For our last few days, we left Hotel Graphy and celebrated my birthday by getting a cute Airbnb in a smaller prefecture. We played badminton in the local park, ate sushi, and tried to soak in the beautiful country one last time.
A collection of photos from around Tokyo. Different things catch our eyes and it’s always fun to compile our snapshots because we remind each other of small moments we enjoyed but might not have captured.
My birthday present to myself was a visit to the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka in Tokyo on a chilly but beautiful February day. If you are a Studio Ghibli fan and ever get the chance to go, don’t hesitate! But, I recommend you buy your tickets in advance as it is a very popular museum.
John’s cousin Nick met up with us in Tokyo, and spent a lovely time showing us Gyu-Kaku and the Tokyo National Museum. In the evening we went to TeamLab Planets, an immersive interactive art museum that delights all your senses.
Tokyo Tower, a communications and radio tower, was built in 1958. Today it generates enough energy from solar panels to illuminate the entire tower at night.
We truly loved our time in Osaka, the second largest metropolitan area in Japan. It is a less-touristy part of Japan, very walkable, and full of people going about their daily lives. We recommend visiting this part of Japan if you are looking to experience the quieter side of the country, but not quite as quiet as the countryside.
Kyoto & the Imperial Palace
We took a day trip to Kyoto and saw the Imperial Palace, the imperial family’s residence until 1868. Located within Kyoto Imperial Park, the palace complex is hidden from view behind a protective wall which you are permitted to enter during a tour. Tours are free and self-paced.
Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is a set of twin towers connected by a sky bridge. An observation facility (Kuchu Tiein Observatory) is located at the top, providing a 360 degree view of the city.
No Images Found!
Osaka Castle & Park
Osaka Castle, commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (prominent samurai and feudal lord), dates back to 1583. Due to conflict and fire damage, the castle has been rebuilt many times. The castle is surrounded by a large public park, with multiple walking trails, public benches, and monuments.