Japan 2010

Two weeks in Japan took us from the energetic streets of Osaka to the timeless temples of Kyoto, the gentle deer of Nara, and a warm reunion in Mishima with Anja’s old friends. Each city offered a different slice of Japan — from street-food alleys and neon nights to peaceful shrines and seaside calm.

Osaka was a food-lover’s playground: takoyaki, okonomiyaki and late-night izakayas set the tone for the trip. Kyoto followed with its historic charm — mossy gardens, iconic temples, and quiet geisha districts that reward slow exploration. A short visit to Nara let us mingle with the famous free-roaming deer and see Todaiji’s impressive Great Buddha.

Mishima was a memorable pause in our itinerary, where reconnecting with friends gave the journey a personal, local touch. We finished with a couple of action-packed days in Tokyo, soaking up diverse neighborhoods, sky-high views, and endless shopping and dining options before heading back to Switzerland.