Trip to Japan: Tradition, Nature and Modernity

Discover the highlights of this trip to Japan

Tokyo: Spiritual Tradition and Urban Energy

This trip to Japan begins in Tokyo, the country's vibrant capital, where tradition and modernity coexist in a fascinating way. From the very beginning, we'll immerse ourselves in the city's contrasts with a visit to the Toyosu Fish Market and its iconic tuna auction.

Afterward, we'll stroll through the historic Asakusa neighborhood, home to Senso-ji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street, perfect for soaking up the spirit of old Edo. In the afternoon, we'll be amazed by the views from the Tokyo Skytree. Our trip to Japan continues with an immersion in its cultural contrasts: we'll attend a sumo training session, a symbol of traditional Japan, and visit Azabudai Hills, where digital art blends with futuristic architecture. We'll also explore the Harajuku and Omotesando neighborhoods, where Japanese pop culture blends with the elegance of contemporary design. This first encounter with the capital sets the tone for the trip to Japan: a constant surprise between the ancient and the ultramodern.

Mount Fuji and sacred nature

We continue our trip to Japan by heading to Fujiyoshida, in Yamanashi Prefecture. From Arakurayama Sengen Park, we'll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Mount Fuji next to the iconic Chureito Pagoda. We'll then delve deeper into Japanese spirituality with a visit to the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center, where we'll learn about the sacred significance of this mountain. Later, in the Nagano region, we'll witness the coexistence of nature and wildlife at Jigokudani Monkey Park, where the famous macaques bathe in hot springs. The day will conclude with a visit to the majestic Zenko-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest and most important in the country. This stage of the trip to Japan reveals the symbolic power of its geography: a deep connection with the land, the gods, and natural cycles.

Kyoto and surrounding areas: shrines, temples, and ancient culture

Our trip to Japan now takes us to Kyoto, the country's cultural capital. We'll delve into its ancient soul by participating in a matcha tea ceremony, strolling through the traditional streets of the Gion district, and visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, an architectural icon of the city. Also, we'll explore the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of red Torii gates that snake around Mount Inari. In Arashiyama, we'll walk through the bamboo forest, cross the Togetsukyo Bridge, and visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site. We'll also discover the legacy of the ninja clan at the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, where we'll witness an authentic demonstration of this ancient art. Finally, we'll delight in traditional Japanese sweets on a tour that combines flavor and history. This trip to Japan is also a journey to the heart of its history, its aesthetics, and its spirituality.

Nara and Osaka: spirituality, history, and popular culture

An atmosphere of serenity and spirituality awaits us in Nara. We'll visit the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, surrounded by stone lanterns, and the imposing Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Bronze Buddha, one of the largest statues in the world. We'll conclude the day with a peaceful walk among the free-roaming deer of Nara Park—an unforgettable experience that reflects the harmony between nature and spirituality. The energy of Osaka will be the next chapter of our trip to Japan. Here we will visit its iconic castle, one of the most important in the country, a symbol of the power of the ancient shoguns. Afterward, we will explore the Dotonbori neighborhood, the epicenter of the city's nightlife and gastronomy, where we will delight in its neon lights, street food stalls, and the famous Glico sign, an icon of Japanese pop culture. Traveling to Japan is also about discovering how spirituality and fun can coexist harmoniously in a single trip.

Koyasan: Deep Spirituality at the Heart of Buddhism

The final touch of this trip to Japan will be Koyasan, a spiritual enclave nestled among cedar-covered mountains. We'll visit Okunoin Temple, considered one of the most sacred sites in the country, and walk among thousands of tombstones and statues that preserve centuries of history. We'll also explore the central Kongobu-ji temple, the center of Shingon Buddhism. As night falls, we'll take a silent walk through the sacred grounds, immersed in an atmosphere of contemplation and peace. A perfect farewell to this unforgettable trip to Japan, which left us not only with landscapes and memories, but also with an inner transformation.

© Photos by Eduardo Fuster, photos from Pexels by Nguyen Khac Tien, Caleb Jack & Satoshi Hirayama, photos from Pixabay by Michelle Raponi, Penny, Abdulla Binmassam, Rain & StockSnap and photos from Unsplash by Alex Pagnotta, Leo Okuyama, Caleb Jack & Gene Hiew taken during a trip to Japan.

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