Japan Travel Blog: Endless Discovery
Japan is a country like no other. Tokyo is a fast paced city that’s ahead of the times, while the monuments of ancient Kyoto bring you back 100s of years. If you were to ask any traveller, I’m sure Japan would be on their must see list, yet many have yet to make the journey to the land of the rising sun.
It’s sad, many travellers are still avoiding Japan due to unfounded fears. The tsunami of 2011 and the resulting radiation leak was scary, but it really should have no affect on your travel plans. There’s no glowing fish, and you won’t become a walking battery. It’s time to realize your dreams and see Japan for all its glory.
Speak to any traveller who’s visited Japan and you’ll hear the real story. The people of Japan are incredibly friendly and even when there’s a language barrier, they’re still happy to help you in any way. I could keep writing about how great the country is, but I think it’s best to let the pictures speak for themselves so scroll down for my Japan travel blog through pictures.
The Japan basics
Accommodations – Unless you’re on a strict budget, I recommend using a mix of different accommodations. Using Airbnb will give you a good feel how the locals live, it doesn’t get more traditional than staying at ryokan with an onsen, while staying at Buddhist temple offers a surreal experience.
Transportation – Japan easily has the best public transportation in the world. Major cities of an extensive local rail network, while the shinkansen (bullet train) will get you to any other city in just a few hours. There’s English signs at every train station so you don’t need to worry about getting lost, but if you do need help, station staff speak passable English.
Eat and drink – Food in Japan can be cheap or expensive, it really depends what kind of dining experience you’re looking for. Trying Japanese food is a must, but since Japan has so many expats, it’s not hard to find really authentic international cuisine. Beer, coffee, and soft drinks can be purchased right from a vending machine which is pretty convenient.
Attractions – Temples and shrines are the obvious major attractions in Japan, but there’s so many that’s after a while they all look the same so don’t over do it. Japan also also has major international attractions including Tokyo Disney, Universal studios and aquariums. If you’re interested in watching sumo wrestling be sure to plan your trip around the tournament schedule.
If you’re looking for more information on how to prepare for your trip to Japan, check out my post: How much does it cost to go to Japan? Also readers of Money We Have get 50% off the KnowRoaming Global SIM Sticker + $5 credit
Here’s my Japan travel blog as told through pictures: Shot with a Sony a6000 / 16-50mm lens
The famous Shibuya crossing from a different angle
The Yokozuna class of sumos saluting each other before they battle
Japan has the best public transportation in the world
Located in Shinjuku, “piss alley” is a popular place to eat
The robot restaurant in Tokyo is actually more like a theatre show
Yanaka Ginza is a nice throwback to old Tokyo
Kagurazaka is known as the “French area” of Tokyo. It’s an area worth checking out
Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple
Temples and shrines are everywhere, this one is Zenkoku-ji
Maid cafes, cat cafes, and now there’s even owl cafes in Tokyo
Renting kimonos while visiting Kyoto is very popular
We helped some students with their English assignment and got this awesome picture
Some of the sites in Kyoto are huge so you can rent a rickshaw driver
You never know where an alley will lead you
I stumbled across Yasaka Kōshin-dō by accident. This temple is dedicated to Kōshin-san
The path of the philosopher is beautiful all year round
Dipping noodles are delicious! Dip the cold noodles into the hot broth before you slurp them down
Shinbashidori in Kyoto is said to be the most beautiful street in Asia
Nara is a great day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
Locals in Osaka enjoying the beer festival
The outdoor escalator of the Umeda sky building takes you to the observation deck
Look up if you’re not sure what to eat in Osaka
Shop to you drop
Stay overnight at a Buddhist temple when visiting Mt. Kōya
Okunoin cemetery is the largest graveyard in Japan
You can take a night tour at Okunoin cemetery
Low tide just setting in at the Torii gate, Miyajima
A trip to Miyajima is a must if you’re near Hiroshima
Daishō-in alone is reason enough to make the trip
These statues with bibs represent children who died young
Himeji castle has recently been fully restored
Don’t worry Japan, I’ll be back one day
Great pictures Barry. I see that Sony camera is very capable, even in low lights. Very cool that you got to check out Sumo wrestling, did you buy the tickets before hand?
Tawcan,
Yes the Sony was very impressive in low light settings. A little bit of HDR + Lightroom helped enhanced the photos too. I did book sumo in advance, we got lucky since there was a tournament at the same time we were there. Sumo is a bit slow, but fun for an hour.
Barry these pictures are amazing! Wow I just want to travel to Japan right now. I’ll definitely be visiting sometime next year so it’s nice to get a good preview through your pictures beforehand.
Anumyoon,
Japan was so much fun, you totally need to head over there. If you have any questions just ask!
My bf and I were just there too. We loved Tokyo. The food, the sights, and the people. I made a blog out of it too. Nice pictures by the way.
Marvin,
Yes my wife and I absolutely loved Tokyo too, but Kyoto was also amazing. I haven’t been able to eat Japanese food since I got back since I know it just won’t taste the same.
Great photos, thanks for posting! Looking forward to the stories. 😉
Your photos are amaziiiiiiing!! <3
Sil,
Thanks for the feedback!
Ah this is really great! I am going to Japan for a month in April/May and your posts are very helpful:-) Thanks a lot!!!
Lotte,
I had such a great time in Japan. It’s one of the few places I’ve been where I dream about going back all the time.
When you were in Japan, did you go to any of the themed cafes like these http://bit.ly/tokyothemed ?? If you did, are they worth it? I heard the food at some of the places are overpriced, but they look so cool! Thanks, and love the photos by the way, they’re awesome! -Katya
Katya,
Yes I did do some of the themed cafes in Tokyo and highlighted them here.
https://www.moneywehave.com/cafes-in-tokyo/
Most people don’t go to the places to eat, it’s really just an experience and you happen to want water or tea, it’s available. The owl cafe was much more fun than I expected. I also recommend the robot restaurant. It’s not actually a restaurant, more of a show; it’s better to eat before or after on your own.
Thks for sharing with us all of this! About accommodation in Tokyo, you can also add gueshouses for the long term as student or working holiday visa ^^
I am a student and the cost of living in Tokyo is not that expensive 😉
These are some great tips! A lot of people find Tokyo so daunting that they never even venture outside the city limits, but I’m glad you did! One of the best things I’ve ever done in Japan was a little outside of Tokyo. It was through a tour company called Japango–they basically set you up with a Japanese local ‘friend-guide’ to show you some of the things most tourists would miss on their own. The tour that I did was one where we got to harvest our own tea leaves, and it was by far the most memorable experience of my stay. Everyone knows Japan is famous for tea, but to go out into the plantations and actually see where some of the world’s highest quality tea comes from? Simply amazing. I recommend it to all my friends, so check it out if you’re interested. (their English site is japango-em2.com)
Nice pictures!! I have been to Japan 6 times but I really really want to come back 🙂
Hello Sir,
Hope you are doing well.
I need sponsor post on this site:
https://www.moneywehave.com/
Kindly tell me your cheap price.
Waiting your good response.
Thanks a lot!
Arigato ! I love your blog so much
very nice pictures and good infos. Like your blog!