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!
In Japan, one of the most satisfying and popular meal combos is ramen paired with gyoza. Found in countless ramen shops across the country, this classic duo offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The steaming hot bowl of ramen, rich with umami-packed broth, chewy noodles, and toppings like chashu pork and green onions,…
Railways are an essential part of daily life in Japan. More than just a means of transportation, trains shape how people move, work, and live across the country. With one of the most advanced railway networks in the world, Japan relies on its trains to keep society running smoothly and efficiently. One of the key…
Spotted in a quiet Japanese neighborhood, this white Mazda MX-5 Miata stands out not just for its clean lines and compact stance, but for its clear nod to car culture. Sporting bolt-on overfenders, deep-dish wheels, and a quirky decal on the door featuring the Japanese “wakaba” mark (a symbol for beginner drivers). The katakana text…
Shot with a Leica M11 and the renowned 50mm Summilux lens, this BBQ scene feels almost tactile. The lens’s signature shallow depth of field isolates the sizzling meats and vegetables with precision, while the background dissolves into a soft, creamy blur. That classic Summilux bokeh lends a dreamy, almost cinematic quality to an otherwise simple…
Curved railway stations are relatively rare around the world because they come with a set of challenges. Building a platform on a curve makes it harder to align train doors with the platform edge, increases the gap between the train and platform, and can complicate accessibility and safety. For these reasons, most rail systems avoid…
Tight aisles, stacked crates, hand-written price signs in bold red and blue. The strawberries are front and center—198 yen, 298 yen—cheap, fresh, local. Behind them, glossy peppers, bundles of green onions, daikon, lemons… Plastic baskets overflow. Cardboard boxes turned into display trays. No frills, just function. The shelves in the back are packed with snacks,…
The signs are sun-faded, yellowing, nailed to old wood paneling like reminders no one reads anymore. Instructions in stiff fonts and red warnings, next to a 50-yen softener dispenser that’s probably older than half the buildings on the block. The washing machines sit open-mouthed, white and worn, humming with memory. Outside, light filters through patterned…
An abandoned Taito Station arcade in Tokyo stands as a symbol of shifting social habits and a changing city. Once packed with noise, lights, and teenagers crowding around fighting games and claw machines, it’s now dark, empty, and ignored. What used to be a social hub is fading—both physically and culturally. Young people in Tokyo…
The delightfully nostalgic Japanese ジャンケンマン (“Jankenman”) arcade machine—a Showa-era gem that’s equal parts kitsch and charm. The machine, made by Sunwise, is based on janken (rock-paper-scissors), the classic hand game that’s settled more schoolyard debates in Japan than any courtroom ever could. The LED display in the center is showing the “peace” or “scissors” sign, and players use the…
Sunday in Akihabara—Tokyo’s Electric Town—is a surreal experience. By noon, the main street, Chuo Dori, shuts down to traffic and turns into a pedestrian zone. Locals, tourists, cosplayers, and camera crews take over the asphalt. The street becomes a moving showcase of otaku culture: anime shirts, bags stuffed with merch, kids filming TikToks in cosplay,…
