Japan is the trip of a lifetime. It’s somewhere I always knew I’d visit. NYC keeps me engaged and inspired but it’s great to get away to see the calmer side of life in places like Bali, Indonesia or Malta. Sometimes, though, it’s more fun to experience an even more hectic, bustling and lively city like Tokyo.

For more hectic appreciation, check out Bangkok, Thailand!

We compared Tokyo to Times Square in NY- except each neighborhood in Tokyo was its own Times Square. The lights, the people, the music, the smells – it’s complete sensory overload. Not that I’m a fan of Times Square, but I would be if it had food half as great as Tokyo. When we return, it’ll be for the food. We haven’t been able to enjoy sushi, knowing what freshness awaits us in Japan!

After 2 shorts weeks, we took the bullet train to Kyoto and were met with the polar opposite of Tokyo. Kyoto was serene. Our ryokan’s floors walls were made of paper (well, tatami mats technically) but because the streets were dead silent at night, we slept very well. At first, being used to the chaos that is Tokyo, Kyoto felt like a letdown. It took a few days to begin to appreciate the peace and beauty of Japan’s old capital.

Side note: we also stayed in Osaka a few nights at the very end of the trip but because it was the last leg of a 4-week journey and I got super sick, I took a much-needed break and relaxed.

All images shot with a Sony Alpha a7II Mirrorless camera and a Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 lens.

Tokyo, Japan

Kyoto, Japan

All images shot with a Sony Alpha a7II Mirrorless camera and a Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 lens.