Japan

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!

  • Akiba Maids

    This part of Akihabara is known as Electric Town but Maid City is perhaps more apropriate ! Akiba maids, often seen in Akihabara, Tokyo’s famous district known for electronics, anime, and otaku culture, are a unique and colorful aspect of Japanese subculture. These young women, dressed in elaborate, Victorian-inspired maid costumes, are part of a…

  • Hero 11 on Yamanote

    This is my first GoPro and to quickly check how it performs in 10-bit color space , I rode the JR Yamanote line between Sugamo and Akihabara (Akiba) on a sunny autumn afternoon. Quite happy with the results: with 10-bit color and an HDR workspace (I use FCPX), it is possible to make some adjustments…

  • Feeding the Bears

    Noboribetsu Bear Park, located atop “Bear Mountain” near Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido, Japan, offers visitors the unique experience of feeding Ezo brown bears, the largest land animals in Hokkaido. Accessible via a scenic seven-minute gondola ride from Noboribetsu Onsen, the park is home to over 60 bears.  Visitors can purchase special bear snacks, such as…

  • Noboribetsu Bear Park

    Noboribetsu Bear Park, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is known for its promise of a close-up wildlife experience with Ezo brown bears. However, while it’s a popular tourist attraction, there are aspects of the park that can leave visitors with mixed feelings. The park, set on a hillside with views of the surrounding landscape and Lake…

  • Jigokudani Details

    Pointing my new bazooka towards some details of Jigokudani : some lovely sulfur constructs! Jigokudani, often known as Hell Valley, is a dramatic and unique geothermal area located in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan. This landscape is famous for its rugged, rocky terrain and active steam vents that create an otherworldly atmosphere. The name “Jigokudani,” meaning “Hell…

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    Jigokudani Hotspring

    Jigokudani Hot Spring in Hokkaido is a geothermal area renowned for its striking landscape of steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and vibrant mineral-streaked rock formations. Located in Noboribetsu, part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this area is sometimes known as Hell Valley due to its intense geothermal activity and otherworldly appearance. Despite the ominous name, Jigokudani…

  • Jigokudani Paths

    The trails and paths around Jigokudani Hot Spring in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido are carefully constructed to guide visitors through the dramatic landscape of this geothermal wonder. These paths provide access to the most striking features of the area while allowing visitors to safely explore the unique natural environment. Composition and Structure The trails are typically well-maintained…

  • Noboribetsu Jigokudani

    Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, is a striking volcanic valley that lives up to its evocative name. The valley is renowned for its dramatic, almost otherworldly landscape, shaped by intense geothermal activity. It is a place where the raw power of nature is on full display, drawing visitors from around the world who come…

  • Approaching Hakodate

    The ferry journey from Aomori to Hakodate offers a serene and scenic way to traverse the Tsugaru Strait, a historic route connecting Japan’s main island of Honshu to the northern island of Hokkaido. Departing from Aomori Port in the early hours, travelers can experience the quiet ambiance of the sea, often accompanied by the gentle…

  • Comfort View Seats

    The comfort view seats on the Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry offer a premium and relaxing experience for passengers traveling between Aomori and Hakodate. These seats are strategically located in areas with large windows, providing unobstructed views of the Tsugaru Strait, making the journey both restful and scenic. The reclining seats are designed with ergonomics in mind,…