Japan, an island nation in East Asia, is a captivating blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity. From the bustling cities of Tokyo and Osaka, filled with neon lights, skyscrapers, and technological marvels, to the serene temples, shrines, and gardens of Kyoto and Nara, Japan offers a diverse range of experiences. Its stunning natural landscapes include Mount Fuji, cherry blossom-lined rivers, and rugged coastlines, as well as hot spring resorts like Hakone and Beppu that invite relaxation. Japan is also renowned for its rich culture, from traditional tea ceremonies, sumo wrestling, and geisha performances to pop culture phenomena like anime and manga. With its efficient transportation system, delicious cuisine—ranging from sushi and ramen to regional specialties—and warm hospitality, Japan is a destination that seamlessly combines history, nature, and innovation, offering something unforgettable for every traveler. Here are some of the photos I captured during my visits. Enjoy your virtual tour!
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…
Hacienda del Cielo in Tokyo’s Daikanyama district offers a vibrant and stylish atmosphere that makes it a standout destination for Mexican cuisine. Perched on the ninth floor, the restaurant boasts high ceilings, large windows, and a spacious terrace, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance. The decor, inspired by Mayan influences, adds a touch of authenticity…
Japanese diners have taken a liking to a tropical escape that’s far removed from their usual sushi and ramen routines. Hawaiian restaurants in Japan offer a cheeky twist on island cuisine that manages to capture the laid-back vibe of the Pacific without actually requiring a trip to Hawaii. In bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka,…
A close-up photo of flowers at home, captured with the Nokton 28mm lens wide open, showcasing the lens’s beautiful bokeh effect that softly blurs the background, and thus emphasizing the delicate beauty of the blooms. Wide-angle fast lenses like this are not common, and I particularly love the unique qualities of this Nokton lens. Well…
A “No Sleeping” sign slapped up in subway corridors often does more than just keep order—it hints at a deeper problem. In cities where such notices appear, it’s usually because public spaces are being used as the only option for a bed. Instead of addressing the root causes like poor housing and economic hardship, authorities…
Ah, the Seiko Clock Tower in Ginza—a monument that’s been keeping Tokyo punctual since 1894. Perched at the Ginza 4-chome intersection, this clock tower has witnessed the evolution of the city, from horse-drawn carriages to bustling modernity. The original clock tower was the brainchild of Kintarō Hattori, Seiko’s founder, who believed that a public clock…
Japan isn’t all futuristic skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology. Step outside the glitzy city centres, and you’ll find plenty of ageing, low-cost apartment blocks dotting the suburbs. These buildings, often constructed in the economic boom years, have seen better days, with faded exteriors, cramped layouts, and minimal insulation. They cater to students, low-income workers, and older…
Tonkatsu: Japan’s way of proving that deep-frying is an art form. It’s a crispy, golden-brown pork cutlet, breaded with panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) and deep-fried to perfection. Usually, it’s made from pork loin (rosu katsu) for that juicy fat content or pork fillet (hire katsu) for a leaner bite. Either way, it’s crunchy on the outside,…
Highway service areas in Japan have seen significant upgrades, and food quality has improved as a result. Unlike the basic rest stops of the past, many have transformed into full-fledged dining destinations offering a variety of high-quality meals. Japanese service areas (SA) and parking areas (PA) now feature regional specialities, freshly prepared meals, and even…
Shogi is Japan’s version of chess, but with a brutal twist—captured pieces switch sides and can be redeployed against their former owner. It’s a game of relentless warfare, where no piece is ever truly out of play. The board is a 9×9 grid, slightly larger than a chessboard, and the pieces are pentagonal wedges with…
A sushi master (or itamae, meaning “in front of the board” in Japanese) is a highly skilled chef specialising in the art of sushi-making. Becoming an itamae isn’t just about knowing how to slice fish and roll rice—it’s a gruelling, years-long apprenticeship that demands precision, patience, and an almost religious devotion to technique. Rice is the foundation of…
After using the JPEGs straight from the Leica M11, I started noticing how film-like the high ISO files looked. Unlike many digital cameras that aggressively smooth out noise, the M11 retains a fine, organic grain structure, giving images a textured quality reminiscent of classic film stocks. The noise doesn’t feel artificial or obtrusive; instead, it…
Inokashira Pond is the centrepiece of Inokashira Park, located in Kichijoji, Tokyo. It’s a picturesque spot, especially famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. The pond is part of the Kanda River water system and has been around for centuries—it even supplied drinking water to Edo (old Tokyo) during the early Edo period. A fun (or mildly ominous) fact: the…
A night out at an izakaya is an experience that blends great food, endless drinks, and a lively atmosphere. These Japanese gastropubs range from smoky, dimly lit joints packed with salarymen to sleek, modern venues with digital ordering systems. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with a chorus of staff shouting “Irasshaimase!” welcoming you…
Some of Tokyo’s trains have gone full sci-fi mode—no more crumpled paper ads on the sides. Instead, it’s all sleek LCD screens, bombarding you ads. The trains themselves are unsettlingly clean, almost too perfect, with no gum under the seats, no forgotten newspapers, and no sun-bleached posters that overstayed their welcome. It’s impressive, sure, but…