The beautiful lights in Korakuen for the end of the year are truly magical. The garden transforms into a glowing wonderland, with illuminated trees, pathways, and reflections on the water creating a serene and festive atmosphere. A perfect spot to enjoy Tokyo’s winter charm! ✨🎄
Ever since the news about disguised Chinese guys posing as Japanese monks to scam money from donors, I can’t help but wonder: is this guy fake too? It’s a thought that crosses my mind every time I see a monk collecting donations now. The whole situation has made something so culturally iconic feel suspicious, which…
I’m not usually a fan of HDR, but I wanted to show what the X-T2’s sensor can do with just one shot. The dynamic range is impressive—it lets you lift the shadows without introducing much noise, something I couldn’t achieve as easily with my old 5D Mark III. It’s great to have that extra flexibility…
Took some handheld shots at 1/15s using the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS, and I’m impressed. This “cheap” zoom really delivers. The image stabilization is fantastic—better than I expected and even better than the Canon 100-400mm I used to own. With the Fuji, I can still get sharp shots at 1/15s, whereas with…
Takadanobaba on the Yamanote Line, also known as the Atomu stop! Famous for its connection to Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom), this lively station even plays the iconic theme song when trains arrive. A fun nod to Osamu Tezuka’s legacy and a charming detail for fans of Japanese pop culture.
Captured various people waiting for trains in Tokyo, specifically in Shinjuku and Akihabara. Why, you ask? Turns out there’s a demand for these kinds of shots on Shutterstock! It’s interesting how everyday moments, like commuters standing by the platform, can be turned into stock photo gold. Sometimes the ordinary is what people are looking for.
In addition to the uncomfortable pillow, the one thing I’m not too fond of in a ryokan is the traditional Japanese breakfast. It’s always beautifully presented, but for me, it’s just too much salty stuff and not nearly enough sweet options. And the lack of coffee? A real challenge first thing in the morning. I…
A ryokan stay once a year is just about frequent enough for me. While I love the experience—the serene atmosphere, the onsen, and the incredible meals—I struggle with the traditional pillows they usually provide. They’re just too hard for me, and it makes sleeping a bit of a challenge. Still, the charm of the whole…
The Japanese countryside really highlights the contrast between urban and rural living—where a hotel room can easily outsize most Tokyo apartments! It’s fascinating how space is so generously available in these areas, offering a glimpse into a more relaxed and expansive way of life. It makes you think about how differently resources like land and…
The ryokan we stayed at was packed with old items gathered from the countryside, giving it a rustic and unique charm. One standout piece was an old Daruma doll—its faded paint and worn expression added to its character, but it definitely spooked the girls! A little eerie, but part of the ryokan’s quirky atmosphere.
As I mentioned earlier, playing with the focus ring of the little Zeiss Biogon is such a treat. Here’s a defocused shot of the road while waiting at a traffic light in Tokyo. The blurred lights and soft bokeh create a dreamy, abstract vibe—proof that even a mundane moment can turn into something visually interesting…
Had an amazing dining experience at Amour, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Ebisu. The delicate fusion of French and Japanese cuisine was beautifully crafted, reminding me of the excellent Sa.Qua.Na in Honfleur. Every dish was a treat for the senses—definitely worth a try if you’re in the area!
The focus ring of the Zeiss Biogon 35mm is such a joy to use—smooth, precise, and with just the right amount of resistance. I find myself often playing with it, even when I’m not shooting, just because it feels so satisfying. It’s a reminder of how much fun manual focus can be with the right…
I’m loving how the little Zeiss Biogon (35mm) beautifully blurs the background at a large aperture. The soft, creamy bokeh adds so much character to the shots, making subjects stand out while giving the images a dreamy, artistic feel. This lens has a way of turning everyday scenes into something special!
It’s been raining non-stop for days here in Tokyo. The city takes on a completely different vibe—streets glisten, umbrellas fill the sidewalks, and the gray skies add a moody touch to the usual bustle. A bit dreary, but there’s always something atmospheric about Tokyo in the rain.
The 56mm f/1.2 APD has become a permanent fixture on my X-T2—it’s just that good! Incredible sharpness, dreamy bokeh, and perfect for portraits or anything with a shallow depth of field. On another note, The Station Agent was the first movie I saw with Peter Dinklage, long before his Game of Thrones fame. Such a…
Tried the little 35mm Zeiss Biogon on the Fuji X-T2 for some night shots around Kagurazaka, just a few steps from home. No post-processing aside from a red filter, and I’m loving the result. The lens captures such rich tones and character, with a natural, almost film-like feel. A great match for night photography!
One of my favorite temples in Tokyo, only a few steps away from home: Tokyo Daijingu. Mostly visited by women praying for a good relationship. Shot with the Biogon 35mm.
Testing the weather resistance (WR) of the X-T2 on a rainy day in Shibuya—it handled the wet conditions like a champ! Raindrops didn’t faze it, and I was able to capture the vibrant energy of Shibuya in the rain without worrying about the gear. A solid performer for unpredictable weather!