Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M, Hozenji Hanare Shop, Osaka - 松阪牛焼肉 Ｍ 法善寺店 はなれ

This place is expensive, Wagyu is expensive and Matsuzaka Beef even more so. Fair warning!

If you've read the previous line without flinching even a little bit, you're welcome to read on! It was one of the highlights in terms of food and I've posted the picture of our platter before and will do so again later in the post. It was one of our most expensive meals in Japan because of the nature of the meal - in a restaurant, high grade beef, popular and well-regarded. 

If you don't take beef, skip this post. More after the jump!

Kiyomura Sushizanmai, Dotonbori-Ten, Osaka, すしざんまい 道頓堀店

We move on to my travels in Osaka! Initially, I had planned mistakenly for a lunch meal at Matsuzaka Yakiniku M, to our dismay they didn't serve lunch! Goes to show how you can't trust anything you find on the internet! I even found their page (not updated) that said they served lunch AND dinner. I was very disappointed, thankfully, Zhiling had a recommendation from a friend to Sushizanmai! It was just a 200m walk away.

Here's what the shopfront looks like! Sorry if it's a bit tiny! Credits

More after the jump!

Uobei Sushi, Shibuya Branch, Tokyo - 魚べい 渋谷道玄坂店

Have you been to Genki Sushi at Bugis+ and Orchard Central?

Good, this place is exactly the same, just more pocket-friendly. Pictures after the jump!

Mensoubou Mutekiya Ramen 麺創房無敵家, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan

I don't really want to share about this place. Compared to Ichiran with outlets in almost every state and more, this is really a hole in the wall but this hole beats* them hands down.

This small restaurant was so good we went there twice, once on the first day and for our last dinner in Japan. It definitely spoilt our tastebuds for Ichiran since we had it on the first day. Had I known of its awesomeness, I wouldn't have put it on our first day too. Similarly, I don't want to hype this and raise your expectations so ridiculously high. I'll let the pictures do the talking in just a minute.

Planning for Japan? Let me send you some help ^_^

The next section of posts would be devoted to an array of activities that my friends and I took part in during our late August trip.

I will be posting on:

• A selection of restaurants we went to
• Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
• Tokyo Disneysea (Tokyo, duh..)
• A selection of the attractions we went to
• What types of Omiyage can be found where

I will also go into detail on how to navigate and how to plan for these activities. If possible I would try to remember the costs associated, but I am not one to track my expenses on trips. I actually halved my money and let my boyfriend control my spending so I didn't spend it all in the first three days. Hehehe.

Finally, as mentioned before, some of our plans changed so even though some places I have heard and researched upon before, but we never went. If I feel up to it, I could publish a list of these places and also directions, do's and don'ts.

When I'm done with them, I'll put the links up, right below! :D

1. Mensoubou Mutekiya Ramen - Best I Ever Had

2. Uobei Sushi - Cheap, Good and Accessible

3. Kiyomura Sushizanmai - Authentic, Affordable Table-service

4. Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M - Delectable Wagyu at a Fitting Price

5. Nishiyama Ryokan - Traditional but Luxurious Comfort

6. Tokyo Disneysea - My Childhood Dream Come True

7. Unagiya Hirokawa - WEel Melt in Your Mouth :P
8. Tokyo Disneysea - Where in my Dreams could it be?
9. Youshokuya Kichi Kichi - An Unforgettable Omurice Experience
10. Tokyo Disneysea - How to live your dreams!

The 5 Things You Need for Grad Trips

Skip this part if you're not interested in my story! 

I went on a Grad Trip with my clique to Japan this year (Aug 2015). We discussed about it fleetingly (Mar - May 2015) and initially I was one of the few who couldn't make it. 

At the very very first stages of the discussion, my boyfriend and another friend (Boy A) of ours were set on backpacking to the US of A. Girl 1 & 2 needed each other to go. I was hesitant in confirming (read: ultra sad that I couldn't go) because I had already taken a trip earlier in the year, but thankfully, my mum broached the subject with me and said that it was a rite of passage that I should take. By then, G1 & 2 were in, but bound by their job starting dates (at the same time we were bound by our graduation ceremony date). A grad trip together would be slightly rushed, but we agreed on the place and pax which now consisted of G1 and 2, their boyfriends and my boyfriend and Boy B and I. But Boy A now couldn't make it because of an extracurricular commitment. (What a roller coaster and also  very sorry for the lack of names and confusing notation.)

We went on a 10 day - 9 nights trip to Japan and hit Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto (so you know you can expect me to talk about Japan) and I am so excited to share about what I learnt, the food I ate, how I planned, and tons of other information. 

But before all of that, here are some things you really do need, as in NEED and cannot do without.

New beginnings

I am suddenly aware of the need to create a writing sample. Also, I would be creating an avenue for reflection (text-heavy), trip planning tips (a lot of work because I did a lot and pictures and stuff), maybe beauty, make up reviews or snippets that I always (without fail) advise my friends on when they are making their purchases or considering their purchases. 

And if you (my reader, if I even have any), wonder why I talk about make up so much, it is because...

*whispers*

I am a make-up / skincare junkie.

I will never hesitate to share on what I use, where I do my facials, blah blah. Ask and you shall receive. But the disclaimer is:

Everyone's skin is different. I can tell you how much I like something, but I can never guarantee that it will work on you. Korean counters are easy, ask for samples, patch test and you will know. 

There are dozens of beauty blogs online, if you want reviews on the product you intend to buy, just type it in. I do that all. the. time. Help yourself to the wealth of information available on the net.

Okay off to prepare my first post.

xx wj