This. This is what I love about Japan. Wandering its streets at night and being taken into a whole new world. These photos were taken a few hours after landing in Japan when the country opened up in October following the pandemic. What a way to start the trip.
From Osaka to Kyoto and back
Most first time travelers to Japan will end up visiting Kyoto and/or Osaka. They are both very different cities with their own distinct vibe. If you have time constraints that prevent you from spending a few days in each city, know that it takes less than an hour to travel between both by regular train. This makes it possible to visit both whilst...
Dotonbori baby!
Dotonbori, Osaka. Night time. This is it. This is when and where I knew I would keep coming back to Japan. This place is my first introduction to Japan’s big city night life. Dotonbori holds a special place in my heart.
That first night
It took me a while to book a hotel in Tokyo. I would be going two weeks after the borders’ opening. There were some great choices and the prices have never been so cheap since most hotels were basically empty. I booked the Shinjuku Citadines for one main reason: it overlooked Golden Gai. I was not disapointed as the proximity allowed me to...
It feels right
Coming back to Japan after three long years feels like reuniting with that old childhood friend you loved so much. Being back in Tokyo brings un unexplainable joy and stillness within me. A few things have changed since the pandemic but I’m glad to see that the city’s vibe remains the same.
Osaka – part 3
There’s something about the Hozenji alley that makes me come back every night. Hozenji is the place to come when seeking shelter from the pure chaos of Dotonbori. From the main street there’s a barely noticeable little corridor that will take you over to Hozenji. The ceiling is lined up with red lanterns that light up at night.
Back in Japan!
In 2020, Japan went into lockdown with the rest of the world. Unlike the rest of the world however, Japan remained closed until October 11th, 2022. On October 23rd, I landed in Tokyo. It’s been 5 years since my last visit. I heard things have changed since the pandemic. Is Japan still the same? Let’s find out.
Osaka part 2
Second day in Japan, I’m still shocked about this whole experience and in a very good way. Today, I obviously explorer a bit more of the Dotonbori area whilst making my way to Osaka castle. It’s an impressive site to behold. I do have to admit that the interior of the castle was a bit of a let down. In the evening, the streets light up...
Dreaming of…
Oh, Japan. Once you’ve been there, you know. You know that sickening feeling of wanting to go back again as soon as possible. You miss wandering Tokyo’s mgical alleways at night. You miss those soul searching moments in Koyasan. You miss those delicious flavours in your mouth. You miss those vending machines. Oh, Japan. Why are you...
Osaka part 1
Osaka was my first contact in Japan. It left a sweet taste in my mouth and made me come back for more. Literally twice more within the same year. For some unexplained reason, I prefer Osaka over Tokyo. Perhaps it is purely an emotional tie to the first Japanese city I ever visited but perhaps it’s something else.
That first night in Japan
Landing in Osaka, Japan for the first time felt like a dream come true. Was is what I expected? No, it was so much better. I had a total sensory overload and could not stop photographing everything. I took this trip with mom. After a late dinner, we went back to our AirBnb. Mom was tired and went to sleep but I had other plans. I headed back out...
Colorful Kyoto
In my memories, Japan is a land filled with beautiful moments and colors. Kyoto expressed this very well. From it’s vermilion red tori gates at Fushimi to the Golden shine of… well, the Golden Temple, Kyoto is a city swarming with colors. Local people and foreigners alike are also part of this kaleidoscopic experience as a lot of them...
Morning at Kuromon Market
Raw fish and seafood for breakfast? If you’re North American, than this is an absolutely bonkers idea (with a few exceptions). However, this is quite common in Japan. This is why I figured it would be the perfect way to start my first morning ever in the Land of the Rising Sun. Having booked and AirBnb close to the Dotonbori area of Osaka, I had...
Yukatas at Fushimi
Wherever you go in Kyoto, you’re bound to find ladies wandering about in their yukatas (kimonos). The women’s yukatas are always colorful and lively whereas the men’s ones have more subdued colors. You’ll find people wearing yukatas at all the landmarks across the city as tourists especially love wearing them. At Fushimi...