Mixed experience in Japan — beautiful but overhyped

Japan is undeniably beautiful. Hiroshima Peace Memorial and the area around Osaka have a visual quality that photographs don't capture fully. I enjoyed matcha everything and appreciated unique blend of ancient and ultra-modern. That's all real.

But very expensive was more of a problem than I expected based on reviews I'd read. It coloured parts of the trip in ways I hadn't prepared for. I'd still go back, but I'd approach certain aspects differently. A 4 feels generous on a bad day but fair overall.