Allow moi to be your travel muse today. Traveling to Hawaii? Skip the beach for a moment and get a piece of Japan by visiting Byodo-in inside the Valley of the Temples in Kahaluu, Oahu. It was built in the late 1960s to commemorate the centennial anniversary of Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants. I soooo love visiting this place, it’s very tranquil and I always get that mystical feeling of being transported to a bygone era.
Aside from being a state landmark, the panoramic view and majestic mountains were featured in movies and television shows (Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Five-0, etc.)
Inside, you will be greeted with its perennial residents, swans, birds, peacocks and koi!
Lookie! even the turtle is in a trance state yoga-style! I was telling hub, I have not seen a turtle extend its hind leg like that, it must be telling me “go exercise earthling”.
The lush landscape, melodic chirping of the birds…. ahhhhh, I could get used to it.
Byodo-in is home to Amida, a unique golden buddha which measures over 9 feet high.
Now as to my well-kept secret if you’re visiting Byodo-in? Cover your arms and legs or you risk mosquito bites, especially if you’re taking photos near the bamboo trees. You guess I came prepared.
’til our next sightin’ and stylin’,
Kathryne
What a gorgeous and tranquil place! I'd love to visit there, for sure… except for the skeeters. I'd have to be dousing myself in bug spray, because things that bite love to bite me!
LOL, you're like my hub, he's a magnet to all things that bite!
What a beautiful place! There is a garden in Spokane that I visited last summer and there were some very Japanese style places within the gardens with Koi fish and beautiful architecture. I just love how tranquil of a vibe it gives off. No bueno on the mosquitos though!
Koi fish are beautiful creatures! My wish is to have my own koi pond one day.
I came down here fully intending to talk about all of these beautiful pictures (especially the turtle! such an awesome shot!) but THAT PURSE, THOUGH!!!! I needs!
hahaha! Only a serious purse-aholic will comment on zzzzz purse LV. I'm one w/ you gurl!!!
a) You look adorable per usual. B) I want that turtle.
a) Many mahalos b) me too, how unique is that posing!!!
Super gorgeous place and girl you are so beautiful!!! I am obsessed with how amazing and simple the koi fish instantly make it tranquil. Great post.
Thanks much Jamie, now you made me blush :-)) True, koi fish watching is very relaxing. m/
I want to go! SOOOO petty!
come visit HI!
That turtle is too much!
I know, where in the world you'd see a turtle like that?!
What a completely gorgeous landscape and scene.
Indeed it is.
That looks so relaxing!
Very, I just want to stay there!
What gorgeous photos! You look great, as usual! Love the turtle yoga!
That cute turtle is the real deal! Thanks much!!!xo
This place looks so pretty and peaceful. Love your outfit!
Thanks Leelo. Very relaxing place!!
That turtle is so cute! Love your outfit.
Cuteness overload w/ that turtle. It wasn't moving the whole time we were taking photos.
That turtle! *dies*
yeah, isn't that something
The photos are stunning ! It's also a great location for taking fashion post
Thanks Betzy!
What a gorgeous setting.
True, it's so peaceful
The entire place looks so magical! Thanks for taking pictures of such a gorgeous place and sharing! Looks like you had fun!
We had fun! My sisters-in-law are in town so we took them there again.
Reminds me of my old home in Singapore (I lived six years there). Serene and so vibrant.
That's awesome! Singapore is one of my fave Asian countries- so robust, high-tech, and the malls… I die!
Gorgeous, definitely on my list of travel destinations 🙂 The one time I was in HI I was on the beach in Maui the whole time, but I'd love to see more sights like this!
Next time come to Oahu, HI
Gorgeous! I would love to visit a place like this one day!
Thanks! Very tranquil indeed
Now that's different! I would have never thought there was such a place in HI, but I'll add it to my list of things to see if I ever visit Oahu 🙂
I'm coming over! Love the outfit!