In Kyoto, we were enchanted by the tranquil oasis filled with temples, shrines, and beautiful gardens. We spent hours wandering through the grounds of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its iconic rows of orange torii gates stretching up into the hills. We also visited the Ginkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Silver Pavilion, with its beautiful zen garden, and the Kinkaku-ji Temple, or Golden Pavilion, which is covered in gold leaf and surrounded by a tranquil pond. One of the highlights of our time in Kyoto was visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where we learned about the history of the Imperial Family and the fascinating stories behind the buildings and gardens. We also took a peaceful stroll through the Philosopher's Path, a beautiful cherry blossom-lined canal that leads to the beautiful Nanzen-ji Temple.

From Kyoto, we traveled to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb that was dropped on the city during World War II. It was a sobering experience, but one that was important to have. Another highlight of our trip was visiting the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, located on the island of Miyajima just off the coast of Hiroshima. The shrine is famous for its "floating" torii gate, which appears to be suspended in the water during high tide. We were lucky enough to see the gate at both high and low tide, which was a truly unforgettable experience.

Finally, in Osaka, we tried all sorts of local delicacies, from takoyaki (octopus balls) to okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). We also visited the stunning Osaka Castle, which is surrounded by a moat and beautiful cherry blossom trees.

Overall, our trip to Japan was an incredible experience that we will never forget. We were blown away by the beauty and culture of each city we visited, from the bright lights of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto. If you're considering a trip to Japan, we highly recommend it – there's so much to see and do, and you're sure to have an unforgettable time.