The Friendly Faces of Japan (and some pets)

Friendly faces and pets in Japan

If there’s one thing that we’ll never forget from our time in Japan it’s the people. Always helpful and friendly, they go out of their way to make you feel welcome as a visitor.

This photo essay covers the many friendly faces we met along the way. You’ll also see some dogs and cats. I don’t think we’ve ever seen pets as spoiled as Japanese pets.

school group in Japan — School group. If you’re a foreigner wandering around you’ll probably encounter them at some point. “Can we speak to you?” they’ll ask. Accompanied by a teacher they’re just trying to practice their English. In a few sites you might find yourself stopped several times…but we always made time for the kids.

pretty girls in Japan — You’ll also see a lot of girls wandering around in kimonos, especially in Kyoto. They’re tourists, most from other parts of Japan and wandering around in kimonos seems to be the thing to do. There are lots of stores where you can rent a kimono for the day.

Harajuku girls, Tokyo — Harajuku Girls in Tokyo. You’ll find them in the Harajuku section of the city, an area known for its funky fashion.

The Friendly Faces of Japan (and some pets) — Father and son in the small town of Tokayama, in Central Honshu.

girls in Kimonos, Japan — More kimonos in Kyoto. This photo was taken just outside the Tenryu-ji temple near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

tea ceremony in Tokyo — Our host for the Tea Ceremony at the Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo.

Friendly attendant at the Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa.

girl in Japan — Above photos: the Meiji Shrine, one of Japan’s most popular shrines. Many people come here for various festivals and ceremonies. We were here in November and got to see young girls and boys celebrating Shichi-Go-San, a traditional rite of passage for three and seven-year-old girls and five-year-old boys.

People with their Pampered Pets in Japan

We’ve never seen as many dogs and cats dressed up in cute little outfits or being transported around in baby carriages or carried in people’s arms. A little over the top? Yes, maybe…

More Photos

pretty girl, Tokyo — Performer in Ueno Park, Tokyo.

Geisha in Tokyo — Girl dressed as Geisha, Higashiyama district of Kyoto.

dressing up in Japan — Characters outside Matsumoto Castle, Matsumoto (Central Honshu)

The Friendly Faces of Japan — Colourful kimonos at the Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kyoto.

school group in Kyoto — More school kids. They were from a small town outside Osaka (photographed at the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto).

Robot and kid at main train station, Kanazawa (Central Honshu).

buying Sake in Japan — Vendor at Sake store in Tokayama.

friendly faces in Asakusa — Friendly passerby in Asakusa district, Tokyo..

Japan is an easy country to photograph people – taking photos is the national sport and the Japanese don’t seem shy when asked. Photo credit to Lissette, she’s great at taking photos of people. Every single photo up above is hers.

Thank you Japan for your incredible hospitality and helpfulness. Your people make Japan a very special place in our hearts.

Related: Dogs we’ve met on our travels…and the most dog-loving countries!

Related: Why you’ll never see me in an All-inclusive resort (again)

Related: My Best (and Worst) of Morocco

Ps. If you find our blog helpful, please consider using our links to book your flights, hotels, tours, and car rentals. Have a look at our Travel Resources page.