Japan Trip
Here are my trip pictures broken down by day with our daily travel journal entries. This is just a complete photo dump of my phone pictures with only some basic phone editing on some, so there are multiple shots and such that I will eventually cull down to just the best shots edited in Lightroom. I captured over 1300 images on my phone and another couple hundred on my SLR camera that is linked on the button below. Also below is a button to some of Justin's pictures as well as some videos are linked as well.
Friday 2/21/25
Our trip began in Bristol, TN, with a 3:30 a.m. wake-up to catch a 5 a.m. flight from Tri-Cities Airport to Charlotte NC and then on to Chicago. When we arrived in Chicago amazingly, our connecting flight to Tokyo was just one gate over —that's something that never happens. We boarded our 10:35 a.m. Japan Airlines flight and were immediately impressed by the service: great food, constant snacks, and complimentary drinks. After a 14-hour, 6,300-mile flight, we landed at Tokyo Haneda Airport at 2:55 p.m. local time on Saturday. Clearing customs at Haneda was a chaotic crazy experience, with long lines and unclear directions so it took us some time to get through. After retrieving our bags and switching terminals, we caught a short 5:30 p.m. domestic flight to Osaka. From there, we took a combination of trains and subways to Kobe, where we were staying at the Portopia Hotel—which was located on a small island just outside of Kobe. We finally arrived to our room around 9 p.m. and crashed immediately.
Our trip began in Bristol, TN, with a 3:30 a.m. wake-up to catch a 5 a.m. flight from Tri-Cities Airport to Charlotte NC and then on to Chicago. When we arrived in Chicago amazingly, our connecting flight to Tokyo was just one gate over —that's something that never happens. We boarded our 10:35 a.m. Japan Airlines flight and were immediately impressed by the service: great food, constant snacks, and complimentary drinks. After a 14-hour, 6,300-mile flight, we landed at Tokyo Haneda Airport at 2:55 p.m. local time on Saturday. Clearing customs at Haneda was a chaotic crazy experience, with long lines and unclear directions so it took us some time to get through. After retrieving our bags and switching terminals, we caught a short 5:30 p.m. domestic flight to Osaka. From there, we took a combination of trains and subways to Kobe, where we were staying at the Portopia Hotel—which was located on a small island just outside of Kobe. We finally arrived to our room around 9 p.m. and crashed immediately.
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Sunday 2/23/25 (24,071 Steps / 10.8 mi)
We awoke at 4:30 a.m. hungry and ready to go. Our hotel offered an amazing breakfast buffet on the 27th floor which offered a stunning panoramic view of Kobe across the harbor. Then we explored the harbor area, including its shops and malls. We then enjoyed an incredible lunch at Wakkoqu, a renowned Kobe beef restaurant.
In the afternoon, we took a train to Osaka and visited Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. The 16th century castle was amazing and set high above the city and heavily fortified with massive stone walls and a moat surrounding the castle it remains very impressive. We also saw our first plum and cherry blossoms beginning to bloom. Later, we wandered the retro Shinsekai district before returning to the hotel.
We awoke at 4:30 a.m. hungry and ready to go. Our hotel offered an amazing breakfast buffet on the 27th floor which offered a stunning panoramic view of Kobe across the harbor. Then we explored the harbor area, including its shops and malls. We then enjoyed an incredible lunch at Wakkoqu, a renowned Kobe beef restaurant.
In the afternoon, we took a train to Osaka and visited Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. The 16th century castle was amazing and set high above the city and heavily fortified with massive stone walls and a moat surrounding the castle it remains very impressive. We also saw our first plum and cherry blossoms beginning to bloom. Later, we wandered the retro Shinsekai district before returning to the hotel.
Monday 2/24/25
After breakfast, Justin went to his conference, and I spent the morning hanging out at the hotel then I went exploring Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown. Known as Nankinmachi, it features a variety of shops, food stalls, and colorful architecture with each entry way marked by large torri gates. That evening, we returned to Osaka for dinner at Okaru, an okonomiyaki restaurant. The dish—often called Japanese savory pancake—is a local specialty cooked right at our table. After dinner, we explored the narrow alleyways and streets making our way to the Dotonbori district. Dotonbori is a lively entertainment area known for its neon lights, video screens, giant mechanical signs, and street food. This area was jammed packed with people and with all the massive signs and LED screens was a real shock to the system. We got to see the famous Running Man sign here and the energy of the enormous crowd and the futuristic displays was awesome. Then we got back on the train to Kobe and our hotel.
After breakfast, Justin went to his conference, and I spent the morning hanging out at the hotel then I went exploring Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown. Known as Nankinmachi, it features a variety of shops, food stalls, and colorful architecture with each entry way marked by large torri gates. That evening, we returned to Osaka for dinner at Okaru, an okonomiyaki restaurant. The dish—often called Japanese savory pancake—is a local specialty cooked right at our table. After dinner, we explored the narrow alleyways and streets making our way to the Dotonbori district. Dotonbori is a lively entertainment area known for its neon lights, video screens, giant mechanical signs, and street food. This area was jammed packed with people and with all the massive signs and LED screens was a real shock to the system. We got to see the famous Running Man sign here and the energy of the enormous crowd and the futuristic displays was awesome. Then we got back on the train to Kobe and our hotel.
Tuesday 2/25/25 (16,339 steps / 7.63 mi)
Up early again and another fabulous breakfast then we caught a train to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the White Heron Castle, it dates back to the 14th century and is one of Japan’s few surviving original castles. The massive wooden castle with multiple keeps and levels with Its white plastered walls and intricate defensive systems are a testament to feudal Japanese architecture. We also visited Koko-en Garden, a collection of Edo-style gardens next to the castle. After lunch at a local udon shop, we returned to Kobe. Justin attended a seminar, and I enjoyed a relaxing evening with the hotel’s dinner buffet.
Up early again and another fabulous breakfast then we caught a train to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the White Heron Castle, it dates back to the 14th century and is one of Japan’s few surviving original castles. The massive wooden castle with multiple keeps and levels with Its white plastered walls and intricate defensive systems are a testament to feudal Japanese architecture. We also visited Koko-en Garden, a collection of Edo-style gardens next to the castle. After lunch at a local udon shop, we returned to Kobe. Justin attended a seminar, and I enjoyed a relaxing evening with the hotel’s dinner buffet.
Wednesday 2/26/25 (14,998 steps / 6.74 mi)
Up at 5am and another great breakfast before we boarded the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima—covering nearly 200 miles in just over an hour. Our first stop was the Atomic Bomb Dome, part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This UNESCO site preserves the ruins of a former government building that was directly beneath the A bomb explosion, serving as a powerful symbol of peace.
We walked through the park’s somber monuments before taking a ferry to Miyajima Island. The island was fantastic and had a very laid back feel, enhanced by the roaming deer and traditional shops and of course plenty of food and drink. We visited the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, originally built in the 12th century. The gate is in a large bay that during low tide you can walk out to it. We then hiked to Daishoin, a 9th-century temple complex nestled in the hills, offering serenity and scenic views. This area was also occupied by the numerous deer that live on the island. These deer roam around looking for handouts and if you bow down to them they will bow back at you. We then hiked back into town and saw the world's largest rice paddle and another huge pagoda that had the most amazing bonsai tree that had one branch that extended all the way up the path to the pagoda.
After returning to Hiroshima by ferry, we had Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner before heading back to Kobe on the bullet train.
Up at 5am and another great breakfast before we boarded the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima—covering nearly 200 miles in just over an hour. Our first stop was the Atomic Bomb Dome, part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This UNESCO site preserves the ruins of a former government building that was directly beneath the A bomb explosion, serving as a powerful symbol of peace.
We walked through the park’s somber monuments before taking a ferry to Miyajima Island. The island was fantastic and had a very laid back feel, enhanced by the roaming deer and traditional shops and of course plenty of food and drink. We visited the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, originally built in the 12th century. The gate is in a large bay that during low tide you can walk out to it. We then hiked to Daishoin, a 9th-century temple complex nestled in the hills, offering serenity and scenic views. This area was also occupied by the numerous deer that live on the island. These deer roam around looking for handouts and if you bow down to them they will bow back at you. We then hiked back into town and saw the world's largest rice paddle and another huge pagoda that had the most amazing bonsai tree that had one branch that extended all the way up the path to the pagoda.
After returning to Hiroshima by ferry, we had Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner before heading back to Kobe on the bullet train.
Thursday 2/27/25 (18,000 steps / 8.26 mi)
After one final breakfast at the Portopia Hotel we sent our luggage ahead to Kyoto and took a train to Nara for the day. The massive Nara Park is famous for its free-roaming deer and historic temples. We visited Kofuku-ji and Kasuga-taisha Shrine, both significant religious sites dating back to the 8th century. Kasuga-taisha is known for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns. One of these temples had a massive cedar tree that was said to be over a thousand years old. We also visited Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, housed in a massive wooden hall. The size and scale of this structure was incredible.
In the evening we took the train to Kyoto and stopped at Fushimi Sake Village for sake tasting and ramen. Here Justin and I shared a flight of 19 local saki's that were all good. We then headed to our hotel that was modern, though the room was incredibly compact and a far cry from the huge Portopia hotel we had been staying in.
After one final breakfast at the Portopia Hotel we sent our luggage ahead to Kyoto and took a train to Nara for the day. The massive Nara Park is famous for its free-roaming deer and historic temples. We visited Kofuku-ji and Kasuga-taisha Shrine, both significant religious sites dating back to the 8th century. Kasuga-taisha is known for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns. One of these temples had a massive cedar tree that was said to be over a thousand years old. We also visited Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, housed in a massive wooden hall. The size and scale of this structure was incredible.
In the evening we took the train to Kyoto and stopped at Fushimi Sake Village for sake tasting and ramen. Here Justin and I shared a flight of 19 local saki's that were all good. We then headed to our hotel that was modern, though the room was incredibly compact and a far cry from the huge Portopia hotel we had been staying in.
Friday 2/28/25 (21,500 steps 9.57 mi)
We began the day with a simple continental breakfast then on to the Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO site set high in the mountains with sweeping views from its wooden terrace. This temple has stood since the 8th century and is a beloved Kyoto landmark with its many bright orange buildings. We then went down and explored Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, picturesque shopping streets with traditional architecture.
We had coffee at a scenic Starbucks in a preserved townhome, then visited Hokan-ji and its iconic five-story pagoda. At Kodai-ji Temple, we admired the bamboo grove and gardens. After a great tempura lunch, we visited Nanzen-ji, a historic Zen temple complex set in the hills outside of Kyoto. Highlights included a massive Sanmon gate and an aqueduct from the Meiji period. The main temple here was very large and it had an amazing dragon painting on the ceiling. This temple is also an active Zen training center and monastery. We then visited the Kennin-ji Temple which is Kyoto's oldest Zen temple built in 1202. We finished the day in the Gion district with a visit to Yasaka Shrine.
We began the day with a simple continental breakfast then on to the Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO site set high in the mountains with sweeping views from its wooden terrace. This temple has stood since the 8th century and is a beloved Kyoto landmark with its many bright orange buildings. We then went down and explored Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, picturesque shopping streets with traditional architecture.
We had coffee at a scenic Starbucks in a preserved townhome, then visited Hokan-ji and its iconic five-story pagoda. At Kodai-ji Temple, we admired the bamboo grove and gardens. After a great tempura lunch, we visited Nanzen-ji, a historic Zen temple complex set in the hills outside of Kyoto. Highlights included a massive Sanmon gate and an aqueduct from the Meiji period. The main temple here was very large and it had an amazing dragon painting on the ceiling. This temple is also an active Zen training center and monastery. We then visited the Kennin-ji Temple which is Kyoto's oldest Zen temple built in 1202. We finished the day in the Gion district with a visit to Yasaka Shrine.
Saturday 3/1/25 (16,653 steps, 7.71 mi, 14 flights)
We started our day with an early morning visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple covered in gold leaf overlooking a reflective pond. Set in the hills and shrouded in the early morning fog this was the most beautiful temple I have ever seen. Next, we visited Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, known for its 1,200 quirky stone statues, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, a peaceful cemetery with a bamboo grove. Here we got to hear a monk chanting his afternoon prayers. We walked down the charming Saga Toriimoto preserved street and lunched on a traditional Japanese meal with many small dishes that I'm not sure what we ate!. We then explored the the very crowded Sagano and Arashiyama Bamboo Groves and the Tenryu-ji Temple, a large complex set on a lake and surrounded by bamboo groves and beautiful gardens. We walked through Arashiyama Park overlooking the river then down to the river bank and to the subway station. We ended the day with a fantastic dinner of curry and tempora koisus and then we did our laundry.
We started our day with an early morning visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple covered in gold leaf overlooking a reflective pond. Set in the hills and shrouded in the early morning fog this was the most beautiful temple I have ever seen. Next, we visited Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, known for its 1,200 quirky stone statues, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, a peaceful cemetery with a bamboo grove. Here we got to hear a monk chanting his afternoon prayers. We walked down the charming Saga Toriimoto preserved street and lunched on a traditional Japanese meal with many small dishes that I'm not sure what we ate!. We then explored the the very crowded Sagano and Arashiyama Bamboo Groves and the Tenryu-ji Temple, a large complex set on a lake and surrounded by bamboo groves and beautiful gardens. We walked through Arashiyama Park overlooking the river then down to the river bank and to the subway station. We ended the day with a fantastic dinner of curry and tempora koisus and then we did our laundry.
Sunday 3/2/25 (14,664 steps, 6.52 mi, 68 flights)
After breakfast at our hotel we stopped by a local coffee shop with a very passionate barista and then off to Kibune, a riverside village in the mountains. Kifune Shrine is known for its stone steps and lantern-lined approach. From the shrine we walked along the river bank and small shops to our restaurant Hirobun. Here in our private dining room we had the most orgasmic multi-course lunch of wagyu beef, sukiyaki, duck, and a whole fish all cooked at our table with a charcoal fire pit in the center by two wonderful Japanese ladies. The meal also included many local fruits and vegetables as well as clams, eel, various sushi and mochi.
After our extraordinary meal we began our mountain hike to Kurama-dera. The day had turned foggy and drizzly so mountain views were obstructed as we made our way up the steep mountain trail. When I say steep Justin's step counter showed we had ascended 68 flights of steps to the top of Mt Kurama! We finally reached the main temple complex of Kuramadera shrouded in mist. After exploring the temple some we began our decent down many long flights of lantern lined steps. Oh My God so many steps!! We finally reached a cable car which we took down the remainder of the mountain. From the base we hiked back up a little ways to another shrine that was surrounded by the massive ceder trees. Back in town we passed by a giant red tengu head on our way to the train station. That evening, back in Kyoto, we had gyoza and chicken wings for dinner in a small little hole in the wall restaurant that were the best I have ever had!! We then stopped for matcha tiramisu for dessert. On the way back to our hotel we visited the Zenkyo-an temple that was filled with numerous pig statues.
After breakfast at our hotel we stopped by a local coffee shop with a very passionate barista and then off to Kibune, a riverside village in the mountains. Kifune Shrine is known for its stone steps and lantern-lined approach. From the shrine we walked along the river bank and small shops to our restaurant Hirobun. Here in our private dining room we had the most orgasmic multi-course lunch of wagyu beef, sukiyaki, duck, and a whole fish all cooked at our table with a charcoal fire pit in the center by two wonderful Japanese ladies. The meal also included many local fruits and vegetables as well as clams, eel, various sushi and mochi.
After our extraordinary meal we began our mountain hike to Kurama-dera. The day had turned foggy and drizzly so mountain views were obstructed as we made our way up the steep mountain trail. When I say steep Justin's step counter showed we had ascended 68 flights of steps to the top of Mt Kurama! We finally reached the main temple complex of Kuramadera shrouded in mist. After exploring the temple some we began our decent down many long flights of lantern lined steps. Oh My God so many steps!! We finally reached a cable car which we took down the remainder of the mountain. From the base we hiked back up a little ways to another shrine that was surrounded by the massive ceder trees. Back in town we passed by a giant red tengu head on our way to the train station. That evening, back in Kyoto, we had gyoza and chicken wings for dinner in a small little hole in the wall restaurant that were the best I have ever had!! We then stopped for matcha tiramisu for dessert. On the way back to our hotel we visited the Zenkyo-an temple that was filled with numerous pig statues.
Monday 3/3/25 (22,415, 10.2 m, 69 flights)
We began with a curry breakfast at our hotel and then explored the Fushimi sake district. At the Gekkeikan Sake Museum, we learned about sake brewing and tasted samples. Then we hiked up the torii-covered trail of Fushimi Inari Taisha, Japan’s most photographed shrine. Climbing up a mountain through hundreds of torii gates was beautiful. I didn't make it to the top but Justin continued to the top of the mountain shrine. We then wandered Nishiki Market and sampled local street food before taking the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo. After checking into our hotel, I went to the Ginza Hooters for dinner and Justin did laundry.
We began with a curry breakfast at our hotel and then explored the Fushimi sake district. At the Gekkeikan Sake Museum, we learned about sake brewing and tasted samples. Then we hiked up the torii-covered trail of Fushimi Inari Taisha, Japan’s most photographed shrine. Climbing up a mountain through hundreds of torii gates was beautiful. I didn't make it to the top but Justin continued to the top of the mountain shrine. We then wandered Nishiki Market and sampled local street food before taking the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo. After checking into our hotel, I went to the Ginza Hooters for dinner and Justin did laundry.
Tuesday 3/4/25
In the morning after 9 hours of sleep, we strolled through Ginza and then traveled by train and bus to Takaragawa Onsen. Deep in the mountains the remote hot spring resort was blanketed in several feet of snow, offering a serene, magical atmosphere. Our room at the onsen was a traditional Japanese room with tatami mat floor and one low table. After a traditional dinner, we soaked in the outdoor baths under heavy falling snow—a quintessential Japanese experience.
In the morning after 9 hours of sleep, we strolled through Ginza and then traveled by train and bus to Takaragawa Onsen. Deep in the mountains the remote hot spring resort was blanketed in several feet of snow, offering a serene, magical atmosphere. Our room at the onsen was a traditional Japanese room with tatami mat floor and one low table. After a traditional dinner, we soaked in the outdoor baths under heavy falling snow—a quintessential Japanese experience.
Wednesday 3/5/25
After another morning soak and giant breakfast, we returned to Tokyo and explored Shibuya. We visited Scramble Square, the Hachiko statue, and shopping centers featuring Nintendo and Pokémon stores. We visited the Share Lounge overlooking the Shibuya Scramble where you pay a flat fee for all you can eat and drink. At Shibuya Sky, cloudy weather limited the view and they had closed the rooftop viewing platform, but we did have decent views from the 46th floor viewing lounge, so the experience was still worthwhile. We ended the day with a visit to Senso-ji Temple and a rooftop view from our hotel.
After another morning soak and giant breakfast, we returned to Tokyo and explored Shibuya. We visited Scramble Square, the Hachiko statue, and shopping centers featuring Nintendo and Pokémon stores. We visited the Share Lounge overlooking the Shibuya Scramble where you pay a flat fee for all you can eat and drink. At Shibuya Sky, cloudy weather limited the view and they had closed the rooftop viewing platform, but we did have decent views from the 46th floor viewing lounge, so the experience was still worthwhile. We ended the day with a visit to Senso-ji Temple and a rooftop view from our hotel.
Thursday 3/6/25 (19,673 steps, 8.8 mi, 6 flights)
After a quick breakfast of coffee and pastries we shopped along Kappabashi Kitchen Street, famous for cookware and Japanese knives. Justin was keen on buying a quality Japanese knife, so we visited many of the numerous knife shops in the district before he came down on the knife that we wanted. I purchased a simple but quality knife as well. Then we had melon pan and ramen for lunch, then relaxed in Yoyogi Park, where early cherry blossoms were blooming along with the kawazu-zakara trees. We explored Shibuya and saw the famous 3D cat screen and Godzilla peering over the buildings. We visited a themed bar and one ot the numerous gaming lounges where Justin won a large snorlax at his first try of the claw machine. We finished the night with an amazing omakase sushi dinner prepared by a private chef. This dinner featured a wide variety of the freshest sushi available including a large clam that when it was served it waved at you.
After a quick breakfast of coffee and pastries we shopped along Kappabashi Kitchen Street, famous for cookware and Japanese knives. Justin was keen on buying a quality Japanese knife, so we visited many of the numerous knife shops in the district before he came down on the knife that we wanted. I purchased a simple but quality knife as well. Then we had melon pan and ramen for lunch, then relaxed in Yoyogi Park, where early cherry blossoms were blooming along with the kawazu-zakara trees. We explored Shibuya and saw the famous 3D cat screen and Godzilla peering over the buildings. We visited a themed bar and one ot the numerous gaming lounges where Justin won a large snorlax at his first try of the claw machine. We finished the night with an amazing omakase sushi dinner prepared by a private chef. This dinner featured a wide variety of the freshest sushi available including a large clam that when it was served it waved at you.
Friday 3/7/25 (19,222 steps, 8.9 mi, 41 flights)
We took the Spacia X train to Nikko which is a small city set in the mountains. We had a simple breakfast of a variety of local pastries. Highlights included the ornate Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan, Taiyuin, Rinno-ji, and the picturesque Shinkyo Bridge. These temples and shrines date back to the 8th century and feature beautiful wood carvings and moss-covered stone. We saw the mausoleums of two great shoguns. The mausoleum of Tokugawa leyasu was set high on Mt. Kunozan and was very beautiful. We then to a long bus ride through the windy snow covered mountains to Kegon Falls. After returning from Neiko in style in the cockpit lounge on the Spacia X train, we capped the night with drinks and beautiful views of Tokyo from the Asahi Sky Room and for dinner at Shogun Burger where I had my first wagyu burger that was amazing.
We took the Spacia X train to Nikko which is a small city set in the mountains. We had a simple breakfast of a variety of local pastries. Highlights included the ornate Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan, Taiyuin, Rinno-ji, and the picturesque Shinkyo Bridge. These temples and shrines date back to the 8th century and feature beautiful wood carvings and moss-covered stone. We saw the mausoleums of two great shoguns. The mausoleum of Tokugawa leyasu was set high on Mt. Kunozan and was very beautiful. We then to a long bus ride through the windy snow covered mountains to Kegon Falls. After returning from Neiko in style in the cockpit lounge on the Spacia X train, we capped the night with drinks and beautiful views of Tokyo from the Asahi Sky Room and for dinner at Shogun Burger where I had my first wagyu burger that was amazing.
Saturday 3/8/25 (16,917 steps, 7.9 mi, 23 flights)
For breakfast Justin had made reservations for trendy fluffy pancakes at Benitsuru and then we visited Senso-ji Temple once more. Then we traveled to Akihabara and we shopped and explored the nerd capital of Tokyo before retrieving our luggage and booking a limo to the airport. The return flight on American Airlines was a stark contrast—tight seats, minimal service, and poor food. Regardless, we carried home the memories of an unforgettable trip.
For breakfast Justin had made reservations for trendy fluffy pancakes at Benitsuru and then we visited Senso-ji Temple once more. Then we traveled to Akihabara and we shopped and explored the nerd capital of Tokyo before retrieving our luggage and booking a limo to the airport. The return flight on American Airlines was a stark contrast—tight seats, minimal service, and poor food. Regardless, we carried home the memories of an unforgettable trip.
