Author: Benoist

Hokkaido Hills

Hokkaido Hills

On the way back from Furano, grabbing some melons turned into an unexpected moment of magic. The sun teasing the clouds, casting soft shadows over the rolling hills, sounds like a scene straight out of a painting. Moments like these are what make Hokkaido’s landscapes unforgettable—simple yet breathtaking.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Tanukikoji Shopping Street in Sapporo is a vibrant slice of history and modern convenience. Stretching 1km with around 200 shops, it’s a feast for the eyes and perfect for any weather—especially during Hokkaido’s chilly winters. Its origins dating back to the 1870s add a nostalgic charm to the bustling arcade, making it a lively blend…

Unidon
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Unidon

Uni-don, a Hokkaido specialty, is a must-try for seafood lovers. Fresh sea urchin atop perfectly steamed rice is a true ocean-to-table delight. Pro-tip is spot on: the best uni is firm and has a creamy texture, not mushy or overly jam-like. A bite of Hokkaido’s finest, straight from the sea! 🥢🍚

Ikuradon
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Ikuradon

The jewel of Hokkaido cuisine, Ikuradon, hits differently in its homeland. This one from Otaru gleams with vibrant orange salmon roe, piled generously atop fluffy white rice. Each bite bursts with salty-sweet freshness, like the ocean decided to spoil you for the day. Simple, local, and absolutely unforgettable.

Flying Again
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Flying Again

Twenty months is a long time to be grounded. A short hop to Hokkaido sounds like the perfect way to ease back into flying. No work meetings this time—just fresh air, stunning scenery, and maybe a bowl of Ikuradon to celebrate freedom. Cheers to travel again!

Kamui Cape
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Kamui Cape

Cape Kamui, perched on the Shakotan Peninsula, is a two-hour coastal adventure from Sapporo that rewards you with jaw-dropping views. The drive alone sets the mood, with winding roads and cliffs teasing what’s to come. At the cape, you’ll find the essentials—parking, a restaurant, vending machines (because Japan never skips them), and restrooms. The 15-minute…

Hokkaido Milk
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Hokkaido Milk

This Hokkaido cow looks like it could be a long-lost cousin from Normandy—calm, curious, and probably loving the lush fields. Hokkaido’s pastoral vibe really does echo Normandy, doesn’t it? Seeing your kids react to the smell is a classic city-kid moment—time for them to embrace the countryside and make friends with the locals, four-legged or…

Dying Villages

Dying Villages

The Japanese countryside tells stories of time standing still, and Hokkaido is no exception. Among its stunning landscapes are quiet villages that feel frozen in another era—charming but undeniably fading. Weathered houses, empty streets, and a lingering sense of nostalgia paint a bittersweet picture. It’s beautiful, but also a reminder of the slow retreat of…

Hokkaido Drive
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Hokkaido Drive

Driving through Hokkaido’s serene landscapes feels like therapy on wheels. Rolling hills, endless skies, and roads that seem to stretch into tranquility make every mile a joy. It’s the kind of drive where you lose track of time and just soak in the peaceful rhythm of nature. Truly a road trip worth savoring. The speed…

Sapporo Panorama

Sapporo Panorama

The Sapporo TV Tower is a classic landmark, rising 147 meters above the city and offering a stunning panorama from its 90-meter observation deck. The view? Pure Sapporo magic—sprawling cityscapes framed by mountains. The ride up may cost a bit, but it’s worth it. These shots, captured with the RF24-240mm, do justice to the scene,…

Hokkaido Flowers
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Hokkaido Flowers

Traveling light often calls for sacrifices, and swapping the RF50mm f/1.2L for the f/1.8 makes sense when you’re trying to keep it simple. Sure, the f/1.2L is a masterpiece, but the question remains—does it deliver ten times the magic? Maybe not, especially for casual holiday shots. The f/1.8 still gets the job done without breaking…

Auto Focus
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Auto Focus

Testing the R6’s eye-tracking AF with the EF400mm f/5.6L in the bustling chaos of Shibuya sounds like a fun challenge! It’s great to hear the lens pairs so well with the R6, maintaining its reputation for quick and accurate focusing even on a modern body. The sharpness and speed you described make it clear why…

The Moon

The Moon

Found a second hand EF400mm F5.6L USM at Map Camera in pristine condition. Cost me a lot less than a brand new RF100-500mm for about the same reach. It’s also less bulky and slightly lighter. It does not have IS, but since the R6 (or the R5 for that matter) does have IBIS, it’s not…

Shrine Maiden

Shrine Maiden

A young Miko gracefully performing her duties at a shrine in Tokyo, a serene moment that captures the spirit of tradition. Fun fact: this shot was taken at an impressive 25,600 ISO and later cleaned up using DeNoise AI from Topaz Labs. The results are truly stunning, with incredible detail and minimal noise—modern tools working…

Ramen
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Ramen

This ramen from Sugamo isn’t just delicious—it’s got Michelin history. Rich broth, expertly crafted noodles, and flavors that earned it a star make it a must-try. If you’re in the area, treat yourself to a bowl that blends local charm with world-class taste. Highly recommended and worth the detour!

Kakigori
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Kakigori

Kakigori, the ultimate summer indulgence in Japan! Fluffy shaved ice drenched in vibrant syrups or layered with fresh fruits and condensed milk—it’s as refreshing as it is delicious. Perfect for cooling off on a sweltering day while savoring a bit of Japanese tradition. Don’t miss it!

Lunch Date
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Lunch Date

Lunch with the Canon R6 and the RF 50mm f/1.2L sounds like a date made in photography heaven. The RF version seems like a dream come true—sharp as a tack even wide open, with that signature creamy bokeh that turns every shot into art. Compared to the EF version, it’s a whole new level of…