In Nagano, we encounter a Japan where tradition and modernity constantly exist side by side. From Buddhist temples dating back to the 7th century to kei cars and vending machines.
Just a few hours from Tokyo’s skyscrapers lies one of Japan’s most charming onsen towns, nestled among the ancient forests of the Japanese Alps. Here, we encounter snow-covered streets, sulphur steam rising between traditional Japanese inns, and snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs.
Ginza in Tokyo is known as one of the world’s most exclusive shopping districts, filled with luxury boutiques and perfectly polished facades. But it’s only when you leave the main streets behind that a completely different Ginza reveals itself – basement bars, local restaurants tucked beneath the train tracks, and rain-soaked backstreets far from the usual tourist trails.
Tokyo is hundreds of impressions in a minute, thousands in a day. It feels as though the city never stands still. And yet, there is a sense of calm here – quiet backstreets and peaceful temples just a block away from some of the busiest intersections in the world.
This is the story of why we chose to leave Sweden behind and travel full-time. In autumn 2023, we quit our jobs, sold our penthouse apartment in Uppsala, our car and our furniture, and packed everything we owned into a few moving boxes.