High-octane Japan
I finally made the long journey to Japan, going on a whirlwind tour of eight cities, travelling between them by high-speed bullet train.
Japan is a country that’s made an impression on all of us, and I found that it has two distinct faces.
There’s the nation that is highly urbanised, crowded, innovative, organised, and speeds along at a breathtaking pace.
This set of photographs are all about that Japan – its neon lights, modern architecture and urban dwellers. Read more below
Tap/click first image to see gallery
While high-octane Japan can be a dizzying experience, it can still be intensely personal. Yes, the old adage is true – Japanese people are very polite and even a visit to the corner shop will be met with deference, thanks and appreciation.
I was always worried about getting horribly confused and lost on Japan’s busy streets, but could find my way around alone. And it was easy enough to order food and make ordinary transactions – the country is now used to tourists.
Some city public transport can be tricky to the uninitiated, so plan ahead and go well-armed with maps.
Hotel rooms are small (I fell over myself a few times) but well-equipped and efficient including the famous multi-functional toilets.
My advice is to immerse yourself in the Japanese urban experience, which is multi-faceted and rich. But there’s another side to this country, which I’ll bring you soon…
mikeosbornphoto 
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I love the way your images have captured the intensity of the Japanese city. It sounds like an amazing country to visit, although I would have to find a way to balance the frenetic nature of places like Tokyo with the calm serenity of some of the countryside locales. (A friend of mine taught English in Japan for four or five years, and loved that balance, the peaceful nature of the Buddhist retreats.) Lovely photos, Mike! :)
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Thanks Richard! Hmmm it’s as if you foresaw what’s coming tomorrow… :)
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Ooh! Glastonbury’s obviously rubbing off on me already!! :)
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Fascinating country Japan….definitely on our bucket list
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Well worth a visit or two, Mark. Very interesting photographically as well, though it took me a long time to decide on how to present the results!
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