The best way to describe Japan, is that it’s a unique mix of ancient and modern. Stepping into the “land of the rising sun”, you are greeted by organised chaos that almost feels rehearsed. The people go about their day-to-day in a stoic way, moving around the city in a uniformed fashion. Arriving in autumn season, we made a two and half week journey by train through Japan, 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, but it’s controlled and organised. Everyone looks neat and well dressed, even the cab & bus drivers wear suits, you’ll often see them on the side of the road cleaning their cabs.

It’s a friendly atmosphere, with many signs in both english & japanese. With plenty gardens to retreat to when needed, there are volunteer guides readily to give insight 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 & eating, loud chatter and laughter can be heard from afar.

Every district has it’s own quirks, but rich with history & culture, Tokyo has a neighbourhood for everyone.

Osaka being known as the city of merchants and Japan’s kitchen, street food vendors filled with takoyaki are just 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 it’s many food stalls.

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

Both locals & 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 & other historical landmarks scattered across the city. Slower and more deliberate in pace, it’s traditional architecture creates an atmospheric city that makes you feel like you were in a different time in Japan.

In Kyoto it’s quite common to see yukata & kimono clothing being worn, not just by locals but by tourists also. Sometimes people get mixed up with tourist’s wearing kimonos for off duty geishas, especially when in Gion, the geisha district.

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 & 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.