As I sift through our Japan photos, I have to ask myself: is there any place more photogenic than this?
So I decided to select only 10 snapshots that come with a good story or memory from our time in Japan. After reading this I hope you’ll feel compelled to visit one day! And if you have not read my other Japan-related posts, you can find them here.
If you’re asking yourself, “Should I go to Japan?”, take a look at these photos and you tell me!
1) Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
This bamboo forest was the bane of my existence for about 24 hours. We just could not find it! There’s an entrance to the forest that many people go to, and it looks kind of like this– except there are other trees and tons of electricity lines everywhere. We thought that was it… and that the famous bamboo forest had been totally overhyped. One early morning Aaron and I went to that beginning section of the forest, looking for it. We then searched in the wrong direction and found ourselves in a quiet residential neighborhood, disappointed. It was not until the 3rd time we looked for the forest that we wound up in the right place– here! It’s not overhyped after all!
2)Â Paper cranes for peace
These chains of paper cranes were spotted outside Fushimi Inari Shrine. I loved their vibrant colors! Cranes can be made and given for a number of reasons– a friend gave us each a small crane in hopes of a good visit in Kyoto, for example. Don’t you just love the paper?
3) Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto
Fushimi Inari is famous for its long, winding tunnels of bright orange torii gates. These gates, according to Shintoism, purify those who walk through. Companies are invited to donate a torii gate to the shrine, thus the numerous gates lined up all along the mountainside. One gate costs about $10k, but of course the more you donate, the bigger your gate.
The greatest thing about Fushimi Inari was that most tourists don’t make it very far in. So, by just walking a bit further, we were able to get snapshots like this one without anyone in them!
4) Maple tree canopies
I loved seeing large maple trees whose pointed leaves filled the sky with “stars.” Maples are everywhere in Japan, but especially in gardens. These were seen at the Okochi Sansho Villa in Arashiyama, Kyoto. I can’t imagine how lovely the gardens are in the fall when all the leaves turn golden and crimson. Oh, to come back and see it!
5) Funky two-faced monk
We happened upon this garden of monk statues on an early morning walk in Kyoto. Some of them were cheerful and others serene, but this guy was a bit creepy. He appears to be peeling off his face– any interpretations? My somewhat mild reading of this is that behind his stern expression is pure joy. Why he’s hiding it, I have no idea.
It was fascinating to learn more about Japan’s religious inheritance, though I can hardly claim to know much. One myth that really struck me was that of the founding of Zen. The original Zen master, Bankei, is believed to have concentrated for a long time before achieving enlightenment. In order to further his concentration, he dug out his irises– yikes!
6) Matcha and sweets
I don’t know how many bowls of matcha green tea we consumed during our trip, but it was such a delight! This high-quality green tea powder is whisked in large bowls (at least 5 inches wide) and enjoyed hot or cold. It has a rich, thick flavor and a lovely foam on top if whisked correctly.
Japan takes tea very seriously; people can actually get an official certificate for whisking matcha. And I can tell you from experience that it is not easy at all; the powder is very fine, so it’s difficult to whip up a lump-free tea. When done right, however, the result is delicious.
7) Roman aqueduct at Nanzenji Temple
This aqueduct was built in the 19th century to carry water from a natural source. Here I am seated in its sturdy foundation, but we also climbed up to the top to see clear water gushing through its channels. I loved this site because it’s so unexpected: to get to the aqueduct, you walk through the entrance of the Buddhist temple, which is lined with maple trees. It feels so authentically local– until the aqueduct appears. It served as a reminder that while Japan was closed off to the world for a long time, it still adopted some of the West’s best ideas.
8) Moss gardens
Can you tell I love gardens and temples?! This little mushroom was growing on a large patch of moss– which is actually a type of garden in Japan! Moss is intentionally planted as a natural carpet surrounding tall, beautiful trees. Perhaps I was so drawn to all the greenery because we’re in a drought in California. Plus, nothing terribly green ever grows in Pasadena– at least nothing drought-tolerant. Getting a little break from our succulents was quite what I needed, and these moss gardens were so moist and tranquil!
9) Shirakawago Village
I wrote a post about this incredibly lovely village already (read it here), but I just had to repeat this photo. This is the view of Shirakawago, a heritage site west of Tokyo. The thatched-roof houses were used for raising silk worms, but now the area has been preserved for visitors like me. People still live here, though, and many participate in the annual sake (rice wine) festival. The wine, which is usually clear like water, is served unfiltered so that it looks a bit like milk! I can’t say I loved the stuff though; it tasted a bit like fermented rice porridge, and not in a good way.
10) Torii gate to the water, Hakone
You can get a sense of scale since I’m standing under this gate, and I was just enamored with it. This torii gate is actually the entrance to a shrine (which would be behind me), but it’s sort of majestic all on its own. Hakone is a region near the volcano Mt. Fuji; many people come to Hakone to enjoy hot springs and a view of the mountain. Unfortunately what adds to the mystique of Fuji is that you can’t always see it (and we did not). People travel from all over Japan and the world to pay homage to the taciturn volcano, but I think Japanese paintings of Fuji are just as lovely.
Sharing is appreciated! Which one is your favorite?
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Oh my gosh, I love all of these! The Shirakawago Village is my favorite picture. My boyfriend and I are actually going to Tokyo in March and I can’t WAIT! I’ve already started planning. Definitely putting some of these on my list!! 🙂
Ah yes!! You have to go, Joi!!
I need to go to Japan sooo bad! I AM Japanese and have never been, how sad is that
thejoifullife.com
Haha! The forest may have been my favorite spot 🙂
Thank you so much Jordan!! 🙂 Hope you get a chance to visit!
That bamboo forest is my favourite – very house of flying daggers!
Absolutely gorgeous photos! Oh my goodness, you make me want to go to Japan so badly!!!
Thank you so much!! Kyoto is absolutely beautiful. Even with all the tourists, it’s really scenic!
fantastic photos! i visited tokyo for 3 days on a layover, but long to visit kyoto on our next trip. will have to check out these must sees, esp the bamboo forest! =D
So glad to hear that! Enjoy Japan, let me know if you want any tips! 😉
Oh thank you so much Tiffany! Your support means a lot to me!! 🙂 Japan was such an awesomeness-packed place to visit. Plus it’s super photogenic– was not hard to take pretty pictures! 😉
Amazing photos! I am planning to visit Japan next year. Thanks for the inspiration.
Wow Daisy…I am blow away. These are by far some of my favorite travel photographs I’ve seen. It can be hard selecting only 10 and honestly I’m not sure I could do it but I totally envy your selection. The stories behind the photos make it even more special and your instagrams have been a joy to see. So glad you had an amazing trip!
xx, Tiffany | http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com/
Ah thank you so much Daisy! 😀
That’s fantastic Anna!! I think Japan is worth saving up for– it has so many highlights!
Thank you so much Zoe!! I hope you do a “top 10” post too– they’re really fun, and it gives people a good taste of where you visited. I just checked out your blog and it’s so awesome– I love the format!
ah Japan is so beautiful!! It’s the one country I absolutely want to visit!!
Hi Daisy :), I am new here on your beautiful blog, and I must say – I loved this post!
The way you edited down your photos, finding the most special ones to tell a story, it was truly enchanting! I carefully read each word and must have looked at the photos three times – to let all the details seep into my mind ;). I think I am inspired to try posting something like this!
I am off to check out a few more snippets from your collections :)…
xX Zoe | http://life-gazing-and-wildstrawberries.blogspot.co.nz/
Me too! 🙂
Haha Jenna you must go!! You will totally love it.
Thanks Camilla!! 🙂
Ahh you have to visit Melanie. I hope you make it there because you’ll love it!
Thank you so much Emma!! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Thank you Kaelene!!
Thanks Anna!! The gate is in Hakone, which is about an hour outside of Tokyo. It’s a popular destination because it’s so close to Mount Fuji! To get to the shrine, you just have to follow the road that circles the lake… it’s a popular stop in Hakone, so you won’t miss it! Also if you take the boat on the lake (which most people do), you can see the gate from the water!
Hi Mima! Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. We took these photos in the presence of locals and teachers (not from a distance) and no one informed us otherwise, but your point is well-taken. Since I didn’t have written permission I’ll be removing the photo from this post. Thanks again.
Me too! I can’t wait to go back one day… maybe to see the fall foliage!
Glad you enjoyed these, Jo-Anne!
Haha thanks Christina! 🙂
Thanks Chelsea!! I hope you get to go to Japan 🙂
Hahaha it kind of is like a painting, right?!
Thank you Leslie, I hope you’ll consider Japan!! There are so many beautiful sights like these! 🙂
Thanks girl!! You’ve inspired me to take more travel photos– I used to never take photos on my travels (too busy enjoying the moment) but I’m so glad I did there. And doing the same here in Ecuador! 🙂
Thanks Jessica! the bamboo forest is unlike anything I’ve ever seen!
Thanks Christine!! I hope you make it there sometime! 🙂
Thank you so much Brittany! It was hard to pick only 10 because Japan is truly stunning.
Thank you!! Yes, I think those are my favorites too. 😉
Ah thanks girl!!
Thank you so much Julie! Those kids were seriously adorable; and I’m glad to know Japan is (hopefully) in your future! 🙂
Yes, sake is definitely an acquired taste! Hope you make it to Japan sometime, Emily!
Hhaha! Japan is definitely worth saving up for. 🙂 Also, it’s very safe, so you can definitely come on your own!
Thank you Marcella! Yes, these are the bare-bones highlights!
Ughh take me there! I am loving all your Japan posts. These pictures are incredible! It definitely shows what a gorgeous place it is.
Stunning photos! You’ve definitely made me want to visit
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Such beautiful pictures! I think my favorite is the last one – so incredibly scenic! Japan keeps on climbing higher and higher on my travel wish list and I hope I can visit one day soon! 🙂
Utterly beautiful pictures – I’m not sure on whether the favourite is the first one or the last. They are all stunning though. Thanks for sharing your favourite bits of Japan.
x
Girl your photography is amazing!
Oh my gosh.. So beautiful! But the last one of the gate in the water really took my breath away!!! Where is that and how did you get there?
And the school kids have literally the cutest uniform!
I love these wonderful pictures. I took picture of Torii gate from a duck boat last summer.
Just for information, taking picture of school children without any consent of the school or teachers or parents is forbidden in Japan let alone upload it online. Please don’t get me wrong on this. I have nothing against the picture of those beautiful children but if you took that picture after getting permission from the teacher/school it’d be good to mention it in the post. My humble suggestion. Again please do not get me wrong.
Please have a look at this link for a reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Country_specific_consent_requirements
Beautiful, breathtaking photos, and wonderful memories to go along with them! I so loved our time in Japan! I’d go back in a heartbeat!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, I so liked these photos it does look like a wonderful place
These photos are absolutely devine….I now have some serious wanderlust to thank you for 😉
These are absolutely stunning!! I would love to visit Japan some day!
So I totally thought the first photo was a painting. If that’s not a sign your winning at photography, I don’t know what is. (:
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Wow, these are beautiful! I’ve never actually thought about going to Japan, but now I kind of want to. Lovely pictures. Thank you for sharing them!
These are gorgeous!!!!
Holy Moly these pictures are seriously STUNNING!!! Dang, i’m in awe!! That one of you standing in front of the gate over the water is beautiful…wow!! Great job girl!!
Indeed, these photos are beautiful and inspiring! I’d love to check out that bamboo forest now.
WONDERMENTARY @ http://blog.jessicapei.com
Just beautiful! Japan is such a picturesque country! I love the one of you under torii gate!
Oh girl, I don’t know how you narrowed it down to 10! I’ve been loving all your pictures from Japan. I think the Torii Gate is my favorite. Absolutely stunning!
These photos are amazing, Daisy! #1 and #10 are my favorite.
Amazing!!! The bamboo forest, the orange shrine and the water gate are my FAVORITES!!!
Fabulous photos, Daisy! I love all of them, but especially the little schoolchildren- so precious! I am definitely adding Japan to my travel bucket list.
Wow, these really are incredible photos! Fantastic! I’ve always been fascinated with Japan and Japanese culture. I would love to visit one day! I’d love to see all of these places you’ve shown! I’ve tried a few different sakes but really can only drink the cold, filtered, flavored ones. I’ve found a few fruity ones I’ve enjoyed, but the basic, warm, unfiltered ones… no way! Eeek
Oh wow! These are absolutely gorgeous. I will add Japan to my “someday-when-I’m-not-a-poor-student” bucket list. ^^
Totally beautiful shots! Love all of the colours 🙂 Sometimes I think it’s really fun to be brutal and choose only a very small selection of photos to sum up a trip 🙂
Yess… that shrine was on my list for months before we went to Japan!
Thank you!!
Thanks Mica, I appreciate that! 🙂
Thanks Renee!! I hope you do! 🙂
They are all gorgeous, but I especially love the photo of the shrine in Kyoto and the one of Shirakawago
Gorgeous! Safe travels.
There are so many beautiful photos! it’s hard to pick a favourite, you did well picking just 10! I think the stories behind each are really nice too 🙂
Away From The Blue
Gorgeous photos!!! I definitely need to go there!
Renee | Lose The Road