Reminiscing the good old days in Japan savouring my matcha ice cream along the streets in Asakusa, Tokyo, enjoying a good soak at the natural onsen in Beppu, and having tranquil walks in Yoyogi Park.

Do you find yourself looking back at your travel highlights like I do? COVID-19 has made unexpected drastic changes, for some of us - causing a mixture of the happiest and grimmest times in our lives. However, on the comforting prospect, I believe we have all learnt tbe true definition of privilege. The privilege to dine in as and when we like, booking an air ticket to our dream destination, and the times where we don’t have to safe-entry our way through every single outlet or location. This pandemic gave me a privilege check. Maybe life would never be the same as before, but we would definitely not take our consumption freedoms for granted anymore.

On a MUCH lighter note (well, that was serious), we recently held our Japan Virtual Travel Contest  and received more than 100 entries. On behalf of the team, we wanted to express how much we enjoyed reading every single entry thoroughly and visualising all your fondest memories in Japan!

Some have thanked us for gifting the chance to reminisce those forgotten memories. We also wanted to say thank you for granting us the chance to take a great virtual trip to different parts of Japan.

If you’re one of the participants that joined our contest - you might catch your pictures in our virtual travel series as we filter them in 3 articles according to three different themes. Read on to find out more!

Kusatsu-Machi, Gunma prefecture

Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi prefecture

Yamanashi prefecture is about an hour and a half drive from Tokyo city center and encompasses the northern part of Mount Fuji.

Chureito Pagoda, Yamanashi prefecture

One of the top attractions in Japan for its best view point of Mount Fuji.

Fuji Shibazakura, Yamanashi prefecture

Photo credits: @amxcare

Have you heard about Shibazakura? It is known as pink moss in English, and during its peak season (typically around mid-April to early June), the whole area would be covered with Shibazakura, making it a very popular tourist and wedding photoshoots destinations.

The most popular place to catch Shibazakura is at Lake Motosu, the base of Mt Fuji. It is easily accessible by public transport but @amxcare advises you to avoid visiting during the golden week as the place will be flooded. She is speaking from her own experience where a 1.5 hour bus ride turned into a 3 hours ride due to the crowd!

Mount Fuji

Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima

Dōtonbori, Osaka

@aliciatannnn: Walking down the different streets in Japan can bring a myriad of feelings - from the calmness of the streets in Himeji to the bustling streets of Osaka's Dotonbori.

She expresses that Japan has taken a special spot in her heart. Same, Alicia.

And we all know that a trip to Osaka is not complete if you do not take a photo in front of Glico Man.

If you have been to Osaka’s Dotonburi, you would definitely see this eye-catching icon along Tombori Riverwalk and near the entrance of Shinsaibashisuji. This sign actually represents the popular Japanese snack maker, Glico. Familiar? Yes, your Pocky snack is manufactured from Glico!

Himeji Castle, Hyōgo Prefecture

Speaking about Himeji, you can’t miss Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture.

According to @jialuuuuu_, this pristine white castle is a hidden gem in Japan, and far more underrated compared to the highly raved Osaka castle. He said, in his opinion, it is the best castle in Japan.

Osaka Castle

But i still got to stand in for Osaka Castle, where during spring season, we know exactly why it would be packed with tourists and locals! The location is popular for capturing your instagrammable shot.  

Kumamoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle, Nagano prefecture

One of our favourite pictures from this contest. It was extremely tough to pick only one favourite, but we found this picture etched in our minds for days.

Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano prefecture

Photo credits: @fjeys

Photo credits: @ceryssienna

@fjeys and @ceryssienna have a common love for Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, Japan.

Winter is the perfect season to visit this place as you will be rewarded by sights of adorable monkeys enjoying a good soak in the steaming hot onsen. The monkeys will also rest on each other or scratch/groom each other’s backs. Both voiced that it is a place one should definitely visit at least once!

Shirakawa-go Village, Gifu prefecture

If you have followed NANI for quite some time, you may (should) have read our Exploring Chubu: Nagoya, Shirakawa & Takayama Travel Article. Shirakawa-go village is one of many’s bucket lists of places to visit in Japan, predominantly for its magical Christmas wonderland vibes, although @shawn_alchemize pointed his favourite is in the autumn season. It’s unarguably why Shirakawago remains one of the top attractions of Japan regardless of the season.

Sensōji-Temple, Tokyo

Yasaka pagoda (also known as Hokanji Temple), Kyoto 

A Geisha performance during the Setsuban Festival at Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto, Japan!

Setsuban is a Japanese festival that is held a day before the first day of Spring. The celebration of Setsuban is the cleaning and purification of oneself before the “new year”, which is why some may mistake it as New Year’s Eve.

Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka

Check out @throttinn’s experience of the Setsuban Festival at Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka, Japan!

Otaru Canal, Hokkaido

Catch the beauty of the Otaru Canal during two different seasons! Same location - from a different perspective, captured by @kennethwjc and @jialuuuuu_ respectively.

It’s true when they say photographers capture moments that cannot be reproduced again. Which season do you like better?

Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Noboribetsu, Hokkaido

Hop on to our next post for the nature and scenic places to visit in Japan to get away from the city hustle!