a DIARY is strictly a record of personal and daily experience . while JOURNAL could mean a more general record or logbook but more importantly a technical journal that is a scientific or industry - related publication/ periodical.
It is much more personal than a diary. It contains feelings, emotions, problems, and self-assurances and can be used to evaluate one's life. For a journal, one does not just record one's experiences but also thoughts, feelings and reflections.
