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!

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    Station Agent

    The 56mm f/1.2 APD has become a permanent fixture on my X-T2—it’s just that good! Incredible sharpness, dreamy bokeh, and perfect for portraits or anything with a shallow depth of field. On another note, The Station Agent was the first movie I saw with Peter Dinklage, long before his Game of Thrones fame. Such a…

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    Biogon at Night

    Tried the little 35mm Zeiss Biogon on the Fuji X-T2 for some night shots around Kagurazaka, just a few steps from home. No post-processing aside from a red filter, and I’m loving the result. The lens captures such rich tones and character, with a natural, almost film-like feel. A great match for night photography!

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    Shibuya Rain

    Testing the weather resistance (WR) of the X-T2 on a rainy day in Shibuya—it handled the wet conditions like a champ! Raindrops didn’t faze it, and I was able to capture the vibrant energy of Shibuya in the rain without worrying about the gear. A solid performer for unpredictable weather!

  • Rainy Ebisu

    A rainy Friday night in Ebisu—wet streets reflecting the glow of city lights, umbrellas bobbing through the crowd, and a calm, almost cinematic atmosphere. The sound of raindrops and the gentle buzz of conversations from nearby izakayas make it a perfect mix of cozy and moody vibes. Tokyo at its best in the rain. 🌧️✨

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    Zeiss Biogon 35 ZM

    Ever since I got my X-T2, I’ve been tempted to try some Leica M-mount lenses. While I appreciate the performance of my XF lenses—they’re sharp, distortion-free, and reliable—they sometimes feel too clinical and lack a bit of personality. Plus, I’m not a fan of their handling: the metal coating feels slippery, focus-by-wire can be frustrating,…

  • Traffic Lights

    Stuck in traffic at night, I passed the time playing with the focus ring. The blur of city lights turning into dreamy bokeh and then snapping back into sharp detail made for a surprisingly relaxing way to kill time. Even traffic jams have their creative moments

  • Shikoku Forest

    If you’re from Europe (like me), the word “forest” brings to mind lovely trails, peaceful weekend walks, autumn mushroom picking, or playing in the cool shade during summer. As a kid, we’d drive to a nearby forest, park the car, and just wander around, not really appreciating how much of that landscape had been shaped…

  • Space Mountain

    Another chance to test the high ISO capabilities of my little X-T2—this time inside Space Mountain in Tokyo. The low light was really a challenge, but the camera handled it impressively well. Crisp details and minimal noise, even in such tricky conditions. Definitely a fun and successful experiment!