Visiting Japan in March of 2011 was one of the most interesting trips I have ever taken. The Japanese culture is a hidden treasure, a book that has a thousand pages and each page is as intricate as the origami cranes. The cultural heritage permeates everything – the food, the music, the literature, even the way people dress… During this trip, I had a glimpse into the life of the Japanese people, but this opportunity has created more questions than answers and left me longing for more…

There are so many wonderful layers to Japan; uncovering them for ten days has been a privilege and a pleasure.

Japan is the place to be for foodies! Rice, fish and delicious ramen for breakfast…

A bento box on the train – fresh and tasty!

The snow is falling lightly with the anime banner in the background, creating an illusion of an eerie, hidden world…

Marvelous displays in a spotless shopping galaxy – Takashimaya…

A good example of localized globalization: Starbucks Sakura Latte, served with a moist towelette… Arigato gozaimasu…

Shibuya Square – the Japanese version of Times Square…

A beautiful sunny day at the Imperial Palace in the heart of Tokyo… The juxtaposition of the old and the new is easily found throughout Japan.

Spotted the first blooms of the plum tree at the Imperial Palace gardens; will I get as lucky with sakura?

Amazing taste of simple fresh sushi in a little eatery tucked away under the rail bridge…

A moment of everyday life, captured through the eyes of an eager tourist… The lanterns are brightening up the pre-dusk streets…

Little streets like this one have always fascinated me; I love to explore them at length. Across the street – izakaya, a bar where “the salary-men” go… Kampai!

Tokyo is a vibrant, incredibly fast-moving city. It will forever stay in my heart as the place where I felt intensely alive and connected to people around me. It is the technological mecca, where Pachinko and robotics enthusiasts alike will surely find something interesting to do. It is an ecstatic mixture of lights, noises, rush hours, crowded subways and shopping universes. It is a city worth exploring and a dream come true…