Author: Benoist

Office View

Office View

Always a nice view from the office: A dazzling shot of Tokyo’s skyline at night, with the iconic Tokyo Tower glowing in warm orange against a backdrop of shimmering skyscrapers. The city’s lights create a kaleidoscope of color, reflecting modern energy and urban charm.

Car Wash
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Car Wash

Staffed manual car washes in Japan are like a spa day for your car. The staff, often wearing matching uniforms, handle your vehicle with incredible care and attention to detail. They’ll start with a thorough rinse, apply a foamy wash, and scrub gently with soft mitts or sponges to ensure every inch is spotless. Expect…

Shinrin Koen
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Shinrin Koen

Shinrin Koen in Chiba truly earns its spot as the ultimate park escape near Tokyo. Just an hour’s drive from the city, it’s a green wonderland perfect for families and adventurers alike. Kids will love the wide-open spaces and fun activities, while parents can soak in the serene beauty of nature. Getting around is half…

Thank You

Thank You

Ah, the charm of Starbucks cup messages! Whether it’s a doodle, a simple “Have a great day,” or an overly cheerful motivational quote, there’s something oddly heartwarming about them. It’s like your coffee is whispering a little secret of kindness before you take that first sip. Sure, it’s small and sometimes a bit cliché, but…

A380 Cockpit
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A380 Cockpit

Cleaning up my photo library and trying to find some old stuff for Getty, I stumbled across those nice shots taken in the flight deck of an A380 upon arrival in Paris. The A380 cockpit is a futuristic command center with an impressive balance of complexity and clarity. Twin seats face a vast, curved dashboard…

Harajuku Owl

Harajuku Owl

There’s always strange things happening in Harajuku but this is a fisrt: an owl! The owl, wide-eyed and unbothered, scans the colorful surroundings like a seasoned local, occasionally swiveling its head to judge passersby. Onlookers pause, cameras clicking, unsure if this duo is part of the fashion scene or straight out of a modern-day fairytale….

Gimpo Airport
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Gimpo Airport

My ANA plane is waiting for me at Gimpo Airport, in Seoul. Traveling from Gimpo (Seoul) to Haneda (Tokyo) is one of the easiest international hops, with flights that practically feel like a brisk walk in the sky. The journey takes about 2 hours, making it a quick escape from the bustle of one megacity…

GX85 Samples

GX85 Samples

Some samples from my Panasonic GX 85 (or GX7 mk II as they call it in Japan) equipped with a Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15 mm f/1.7 lens. What a great little camera: compact, solid, sharp, fast AF and lovely bokeh. It will always accompany me during my business trips :) All pictures are JPEG…

Flowers & Flowers
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Flowers & Flowers

Shinrin Koen, Japan’s sprawling natural playground, is a flower lover’s dream. Come spring, fields burst into life with waves of nemophila, their tiny blue petals mimicking a sky that’s fallen to earth. In autumn, crimson kochia balls roll out like fluffy fireballs, painting the landscape in dramatic reds. No matter the season, Shinrin Koen’s blooms…