The journey from Tokyo to Hakodate via the Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry is an adventurous yet manageable trip, offering a mix of long-distance travel and maritime charm. Aomori, the ferry’s departure point, is approximately 750 kilometers from Tokyo, making it accessible within a day by train or car. For those opting to drive, the route from…
Large wooden gates (torii) at the Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo. The Meiji Gate (明治神宮の大鳥居, Meiji Jingū no Ōtorii) is a stunning and iconic entrance to the Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) in Tokyo, Japan. Situated in a tranquil, forested area of the bustling city, this grand torii gate serves as a symbolic gateway into the sacred grounds of one…
The skies above Meiji Jingu, once a sanctuary of tranquility in the bustling heart of Tokyo, have grown noticeably noisier due to the introduction of a new flight route for planes landing at Haneda Airport. As part of efforts to handle increased air traffic in the Tokyo metropolitan area, this route was implemented to accommodate…
Using the EF 100-400mm lens with a 1.4x extender and an RF adapter on your Canon EOS R6 is a powerhouse setup for lunar photography. This combination enhances your ability to capture detailed, high-quality images of the moon, even in the varying light conditions of late afternoon and early night. Why This Setup is Ideal…
A late summer afternoon in Asakusa is a pleasant time for a walk around Sensoji Temple. The sun is low, casting a warm light over the temple grounds, and the air feels just a bit cooler as evening approaches. The Kaminarimon Gate and the pagoda look especially vibrant in the soft light, while Nakamise Street…
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….
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…
Twelve years have passed since I first made a video of the the automated car park in Roppongi Hills so I thought it was time for shooting a new version, with much better hardware to give you as many details as possible in 4K HDR.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
Third attempt at shooting an HDR video in 4K at 60fps. Back in Shibuya but this time on a hot summer night, and with two lenses : RF 15-35mm and 70-200mm.
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…
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! 📸✨