Travel Journal
Saint Augustine
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
2024 Trip: Kyoto, Japan
Trip Details
- Dates: March 20-30, 2024
- Duration: 10 days
- Budget: ¥200,000 (~$1,300 USD)
- Highlights: Temples, cherry blossoms, food
Day 1: Arrival
Landed at Kansai International Airport. The train to Kyoto was incredibly efficient — a stark contrast to the transportation chaos described in some smart city discussions.
Travel Tip
Get an ICOCA card for public transport. It works on trains, buses, and even convenience stores.
Day 3: Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari
Famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. The full hike takes about 2-3 hours.
The hike was both physically demanding and spiritually moving. I reflected on the concepts from Book Notes - Thinking Fast and Slow about how environment shapes our experience.
Packing List
Essentials
- Passport and visa
- Travel adapter (Type A/B)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera and extra batteries
- Phrasebook or translation app
- Portable charger
- Rain gear
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amount (¥) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 80,000 | Mix of hostels and ryokan |
| Food | 50,000 | Street food + restaurants |
| Transport | 30,000 | IC card + day passes |
| Activities | 25,000 | Temples, museums |
| Shopping | 15,000 | Souvenirs, books |
| Total | 200,000 |
Currency Tip
Japan is still cash-heavy. Withdraw yen at 7-Eleven ATMs — they accept foreign cards.
Food Highlights
Must-Try Foods
- Ramen at Ichiran — private booth dining
- Sushi at the Nishiki Market
- Matcha desserts in Uji
- Wagyu beef — worth the splurge
- Onigiri from convenience stores — surprisingly good
Photography Notes
Camera Settings for Temples
- Aperture: f/8 for sharp details
- ISO: 200-400 in shaded areas
- White balance: Cloudy for warm tones
See Photography Portfolio for my best shots.
Reflections
Personal Reflection
Travel teaches you more about yourself than any book. The discomfort of navigating a foreign city builds resilience and adaptability.
What I Learned
- Slow travel beats rushed itineraries
- Getting lost leads to the best discoveries
- Food is a window into culture
- Silence can be luxurious
Future Trips
Bucket List
- Iceland — Northern Lights
- New Zealand — Hiking
- Morocco — Desert adventure
- Peru — Machu Picchu
- Norway — Fjords
See Also
- Photography Portfolio — Travel photography
- Healthy Habits — Staying healthy while traveling
- My PKM System — Organizing travel notes
*Tags: travel photography adventure journal