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!
Always a nice view from the office: A dazzling shot of Tokyo’s skyline at night, with the iconic Tokyo Tower glowing in warm orange against a backdrop of shimmering skyscrapers. The city’s lights create a kaleidoscope of color, reflecting modern energy and urban charm.
After a french dinner with my old friends, got a chance to try some long exposure shots with my GX7Mk2 / GX85. Not bad at all. If only Adobe could process the Panasonic RAW in a decent way. The colors of the JPEG produced by the camera are always so much more accurate. What are…
Staffed manual car washes in Japan are like a spa day for your car. The staff, often wearing matching uniforms, handle your vehicle with incredible care and attention to detail. They’ll start with a thorough rinse, apply a foamy wash, and scrub gently with soft mitts or sponges to ensure every inch is spotless. Expect…
Shinrin Koen in Chiba truly earns its spot as the ultimate park escape near Tokyo. Just an hour’s drive from the city, it’s a green wonderland perfect for families and adventurers alike. Kids will love the wide-open spaces and fun activities, while parents can soak in the serene beauty of nature. Getting around is half…
Ah, the charm of Starbucks cup messages! Whether it’s a doodle, a simple “Have a great day,” or an overly cheerful motivational quote, there’s something oddly heartwarming about them. It’s like your coffee is whispering a little secret of kindness before you take that first sip. Sure, it’s small and sometimes a bit cliché, but…
There’s always strange things happening in Harajuku but this is a fisrt: an owl! The owl, wide-eyed and unbothered, scans the colorful surroundings like a seasoned local, occasionally swiveling its head to judge passersby. Onlookers pause, cameras clicking, unsure if this duo is part of the fashion scene or straight out of a modern-day fairytale….
Shinrin Koen, Japan’s sprawling natural playground, is a flower lover’s dream. Come spring, fields burst into life with waves of nemophila, their tiny blue petals mimicking a sky that’s fallen to earth. In autumn, crimson kochia balls roll out like fluffy fireballs, painting the landscape in dramatic reds. No matter the season, Shinrin Koen’s blooms…
Lupins are nature’s way of showing off. These spiky, colorful flowers stand tall like they’ve got something to prove, flaunting hues of purple, pink, yellow, and blue. Perfect for adding drama to a field or garden, they often look like a painter went wild with a giant brush. Their tall, cone-like blooms scream “look at…
Probably my favourite picture from our visit to Shinrin Koen: beautiful afternoon light playing with fresh green plants on the side of a deserted path.
Just three small details stood between me and what could have been the perfect shot for stock photography: a slightly off focus, a misplaced chair, and the absence of a signed model release. The focus was the first snag—a classic case of the camera deciding that the foreground was the star of the show instead…
The metallic roof structure at Tokyo Midtown is a modern and practical design that stands out in the heart of Roppongi. Made of steel beams arranged in a lattice pattern, it creates an eye-catching canopy that offers both shade and shelter while keeping an open and airy feel. The roof’s design has gentle curves and…
Taking my 16-35mm lens out for a walk always feels like reconnecting with an old friend. This lens, my very first L-series, has been with me for nearly a decade now. Despite its years, it still delivers stunning results, proving that great gear, when cared for, can stand the test of time. The versatility of…
Some black-and-white 135mm shots of Harmonica Yokocho holds a particular kind of weight—a timeless quality that feels both nostalgic and reflective. The narrow alleys of this iconic Tokyo drinking and dining district, lined with tiny shacks and glowing lanterns, have long been a testament to Japan’s vibrant nightlife culture. The ageing population is leaving its…
My first trip to Disneyland Tokyo with my trusty 135mm lens turned out to be a fantastic opportunity for some creative photography, especially while killing time in the queue for Space Mountain. For a ride known for its thrilling darkness, the surrounding area offers a surprisingly rich palette of light, color, and motion to capture….
Walking up to the Star Wars ride at Tokyo Disneyland, there’s no mistaking the thrill of stepping into a galaxy far, far away. And what better way to start the adventure than with R2-D2 himself greeting you at the entrance? The little astromech droid, gleaming in his signature white and blue, immediately sets the tone…
As I focused my lens on Splash Mountain, the highlight was capturing the exact moment when the logs plunged down the iconic final drop. People falling through the air, arms flailing and faces frozen in expressions of pure excitement (or panic), were nothing short of gold for a photographer. Each log had its own story—a…
Another visit to my favorite soba restaurant, Kyourakutei Soba (蕎楽亭) in Kagurazaka, felt like coming home. This time, I made a conscious choice to put my camera down when the food arrived—a rarity for me—and instead focused on the subtle details inside the restaurant that make this place so special. The interior has a rustic…
The serene Inokashira Park is home to a small yet significant shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, a revered Japanese Buddhist goddess with origins tracing back to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and the arts. Benzaiten embodies everything that flows—water, time, speech, music, eloquence, and even knowledge itself. Her presence in the park adds a mystical…
Inokashira Park, tucked away in Kichijoji, is a slice of tranquility in the bustling city of Tokyo. With its serene pond at the center, shaded pathways, and vibrant seasonal blooms, it’s a favorite spot for locals to relax and enjoy nature. On the water, young schoolgirls in neatly pressed uniforms can often be seen paddling…