Japan holds some of my fondest memories and I think it will always be one of my favourite countries in the whole world. The fascinating and rich history, kind people, clean streets, tasty and super kawaii foods, some of the most unique clothing styles, temples and shrines… I could go on forever. You could tick off many travel bucket list to do’s in Japan - I know I have!
There are so many things that keep me coming back to Japan again and again.
I have experienced it in Summer, Autumn and Spring, each beautiful in its own way. The Autumn colours for me took my breath away just as, if not more, than the cherry blossoms - call me crazy! It also is not as busy as Sakura Season, so hands down I would tell you to visit in the Fall.
Japan really isn’t expensive as everyone thinks and is completely doable on a budget. Find cheap yet delicious meals in Family Mart and Lawson on every corner while sleeping in capsule hotels and Airbnbs! From Australia, Jetstar has some very cheap flight deals throughout the year, too.
So, now I’ve given you many reasons to immerse yourself in the Japanese culture, check out these visuals to further inspire you to visit one of my favourite countries:
Crazy mirrored walls in Harajuku
Yoyogi Park in Autumn
Cheeky monkey in Arashiyama
A beautiful Geisha strolling through the bamboo grove, Arashiyama
Cuddling rabbits in a rabbit cafe
Pretty sweet treats at Fushimi-Inari Taisha
Peace Memorial, Hiroshima
A sea of cherry blossoms at Ueno Park
Fresh sushi for breakfast from the Tsukiji fish market
The view from the top of Mount Missen on Miyajima Island
Shinjuku Gyoen covered in orange and yellow leaves
Vending machines are everywhere!
The home of plastic food
Rowing down the river amongst cherry blossoms in Chidorigafuchi
Harry Potter World in Universal Studios, Osaka
The most amazing leaves found in Arashiyama
You’ll find wild deer in Nara and Miyajima!
The famous Golden Pavillion
Fushimi-Inari Taisha, Kyoto
More monkeys in Arashiyama
Sakura season in Yoyogi Park
You can’t come to Harajuku and not eat a crepe!
Meiji Shrine, Harajuku
Reflections of Osaka Castle
Red leaves in Arashiyama
Beautiful house and gardens on Miyajima Island
Cherry blossom beauties
Nicolas Charles Bunny Cafe, Harajuku
Chureito Pagoda with a view of Mount Fuji
Elle Kirsten
April 19, 2016 at 12:53 pmThat Osaka Castle puddle photo <3
x Elle
http://thisisyugen.blogspot.com
Maggie
April 24, 2016 at 11:18 amHi Sophie - love your photos of Japan! This has been on my to-do list forever and next year will be the year that I make it there. I have a massive sweet tooth so I will need to get one of those monumental crepes and visit the Bunny Cafe. Would love to know what time of year you would recommend visiting as you mention that you have visiting in all seasons?
sophmatters@hotmail.com
April 24, 2016 at 4:07 pmHey there Maggie! You are so sweet, thank you! Japan is just amazing in every way, you will love it 🙂 As much as everyone loves the cherry blossoms, I still think Autumn (October/November) was my favourite. It wasn’t as crowded as spring and the colours of the leaves were just as breathtaking! If you see my Arashiyama post, that is what Japan looks like this time of year!
Nikki
April 25, 2016 at 2:54 amThese pictures are absolutely stunning! You have a great eye. I also loveeee your hair color 🙂 Xx
Nikki | http://www.nikkibstyles.com
sophmatters@hotmail.com
April 25, 2016 at 6:34 amYou are so lovely, thank you 🙂
LisaLDN
April 25, 2016 at 10:25 amThese photos have me convinced - I MUST visit Japan! It looks so beautiful, and those vending machines look awesome, haha 🙂
sophmatters@hotmail.com
April 25, 2016 at 11:10 amYou have to get to Japan, it is just amazing! Haha the vending machines have just about anything you can imagine and they were EVERYWHERE!
Leesa & Kate
April 25, 2016 at 3:55 pmWow your photos are so pretty Sophie! Love the design of you blog. We are from Brisbane so when we head home to Australia we should meet up to share stories. xx
sophmatters@hotmail.com
April 25, 2016 at 10:09 pmThank you so so much! You are too kind! I love your blog too and it looks like your travels are so fun 🙂 I would LOVE to meet up one day. When are you back? xx
seesaw
May 1, 2016 at 2:26 amFantastic shots! That view of Mount Fuji…..wow! 🙂
sophmatters@hotmail.com
May 1, 2016 at 11:04 amThank you! She’s a beauty hey!!
solosophie
May 3, 2016 at 9:24 amOh my goodness, I wanted to go before… but you’re completely right- I want to go even more after seeing these photos!
sophmatters@hotmail.com
May 3, 2016 at 11:49 amYou must go! I’m glad I’ve inspired you, thank you! 🙂
Sonali chauhan
May 11, 2016 at 10:27 amlove your photos of Japan! I must visit Japan, It looks so beautiful…. Thank you for sharing this.
sophmatters@hotmail.com
May 11, 2016 at 11:11 amThanks for your kind words! I hope you get there sometime soon 🙂
the travelogue (by Anna & Vanessa)
May 19, 2016 at 9:16 amLove your photos! We’ve been to Japan in March/April for Cherry Blossom season and it was sooo beautiful! Like, how pretty can a tree even look?!
Next time it will be Fall season for sure.
xx Anna & Vanessa
sophmatters@hotmail.com
May 19, 2016 at 9:46 amThanks! It really is an amazing country, no matter the season, but I’d say it’s definitely best in Spring and Fall 🙂 Was it your first time there?