Kimono Smile

Kimono Smile

Kimono smile: spotted two Japanese ladies in beautiful kimonos taking photos in Kamakura. Their graceful poses and bright smiles perfectly matched the traditional charm of the setting. A lovely scene that felt timeless and quintessentially Japanese.

Boarding Train
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Boarding Train

I’m really happy with the bokeh and colors of the XF 35mm f/2. It’s much lighter than the f/1.4 and focuses significantly faster—perfect for quick shots and everyday use. The weather resistance is an added bonus too. If you’re on the fence, I’d say make the switch—you won’t regret it!

Little Restaurants

Little Restaurants

Tokyo is packed with little restaurants—every alley and street seems to have a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. I think I read somewhere that it has the highest number of restaurants per capita in the world, which wouldn’t be surprising given the sheer variety. Naturally, among the amazing spots, you’ll find some odd ones…

Cute Donut

Cute Donut

Cute donut: visually adorable, but the taste? Not that great. Pretty much what I expected, to be honest. Sometimes the looks outweigh the flavor, but hey, at least it made for a fun picture!

Kabukicho

Kabukicho

Strolling through Kabukicho in Shinjuku with the X-T2 and 90mm in hand. The lens was perfect for picking out details in the bustling streets—neon signs, narrow alleys, and the energy of the nightlife. The sharpness and bokeh made every shot pop, capturing the vibe of Tokyo’s liveliest district. Always a fascinating place to shoot!

XF 90mm and Dust

XF 90mm and Dust

I had to return my first Fuji XF 90mm lens because it came with dust inside straight out of the box. The replacement was clean initially, but after just three months of use, I’ve noticed around 20 specks of dust inside. While I understand that this doesn’t impact image quality, it’s frustrating for a lens…

Skytree Driveby
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Skytree Driveby

Back in Tokyo, driving past the Tokyo Skytree at night—always a spectacular sight. Tried capturing it with the X-T2, but I couldn’t help wishing it had in-body image stabilization like Panasonic cameras. It would make handheld night shots so much easier! Still, the X-T2 delivers great results when you work around its limits. Almost the…

Hot Pot
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Hot Pot

What would a trip to China be without a hotpot? It’s a must-try experience, and this time, it included some tasty (and by tasty, I mean flavorful—not making any judgment here) cow stomach. A unique texture and flavor that definitely adds an adventurous twist to the meal. Hotpot never disappoints in delivering surprises!

Meat Preparation

Meat Preparation

A Chinese chef skillfully cutting meat for a hotpot—every slice precise and deliberate. Watching the preparation adds to the anticipation of the meal, as the thinly sliced meat is key to the perfect hotpot experience. A mix of culinary art and tradition right before your eyes!

Hangzhou

Hangzhou

Not the lake, but the streets around the hotel. Hangzhou: skipping the famous West Lake this time and exploring the streets around the hotel instead. A mix of modern shops, local eateries, and everyday life gives a glimpse into the city beyond its tourist spots. Sometimes, the less iconic places are just as interesting!