One of the countries we've been dreaming to visit since our dating days. Back in the days, we would talk about our dream of exploring Japan for hours, from the amazing mountain scenery, how they maintain and cherish their traditions, and of course their cuisines. Well, mainly it was the food for us ;) So, it was only natural that we chose Japan as our honeymoon destination. Since this was our long anticipated first journey together, and moreover to our dream country with a lot of unique charm to discover, we decided several days there won't be enough. We finally agreed that this time, we will travel for two whole weeks!
Japan is one of the countries that became a tourist destination in recent years, and as widely known, the most highly anticipated season in Japan is when Cherry Blossom trees are blooming and the country is filled with pink carpets, in the beautiful spring. As this is our first trip to Japan, we can't help to depart during spring season. Although at first, according to the forecast, during our stay in Japan the Sakura trees would not be in full bloom yet, we are very delighted to say that we managed to saw them reach their full bloom as we moved on from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka.
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| Cherry Blossom |
What makes this trip really special to us, was also because we planned everything on our own and we didn't use tour and travel guide services during our time there. Sure, it cost us a lot of research and planning before our trip (understanding the Japan public transportation system takes a lot of work!), and several times we were lost and sometimes it was difficult too. But I found that it was really rewarding when we finally found what we were looking for, whether it was a small local restaurant or a magical looking shrine. Most importantly, it makes our time there more memorable and personal.
Besides, people in Japan are incredibly friendly and helpful! Majority of them maybe can't speak english very well, but they will be more than happy to help you finding your way. We've heard about this from our friends and families who's visited Japan before us, and we actually experienced it for ourselves there. They didn't just telling us the direction, but they even walking with us until we reached our destination. How great is that!
TOKYO
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| Shibuya Crossing |
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| Shinobazu Pond, Ueno |
Further reading :
- Tokyo Guide (soon)
- Hakone (soon)
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| Meiji Shrine |
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| Ueno Park |
KYOTO
What bounce to mind when you hear the word Kyoto? Do you imagine about ancient wooden temples and fascinating scenery? True, Kyoto was once a capital of Japan. Here, stored so many histories of Japan and traditions that continue live on in Japan until this day. The beauty of traditional Kyoto still has strong atmosphere despite the development of bustling city as it is today. |
| Kyoto, Japan |
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| Kimono Rental, Gion |
We spent four days in Kyoto, which include a day trip to Nara on our last day. Within our stay, we visited the top destinations in a leisure paced, and surely you still can compact it into shorted visit. ;)
Further reading :
- Kyoto Guide (soon)
- Miyako Odori (soon)
- Nara Day Trip (soon)
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| Nara Park |
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| Fushimi Inari Taisha |
OSAKA
Osaka is the capital of Osaka prefecture. We traveled head out of Kyoto to Osaka for 30 minutes by express train, the Shinkansen. Based on our experience in the Osaka, the city is a metropolitan city that resembles a frenzied Tokyo at some point of the city as it is called as the second largest metropolitan area in japan. Osaka also has an international airport called Kansai International Airport, and to be more time and cost efficient, we prefer to fly back from Osaka rather than have to travel back to Tokyo at the end of our trip. |
| Dōtonbori |
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| Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum |
Osaka didn't fail us either, we really had fun four days there and to think back, time went by really fast in Osaka! We did everything there, from the touristy Tempozan Ferris Wheel, to the fun and educational Osaka Aquarium, until the must visit Dōtonbori. Not to miss a day in Universal Studio Osaka, absolutely loved it!
Further reading :
- Osaka Guide (soon)
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| Takoyaki |
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| Universal Studio Japan |
