Author: Benoist

Drama Game

Drama Game

Monopoly, the classic board game, has earned a reputation for being a source of frustration and tears, especially when kids are involved. It’s a game that brings out the competitive side in everyone, but it often leads to emotions running high. The rules are simple: buy properties, collect rent, and try to bankrupt your opponents….

Alchimiste Tokyo

Alchimiste Tokyo

What a great way to start our vacation—a delicious lunch at Alchimiste in Tokyo! The food was amazing, with every dish carefully prepared and full of flavor. Each course looked as good as it tasted, and it was clear why this restaurant has earned a Michelin star. From the appetizers to the desserts, everything was…

Wasabi Farm

Wasabi Farm

While visiting a large wasabi farm in Nagano, I was reminded of a fascinating—and somewhat surprising—fact about wasabi. If you’ve ever eaten wasabi and felt it burn your nose, it’s almost certainly not real wasabi. What most people think of as wasabi, even in Japan, is often just horseradish dyed green and possibly mixed with…

Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Zagato

Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Zagato

Spotted on the streets of Tokyo—a rare gem of automotive history, the Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Zagato. This little classic is a showstopper, blending its Italian racing heritage with a design that still turns heads decades after its debut. What makes this car truly stand out is Zagato’s iconic double-bubble roof design. Originally crafted to…

Flower Details
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Flower Details

When I point my macro lens towards tiny street flowers, it feels like stepping into a hidden world filled with incredible details and unexpected beauty. At first glance, these flowers might seem small and ordinary, blending into the urban environment of cracks in sidewalks, forgotten corners, or the edges of busy streets. But through the…

Mr Moustache

Mr Moustache

At Ueno Zoo, you might spot a seal stretched out, soaking up the sun and looking totally at ease. It lies there like it doesn’t have a care in the world, probably daydreaming about the ocean and swimming free. Its big, bushy whiskers stand out—they’re kind of funny but also cool, since they’re super sensitive…

Little Furry Friends

Little Furry Friends

Ueno Zoo in Tokyo is home to black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), small, burrowing rodents native to North America. These social animals are known for their intricate underground colonies, called “towns,” and their distinctive vocalizations that resemble a dog’s bark. While not currently endangered, prairie dogs play a crucial role in their native ecosystems. Ueno Zoo’s…

Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl

Ueno Zoological Gardens, commonly known as Ueno Zoo, is home to the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), a captivating bird native to the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. These owls are renowned for their striking white plumage and piercing yellow eyes. Exhibit Location: The snowy owl exhibit is situated in the East Area of…

ANA Dreamliner

ANA Dreamliner

All Nippon Airways (ANA) was the launch customer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, receiving the first aircraft on September 25, 2011. The airline operates all three variants of the 787: the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10, utilizing them across both domestic and international routes. Fleet Composition: Cabin Configurations: ANA’s 787-9 aircraft are configured in two primary…

JAL A350-900

JAL A350-900

Two Airbus A350-900 from JAL on their way to Haneda. I just sold my RF 70-200mm and EF 400mm and got a second hand EF 100-400mm with an extender in mint condition (version 2 and 3 respectively). The RF 100-500mm is of course great but I could hardly justify spending so much on what would…

Vietnamese Food

Vietnamese Food

Stumbling upon a tiny restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine is always a win, especially when it rivals the flavors from your actual travels in Vietnam! The fresh herbs, perfectly balanced sauces, and fragrant dishes like pho, bun cha, or banh xeo must have transported you straight back to Southeast Asia. These hidden gems are treasures,…

Takayama Sanmachi

Takayama Sanmachi

Takayama, often referred to as the “Little Kyoto of Hida,” is a treasure trove of history and charm. The Sanmachi district, with its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets, is a delight to explore. Traditional wooden merchant houses, quaint shops, sake breweries, and cozy tea houses line the narrow lanes, offering a glimpse into old Japan. Its…

Streaming Time !
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Streaming Time !

A 50mm lens wide open truly has a magic touch! The shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh transform everyday scenes into cinematic works of art. It isolates the subject beautifully, making even the simplest objects or moments look extraordinary. It’s the lens that makes the mundane mesmerizing! 📸✨

Drip Coffee

Drip Coffee

Drip coffee from Kawagoe in Saitama is a simple yet refined pleasure. Carefully brewed to extract the rich aroma and nuanced flavors, it’s the perfect complement to Kawagoe’s charming historical setting. Whether enjoyed in a traditional-style café or a modern spot with a nod to the past, this coffee offers a moment of calm amidst…

Kawagoe Starbucks

Kawagoe Starbucks

The Starbucks in Kawagoe is a perfect blend of modern coffee culture and traditional Japanese aesthetics. Set in a beautifully preserved old Japanese house, it retains its historic charm with wooden beams, tatami-inspired design elements, and a tranquil ambiance. Sipping coffee in such a unique setting makes it much more than just a coffee break—it’s…

Backstreet

Backstreet

The backstreets around railway stations in Japan have a charm like no other. Narrow alleys lined with izakayas, ramen shops, and glowing lanterns create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. The faint hum of passing trains and the buzz of conversations add to the unique vibe. These hidden gems are perfect for exploring the soul of the…

Spice Lab Tokyo

Spice Lab Tokyo

Dining at Spice Lab Tokyo offers a unique and elevated experience with Indian cuisine. Each dish is a masterpiece, blending traditional flavors with innovative presentation and modern techniques. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold spices creates a sensory journey that’s both familiar and adventurous. The elegant ambiance and attentive service make it more…

Tokyo Midtown

Tokyo Midtown

My second attempt at making a 4K HDR video. This time I did not mess up the color space when recording and I read the white paper on HDR and Wide Color Gamut in Final Cut Pro [link] from Apple. This should improve the end results. At least on my HDR display it does! Hope…