namsam Mountain which offers a great panoramic view of the city and the nearby surroundings.

                     

Since we had just taken our lunch, we decided to use the cable car instead of the stairs. Cost of which is around KRW 8,000 roundtrip est. The N Tower is more  dramatic at night as it changes and  illuminates the colors which highlights the tower in the evening.

(Photo credit from T. Ramos Photography)

     

What makes the N Tower more romantic are the locks of love which was placed at the base of the tower. The locks of love is truly one of the most romantic spot at the tower. You can see couples of all ages professing their eternal love for each other.

Love locks of all shapes and sizes are seen everywhere at the designated areas. 

There are scribbled love messages, photos, dates etc.,

There is even love locks trees placed in the area

My friend goofing around this special bench :)

And another friend posing in between couples at the base :)

Love is truly in the air. See a couple having their private moment at one corner of the tower

Till then and Saranghae N Tower!!! It was such a romantic and lovely afternoon for us!!!

                                                                                                                                                                    

Details:

N Seoul Tower

1-3-2 Yongsan-dong Yongsan-gu Seoul, Korea

Directions:

By Cable Car:

Myeongdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), exit 3. Use the road to the right of Pacific Hotel and walk 10 minutes up to Namsam Cable Car Station.  

  

Website: http://www.nseoultower.co.kr/

The Harajuku Fashion at Takeshita Dori - Tokyo, Japan

Takeshita Dori, an area around Harajuku,  is a rendezvous  for the Japanese teenagers displaying their extreme and bold fashion style. It is found between Shinjuku and Shibuya Stations around the Yamanote line. A lot of trendy boutiques, cute knick-knacks and cafes are lined-up on the street.  The place is usually crowded during weekends and holidays. Aside from the Jap youngsters buying their stuff, there are also a lot of tourists in the area capturing the fashion lifetyle of Harajuku. So, if you have the “I don’t care attitude”  or are fond of the “Lady Gaga” fashion, Harajuku is a place of heaven for you!!!

Akihabara - "The Anime Kingdom in Tokyo"

Akihabara is one of the central districts in Tokyo named after a local shrine in Japan. It is known for electronics and gadgets. It  has a very distinct and unique character as it is known to be the center of otaku, anime and manga culture in Japan. Akihabara was also made popular by the several maid’s cafes in the area.   

Romancing Jeju Island on Winter

If you are fond of watching Korean Dramas, you’ve heard of Jeju as one one the famous vacation spot among Koreans. Thus, it is one the filming spot of Boys Over Flower, All-In and Lie to Me to name a few.  Many branded it as the “Hawaii of Asia” thus, many couples not only from Korea but all throughout the world regarded it as one the best honeymoon destination.