Japan - 日本
Japan…Nihon…The land of the rising sun! Where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern marvels. Explore the vibrant streets of Tokyo and Osaka, adorned with neon lights and bustling markets, before immersing yourself in the serenity of Kyoto's historic temples and traditional tea houses. Get off the tourist beaten path visiting the Ise Grand Shrine, riding a double deck cable car through the Hida Mountain Range before visiting an onsen, or enjoying the beaches of Okinawa looking for sea turtles and trying to find Nemo. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of sushi and ramen, savoring the culinary delights that define Japanese cuisine. Discover the breathtaking landscapes, from cherry blossom-lined parks to the iconic Mount Fuji, and engage with the warm hospitality of the locals, creating memories that linger long after your travels. Japan beckons with a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, and natural wonders.
Kabukicho near Shinjuku Station; can you see Godzilla?
Tokyo Tower at sunset; an iconic structure and always beautifully light up.
Omoide Yokocho area beside Shinjuku Station; join salary men for some after work drinks, food and discussions at a lively izakaya
Izakaya patrons in Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku.
Togo Jinja, where I got married, is steps away from the lights of Harajuku, Tokyo. A nice respite after walking Takeshita Street.
Giant tori in the sea on Miyajima near Hiroshima.
Zen temple Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Northern Kyoto.
Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki; visit the Okonomimura building.
Konpon Daito in Koya-san, Wakayama. The sacred complex was beside the monastery I was staying overnight.
Torii gates leading to the top of the mountain at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Pro tip: have an ice cream 1/2 coming back down the path.
Shinkasen aka bullet train at Shin-Osaka Station. Still the best way to cover longer distances in Japan. And yes, there is a Hello Kitty shinkasen.
An ekiben; bento boxes which are sold at train stations. Some are very elaborate while others highlight the local cuisine. Make sure to try one!
Shinhotaka Ropeway in the Japanese Alps north of Takayama. Yes, that is a double decker cable car! As they say, getting there is half the fun.
Snorkeling with sea turtles in Miyakojima, Okinawa.
Finding Nemo while snorkeling in Miyakojima, Okinawa.
View of the Japanese Alps from Nishihotakaguchi Station Observation Deck north of Takayama.
Gundam and the Gundam Factory in Yokohama; yes it does move and you can go up the tower.
Japanese curry; different from other curries as it's not as spicy and the sauce is richer. A must have on any visit to Japan.
Enjoying the last of Sakura Season in Kenroku-en Gardens, Kanazawa (one of only three perfect gardens in Japan). As you can see, renting a yukata is very popular and makes for excellent photos.
Jingisukan, which is a Hokkaido dish of grilled sliced lamb and crunchy vegetables, at the Sapporo Beer Garden in Sapporo. The dish is believed to be named after the infamous Genghis Khan.
Another Shinkasen but this one is in Kanazawa before heading to Tokyo via Nagano.
Shirakawa-go in the early spring after the snow has melted but before the blossoms are in full bloom.