Unexpected delight in Munich: the ANA R2D2 Dreamliner! Boarding to the Star Wars theme song and being greeted by Yoda made the flight feel like a scene from the galaxy far, far away. A little extra magic for the journey—who wouldn’t want to start their trip with a bit of Jedi wisdom?
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,…
