I am not going to lie, Japan is my favourite country in the world. I feel so bad saying that and I feel like I am betraying my home country, the Philippines, and my adoptive home country, Canada. However, Japan is the only country I’ve been to that I miss every day and desire to visit over and over again. Japanese culture, traditions, landscape, food, and its people are (yes, I’m going to say it) the greatest in the world (in my opinion). The pictures found below may not give the beauty of Japan justice but will hopefully get you to buy the next flight out to the Land of the Rising Sun in the next few minutes.
Sumo wrestlers practicing in Tokyo. Training is closed off to the public, but you can huddle outside and get a glimpse into the world of sumo./Photo credit: Jess MizziExperience a traditional Japanese experience by going to a Sumo Wrestling tournament – there are great options in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya – with only five tournaments scheduled each year you should plan ahead to ensure that a Sumo tournament is on when you plan to visit!/Photo credit: Anne Sutherland-SmithKumamoto Castle is a magnificent example of traditional Japanese architecture in the city of Kumamoto on southern island of Kyushu in Japan. The castle is known as a hot spot for Cherry Blossoms during their short season of blooming as well as its fantastically restored interiors. Unfortunately in the earthquakes of 2016 there was damage to the grounds but you can still view the impressive fortress from the surrounding areas!/Photo credit: Candiss KoenitzerKobe beef dining experience in Kobe Plaisir, one of the best Kobe Beef restaurants in Kobe, Japan. So, what is so special with Kobe beef? Well, the Kobe beef is the most exclusive cut of wagyu beef as the meat is renowned for its flavor, tenderness, and fatty, well-marbled texture. Under Japanese law, Kobe beef can only came from Hyōgo prefecture (of which Kobe is the capital city) of Japan. Prior to 2012, Kobe beef was not exported and only available in Japan./Photo credit: Allison WongA traditional marriage ceremony being preformed on the out-skirts of Tokyo. Japan is always a fusion of old and new./Photo credit: Jordan Adkins-bakkerTsukiji Fish Market where you can find the freshest sushi in Japan and where you can see fish sliced by samurai swords, and more types of seafood than you ever knew existed. Don’t wear your favorite pair of shoes and prepare to be amazed!/Photo credit: Cody BiggersEven those who don’t eat sushi will turn to sushi lovers after eating some of the freshest, tastiest, and melt-in-your-mouth sushi from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Sushi for breakfast? Yes, please!/Photo credit: Justine KimodenRide a two-wheeled passenger cart called the “Jinrikisha” while exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto./Photo credit: Carina GironellaThere is something so hauntingly beautiful and tranquil about Miyajima Island. The moment you arrive you will see fog covered mountains and of course, the iconic floating shrine. If visiting at high tide, the water will be covering the bottom of the Torii Gate, thus making it appear like it is floating. When visiting at low tide, you can walk to the bottom of the gate to see just how majestic it is up close./Photo credit: Kallsy PageDon’t forget to check out the tide times before you go to the floating torri on Miyajima Island. And watch out for that tide as it comes in super fast so you might end up with wet feet!/Photo credit: Becky AngellIf you’re still feeling a bit nervous about getting your kit off in a Japanese onsen let the snow monkeys of Nagano show you how it’s done. The Japanese Macaque at the Jigokudani Monkey Park are well worth the detour to see especially if you’re travelling in the snow season. If you’re short on time it’s possible to do it as a day trip out of Tokyo or from the ski resorts./Photo credit: Toni from 2 Aussie TravellersShoyu kogashi (burnt lard soy sauce ramen) was a unique ramen at Kyoto Gogyo. The broth was rich, very umami and very flavourful. It’s very different from regular ramen (because of the slight burnt bitterness), but it was still delicious! You cannot visit Japan without eating their iconic ramen!/Photo credit: Jomar SangalangOsaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and definitely worth visiting if you are in Osaka!/Photo credit: Gabriela Müller
The beautiful Mt. Fuji./Photo credit: Nyssa KhoGirls wearing a yukata in Tenryu-Ji, Kyoto./Photo credit: Carina GironellaRainy days in Kyoto gives a sense of serenity and a view of the Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion makes it better./Photo credit: Justine KimodenThey say the best place to get ramen in Japan is Ichiran. I couldn’t agree more! Ichiran, Shinjuku, Tokyo./Photo credit: Carina GironellaThe main bridge to the Imperial Palace in Nijubashi, Tokyo./Photo credit: Jomar SangalangSurround yourself with flowers at Hamarikyu Gardens./Photo credit: Nyssa KhoDaibutsu-den Hall in Nara is the largest wooden building in the world and also houses the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) one of the largest bronze figures in the world./Photo credit: Becky AngellThe Great Buddha of Kamakura is a Japanese icon and was constructed in 1252. It was originally housed inside a temple, but a huge tsunami washed away the wooden structure sometime in the 15th century and has sat outside in the elements ever since./Photo credit: Eemma IsemanKotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)./Photo credit: Daniela StoianA traditional kaiseki dinner served at a traditional ryokan in Kyoto./Photo credit: Justine Kimoden
Himeji Castle – Japan’s largest castle, a not to be missed stop off on your trip./Photo credit: Becky AngellThe bustle of downtown Osaka. Turn in to any of these restaurants and you’ll eat some of the most amazing food you’ve ever tasted – or round a corner to the Dotonbori Bridge and gaze at all the neon lights. Osaka is the city with something for everybody./Photo credit: Amanda KendleWhen roaming the streets of Dotonbori you’ll be amazed by the smells of the street food, the eclectic markets to browse at, and the neon street signs that light up every corner. Grab yourself some Takoyaki (octopus balls), shop for some souvenirs, or enjoy some karaoke in this fun and lively city./Photo credit: Kallsy PageIf you think there are few things in life better than sipping a glass of red wine on a chilly day, think again… You can actually bathe in a pool of red wine at the Yunessun Spa Resort in Japan! It’s a two-hour trip from Tokyo via public transport, but so worth it to spend a day relaxing in Hakone’s onsen (hot spring). Not only can you bathe in wine, Yunessun also has hot spring pools of coffee, green tea, and sake./Photo credit: Tendelle SheuA historic hot spring bath at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum was empty at the time of visit. Relaxing in an onsen is one of the many things you can do in Japan./Photo credit: Alison Roberts-TseCherry blossoms in Suzaka./Photo credit: Jess MizziThe wonderfully weird world of Japan where food ninjas are the norm./Photo credit: Lauren MonitzWe could eat ramen every day in Japan, especially in Osaka. It’s that good!/Photo credit: Daryl and Mindi HirschThere are many shops in Japan where you can buy or rent a yukata or kimono and walk around the streets of Japan while wearing it. This one is taken in Asakusa in Tokyo./Photo credit: Justine KimodenTaken in Hiroshima in the height of full bloom, these elderly gentlemen sat and peacefully enjoyed the cherry blossoms by the riverside – a beautiful setting and moment of calm in the madness of Japan’s sakura season./Photo credit: Sarah EdwardsSembei (Japanese Rice Crackers) are very popular and go great with green tea./Photo credit: Daniela StoianIn Harajuku in Tokyo, it’s not just Harajuku girls you will spot but also Harajuku boys! Why should Kawaii just be for girls?/Photo credit: Kirsty MarrinsThe best way to wake up in Tokyo is to have your morning coffee overlooking Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Talk about the perfect place for people watching – over 1000 people can be seen crossing at peak times!/Photo credit: Ashlyn Sargent‘Oh deary me – No shirt, no shoes, no service’ – Nara Deer Park, Japan/Photo credit: Jordan Adkins-bakkerWhat better way to learn more about the geisha than to dress up as one!/Photo credit: Nomadic Boys, Stefan and SebastienCatch the sakura in Kyoto./Photo credit: Karen LimRamen is one of the most ubiquitous foods in Japan. You can find it everywhere, and in so many different varieties, like this miso ramen in one of the seven stalls located in ramen alley in Shinagawa. If you’re eager to visit Japan for the food, make sure you keep your eyes out for other such ramen alleys that are located throughout Tokyo and beyond./ Photo credit: Laura LynchThis man’s making tamagoyaki, a slightly sweet Japanese rolled omelette. A lot of the skill involves being able to flip the omelette in the rectangular pans and maintain an evenness to the roll. It’s all in the wrist as he elegantly flipped one pan after the other back and forth. Very mesmerising to watch in the wee hours of the morning (4 a.m. at Tsukiji Fish Market)./Photo credit: Judy CheongCherry blossom tunnel in Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki. Another icon to Japan are the cherry blossoms or sakura. This cherry blossom tunnel was so romantic and surreal./Photo credit: Jomar SangalangRainbow bridge overlooking the Tokyo TV Tower in Tokyo./Photo credit: Ketki GadreThe Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima is a very somber place and the devastation that was experienced when the nuclear bomb hit Hiroshima in 1945 is very evident. To see the city now knowing that the whole city was totally flattened and has been rebuilt from the ashes, really tells you something about the people that live there./Photo credit: Sally LucasThe Tokyo Tower, Tokyo. It’s such an iconic landmark in many Japanese dramas and animes (ahem *Sailor Moon*). Seeing it up close was very surreal, especially at night!/Photo credit: Jomar SangalangThere are beautiful landscapes all over the world, but you know you’re in Japan when Okayama’s amazing landscape garden, Korakuen, is to the left of the photo and when you’re there, you can see the castle./Photo credit: Becky OsawaAn 18-metre life-sized RX-78-2 Gundam stands tall at Diver City in Odaiba, Tokyo. In the fall of 2017, this will be replaced with a 24-metre RX-O Unicorn Gundam./Photo credit: Jessica Solomatenko
Beautiful! I’m visiting Japan in May this year and I hope to catch atleast half of these amazing sights. Really looking forward to the spring flowers everywhere and dressing up as a geisha ?
jusztravel
April 22, 2017
OMG! How long are you going to be in Japan for? I’m so jealous! I love Japan! <3 <3 <3
Being a pescatarian, the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is a must when in Tokyo. Although I eat only fish and meet, I would try the Kobe beef just to get full insight into Japanese cuisine . Needless to say, great post!
This is a great post with great photos. Japan really does seem amazing. I have always wanted to visit and see the incredible architecture and scenery. One day.
All of these photos are so great – we went to Japan this year for the first time and just can’t get enough of it! We want to go back to live there one day. Incredible people, incredible architecture, incredible vibe. You’ve captured some brilliant photos of all of that in this post.
jusztravel
April 25, 2017
Thank you so much! I want to live there, too! Thanks to all the other bloggers who contributed to those post, we were able to showcase our love for Japan.
jusztravel
April 25, 2017
You wouldn’t regret it! <3
jusztravel
April 25, 2017
I used to not eat sushi but after having that sushi at Tsukiji market, I was addicted. I guess I just haven’t had good sushi until I went to Japan.
Love the photos. They’re beautiful. The geisha one is also amusing. This post has me thinking about all kinds of new ideas now.
Matija
November 16, 2018
I only needed a few pictures to want to visit Japan, the kobe beef one, the ichiran ramen shop, and sushi, all those looks amazing, and I really want to try it all out. Also the fusion of the old ways and the modern take on things, but still, I am there for the food, to be honest 😀
I’ve been to Japan a couple year ago on a tour. It was nice because we got a little intro to a couple places but never enough time to fully explore and understand. A friend just got back from Japan. Watching her Snaps made me want to go back. Especially for the food! These pictures are a good start to creating the list of places I’ll want to visit when we go back Jojo recently posted…Glen Onoko Falls Hike
The photos are really beautiful. I love the shot of the snow monkeys. I’d go back to Japan just to see that. I’m also a huge fan of ramen and eat it all the time in Vancouver. Some of the photos of the ramen in japan made my mouth water!!
Japan still remains one of the most unique countries I have travelled to. A lot of your pictures bring back memories of places I’ve been to – such as the Osaka Castle, Miyajima shrine, Kinkau-ji, Mt Fuji, Himeji castle and several others. However, I couldn’t make it to some of the places you’ve shown here such as Kumamoto Castle and the snow monkeys of Nagano. Makes me want to go back 😉
I have been waiting to go to Japan since long, and these photos made it just harder for me to wait. The pictures are great. I would surely wait for the sakura season to visit the beautiful country.
Beautiful! I’m visiting Japan in May this year and I hope to catch atleast half of these amazing sights. Really looking forward to the spring flowers everywhere and dressing up as a geisha ?
OMG! How long are you going to be in Japan for? I’m so jealous! I love Japan! <3 <3 <3
Being a pescatarian, the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is a must when in Tokyo. Although I eat only fish and meet, I would try the Kobe beef just to get full insight into Japanese cuisine . Needless to say, great post!
This is a great post with great photos. Japan really does seem amazing. I have always wanted to visit and see the incredible architecture and scenery. One day.
All of these photos are so great – we went to Japan this year for the first time and just can’t get enough of it! We want to go back to live there one day. Incredible people, incredible architecture, incredible vibe. You’ve captured some brilliant photos of all of that in this post.
Thank you so much! I want to live there, too! Thanks to all the other bloggers who contributed to those post, we were able to showcase our love for Japan.
You wouldn’t regret it! <3
I used to not eat sushi but after having that sushi at Tsukiji market, I was addicted. I guess I just haven’t had good sushi until I went to Japan.
Love the photos. They’re beautiful. The geisha one is also amusing. This post has me thinking about all kinds of new ideas now.
I only needed a few pictures to want to visit Japan, the kobe beef one, the ichiran ramen shop, and sushi, all those looks amazing, and I really want to try it all out. Also the fusion of the old ways and the modern take on things, but still, I am there for the food, to be honest 😀
I’ve been to Japan a couple year ago on a tour. It was nice because we got a little intro to a couple places but never enough time to fully explore and understand. A friend just got back from Japan. Watching her Snaps made me want to go back. Especially for the food! These pictures are a good start to creating the list of places I’ll want to visit when we go back
Jojo recently posted…Glen Onoko Falls Hike
The photos are really beautiful. I love the shot of the snow monkeys. I’d go back to Japan just to see that. I’m also a huge fan of ramen and eat it all the time in Vancouver. Some of the photos of the ramen in japan made my mouth water!!
Japan still remains one of the most unique countries I have travelled to. A lot of your pictures bring back memories of places I’ve been to – such as the Osaka Castle, Miyajima shrine, Kinkau-ji, Mt Fuji, Himeji castle and several others. However, I couldn’t make it to some of the places you’ve shown here such as Kumamoto Castle and the snow monkeys of Nagano. Makes me want to go back 😉
I have been waiting to go to Japan since long, and these photos made it just harder for me to wait. The pictures are great. I would surely wait for the sakura season to visit the beautiful country.
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