Sometimes Japanese regions are neither wierd nor wacky. Pull up your map and zoom in to the extreme lower right end corner of the grid and you’ll find Tempura island. You won’t find any batter-fried foods here, just breathtaking views and countless romantic spots. As I told a friend, it’s like an English muffin; there are all these little nooks and crannies.
When you land on the island you start on a platform facing an arched walkway that leads to the main building. To your right is an autumn forest bathed in golden light; to your right is a misty summer grotto where dapples of sunlight illuminate waterfalls and a river below. Venturing further into either of these areas is rewarded. In the autumn world you’ll find deer and a romantic tumbledown cottage. The summer side will find you in a hilltop jacuzzi with stunning views of the region. Nearby you can lay in a field of pink flowers, because… hell, that’s somebodies fantasy.
On either side of the arched walkway are platforms and smaller buildings. They appear to be for dances or events (or group Tai Chi) but nothing is posted. In fact, the area is surprisingly devoid of signs or anything stating its purpose (though after a while the romantic intent is obvious). Once in a while you’ll find a donation kiosk, but that’s it.
On one side of the main building you’ll find a warm spring (it look warm, anyway) and a fallen tower. Why? Like I said, nooks and crannies. The region is not empty, but neither is it crowded. If one spot is occupied it’s easy enough to find someplace equally romantic to move on to.
On the other side of the main building a seashore scene punctuated with glowing flowers. I’ve never seen glowing flowers growing out of the seashore before, but who cares? It looks great and there’s a couch where you and the one you love can lounge and watch the sunset. My friend Mori IM’ed me about her visit after I told her about the region and made a good point — it’s always sunset in Tempura.
The main ballroom itself is just a stunner. There are intricate architectural details, and amazing building textures I’ve never seen anywhere else in Second Life. The ballroom floor reflects the surroundings so it looks like real marble (thank you, Windlight). There’s more to see in the domed tower and rooftop platform.
On either side of main ballroom are beautifully appointed honeymoon suites, complete with cuddle rugs and funny functional canopy love beds. Be warned, however, that the doors don’t lock. On my first trip to the region these rooms were empty. When I returned to take pictures I accidentally barged in on a couple in flagrante delicto, and the second suite was occupied as well . No, I didn’t take pictures, you sickos.
If there is any downside to the region it’s so jam-packed with prims that it can often be laggy. Your mileage may vary. Even so, its worth exploring, if only to find the stuff I haven’t told you about.
On your way to the top of the building (take the stairs on the right) there is another suite. And if you make it to the top there is a pool/bath. And underneth the building there is a plane crashed into the water that has been turned into a suite as well. The island is stunning but I loved finding all these hidden places.
I cannot wait to go!
Those “reflections” in the marble floor aren’t there because of Windlight – they are objects beneath the semi-transparent floor
But the reflections of the pillars move with my camera! How do they *do* that?
Thank you Garth, this is the most attractive build I have been to in ages. Simply fabulous – and the owner was there when I went, so I congratulated him. Make sure to check out the cave on the side of the cliff facing the sunset.
Hiya Garth,
After reading your post, I went there a couple of nights ago to explore the setting… got stunned by the floor reflections too… my hypothesis is, there is an entire mirrored ballroom underneath the real one ( (wall textures, pillars, chandeliers and all), and the floor is just a semi-transparent layer. So I guess in this case, there IS a specular universe on the other side of the mirror.
No matter how it’s done, it’s one of the most beautifully crafted places in SL. Thanks for the travel tip, and keep your awesome blog going !
Nahasa Singh
aka Mike@