Road Less Travelled

I’m currently in Perth on Australia’s West coast which is almost 4000kms from Sydney. It’s such a beautiful and different environment to the East Coast. Yesterday I explored the coastline walking from Cottisloe to Scarborough beach, taking in the ocean sunset (something we never see on the East Coast) 🌅❤️

Snapping some pics of Jen enjoying the sunshine at Palm Beach today ❤️😍🥰

Beach days 💛

Late night walk underneath the glowing steel spine of the enormous Sydney Harbour Bridge 💙

Back in on a stormy afternoon over the Yarra River

What was my favourite city in Japan? We visited Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa and Takayama. I loved them all but if I had to name my number 1… it would be Osaka. Such an amazing, bustling city with an eclectic mix of culture. Also the Takoyaki and okonomoyaki in Osaka was sensational!

Exploring Meiji Jingu with the family in Tokyo. A massive shrine surrounded by beautiful gardens right in the middle of Tokyo!

The Filipino “Jeepney” is a classic icon of the Philippines. These colour and diverse vehicles run throughout Manila on pre-defined routes helping millions commute through the city. Originating from the American colonial period, these cars are modified versions of the original 1930s imported vehicles.

Due to their emissions and modernisation, they may not be around for ever but, for now, they certainly add colourful character to the streets of the Philippines and have become a cultural and artistic icon.

Exploring what’s considered the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world!

Exploring Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto which was right near the ryokan we stayed at. The temple is open 24 hours which allows for some great night photographing with no one around.

Jen taking in the Tokyo skyline from Shinjuku, overlooking the DoCoMo tower.

So sad to be leaving Japan but reflecting on all the good food we ate!! This place is a foodies heaven!!

Perfect weather to view Tokyo from Shibuya Sky Deck today! Nice activity for our last day in Tokyo!

Back in Tokyo, exploring the vibrant, neon-lit streets and laneways of Shinjuku (and eating amazing sushi 🍣 !)

Such an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, gaming arcades (with never ending rows of claw machines) and quirky shops!

Old houses along the Miyagaga River at night in Takayama, Japan.

Good morning Takayama. Wandering the historical streets for some great photo opportunities of the Edo period architecture and gardens 🏡🇯🇵

Scenes from Takayama: Kyoto was amazing but incredibly crowded. I could only get decent photos by wandering the streets at 1 a.m. (which I did). However...

Takayama is like a mini Kyoto without all the people and a fantastic place. We hired a car and drove the 1.5 hrs here from Kanazawa which takes you through mainly the longest tunnels I've ever experienced (through the mountain range) but also provides glimpses of incredible landscapes between tunnels.

The famous food here is Hida beef, which is served like sushi, very rare, and their mascot (every town has a mascot) is Sarubobo.

TLDR: Amazing place full of history and beautiful Edo-period architecture.

Scenes from Takayama: Kyoto was amazing but incredibly crowded. I could only get decent photos by wandering the streets at 1 a.m. (which I did). However...

Takayama is like a mini Kyoto without all the people and a fantastic place. We hired a car and drove the 1.5 hrs here from Kanazawa which takes you through mainly the longest tunnels I've ever experienced (through the mountain range) but also provides glimpses of incredible landscapes between tunnels.

The famous food here is Hida beef, which is served like sushi, very rare, and their mascot (every town has a mascot) is Sarubobo.

TLDR: Amazing place full of history and beautiful Edo-period architecture.

Exploring Kenrokuen-en garden in Kanazawa, Japan which is considered one of Japan’s best gardens. Such a tranquil place!

As you wander the sights of Kyoto such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, you’ll see many people dressed in traditional kimonos. This adds an authentic ambience to these sights as well as provides the wearers with some very Instagramable photos

Exploring the serene and majestic Arishiyama Bamboo Grove and surrounding temples and gardens in Kyoto, Japan. A surreal world of giant bamboo, silent temples and still lakes and ponds.

Exploring Fushimi Inari Taisha temple in Kyoto, Japan.

Exploring the giant, tall Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Never knew that bamboo could grow this tall!

Wandering the streets of Gion, Kyoto just after midnight when there are no tourists. Such a surreal experience wandering alone through ancient laneways glowing with incandescent light.

Our first day/night wandering the 300-year old, geisha-trodden streets of Gion, Kyoto... the birthplace of Kabuki theatre and an incredible district full of traditional Japanese charm.

Just arrived in Kyoto! Time to explore ancient “streets” and shrines. I’m so amazed by this place already!

What an experience. Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in Osaka Japan. So overwhelming and surreal. Stayed there as the sun set and felt like we leveled up from a daytime mushroom level to a dark, nighttime one full of colour, sound and intensity!

Finally made it to Nintendo World. What an amazing experience. You literally feel as though you’re in an alternate Mario Bros universe navigating a level in the game. Follow for my reel and full Japan video!

Made it to Hogwarts. The ‘Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey’ ride was incredible. Best ride I’ve experienced in my life and worth the wait. Follow for the full reel.

Osaka by night is an incredibly vivid, magical place. We sat by the river under the glow of neon lights and in the charcoal smoke haze of yakatori BBQ as people moved along lantern-lit laneways, blending like colourful goldfish in a stream.

I felt like I was Harrison Ford in Blade Runner or the main character of so many futuristic, dystopian movies I’ve seen and been in awe of. TLDR: Osaka is awesome.

First night in Osaka! Our hotel is surrounded by fascinating bustling laneways. We found a fantastic restaurant with the best takoyaki and okonomoyaki 🐙… as always, Lewis was the star of the show!

The classic shot of the Disney castle at sunset in Tokyo Japan.🇯🇵 🏰🌅👸

An incredible day at the happiest place on earth Disneyland Tokyo. I’m not a huge theme park person but this place blew my mind. Follow for our full video.

Good morning Manila 🇵🇭

The Collaroy pulling into Manly Wharf against a vivid Sydney sunset.

You know you have one of the best commutes home in the world when the ferry stops suddenly and the captain apologises because there’s a whale and we have to slow down… I didn’t see the whale 🐳 but how about this sunset! 🌅

Climbing out of Sydney over the Eastern Beaches 🛫