Japan has a bit of a unique reputation when it comes to the stereotypical images it conjures up in your head: an interesting dichotomy of sprawling metropolises and natural countryside beauty.

But even with a plane ticket and a Japan-Rail Pass, it can be pretty overwhelming to take all those fascinating sights in. Fortunately, film-maker Brad Kremer put together a stunningly shot time lapse of his travels in Japan. Shot back in the summer of 2009, the impressive video is titled "Hayaku: A Time Lapse Journey Through Japan" (Hayaku means quickly/rapidly in Japanese) features locations including Tokyo, Matsuyama, Imabari, Nagano, Gifu, and Mt. Ishizuchi.

While the video starts off with the neon hustle and bustle of Tokyo, it hits a beautiful stride in the second half, where more of Japan's serene and softer side opens up under gorgeously changing skies.

From afar, Tokyo is a sea of lights.

The closer you get, however, it becomes a sea of people.

With so many (delicious) nooks and crannies to explore.

With super crowded train stations.

But if you just get on one of those trains...

They can take you somewhere special.

You'll forget you were even in the same country.

And boy the sunsets can be beautiful.

Really beautiful!

And places like this

Look just as good as this!