Ah, Japanese cashiers—the unsung heroes of retail efficiency and customer service! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Japanese cashiers, where precision meets politeness in a symphony of transactional excellence. First off, Japanese cashiers are renowned for their speed and accuracy. Ever noticed how they can ring up your items faster than you can say…
Got my Nokton 35mm back from Voigtländer—finally focuses to infinity like it should. Took them two months to sort it out. Took it for a spin in Roppongi. Roppongi Hills was a solid test ground—towering skyscrapers, polished architecture, high-end shopping, sleek cafes… Plenty of contrast, reflections, and deep shadows to play with.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is the kind of vehicle that doesn’t care about trends, comfort, or fuel efficiency. It’s built for the toughest environments on Earth, the kind where lesser SUVs crumble and die. This machine is a rolling monument to Toyota’s engineering stubbornness, refusing to modernise in any way that would compromise…
Ginzan Onsen at night is pure magic, like stepping into a scene from a Ghibli film. Nestled in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, this hot spring town transforms after dark into an ethereal vision—warm lanterns glowing softly, their reflections shimmering on the Ginzan River, while the beautifully preserved Taisho-era ryokan exude a timeless charm. And…
Ginzan Onsen is one of Japan’s most picturesque hot spring towns, buried deep in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’ve stepped into a nostalgic postcard or an old Japanese film, this is the place. The town is lined with beautifully preserved Taisho-era (1912-1926) wooden ryokan (traditional inns), which…
Spring in Tokyo is a dream for photographers, especially with a fast, dreamy lens like the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm. The cherry blossoms (sakura) start taking over the city, but they aren’t the only stars—plum blossoms (ume) kick things off as early as February, and magnolias and camellias add to the show. With that Nokton wide…
Enjoyed a visit to Blue Bottle Coffee in Daikanyama. Their Madagascar drink is really good, highly recommended! Did you know that Blue Bottle Coffee, Inc. was founded by W. James Freeman in the early 2000s in Oakland, California. The company is known for its commitment to high-quality, single-origin coffee beans and has played a significant…
A green metal flower spotted in Tokyo. Captured with the Nokton 50mm f/1.4 : wide open, it delivers a soft, dreamy look; stopped down, it transforms into razor-sharp precision.
Appi Kogen Ski Resort, often referred to as the “Aspen of Japan,” is a premier winter destination located in Iwate Prefecture on Japan’s main island of Honshu. Known for its high-quality powder snow, the resort receives around eight meters of light, dry snowfall annually, creating ideal conditions for skiers and snowboarders. The well-maintained slopes span…
Appi Kogen’s location and topography make it naturally prone to strong winds, particularly in the winter months. Sitting at approximately 1,300 meters in elevation, the resort is highly exposed, with open slopes that offer little natural wind protection. This results in frequent gusts, especially at higher elevations, which can significantly impact both perceived temperatures and…