Throwback to 2014: Japan In Pictures

Two countries I wanted to travel before I die:
Australia and Japan. 
My dream of traveling Japan became true in Summer 2014. 
I forgot the names of most places I have been to.
Therefore I would like to share a series of photographs I took from Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Kobe.

The Land of the Rising Sun is one of my favourite countries.
Colourful, weird and lovely I highly recommend everyone to travel Japan.

Kyoto, Japan
Geishas, Kyoto. 2014

 

Tokyo

Tokyo is very expensive, back then my friend and I did a lot of CouchSurfing. We spent two weeks in Tokyo with the
Lonely Planet Guide: Tokyo.
My personal highlight: Hiking Mount Fuji and watching the sunrise on the top.

Kyoto

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan. Famous for their Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and rich traditions, it is one of my favourite cities in Japan.
My highlight: Geishas at Gion district.
Guidebook: Lonely Planet
(I hope I don’t mix up anything, if yes, let me know in the comments.)

 

Osaka

Osaka is a large port city. Later we took the ferry from Osaka to South Korea, Busan. It’s known for its modern architecture and nightlife.
My highlights: Universal Studios Japan and the 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, the main historical landmark.
My generous host’s mother and grandmother dressed me up in a traditional Kimono and organized a tea ceremony for me.
Guidebook: Lonely Planet
PS: Here again, if I made any mistakes about the locations, please let me know.

 

Kobe

Only half an hour’s drive away from Osaka is Kobe, one of Japan’s ten largest cities. The important port city locates between the sea and the Rokko mountain range.
More than 5000 people were killed in 1995 by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. But today the city is completely rebuilt and is considered as one of Japan’s most attractive cities. I didn’t try Kobe Beef, but if you eat meat – go for it and indulge yourself in this luxury expensive delicacy.
Unfortunately, we only spent one day in Kobe.

Nara

Nara is an ancient city in Nara Prefecture and secretly my favourite city in Japan . The city has beautiful temples and artwork dating to the 8th century. Nara used to be the country’s first permanent capital.
My personal highlights: Deer roam freely in Nara Park. Nara’s deer are tame, but they can be a little bit aggressive if they think you will feed them. Deer crackers are for sale around the park.
Daibutsu, a 15m-high bronze Buddha, is displayed in Todaiji Temple. There is a huge pillar inside the temple hall and it has a hole near the floor. Allegedly, the size of the hole is equivalent with the nose hole of the Buddha statue. Once you go through the hole, you are healthy and happy in future life. Therefore, many people try to get through the hole.

Japan is a pricy travel destination. But for me it is a must-visit-country and Japan didn’t disappoint me in anything.
The food was seductively delicious and mouth-watering.
Japanese people are shy, but indescribable friendly and helpful, maybe the friendliest folks I got to know.
Traveling Japan is easy and convenient, I wished I had more time in this country. One month was definitely not enough.
Japan’s beauty is difficult to describe, you have to visit the country to understand my excitement and love for the Land of the Rising Sun. My pictures above are just 30% of my impressions in Japan, but I hope to inspire you to visit stunning Japan.

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