Japan is so weirdly wonderful that no pictures, or words, will ever do it the justice it deserves. But I’ve tried, This is my recent adventure in Japan summed up in 15 photos (and a few words).
1. SHIBUYA CROSSING, TOKYO
This is one of my favourite photos from the trip. Standing in the middle of Shibuya Crossing on our first night in Japan, it’s fair to say my friend Kirsty and I were mesmerized, slightly overwhelmed and filled to the brim with anticipation and excitement.
2. SHINKANSEN, TOKYO TO KYOTO
I’m no trainspotter, but I will admit to being beyond excited the first time I travelled on a Shinkansen, or bullet train as it’s commonly known outside Japan.
3. MOUNT FUJI VIEWED FROM ASHI LAKE, HAKONE
I got my first glimpse of Mount Fuji whilst travelling on a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. My face was pressed hard against the window so I didn’t miss a single second of the magnificent mountain view as the train zipped past at over 100mph. We later travelled to Hakone and spent an evening watching the sun go down over Lake Ashi, with Mount Fuji in the background. It was stunning.
4. ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE, ARASHIYAMA, KYOTO
Despite the crowds, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was serene, peaceful and exceptionally beautiful. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
5. FUSHIMI INARI-TAISHA, FUSHIMI WARD, KYOTO
One of my favourite places. With Shinto Shrines on almost every corner, I found Japan to be an extremely spiritual place. I felt the spirituality at Fushimi Inari-taisha like no where else I’ve ever been. Although it’s one of the most photographed sites in the city of Kyoto, it’s still an absolute must for anyone visiting Japan in my opinion.
6. SASHIMI
Some of Japan’s unique delicacy’s together with my total inability to read or speak Japanese, made eating in Japan an adventure in its own right. Sashimi (thinly sliced fresh raw fish) is delicious.
7. GREEN TEA ICE CREAM
Just about every processed food in Japan has a green tea version.
8. HIROSHIMA PEACE PARK, HIROSHIMA
I knew the Peace Park in Hiroshima would be a difficult place to visit. The Peace Memorial Museum gave detailed accounts, in words and photos, of the tragic and devastating impact of the Atomic Bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. The Park itself is a beautiful memorial. From the A-Bomb Dome, a symbol of ‘peace in the city’, to the Flame of Peace which represents Japan’s desire for the abolition of nuclear weapons to the thousands of paper cranes and other works of art that have been donated by children from all across the world, the Hiroshima Peace Park really does ignite a sense of love, peace and hope.
9. HAKONE MOUNTAIN TRAIN, HAKONE
Cool, beautiful and a little bit creepy all at the same time. We got the mountain train from Odawara in the early evening. It was dark, we were alone and the mist covered mountains were breath-taking.
10. CAPSULE HOTEL
I slept in an oversized box in a room with about 19 other people. And I loved it. My favourite Capsule Hotel was The Centurion Cabin and Spa Hotel in Kyoto.
11. DOTONBORI RIVER, OSAKA
This is the Japan you see in the movies. The Dotonbori River in Namba, Osaka is lined with neon lights, shops, restaurants and bars and is a cool place to be, day or night.
12. TOKYO SKY TREE, TOKYO
I didn’t think I was going to make it to the Sky Tree until I literally stumbled across it when visiting Senso-Ji in Asakusa during my last day in Japan. I’m glad I did. Being the tallest structure in Japan, the views from the top are amazing. I thought the view from the bottom wasn’t bad either.
13. TORII
A Torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of a Shinto Shrine. A Torii marks the entrance to a sacred place and can be seen all over Japan. Traditionally made from wood or stone, they are simple in structure, but really beautiful.
14. GEISHA
Despite a popular misconception, seeing a real Geisha in Japan is reasonably rare. I was lucky enough to see 2 Geisha hurriedly making their way to a tea room during a leisurely stroll through Gion in Kyoto early one evening. They didn’t stop to chat or pose for selfies and they disappeared from the view of eagle eyed tourists as quickly as they appeared.
The Geisha culture is as mysterious as it is fascinating. We watched a traditional Japanese performing arts show featuring Kyo-mai dancing performed by Maiko (trainee Geisha) dancers.
15. SHOWER TOILETS
I couldn’t write about Japan without mentioning the amazing high-tech Japanese Shower Toilet, which are quite simply the best thing since… well, since flushing toilets. I can’t believe the rest of the world hasn’t gotten on board.