JAPAN - “GOING EAST”

Our cultural journey through Japan. Exploring its cities, villages and nature. Some highlights from our journey through this amazing country.

“If there was one thing on our bucketlist for Japan. It was to meet a real sumo wrestler in real life. We had a big surprise on the day we went out to visit the ‘Gotokuji-Temple’ (Cat Temple).

While discovering the temple, we saw a film crew making a television commercial featuring some sumo’s. While the film crew was making preparations, we took the liberty to ask if Robert could make a photo.

At first they hesitated a little, but shortly after they agreed. Eventually, the Sumo on the right asked if he could make a photo with our camera of his buddies with Robert in the middle. We had some laughs together and we thanked them graciously in Japanse, which they appreciated by the looks of it!”

3 Sumo’s At The Cat Temple, Tokyo
18-11-2025

“The Tokyo skyline. One of the most amazing skylines we’ve seen in our lifes. This view from the 52nd floor just says it all. With the tall buildings lining up from left to right, to end at the iluminated Tokyo Tower. The Japanese are very thoughtful on everything and so, also with this. When you enter the museum on the 52nd floor, you will find special ‘viewing booths’ so when it’s your turn, you can enjoy this moment for yourself. In one word Awesome!”

Tokyo Skyline, Tokyo
18-11-2025

Greater Fuji Area

“Chureito Pagoda a.k.a. your windows screensaver. This place was high on our list to visit. In fact, we even took 3 days in the area. Not just to explore around Mt. Fuji, but also in case we had bad weather. Mt. Fuji is a shy mountain, which typically only shows itself for 70-80 days year round. Which isn’t much if you think of it.

Luckily, if you plan to visit Japan in Autumn, this is your best shot. With calm and steady weather in October and November. The sunrises and sunsets are just magical.

In our case, we had a lot of luck. The day we arrived with our rental car from Tokyo, we had this specific sunset.

And as with most of the beautiful places in the world, you can expect others to enjoy it with you. Don’t expect to be alone at this spot!”

Windows Screensaver, Fujiyoshida
21-11-2025

“In every religion, there are rituals. As for Shintoism, believers perform dances in an altar on particular days in the year. They impersonate Gods bringing luck and so forth to the people.

A very special sight to witness.”

Ritual Of The Gods, Fujiyoshida
23-11-2025

“On the other side of Mt. Fuji, sits a big Buddhist complex. With many halls, altars, gates etc.

In Japan, both Buddhism and Shintoism live next to one another. Buddhism being brought to Japan from Chinese and Shintoism being a native religion. As a foreigner, it is not easy to see the difference between the both. However, if you look more closely to the architecture of buildings and pieces of cloth, you will notice differences.”

Natural Flows, Fujinomiya
23-11-2025

“One of those dream experiences when planning to visit Japan. Get a clear sight of Mt. Fuji with an ice cap, at sunrise, with a Japanese Maple Tree with vibrant Autumn colors.

With some great planning and some travelers luck you can experience this for yourself.

In our case, we booked 3 nights around Mt. Fuji to maximise the chance of getting a glimpse of Fuji-san. In our case, we were very lucky to have had 3 full days of clear sight on Fuji-san. We couldn’t have wished for more. As we often make roadtrips to experience culture and nature from different places in a compact time, these 3 days around Fuji-san were quite a sacrifice on the planning as time is a scarcity. But would be very happy to do it again!”

That One Sunrise, Kawaguchi,
22-11-2025

Nagano

A village where Samurai’s lived

“It was one of our biggest dreams visiting Japan, to catch the authentic experience of one of the most beautiful Edo-villages out there in Nagano. Through this tradepost, Samurai’s traveled from Kyoto to Tokyo and back. We made 2 attempts to capture this atmosphere. Waiting for sunset was a joy in itself. Yes, there were tourists coming up and down this alley, but sometimes you just need patience to get that one shot!”

Tradepost Inspiration, Magome-juku
26-11-2025

Magome, Nakatsugawa, Japan

“Drinking Tea is an experience in itself in Japan. Flowing back hundreds of years back in time, though the history of tea itself in Japan is just over a thousand years old.

Finding places that provide for this authentic experience can be quite a hassle. As many public information is in Japanese. Finding a tourist experience is always an option.

On the hike route between Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku we found ours. This is a small tea house ran by an old man who offers free tea for everyone passing by.

Even though this is a popular hike, you will find yourself with less people around you than many of the other highlights in Japan, as a matter of fact that counts for the whole of the Nagano region.”

The Tea Ceremony, Magome
26-11-2025

Kyoto

“As you might have noticed from our earlier stories, the timing of traveling through Japan couldn’t have been more perfect than we anticipated.

This Temple in the middle of Kyoto, is one of the ‘hotspots’ for tourism. The Temple is special on it’s own rights due to the fact that there is not 1 nail used in the foundation of this building. Just woodlogs placed in an innovative manner.

What makes this place even more special, is during the peak of Autumn, as almost all the Japanese Maple trees on the hill infront turn red.

To be honest, this was one of the most busy places we had in Japan. And enjoying this sunset wasn’t the greatest. For a quite and serene experience, we recommend you to come at sunrise. Though the leafs of the trees won’t be that expressive, as the sun has to rise from a mountain hill in your back, looking to this side of the Temple complex.”

Gyuderza At The Red Sea, Kyoto
29-11-2025

“Heading down philosopher’s path, you cross a temple with a pagoda named Ginkaku-ji. This complex is nice, worth your entrance fee and not hard to miss.

As Japan turns yellow, orange and red in Autumn, the change of colors are different at every place. This has to do with the fact that Japan has a lot of height differences. With a lot of the highlights being spread over lowsurface, open plains, hills and mountains, you will always be surprised in which the leafs are when they change their colors. Therefore it is impossible to get the peak at every place you wish to experience and kapture on film.

We suggest that if you wish to visit Japan and you are planning to make a roadtrip, you start in the east (Tokyo) and make your way to the south-west (Fukuoka). Here you will cross Nagano, Kyoto etc. As you will be traveling more south wards, the temperatures get colder in each place down the road, which is essential for the green leafs to turn their colors.

In a timespan of 30 days, you will notice that you will, in fact, travel with the transformation. Improving your chances to get as many experiences possible in the time you have!”

Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto
28-11-2025

“When we think of a Japanese Garden. This photo right here is what we imagned it to be.

A open patio, a red carpet, and a beautiful garden in front of you that is thoughtfully decorated. The monks of each temple spend a lot of time organizing and setting up the garden, so that every stone, plant and tree is in balance to one another.

This makes for a perfect place to slown down and become ‘one’ with yourself.”

The Perfect Temple, Kyoto
28-11-2025

Nara

Osaka

A vibrant city with it’s own culture

“Coming to Osaka was quite a fun experience. You notice that the people are different than in other big cities of Japan like Kyoto and Tokyo. The people here are less structured, people dress different and as we got accustomed to the clean cities and villages, Osaka is less so. Still great compared to many European cities. Osaka provides for great atmosphere, food, temples, music and more.”

Osaka, Japan

“Himeji Castle, that Castle that you can also order in Lego and sits isolated on a hill. Just magical. Japan has around 100 castles left and this one is in the top 3 if you ask us!

Getting the full experience on how big this castle is, is when you get up a little hill just 10 minutes walk from the outer walls on the north-west side.

In Autumn you get these beautiful red colored trees upfront.

The great thing about Himenji Castle is that from every angle in the city, you can see Himenji Castle. If you have little time, it is a great day part activity when you stop with the Shinkansen at the Himenji Train Station. You walk towards the north exit and you already see the castle.

The Castle On The Hill, Himenji
7-12-2025

“When you visit castles in Japan, there is one that is relatively easy to visit and has amazing looks. That is the Osaka Castle. Eventhough it is not the original castle, since the original was burned down in parts and restored over the years. The current version is nevertheless beautiful.

This photo was taken from the little pawn in the gardens. Just after sundown at the start of the blue hour. Free access and definitely one of those ‘must visits’.”

Cool Castle, Osaka
7-12-2025

Koyasan

“Cemeteries are sacred places and should always be respected. In Koyasan, there is a very special cemetery which we visited. You notice that this place has a kind of transendence. People don’t talk loudly or make photo’s with weird faces and poses.”

The Lanterns, Koyasan
3-12-2025