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!
With all my Canon gear sold, I needed a new wide-angle lens for my Fuji setup. After a lot of back-and-forth, I narrowed it down to three options: the XF 10-22mm f/4, XF 14mm f/2.8, and XF 16mm f/1.4. In the end, weather sealing and the large aperture of the 16mm f/1.4 won me over,…
Ran some simple high ISO tests with the X-T2, and once again, it delivered excellent performance. Even at higher settings, the images retained impressive detail and minimal noise. It’s great to see how well this camera handles challenging lighting conditions—perfect for low-light shooting without sacrificing quality. Very pleased!
Took the X-T2 out to capture the Yamanote Line at night, and I’m impressed. The wide dynamic range of the Sony sensor provides so much flexibility for post-processing, especially in handling shadows and highlights from the city lights. The details and tones it retains in low light are fantastic. Me like, indeed!
Tried out the X-T2 at night with the 35mm f/1.4. While the image quality is stunning, the autofocus feels a bit sluggish in low light—not ideal for night shooting. I’m seriously considering switching to the 35mm f/2. It’s faster at focusing and has the added bonus of being weather-resistant (WR), which is always a plus…
Spotted schoolgirls walking back home on their own in Iidabashi, a common and charming sight in Japan. With their neatly pressed uniforms and carefree chatter, it’s a glimpse into everyday life that feels both nostalgic and uniquely Japanese. A quiet moment in the bustling city.
A pink canopy of cherry blossoms greeted me on a short stroll after dropping the little one at daycare. The soft petals overhead and gentle breeze made for a peaceful and refreshing moment to start the day. Spring really knows how to brighten the everyday!
I didn’t realize the tree above Hachiko was a cherry tree until now. Come to think of it, it makes perfect sense—it has to be. Seeing it in bloom adds a nice touch of seasonal beauty to such an iconic spot in Shibuya. A little detail I somehow missed before!
Came back from the US for this? It’s the last days of Hanami, and the rain just won’t stop—it feels more like the rainy season than spring. So much for enjoying the cherry blossoms! At least the rain gives the petals a kind of melancholic beauty, but it’s not the Hanami I was hoping for.
This hanami season was a disappointment for me, thanks to bad weather and a business trip. I only had a few hours to grab some shots around home. I used the 90mm f/2 mounted on the X-T2—a fantastic lens for sharpness and bokeh. Unfortunately, this is my second copy of the 90mm, as the first…
