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!
I wanted to see how well the GoPro Hero11 would work on a roller coaster so I gave it a try at Tokyo Disneyland. Conclusion: it works quite well in bright places but quite poorly in dark areas. Still, the stabilisation remains remarkable given how shaky the whole scene was. Big Thunder Mountain at Tokyo…
Delicious seashell for lunch in Enoshima. Sazae (サザエ), or turban shell, is a type of edible sea snail that is popular in Japanese cuisine. Known for its distinctive spiral shell, sazae is often harvested from the rocky coastal waters of Japan and is appreciated for its unique taste and texture. Flavor and Texture Sazae has…
Lovely Sunday in Enoshima ! Enoshima Island is a small, picturesque island located just off the coast of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a blend of scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and coastal charm. The island’s…
A BMW 3 series (E30) from 30 years ago now looks so small. Modern cars should shrink a bit, no? The BMW E30 is one of the most iconic models produced by BMW, representing the second generation of the 3 Series, manufactured from 1982 to 1994. It is celebrated for its timeless design, agile handling,…
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…
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…
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, 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
The journey from Tokyo to Hakodate via the Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry is an adventurous yet manageable trip, offering a mix of long-distance travel and maritime charm. Aomori, the ferry’s departure point, is approximately 750 kilometers from Tokyo, making it accessible within a day by train or car. For those opting to drive, the route from…
Large wooden gates (torii) at the Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo. The Meiji Gate (明治神宮の大鳥居, Meiji Jingū no Ōtorii) is a stunning and iconic entrance to the Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) in Tokyo, Japan. Situated in a tranquil, forested area of the bustling city, this grand torii gate serves as a symbolic gateway into the sacred grounds of one…
The skies above Meiji Jingu, once a sanctuary of tranquility in the bustling heart of Tokyo, have grown noticeably noisier due to the introduction of a new flight route for planes landing at Haneda Airport. As part of efforts to handle increased air traffic in the Tokyo metropolitan area, this route was implemented to accommodate…
Using the EF 100-400mm lens with a 1.4x extender and an RF adapter on your Canon EOS R6 is a powerhouse setup for lunar photography. This combination enhances your ability to capture detailed, high-quality images of the moon, even in the varying light conditions of late afternoon and early night. Why This Setup is Ideal…
A late summer afternoon in Asakusa is a pleasant time for a walk around Sensoji Temple. The sun is low, casting a warm light over the temple grounds, and the air feels just a bit cooler as evening approaches. The Kaminarimon Gate and the pagoda look especially vibrant in the soft light, while Nakamise Street…
Monopoly, the classic board game, has earned a reputation for being a source of frustration and tears, especially when kids are involved. It’s a game that brings out the competitive side in everyone, but it often leads to emotions running high. The rules are simple: buy properties, collect rent, and try to bankrupt your opponents….