Japan Photo Journal
Our visit to Japan was an unexpected treat and was much too brief—a five day stopover during our flight from Bangkok to Boston. However, we were able to see enough to want to spend much more time there.
Upon landing in Tokyo we were instantly immersed in a culture that was so foreign to us that we felt like we were on another planet. Yet the sights, sounds and smells were also vaguely familiar and welcoming.
Japan is a country rife with the appealing contrast of the ancient and the ultramodern. The ancient temples and statues we saw were spellbinding, as was the artistry of the numerous parks and gardens.
We were lucky enough to be in Tokyo at the start of the cherry blossom season and we joined the excited throngs of locals in the parks, gaping at, and photographing the splendor of the pink, white and red blossoms. It was delightful to witness how much the Japanese appreciate nature’s display.
Everything we ate in Tokyo and the surrounding small towns, from tiny mom and pop kitchens to the larger restaurants, was astonishingly delicious. Even the fast food was tasty. And yet, much of it contained ingredients that were difficult for us to identify.
We had a wonderful experience traveling in Japan. There are so many unique sights and experiences to enjoy. We hope to return soon.
Early Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo, Japan
Viewing cherry blossoms is a huge preoccupation in Japan. In Tokyo, huge crowds of people assemble in all the parks to look at and photograph these magnificent trees.
Great Buddha Statue In Coastal Town of Kamakura
The construction of the great bronze Buddha statue at the KÅtoku-in temple in Kamakura was begun in 1252. At about 11.3 meters in height and weighing 121 tons, it is massive in size.
Cosplay Girls in Harajuku
The Harajuku neighborhood in Tokyo is where Japanese people, especially young folks, gather on the weekends. A focus of the area is cosplay costumes- the way the girls in this photo are dressed.
Cherry Blossoms, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
The viewing of the opening of the cherry blossoms is a huge attraction in Japan, as visitors from all over the country, and the world, come to see the hundreds of varieties of cherry trees in bloom.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo, Japan
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a huge park in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. People come from all over the world to see the cherry blossoms as well as the thousands of trees and plants.
Laurie and Neil gave away or sold 99.9% of their possessions for a new life as international travelers. They share the secrets of how they turn limited resources into a life of unlimited fun and adventure. Read more
