Places to visit in Japan - Part 1

If you've been following me for a while, you know that I was away on honeymoon for 3 weeks in Japan this past July and after I ran a poll on Instagram to see which subjects would interest you more, more than 75% of you have asked for a list of places to visit, so here it is! This is going to be a long post that's been in the making for quite some time as I wanted to make sure to get in as much detail as possible. So, get comfy and read through!

Japan is an island nation made up of 5 main islands - Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu, Hokkaido and Okinawa and a number of smaller islands. We spent three weeks on the largest of them, Honshu and we stayed at Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo and also visited Kobe, Nara and Odaiba (part of Tokyo).

In this first post of two, I will be sharing with you the historical places and nature spots we visited and which are totally worth visiting if you're going to Japan. But, by no means is this an exhaustive list of all you can see and do in this marvellous country.

Nature

Japan is blessed with lush greenery all year round and especially during summer when it is very rainy and humid. Consequently, there are a lot of hiking trails you can take as well as pleasant walks in rural areas. Kyoto and Osaka, although they are both very big cities, are completely different from the metropolis that is Tokyo and they are still neighboured by very lush forests and ambiences. 

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Admission: Free

This is a must-visit when in Kyoto. It's only 30 minutes away from Kyoto station and I would advise you to go early to avoid the crowds and get some good pictures taken, you know, for the gram 😜. Walking to the forest is a pleasure and it's nice to see the area gradually come to life as the day rolls by. There are some parks nearby where you can take a walk and just generally breathe in pure air and take in the peaceful surroundings.

• Iwatayama Monkey Park

Admission: ￥600 each adult

Just a 15-minute walk from Arashiyama will take you to Iwatayama Monkey Park, a park inhabited by some 170 Japanese macaque monkeys. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and a good pair of shoes when visiting as the walk uphill is quite steep. The view from the top (Mt. Arashiyama) and the monkeys make it all worthwhile though! You cannot touch the monkeys but you can feed them from behind a cage with food purchased on site.

• Fushimi Inari Taisha

Admission: Free

Also close to Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, a popular Shinto shrine, instantly recognizable from the thousands of vermilion coloured Torii gates. Again it is advisable to go early to avoid the crowds and wear good walking shoes as you are going to walk a lot to get to the very top. Unfortunately, when we visited, it was really rainy and we decided to stop halfway as we wouldn't have seen much of the view the place has to offer because of the fog and rain which were getting in the way. 

• Hakone

Admission: Depends where you visit

A day trip to Hakone from Tokyo is a must. On a clear day (definitely not in summer, when it's really foggy and humid), you will get spectacular views of Mount Fuji, the highest point in Japan but this area can be enjoyed all year round with various places to visit including Hakone Shrine, Hakone Open Air Museum, and the Hakone cable car. 

• Nara park 

Admission: Free

This is one of the cutest places we have visited on our trip to Osaka. It's only an hour away via underground and as soon as you come out of the station, you will see deer on the pavement leading up to the shrine and you can feed them crackers which you buy just outside of the shrine. Be careful though, if you're not quick enough to feed them, they bite! On the other hand, if you don't have any crackers, they will leave you alone and you can pet them too, just always be careful as at the end of the day they are still wild animals. While there, be sure to pay a visit to the nearby temple and shrine. 

• Osaka aquarium 

Admission:￥2300 each adult

One of Osaka's highlights is the Osaka Aquarium. I don't usually visit such places where animals are essentially held in captivity, but this place was recommended a lot when I was researching places to visit on our trip and thus we just had to go. The giant tank that houses the sharks and stingrays is definitely the main attraction but the other areas hosting the otters, penguins, puffins and all sorts of creatures are equally enchanting. You can also pet some fish and mantas on your way out! It definitely didn't disappoint and was totally worth our time!

Historical

Japan is steeped in history and this is very much palpable all throughout the country - from the various shrines and temples to the majestic castles, these are our top recommendations, with the majority of them being in Kyoto, the old capital of Japan.

• Nijo Castle

Admission:￥1000 each adult for castle and gardens

This castle is one of the oldest in Japan and it is totally worth visiting for it is a splendid example of Japanese architecture and the gardens are a sight to behold. Make sure to go into the castle and experience the nightingale corridors and appreciate the paintings inside.

• Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion

Admission:￥400 each adult

Another landmark that's not to be missed, Kinkaku-ji, the awe-inducing Golden Pavilion. Nestled among lush greenery, this is one of the most beautiful sites to visit on your trip to Kyoto. Take your time to visit the surrounding gardens and immerse yourself in the peace of mind this place provides.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace

Admission: Free

This palace was home to the Imperial Family of Japan in olden times and you can visit it and enjoy a stroll in the lush gardens surrounding the palaces. Best thing about it? Admission is free! The Imperial Palace in Tokyo, on the other hand, is the current seat of the Imperial family and thus you can only go in the outer gardens.

• Kiyomizu Dera Temple

Admission:￥300 each adult + additional fees if you want to go further to other temples and areas

You might get a feeling of being a bit templed out when in Japan but there are a few that you just don't want to miss, with Kiyomizu Dera being one of them. You can explore different temples within the grounds and try the handwashing ritual yourself while admiring the 5 storey pagoda. Don't forget to touch the Buddha stone for good luck while you're too!

• Ninenzaka & Gion including a tea ceremony

Admission: Depends on the tea house and plan you choose

Just a short walk from Kiyomizu Dera temple is the Gion district and Ninenzaka which are famous for Geishas and tea ceremonies respectively. Be sure to book a tea ceremony and allow yourself to immerse all your senses in a once in a lifetime experience. We booked at Nagomi Tea House and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience with Lisa, our host.

• Osaka Castle

Admission:￥600 each adult

Your first stop in the city of Osaka should be Osaka Castle - a majestic castle adorned with gold figures which was once the home of samurai. While there you will get the chance to get to know more about samurai and even try on a costume and have your picture taken! 

• Samurai Museum

Admission:￥1500 each adult

The Samurai Museum in Tokyo is another enriching experience if you want to learn more about samurai. We even watched a samurai sword fight show here and even had the opportunity to have our picture taken with katanas and the samurai.

• Meiji Shrine

Admission: Free

Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his Empress, this shrine in Tokyo is one worth visiting. It covers a vast expanse of land and you can also write your wishes on a votive tablet and hang it on a dedicated tree in the hope that it comes true. We were also lucky to witness a traditional wedding ceremony here as it is a very popular place to host weddings.

• Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple & kimono rental

Admission: Temples are free, kimono rental depends on rental place and plan chosen

This is one of the spots you can't miss in Tokyo and the best way to explore the area is while wearing a kimono. It does get hot in summer but it's worth even just for the pictures! Renting a kimono is easy, you just have to book beforehand and they will take care of the rest. We opted for Yae Kimono Rental as they are closest to Senso-ji and we even booked a 20-minute rickshaw ride through them.

So those are our top recommendations with regards history and nature. Stay tuned for Part 2 where I'll be sharing with you some miscellaneous places that are totally worth the splurge!

The Vocabulary of Maltese Style | 100 Years of Maltese Fashion 1917 - 2017

Last Monday saw the unveiling of an exhibition at the House of Representatives which celebrates 100 years of Maltese Fashion. Entitled The Vocabulary of Maltese Style, the exhibition seeks to provide a link between fashion in the European continent and that created in the Maltese Islands and is being organised by the office of the Hon. Marlene Mizzi MEP under the auspices of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) within the European Parliament as part of the culture-boosting projects in view of Malta's Presidency of the EU. The Arts Council Malta and Heritage Malta are also supporting the event. The exhibition is curated by Gozitan fashion designer Luke Azzopardi, whose contributions to the local fashion industry during the last couple of years cannot go unnoticed.

Exhibition Promotional Banner - photo by Sean Mallia

Contrary to what is usually displayed in traditional costume exhibitions in the Maltese Islands, The Vocabulary of Maltese Style has opened a window onto richer examples of garments and accessories worn by the elite, which often times we tend to forget that this social class also formed part of the Maltese society.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated yesterday evening at the House of Representatives with a live defile by Carina Camilleri's Models M showcasing the Spring/Summer 2017 'Iconic' Collection by Charles and Ron, as well as Luke Azzopardi's 'Lamia', on the staircase adjacent to the House of Representatives right at the entrance to our capital city.

Charles & Ron Iconic S/S17 Collection

First showcased during New York and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks, Charles and Ron's S/S17 Collection is another regal tribute to the local heritage. Structured skirts, crop tops, and embellished dresses are only a small part of this collection in a palette of vibrant colours typical of our islands. The collection features wrought iron prints, the Maltese rock flower and the iconic Maltese wooden balconies. Again, C&R's love for anything Maltese really shines through and I don't know how they do it, but the power duo manage to outdo themselves over and over again with every collection they present! Well done! The makeup and hair for this show was by Inglot.

Photos by Jan Zammit

Luke Azzopardi Lamia Trans-seasonal Artisanal Collection 2017

Luke Azzopardi's Lamia is a collection of ethereal couture dresses made out of rich fabrics (Camilleri Paris Mode). His creations left me thinking of nymphs from the Greek mythology and rightly so, as Lamia is actually a demon in Greek mythology. What makes Luke's collections different from those of other designers is that he draws inspiration for his collections from literary works and manages to translate them flawlessly into fashion. For instance, Lamia is inspired by the namesake poem by John Keats (first published in 1820). For this show, Gabrielle Zammit Grungo did the models' makeup and Lara Theuma was in charge of the hair.

Photos by Jan Zammit

Official Opening of the Exhibition 

Following the fashion shows, we headed inside the parliament building for the official opening of the exhibition. The Hon. Marlene Mizzi, the Hon. Minister Dr. Helena Dalli and the Hon. Mr. Speaker Dr. Anglu Farrugia each made their addresses to inaugurate the exhibition and declare it officially open. As each of the speakers pointed out, fashion is not merely a way to express yourself, but it also speaks volumes about a society; for example, it reflects the economical status.

Mrs. Carina Camilleri introducing the event to Dr. Anglu Farrugia, Mrs. Farrugia, Hon. Minister Dr. Helena Dalli, Mrs. Marlene Mizzi MEP, Mrs. Cacciattolo

As stated before, the exhibits comprising The Vocabulary of Maltese Style exhibition are representative of what the Maltese elite chose to wear - silk, guipure lace, rich embroidered garments and hand-beaded bags are just a small example. Worth noting is that in the past, almost everything was custom made for the wearer as opposed to today's ready-to-wear collection and most dresses were commissioned for special occasions. It is interesting to note that Heritage Malta takes great care in restoring such garments in it collection in order to preserve the Maltese fashion cultural heritage as much as possible.

c.1900 - 2016 - Examples of fine gowns including a bridal gown from 1939. My favourite dress is hands down the one in blue tulle

The exhibition also comprises gowns worn by local sopranos and singers in shows abroad which were instrumental in putting Malta's name out there. There are also more modern garments from contemporary designers such as Charles & Ron, Saz Mifsud and Sef Farrugia, all three of which are some of my favourite local designers. Oriental and African influences have also played a part in the history of Maltese fashion as can be seen by the three fine examples in the second collage below.

Charles & Ron | Sef Farrugia | Saz Mifsud

Oriental and African influences in Maltese garments

The exhibition design and illustrations behind the garments are by the talented Andrew Borg Wirth and Matthew Attard Navarro respectively and I think the illustrations provide a modern take on the garments on display.

Charles and Ron also designed the scarves and ties worn by officials during the 6 months of Malta taking over the EU Presidency which came to an end yesterday. I was delighted to find a commemorative scarf in the bag which we were given along with a model of the Gardjola at Senglea.

I think this is a very good initiative and it opens a different perspective on our vast cultural heritage. I would like to once again extend my appreciation at Hon. Marlene Mizzi MEP for inviting me to this event. I command her expertise in the field and for organizing such a prestigious event of honour for our Malta.

I highly encourage you to visit this exhibition, for fashion is still a part of our culture heritage, whether past or present and such events shed a light on a part of history is more often than not taken for granted.

The exhibition will be open to the general public until the 5th July from 08:00 till 17:00 at the House of Representatives, Valletta.