Japan the Land of the Rising Sun

Japan has enchanted us. The fascinating landscapes, the warm-hearted people, and the impressive culture have captivated us during our trip.

My sister Lena and I were on the road for three weeks in total. We started our journey with the delegation of the Bietigheim City Council in our sister city Kusatsu. There, we not only got to know the kindness of the Japanese people, but also visited beautiful places and landmarks. These days were filled with a varied program, a lovely celebration, and numerous delicious Japanese meals. The occasion of this visit was the 55th anniversary of the sister city partnership.

Special highlights were bathing in the hot springs and experiencing a traditional tea ceremony. Both of these must be experienced on a trip to Japan. Climbing a volcano and visiting Zenkoji Temple - one of the most important and popular temples - were also very interesting excursions.

After about 5 days in our sister city, we said goodbye to the delegation at the airport in Tokyo and continued on our own. Of course, we spent a few days in Tokyo before traveling further south.

Tokyo: The metropolis is indescribable. So many people, so huge. Each district is characterized by its own peculiarities - a crazy, colorful, bustling, and loud city from another world.

Mount Fuji: This destination was a must on our route. After the hustle and bustle of the big city, we headed into nature to Mount Fuji. Cold and wet, cloudy and rainy, nature awaited us. We had to skip the climb up Fuji, but we didn't want to miss the view of the mountain. So we set our alarm early in the morning to see the highest mountain in Japan and take some photos. It was worth it and the view was breathtaking! A bike ride around the lakes rounded off the days of relaxation.

Osaka: We traveled to Osaka and Kyoto in the south with the Shinkansen, one of the best high-speed trains worldwide. Osaka literally knocked us off our feet. Blinking and flashing lights are everywhere. The streets are packed with shops, karaoke bars, game arcades, pachinko parlors, restaurants, and food stalls. The buildings are filled with billboards in XXL format, TVs, and giant figures.

Kyoto was beautiful. The bamboo grove, the golden temple, and the thousands of red shrines (Fushimi Inari Shrine) were some of the most beautiful places we visited in Japan. A day trip to Nara, Hiroshima, and Miyajima Island was also on our itinerary before our journey ended in Tokyo.

The bamboo grove in Kyoto.

On Miyajima Island stands the world-famous Itsukushima Shrine.

And finally: Green, green, green are all my colors ... The color green accompanied us throughout the entire country on our journey. Not only the breathtaking nature is green, but also the popular matcha tea and everything the inhabitants make from it. Whether sweet or savory, snacks, sweets, or beverages - you can't escape matcha in Japan.