Byodoin is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji. An image of its Phoenix Hall (seen here) is displayed on the ten yen coin.

Shibuya crossing at night.

Magome is a post town on the Nakasendō, an ancient road that connected Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) in the Edo period. You can still hike the Nakasendō today, and Magome is a popular starting point.

One of the many friendly deer that wander around Nara.

A beautiful example of Japanese castle architecture.

Tonkotsu ramen from a chain restaurant called Ichiran.

Furusato is a minshuku (traditional B&B) in Shirakawago.

Tashirojima, an island covered in cats along with some cat buildings.

This is the view of Tokyo Bay from Odaiba.

Octopus balls, a popular street food.

The moss garden at Gioji, a small temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto.

The peak of Mount Fuji as seen from the 5th station, halfway up the mountain.

Kaiseki is a traditional style of Japanese meal. This photo was taken at Furusato in Shirakawago.

Known as the most beautiful castle in Japan.

Sea urchin found at Omicho Market in Kanazawa.

Shirakawago is a traditional Japanese village in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture.

A savory Japanese pancake. The word “okonomiyaki” translates to “how you like it”, and you can have it made with any ingredients you like!

The city of Nara is full of friendly deer, one of which is seen here getting some rest.

Ginkakuji (Temple of the silver pavilion) is a Zen temple in Kyoto.

One of the gardens at Tofukuji, a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto.

Tonkatsu is a deep-fried pork cutlet, often served with shredded cabbage.

This is the main gate of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of the kami Inari.

These noodles are green because they were made with matcha, a finely ground green tea powder. This was found on the shopping street leading to Byodoin, a temple in Uji.

One of the gardens at Tofukuji, a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto.

Udon noodles at Kiyomizudera, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto.

Paul enjoying the view from the gate at Nanzenji, a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto.

This is a cat.

This is the view from Magome, a post town on the Nakasendō, an ancient road connecting Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).

These are statues of the bodhisatva Jizō, guardian of children. Found at Hasedera, a temple in Kamakura.

A garden at Hasedera, a temple in Kamakura.

This collection of lanterns was found at the Kawagoe Festival Museum (Kawagoe Matsuri Kaikan).

Fog settling between the mountains on the edge of Sapporo.

A huge garden in Tokyo featuring Japanese, English, and French style gardens.

This was from Sushi Bar Yasuda in Tokyo.

One of the most famous temples in Kyoto.

Grilled chicken and negi on a stick.