Japan in 2025?

Will I be able to get to Japan this year?

A Glimpse Ahead: Autumn Adventures in Japan and Reflections on 2024

As the vibrant colors of autumn start painting the landscapes in crimson and gold, I can’t help but dream about a possible Japan trip during Momiji season. The idea of strolling under canopies of fiery red maple leaves and exploring historic landmarks fills me with excitement. While plans are still tentative and depend on financial considerations, the allure of a “photo vacation” to gather material for upcoming Japan photobooks, hopefully releasing my planned Top 75 Japan Travel Guide,before, maybe during Summer to be an inspiration for others helping to plan their trips.

Reflecting on 2024: An Epic 84-Day Journey

Looking back at 2024, I’m reminded of the whirlwind 84-day adventure through Japan, a journey packed with incredible destinations and unique experiences. Some highlights include:

• Matsue-jō (Matsue Castle) – One of Japan's few remaining original castles, its charm and history left a lasting impression.

• Kumamoto-jō – Majestic and resilient, it still stands strong despite the damage from the 2016 earthquake. Nearby, I visited the shrine with the smallest torii gate—and, thankfully, managed to avoid getting stuck!

• Okayama-jō – A striking blend of history and elegance, it added a touch of sophistication to the trip.

• Fushimi-jō – A yearly ritual for me, even though it’s now more of a memory than an active cultural site, having once been part of the Castleland amusement park.

Osaka: My Base of Operations

Osaka served as my base during the trip—a dynamic city that never disappoints. Between explorations of the iconic Osaka-jō and the buzzing streets of Namba and Den-Den Town, I embarked on countless successful "raids."

Shopping sprees in retro-game treasure troves like Surugaya were a major highlight. Hunting for rare boxed copies, Pokémon cards, and the occasional figurine felt like a modern-day adventure. Speaking of Pokémon cards, the international boom is undeniable. They’ve become the hot commodity for alternative investments, even surpassing LEGO in popularity due to their space efficiency and rapid value appreciation. Unfortunately, this boom has attracted scalpers, driving up prices dramatically—even in Japan. Games that I once bought for 500–1,200 yen (around €4–10) back in 2015/2016 now fetch five to thirty times those prices.

Dreaming of 2025 and further trips

Looking forward, my wish list for the next Japan trips includes:

• Drones and Castles: Capturing breathtaking aerial footage of landmarks like Goryokaku in Hakodate, Himeji Castle, Nagoya Castle, and Matsumoto Castle. The latter holds a special place in my heart, as Matsumoto was my home for half a year during my exchange semester at Shinshu University in 2022.
• Shikoku Pilgrimage: While my next attempt at the Shikoku pilgrimage will likely have to wait until spring 2027, it remains a cherished goal.

Whether this year brings the opportunity for a full-fledged "photo vacation" remains to be seen, but I’m hopeful. Beyond the photography and exploration, it’s these trips that fuel my creative projects and deepen my connection to Japan.

What’s Next?

For now, I’ll keep planning, dreaming, and saving, with the hope that 2025 will bring new stories, unforgettable moments, and fresh material for my upcoming guides. Until then, the vibrant memories of 2024 will keep me inspired.

What are your autumn travel dreams? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear!