Japan is a land of contrasts, where ancient traditions coexist with modern innovations. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan offers a unique blend of culture, history, and nature.
On my second visit, I felt at ease. After my first trip back in 2019, I became more diligent with my Japanese lessons, I'm still not fluent but getting around and communicating became much easier. I had the opportunity to catch up with old friends and explore areas that I didn't visit during my first trip. From Hokkaido to Osaka, take a look at Japan through my eyes. Photos were shot on my Samsung Galaxy S20 and my Fujifilm X-T30.
Crowded and fast-paced as usual. Coming from NY it feels like the norm but it was nice to be back.
It was my first time visiting northern Japan and I was not prepared for the temperature drop 😭. Daytime was tolerable with a hoodie and windbreaker, however, the nights were frosty 🥶. The streets rarely gathered a crowd of more than five people at a time, it was quiet and truly felt remote, I loved it. The mountain views were eye-catching and I was able to spot a fox eating tulips right outside of my Airbnb (unfortunately couldn't get a great shot, sorry).
To this day I haven't found another place in the world that makes me feel as relaxed as walking through the streets of Kyoto, Japan. At night especially, Kyoto’s softly glowing street lights, the silence of the residential roads, and the faint summer breeze all made me want to wander around aimlessly for hours.