Monopoly
Monopoly: the ultimate test of family bonds, cunning strategy, and questionable real estate ethics. Sure, it’s “for the kids,” but we all know it’s about bankrupting Uncle Steve and securing Champs Elysées with a hotel.
Author: Benoist
Star Wars ANA
Unexpected delight in Munich: the ANA R2D2 Dreamliner! Boarding to the Star Wars theme song and being greeted by Yoda made the flight feel like a scene from the galaxy far, far away. A little extra magic for the journey—who wouldn’t want to start their trip with a bit of Jedi wisdom?
Manza Beach Resort
Manza Beach Resort is a tropical haven on the western coast of Okinawa, offering a blend of luxury and natural beauty. Set against the backdrop of lush greenery and pristine waters, the resort features a stunning crescent-shaped beach with soft white sand and crystal-clear shallows perfect for swimming or snorkeling. With panoramic views of Cape…
Ainokura
Tucked deep in the valley, Ainokura (相倉) is the most secluded village in the Gokayama region. It boasts nearly 20 traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, their steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfalls. Unlike the more accessible Ogimachi, Ainokura has managed to stay quieter and less commercialized, offering a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. Many of the farmhouses…
Kanazawa
Kanazawa is a city steeped in history and culture, known for its Edo Period charm, samurai heritage, and vibrant artisan traditions. As the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan, it became a hub of art, craftsmanship, and learning, rivaling the cultural significance of Kyoto and Edo. Remarkably, Kanazawa escaped destruction during WWII, leaving much of…
Kenrokuen Gardens
Kenrokuen Gardens, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens, captured just before a torrential downpour turned it into a scene out of a weather drama. This historic garden in Kanazawa is famous for its six perfect attributes—spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, watercourses, and panoramas. Here, a fleeting moment of serenity with its iconic stone lanterns, winding…
Kurobe Gorge
Riding the Kurobe Gorge Railway offers an array of breathtaking views that capture the raw beauty of Japan’s natural landscapes. The train winds through the towering cliffs of the gorge, revealing stunning vistas of the turquoise Kurobe River far below, its waters glinting in the sunlight. Dense forests line the route, with their appearance changing…
Kurobe Gorge Railway
The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a marvel of engineering and a gateway to one of Japan’s most picturesque natural wonders. Initially built to transport materials for the Kurobe Dam, it now offers visitors an extraordinary experience, winding through the dramatic landscapes of the Kurobe Gorge. The railway stretches 20 kilometers from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira…
Takayama Panorama
Takayama and the Japanese Alps at dusk are a breathtaking sight. As the sun sets, the mountains take on a soft, hazy glow, their silhouettes layered against the fading light. The town of Takayama, with its traditional wooden buildings and quiet streets, feels like a serene postcard scene. Warm lights from the houses begin to…
Matsumoto Castle
HDR photography, when applied sparingly, is a fantastic way to bring out details in scenes with extreme highlights and shadows. Shooting in RAW simplifies this process—you can boost the shadows and tone down the highlights directly in post-processing without resorting to multiple exposures. With a capable camera, the dynamic range is often sufficient to capture…
Takayama Jinya
The Takayama Jinya is a beautifully restored Japanese house in the heart of Takayama, offering a glimpse into the Edo period. Once a regional government office, it now stands as a testament to traditional architecture, with its tatami rooms, wooden beams, and meticulously maintained gardens. Wandering through its halls feels like stepping back in time,…
Okinawa Swim
Sometimes you’ve got to take a few risks for a great shot—this time, it meant my 5D getting splashed with seawater! Totally worth it for the dramatic results, but I’ll admit, my heart skipped a beat. Fingers crossed the camera’s none the worse for wear! 😅
Hunting Pokemons
A now-ubiquitous sight in Tokyo: people of all ages—boys, girls, men, and women—wandering the streets, phones in hand, intently hunting Pokémon. Parks, stations, and even quiet alleys have become hotspots, turning the city into one giant interactive game board. It’s both amusing and surreal to see the craze blend so seamlessly into daily life.
Tokyo Skies
A few days ago, Tokyo’s sky put on a spectacular show with some amazing clouds. Big, dramatic formations rolled across the skyline, their shapes and textures catching the light in the most stunning way. A perfect moment for the camera to capture nature’s art above the urban sprawl.
Fée Délice
Enjoyed some good crêpes in Harajuku at Fée Délice—light, flavorful, and satisfying as always. The ambiance adds to the experience, but the cider? Delicious, yet predictably overpriced. Still, it’s a nice treat in the middle of Tokyo’s bustling streets.
Matsuri Faces
Took the GX85 out for a spin at night, and it handled pretty well! The face AF tracking was impressively reliable, even in low light. Shooting straight JPEGs, the results were solid with manageable noise up to ISO 3000—beyond that, the denoise algorithm softens things too much. For a micro 4/3, though, it’s not bad…
Shibuya Shoot
In the middle of a scorching summer day, the scene at Shibuya Crossing was alive with motion. The girls, laughing and carefree, stood out even more in the blazing sunlight, their energy undeterred by the heat. The maid outfit added a whimsical touch to the vibrant chaos, creating a playful contrast against the urban intensity…
Shibuya Summer
Tokyo summers are relentless—sweltering heat, high humidity, and that sticky feeling as soon as you step outside. I honestly don’t know anyone who enjoys it. The city buzzes on, but you can feel everyone just trying to survive until the cooler autumn air finally rolls in.
Coffee Work
Free Wi-Fi, free air conditioning, and good coffee—no wonder most coffee shops are packed with students, tourists, and salarymen. While students and tourists seem to enjoy the atmosphere and a decent brew, the salarymen are there more for a spot to work or escape, seemingly unfazed by the actual quality of the coffee in their…