ANCIENT LANDMARKS, modern wonders
and one of the best public transport systems
in the world – for a holiday experience likely
to leave you on a high for months after you
return, get thee to Japan! Travel and lifestyle
photographer Nicola Levitt and her fiancé
Alon Taylor recently spent two-and-a-half
weeks exploring this fascinating country, and
can’t speak highly enough of their experience.
“We were looking to immerse ourselves in
a different culture, and Japan is like another
world,” Nicola says. With the aim of seeing the
country in all of its diverse lights, they divided
their time between the bustling metropolis of
Tokyo, the magical Onsen (hot spring) town
of Kinosaki and the culturally rich city of Kyoto.
They also sojourned in a mixture of Airbnbs,
home-stays and hotels: “Each place offered
its own unique experience,” Nicola explains.
With her camera always in hand, she found
no shortage of inspiring sights and scenes to
capture. “It wasn’t always particularly ‘pretty’
but I was really drawn to the architecture,
especially the suburban apartment buildings
with pastel coloured tiles, which acted in
stark contrast to the old-worldly machiyas
[traditional wooden townhouses typical of
Kyoto],” she says. Shopping and eating also
rated highly on the couple’s to-do list, and
they were spoilt for choice. “The beauty of
Japan is that anywhere you eat will be good,”
Nicola says. The same can be said for the
myriad boutiques, department stores and
concept stores on offer. “Give yourself a time
limit!” she jokes. By trip’s end, Nicola and
Alon were utterly enamoured with Japan and
its many charms. “We returned home feeling
like we’d learnt so much and seen a very
special part of the world,” she says.
To see more of Nicola’s travel photography,
follow @nicolasevitt on Instagram.How to get there Fly to Tokyo International airport from any Australian capital city. Once there, Nicola
suggests catching the train to your next destination. “Always. Everywhere. They are so efficient!” she says.
Best eats Try Yakumo Saryo in Tokyo for lunch and Monk in Kyoto for dinner – both serve simple food in a
serene setting; book to avoid disappointment. Top shops Tokyu Hands for bargain finds, Loft for Japanese
stationery and gifts, and Kitone in Kyoto for dreamy ceramics. Good to know Where possible, book your
train tickets in advance and travel light! “The trains aren’t built for cumbersome luggage,” Nicola explains. Rneed to know
Shine bright Kyoto’s Golden
Pavilion shimmers in the sunlight.
Home cooking Enjoy a long
lunch at residence-turned-
restaurant Yakumo Saryo (above
left and right) and soak up the
interiors while you’re at it. “Every
corner is perfection,” Nicola says.
Get the scoop Be sure to add
black sesame ice cream (below)
to your must-sample list.TOKYO@reallivingmag