Travel photography is my way of preserving the experiences, cultures, and stories I encounter in Japan and across the globe. In Japan, every corner offers something unique—mist-covered mountains in the countryside, bustling streets lit by neon in the cities, and serene temples standing quietly amidst the modern world. Cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant festivals in summer, fiery autumn leaves, and snow-covered landscapes in winter provide an ever-changing canvas to capture. Beyond Japan, the world offers a vibrant palette of contrasts. From the historic charm of European cobblestone streets to the vibrant chaos of Southeast Asian markets, every destination has its own rhythm and soul. Whether it’s the golden hues of a desert sunrise, the vibrant colors of local cuisine, or the candid moments of people going about their lives, my photos aim to tell stories of places and people and offer an intimate look at the world’s beauty, one shot at a time.
The Naha Makishi Public Market, accessible from bustling Kokusai Street, is a lively hub where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Okinawan cuisine. Women are the driving force behind this Machigwa, bringing energy and authenticity to the market’s atmosphere. On the first floor, you’ll find a colorful array of tropical seafood, unique…
Shuri Castle (首里城) in Shuri, Okinawa, stands as a symbol of the Ryūkyū Kingdom’s rich history and culture. Once the royal palace, it served as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the kingdom. Tragically, it was almost completely destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Starting in 1992, the castle was meticulously reconstructed…
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…
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 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, 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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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,…
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! 😅
The sight of snow-covered trees in Kagura, a pristine ski area in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture, is like stepping into a winter fairy tale. Known for its abundant snowfall and untouched beauty, Kagura transforms into a wonderland where every tree is cloaked in layers of soft, powdery white. The “snow monsters”, as some affectionately call them,…
Takaragawa Onsen is a stunning hot spring resort located in the mountainous region of Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Surrounded by pristine nature, it offers a tranquil escape for those looking to unwind in a serene and picturesque environment. The onsen is famed for its breathtaking setting along the Takaragawa River, where guests can soak in the…
The Musée de la Mine du Molay-Littry, located in Normandy, France, is a unique museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of coal mining in the region. It offers a glimpse into the industrial past of the area and highlights the daily lives, struggles, and resilience of the miners who worked there. The museum…
Mondaye Abbey, located in Normandy, France, is a serene and historic monastic complex with deep roots stretching back to the 12th century. It is an exceptional example of French Baroque architecture combined with a timeless spiritual ambiance that speaks to centuries of devotion and quiet resilience. The abbey is home to a community of Norbertine…
The Redoutable in Cherbourg is an iconic piece of maritime history, prominently showcased at the Cité de la Mer museum in the port city of Cherbourg, France. The Redoutable holds the distinction of being the world’s first ballistic missile submarine powered by nuclear energy. Launched in 1967 and commissioned in 1971, it represents a significant…
Wheat crops are a staple of the French agricultural landscape, integral to both the economy and the rural scenery. France, being one of Europe’s top wheat producers, sees extensive cultivation across multiple regions, including the fertile plains of Île-de-France and the wide-open fields of Centre-Val de Loire. These areas are known for producing high-quality soft…