An Unexpected Travel

Welcome to My Travel Blog! 🌍✈️ Hi there! I’m Suzaku, a passionate traveler who believes in the magic of exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing the world in all its beauty. Join me as I embark on exciting adventures across the globe and share my personal stories, tips, and travel insights.

[anunexpectedtravel]

RYOAN-JI TEMPLE - KYOTO

📍 Ryoan-ji, Kyoto — Stillness in Stone

Today I visited Ryoan-ji, a Zen temple tucked away in the northwestern hills of Kyoto. It’s famous for its mysterious rock garden, and now I understand why.

Fifteen stones, carefully placed on a bed of white gravel. No plants. No water. Just silence, space, and time. From any angle, only 14 stones are visible at once—legend says you can only see the 15th when you’ve reached enlightenment. ✨

It felt like a quiet conversation with the universe

Zen Garden of the Ryoan-ji Temple (Kyoto, Japan) - Photos by Suzaku17"

Surrounded by lush moss, ancient trees, and the calm of Kyoyochi Pond, Ryoan-ji is more than just a place—it's a pause. A place where the world slows down and your thoughts settle like dust.

🪨 Entry: ¥500 🕙 Hours: 8:00–17:00 🌸 Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds

Envairoment of the Ryoan-ji Temple (Kyoto, Japan) - Photos by Suzaku17"

If you're ever in Kyoto, don’t skip it. Ryoan-ji doesn’t just show you Zen—it lets you feel it.

[anunexpectedtravel]

TSUTENKAKU DISTRICT - OSAKA

🌆 Exploring Tsutenkaku: Osaka’s Retro Soul

If you ever find yourself in Osaka and want to dive deep into the city’s nostalgic heartbeat, Tsutenkaku in the Shinsekai district is where time slows down—and flavor, neon, and history collide.

🎡 A Flashback to Old Japan

Tsutenkaku, meaning “Tower Reaching Heaven”, is Osaka’s answer to the Eiffel Tower. Originally built in 1912 and rebuilt after WWII, it stands today as a quirky symbol of resilience, retro charm, and Osaka pride. Around it, the Shinsekai neighborhood feels like a walk through Japan’s Showa era: colorful, chaotic, unapologetically loud, and beautifully alive.

🍢 Street Food Heaven

Forget fancy restaurants—this is where Osaka eats. Skewers of kushikatsu (deep-fried everything), takoyaki, grilled skewers, and okonomiyaki flood the narrow streets. I found myself standing next to locals and tourists alike, dipping crispy food into shared sauce bowls, laughing under neon lights that buzz like old memories.

🧸 Weird & Wonderful

Only in Tsutenkaku will you find:

A shrine to Billiken, the “God of Things As They Ought to Be”

Shops selling giant pufferfish signs

Arcade game centers that feel like they haven’t changed since 1985

It’s kitschy, chaotic, and somehow completely comforting.

📸 Photo Tip:

Come at sunset. The tower lights up in brilliant neon while the streets begin to glow with lanterns and laughter. It’s Osaka magic you won’t want to miss.

Tsutenkaku District (Osaka, Japan) - Photos by Suzaku17"

💬 Final Thought:

Tsutenkaku isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. A reminder that cities, like people, hold onto their stories in strange and beautiful ways. If you love Tokyo’s precision, you’ll adore Osaka’s heart—and Tsutenkaku is its beat.

[anunexpectedtravel]

BAMBOO FOREST (KANAGAWA) - JAPAN

Hokoku-ji Temple (Kanagawa) – A Tranquil Experience in the Bamboo Forest 🌿🍵

Nestled in the heart of Kanagawa, the Hokoku-ji Temple is a peaceful retreat famous for its stunning bamboo forest. This serene temple offers visitors a unique experience: you can enjoy a traditional matcha tea while surrounded by the towering bamboo, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and reflection.

As you wander through the lush bamboo pathways, you’ll feel a sense of calm and connection to nature. Don’t miss the chance to sip on the finest matcha tea, served in the temple’s quaint tea room, and let the peaceful surroundings enhance the moment.

Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or just looking for a tranquil escape, Hokoku-ji provides a beautiful and memorable experience.

Tickets: 400 yenes (600 yenes with the matcha tee & dry sweets).

Opening hours: 09:00-16:00 (Closed between 29th of December and 3rd of January or in case of bad weather).

website: https://houkokuji.or.jp/en/

"Bamboo Forest at Hokoku-ji Temple (Kanagawa, Japan) - Photos by Suzaku17"