Japan - lost in translation

After almost one year of uninterrupted work, I finally took a few days off and flew over to Japan.

It's difficult to convey in pictures what makes Japan so special, but I've tried my best. It is a country where old and new coexist in a way that is very impressive. It's also an incredibly advanced place - both economically and technologically; but where people are still very much attached to their traditions and culture.

It's also not a place that can (or should) be idealized: like any place on Earth, Japan has its ups and downs. But it is an incredible corner of the world; and well worth a visit.

Without further ado, here's a few of the snapshots I took:

Tokyo

Tokyo is Japan's capital, and an incredible city to booth. Despite being one of the largest urban conglomerates in the world, it is surprisingly silent, orderly, clean and well-organized. Hats off to the Japanese for the way they have managed to pull off this insane logistic feat.

Go to Tokyo if you like neon lights, crowded streets, refined cultural landmarks, stores and restaurants, and seeing people with a brilliant sense of fashion.

Kyoto

Kyoto is Japan's former capital city, and it's a much quieter and traditional place than the current one, Tokyo. If you love beautiful nature, peace, and temples (and don't mind a constant stream of tourists), Kyoto should be on your to-visit list.

Osaka

A bustling mini-Tokyo, Osaka is basically half of one of the biggest urban conglomerates in the world. It's not a glamorous city, although it definitely has got a few interesting views and places to offer. In general, you should go if you want to see how life is in a big city that's similar to Tokyo, but also radically different, in its own way.

Hiroshima

A beautiful city that was basically leveled in 1945 by one of the first nuclear bombs in history, Hiroshima has been fully rebuilt and it's now a regular sleepy, mid-sized city.

A must-see if you want to prove to yourself that the tides of time tend to wash history away, year after year.

All things considered, Japan is one of the best places I've visited so far, and a strong recommendation if you have a bit of time and some money to spend.