Stepping into the “land of the rising sun”, you are greeted by organised chaos that almost feels rehearsed. People go about their day-to-day life in a stoic way, moving around the city in a uniformed fashion. Arriving in autumn season, we made a two and half week journey across Japan by train, travelling from bustling Tokyo to a slower paced Osaka by shinkansen, then to Kyoto and back up again. Every major city has so much to offer that there’s no way you can see everything - in fact, you hardly scratch the surface which makes it an endless discovery and for that reason we hope to be back there one day.

sumimasen,
english?

Tokyo is a fast-paced modern metropolis that still embraces its traditional roots. The crowds are orderly, even when you expect it to be chaos. The Shibuya scramble crossing is one example - a sea of people, looks chaotic at first glance, but walking through it, it feels controlled and organised. Everyone looks neat and well dressed, even taxi and bus drivers wear suits, you’ll often see them on the side of the road cleaning their taxis.

It’s a friendly atmosphere, with many signs in both English and Japanese. With plenty gardens to retreat to when needed, there are volunteer guides readily available to give insights on the surrounding area and events being held in the gardens.

When the sun sets and the neon signs light up, Tokyo’s nightlife begins. Scenes of Japanese ”salarymen” drinking and eating, loud chatter and laughter can be heard from afar.

Every district has its own quirks, rich with history and culture, Tokyo has a neighbourhood for everyone.

Osaka being known as the city of merchants and “Japan’s kitchen”, street food vendors preparing takoyaki are waiting to greet you.

With a change of pace, Osaka has a more relaxed vibe. Take a walk along the river running through the city, explore Osaka Castle and the surrounding park, and check out the dazzling neon billboards of Dotonbori, along with its many food stalls.

The city has several long shopping streets and arcades, kind of like street markets but indoors. Inside you’ll find anything from souvenirs to food and hidden cafes.

Both locals and tourists can be found hitting the streets, with so many school tours, you begin to wonder if the kids are ever on school grounds.

Kyoto is considered the cultural heart of Japan, with numerous temples, gardens and other historical landmarks scattered across the city. Slower and more deliberate in pace, its traditional architecture creates an atmosphere that makes you feel like you were in a different time in Japan.

In Kyoto it is quite common to see yukata and kimono clothing being worn by both tourists and locals. In Gion, the Geiko district, tourists in kimonos are sometimes mistaken for off-duty Geikos.

Jumping onto a rickshaw tour, the guide will give you a run down of Kyoto’s history and past. They’ll also show you the best locations for picturesque photos.

There are many hidden side streets and alleys to explore, not just tourists but even locals seem to carry a camera.

Even with crowds, Kyoto isn’t as loud as the other cities.