Osaka

Japan has always been a destination that attracted me because of its culture, its people and its landscape. Japanese martial arts and pop culture were a significant influence on me during my childhood. Leaving for Japan was also accepting a new challenge as it was my first time travelling as an amateur photographer.

Our journey across Japan began at the Kansai airport near the city of Osaka (3rd biggest city of Japan). On the second day, we went to Mount Koya in the surrounding mountains, which has one of the largest Buddhist graveyards in the world (Okunoin Cemetery). The mossy, root-covered path cutting across the cemetery towards the temple was really pleasant. I definitely recommend this place to anyone. The village is one hour away from Osaka, but it’s worth the time.

​We then took a train towards the sadly notorious city of Hiroshima. After wandering around the city for a whole day, we took the boat to the Island of Miyajima, known for its floating Tori. The weather was beautiful and the hike exhausting. We had time to enjoy the local cakes and to make new friends. Oh and by the way, if you come during the cherry blossoms season you’ll be able to enjoy some weddings in Hiroshima like I did.

​The third part of our trip was the ancestral city of Kyoto and its surroundings. We went from temple to traditional streets, making stops at the Inari thousand gates temple and at the ancestral village of Shirakawa-go near Kanazawa where the weather wasn’t on our side. One thing I recommend when staying in Kyoto is to spend a night in a traditional Ryokan. It indeed is more expensive, but you won’t regret it.

​Our last stop before heading back had to be the biggest city in the world: Tokyo. We wandered a total of 5 days from district to district which were poles apart, from the craziness of Akihabara to the hustle and bustle of the Shibuya crossing. Getting lost in this urban jungle was definitely something I adored about this trip in the Land of the Rising Sun as I was able to sharpen my street photography skills.

​The third part of our trip was the ancestral city of Kyoto and its surroundings. We went from temple to traditional streets, making stops at the Inari thousand gates temple and at the ancestral village of Shirakawa-go near Kanazawa where the weather wasn’t on our side. One thing I recommend when staying in Kyoto is to spend a night in a traditional Ryokan. It indeed is more expensive, but you won’t regret it.

Author,

​This article and fantastic photos were taken by ​Raphaël Yrieix. 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yrieix.eu/?hl=en​