Himeji, Osaka, and Nara each delivered a distinct slice of Japan, blending history, energy, and unexpected moments. Himeji Castle, widely considered Japan’s finest surviving feudal-era castle, was nothing short of breathtaking with its brilliant white façade and elegant tiers rising like a perfectly preserved relic of the samurai age. In Osaka, the pace shifted dramatically: Dotonbori at night was a sensory overload in the best way – crowded, wildly popular, and dazzling with neon lights, from the iconic Glico Running Man sign to an endless lineup of incredible restaurants. We feasted on melt in your mouth wagyu at Ikinari Steak House, explored the grounds of Osaka Castle, and wandered through Shinsekai, a retro district packed with nostalgia (old-fashioned shops, glowing signs, and quirky game centers with archery stalls and vintage shooting galleries). Kuromon Ichiba Market was another highlight, buzzing with fresh seafood and local bites. Nara, by contrast, felt serene and charming, famous for its bowing deer that roam freely through the parks which is an experience that’s as amusing as it is unforgettable. We were lucky to visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine during Shichi-Go-San (the traditional “Seven-Five-Three” celebration when children dress in beautiful formal attire to visit shrines), adding an extra layer of cultural magic to the day. Between incredible udon at Mizuya Chaya, an unexpected hula performance at Himuro Shrine, and a peaceful stroll through the free Yoshikien Garden, arguably even more stunning in the fall than many paid gardens, Nara proved to be an unexpectedly rich and memorable stop. After a whirlwind month exploring Japan, it’s time to turn the page and set our sights on the vibrant energy of our next stop: Hong Kong.
Decorative manhole cover featuring an illustration of Himeji Castle
A sightseeing boat tour in the moat of Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded as the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture
Himeji Castle (also known as the "White Heron Castle")
Taking a selfie in front of Himeji Castle
Waterfall feature within the Koko-en Garden in Himeji
Autumn scenery at Koko-en Garden, a traditional Japanese garden in Himeji
Koi pond at the Koko-en Garden in Himeji
Robby enjoying the autumn foliage at the Koko-en Garden in Himeji
Beautiful fall colors at the Koko-en Garden in Himeji
Bronze statue of a seated girl near Himeji Station
Exterior of the iconic Kani Dōraku restaurant in the Dotonbori district of Osaka
Dotonbori is a historic entertainment district with roots dating back to the 17th century! It's famous for its massive neon billboards and 3D food signs
The vibrant Dotonbori entertainment district in Osaka is famous for its dazzling neon lights and abundance of restaurants
The best time to visit Dotonbori is in the early evening to experience the vibrant neon lights and bustling nightlife
A line outside the famous Kushikatsu Daruma restaurant in Dotonbori
"Ganko Oyaji" mascot outside the Ganko Sushi restaurant chain
Decorative replica of a Bluefin tuna fish outside a sushi restaurant
Taking a selfie at the iconic Glico Man sign in Osaka's Dotonbori district
Delicious wagyu at Ikinari Steak House
"Waterfall of Light" at Namba Parks
Colorful orb lights in downtown Osaka
Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka, commonly known as "Osaka's Kitchen"
Nara's manhole covers feature Sika deer (the symbol for this town)
Nakatanidou is a famous shop in Nara renowned for its yomogi mochi (mugwort rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste). If you are lucky, you can watch viral mochi pounding performances which occurs several times each day
A traditional dragon water fountain (known as a chozuya) used for purification at the Kofukuji Temple in Nara
Nan-en-dō (Southern Round Hall) of Kōfuku-ji Temple in Nara
Central Golden Hall (Chū-kondō) of Kōfuku-ji temple
Robby and a sika deer bowing to each other in Nara
Selfie with a deer in Nara
Over 1,000 wild Sika deer live in Nara and they are famous for bowing to visitors to request "shika senbei" (deer crackers)
Iconic moss-covered stone lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara
A Japanese family celebrating "Shichi-Go-San" (meaning "seven-five-three"), a traditional rite of passage for children. Children wear traditional kimono or hakama to visit a Shinto Shrine
Donor plaques found at a Shinto shrine listing the names of individuals or organizations who have made contributions
Bronze lanterns hanging from the corridors of Kasuga Taisha Shrine
A pathway at the Kasuga Taisha shrine lined with moss-covered stone lanterns
Children posing for the camera at Kasuga Taisha shrine
3000 bronze and stone lanterns can be found at UNESCO world heritage Kasuga Taisha shrine, which was established in 768 AD
A boy celebrating Shichi-Go-San, a traditional Japanese festival for three and seven-year-old girls and five-year-old boys to mark their growth and pray for good health
A girl smiles for the camera while celebrating Shichi-Go-San
A 3 year old girl strikes a pose while celebrating Shichi-Go-San at Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Taisha Shrine is often referred to as the "Shrine of a Thousand Lanterns"
A girl dressed in a beautiful kimono celebrates Shichi-Go-San
We loved the traditional outfits that all the children were wearing to celebrate Shichi-Go-San, a traditional Japanese rite of passage for children aged three, five, and seven
A young girl poses for photos at Kasuga Taisha Shrine
This young girl was learning how to walk in traditional sandals (zori)
Prayer hall at Kasuga Taisha shrine
A serene moment at Mizuya Chaya, a traditional tea house located within Nara Park
Interior of Mizuya Chaya tea house, an udon noodle restaurant
Our delicious mushroom udon soup at Mizuya Chaya
The bowing deer of Nara are so cute!
Nandaimon Gate (Great South Gate) at the Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara
Replicas of the hands from the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) statue located at the Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara
The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) at UNESCO world heritage site Tōdai-ji temple. It is the largest wooden structure in the world
Hula performance at Himuro Shrine
Hula has become a massive cultural phenomenon in Japan, with an estimated 2 million dancers (outnumbering dancers in Hawaii)!
Yoshikien Garden is a traditional Japanese strolling garden known for its serene atmosphere and historical roots. This is the "kayabuki" (traditional thatched-roof tea house)
Footpath in Yoshikien Garden
Yoshikien Garden is a stunning garden in Nara that is free to visit!
Beautiful Yoshikien Garden
A dog in a cute tuxedo outfit in Nara
Night scene in the historic Hozenji Yokocho alley located in Namba
Restaurant in the Dotonbori district
"Angry Chef" - the mascot for the Kushikatsu Daruma restaurant chain in Osaka
Dotonbori District of Osaka
Nighttime view of Dotonbori Street in the Minami (South) district
The Glico Man neon sign features a running athlete on a blue track. It has been a famous landmark in the Dotonbori area since 1935!
"Running cow" mascot on a billboard in Dotonbori
Takoyaki (octopus balls) stall in Dotonbori
Historic stone walls and turrets of Osaka Castle surrounded by its defensive moat
Sengan-yagura Turret at Osaka Castle
Becky standing in front of Osaka Castle
Main tower of Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle was originally built in 1583
View of the Osaka Business Park skyline and the surrounding Osaka Castle Park
A splash of color at a train station in Osaka
Janjan Yokocho (Nanyo-dori Shopping Street) is a historic, 180-meter-long covered alley in Osaka's Shinsekai district
Vibrant Naniwa Komachi - a boutique in the Shinsekai district famous for its extensive collection of animal-print clothing
Pork katsu set at Kasu Udon Ebisuya 2 in the Shinsekai District
Hihokan amusement gallery located in the heart of Shinsekai
A Japanese family pushes their Shibu Inu dogs in a pet stroller in the Shinsekai District
Entrance to a traditional Japanese Ennichi Yokocho (festival alley) featuring nostalgic carnival games in Osaka
The iconic Billiken statue outside a restaurant in the Shinsekai district famous for its retro atmosphere and local cuisine
Busy street scene in the Shinsekai district looking towards the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower
Vibrant storefront in the Shinsekai district of Osaka (a neighborhood famous for its retro atmosphere and street food)
Statue of Billiken, a popular lucky charm figure often found in the Shinsekai district of Osaka
Selfie in front of the Tsutenkaku Tower, a prominent landmark in the Shinsekai district
Kuromon Ichiba Market is a historic culinary hub famous for fresh seafood and street food
A bustling seafood stall in Kuromon Ichiba Market
Bustling scene inside Kuromon Ichiba Market
Fresh tuna heads on display at the Kuromon Ichiba Market
An itamae skillfully preparing fresh bluefin tuna for sashimi at Kuromon Ichiba Market
Red king crab for sale at Kuromon Ichiba Market
Women wearing kimonos and obis (sashes) at a crosswalk in Osaka
Big mistake not taking the express train to the Osaka airport because the local train was packed and we barely made it on!
