Japan has been hailed as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia, and it's easy to see why. It's impossible to visit without becoming entranced by the perfect fusion between appreciation for the traditional and the utilization of the modern. With the Tokyo Olympics approaching in 2020, the nation is undergoing a giant upheaval to make it more accessible to tourists. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to visit every year, and I always feel as though Japan deserves more than singing praise for its charm.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here are 20,000 that may help to give you a simple glimpse into just how beautiful this country really is.
1. Fushimi Inari Torii
One of the most iconic views from Fushimi Inari Taisha, overlooking the main street that leads to Inari Station.
2. Statues Outside of Hogan-ji
It's not uncommon to see statues of century-old warriors outside of temples or palaces.
3. Classic Japanese Architecture, Kyoto
As seen the banks of Kamogawa in Kyoto, Japan.
4. Tourist Shops
They sell pretty much every souvenir, ranging from snacks to lanterns to keychains.
5. Toji Temple
An old imperial palace (and Buddhist temple), still maintained from when it was built in 796.
6. Kiyomizudera and Kyoto
Views from atop the tallest hill in Kyoto.
7. Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto
Covered completely by gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of the most Instagrammed tourist attractions in the Eastern hemisphere.
8. Tōdai-ji, Nara
You don't have to be Buddhist to appreciate how gorgeous this Daibutsu (Buddha) statue is.
9. Nara Park ft. Friendly Deer
They bite.
10. Fushimi-Inari
There are over 10,000 of these individual gates that create a 2-mile long passage up Inari mountain.
11. Inari Torii
These toriis (gates) are typically found at Shinto shrines and are symbolic of the difference between the sanctity within versus the profanity on the exterior.
12. Mt. Fuji (as seen from Kawaguchi-ko)
Mt. Fuji is surrounded by five lakes and Kawaguchi-ko, the most prominent of the five, provides some incredible views during cherry blossom season.
13. Asakusa, Tokyo
Famous for its Kaminari-Mon (Thunder Gate), this entire area is catered to foreign visitors that are looking for souvenirs and knick knacks.
14. Food: Ramen
Very different from that gross, dried stuff that's found in Styrofoam cups back in the U.S., and pretty great when paired with some beer.
15. Izakayas
Izakayas are basically restaurants whose main focus is alcohol rather than food. Although they have great food options, it's mostly prepared specifically to be paired with distinct drinks.
16. Trainsportation
Anywhere you want to go, there's a train that will take you within 10 minutes of it. Japan's train system is incredibly functional that even a 2-minute delay could cause some serious issues in the whole system.
17. The Suica Card
This Japanese variant of a MetroCard is incredible. Not only do the machines recognize the software through your wallet (so that you don't even have to swipe), but it can also be used for groceries, booze, and coin lockers.
18. Food: Baked Goods
As a rule, all pastries from Japan are fluffy and delicious and out of this world.
19. Tokyo Gets Lit
The amount of light pollution that comes off of all the billboards and signs in Central Tokyo at night is pretty ridiculous, but at least it's pretty.
20. Food: Conveyor Belt Sushi
It's sushi that gets delivered to your seat via conveyor belt. What's not to love about that?
