Japan's overwhelming ancient and modern aesthetic stood out most during my trip. In Japanese Culture, The Religious and Philosophical Foundations, Roger J. Davies states,

“Aesthetics, which has played such a prominent role in Japan since ancient times, has its roots in the two major religions of the country — Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto’s influence can be felt mainly in a continuing reverence for both nature and purity, and from Buddhism comes all of the most basic Japanese attitudes toward aesthetics.” (Davies, p. 145)

The preservation of ancient architecture and culture (specifically in Kyoto) was fascinating to me. Japan excels in modernizing its society in a way that still upholds traditional values and ways of life, which is very much reflected in the surroundings. This collection of photos is a little glimpse into this.