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!
Japanese temple roofs, with their gracefully curved lines and intricate tile patterns, epitomize the harmony and elegance of traditional Japanese architecture. Often adorned with detailed carvings and symbolic ornaments, these roofs not only shelter the sacred spaces below but also reflect a deep connection to nature and spirituality. The unique upturned eaves and the use…
Sunday drive in Tokyo with our beloved kei car. You do not know what a kei car is? A kei car (short for keijidōsha, meaning “light automobile”) is a type of small, lightweight vehicle that originated in Japan and is designed to meet specific regulations regarding size, engine capacity, and power. These cars are highly…
Little piglet sitting on a table in a restaurant. Gotta love how AI describes this photo: it captures the playful, endearing moments of a young piglet exploring its surroundings. The first images show the piglet in natural light, its pink skin and soft fur highlighted as it roots around in the grass and dirt. The…
Sunny day for the 2023 edition of the Coming of Age in Tokyo. This year I decided to make a short video in Meiji Jingu but wanted to travel light. So no tripod, no Ninja recorder, no gimbal and no bazooka. Just the Canon R6 set in HDR at 60fps, a VideoMic NTG and the…
Leisurly stroll around the Senso Ji temple for the new year. The difference from a few months back is striking: the foreign tourists are back ! Senso-ji Temple, located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, is the city’s oldest and one of its most significant temples, making it a central location for New Year celebrations….
Selective focus on some delicious japanese food. Those little white fishes are called shirasu. Shirasu (しらす) refers to the tiny, translucent juvenile fish commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Typically, they are young sardines or anchovies, although other small fish species may also be included. These delicate, silvery fish are a popular and versatile ingredient in…
Yodobashi Akiba is a massive electronics and shopping complex located in Akihabara, Tokyo, which is known as the city’s hub for electronics, gaming, and otaku culture. Yodobashi Akiba stands as one of the largest electronic stores in Tokyo, attracting tech enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike with its vast array of products and services. Overview The…
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…