Here are the latest photos I captured with my Leica M11 camera. These samples showcase how effectively this camera performs across diverse settings, conditions, and subjects, thus providing a comprehensive look at its real-world performance. These should help you decide if this camera could be the perfect addition to your kit.
The early morning drive to the airport presented a rare opportunity to stream smoothly through Tokyo’s highways, unhindered by the usual horrific traffic jams. The quiet roads and steady flow felt almost surreal, making the city’s vast network of expressways seem efficient and serene for a change. A small silver lining to an otherwise sleepy…
Ah, the New Year’s omikuji ritual—a delightful blend of anticipation and superstition. You approach the shrine, drop your coin, and pull a paper from the sacred box. Will it be great luck (daikichi) or crushing misfortune (daikyo)? The suspense is half the fun. But tradition has a remedy: if the gods frown upon you with…
Queueing at a temple for New Year in Japan is as much a tradition as the act of tossing a coin and praying itself. The long lines might seem daunting at first, but the sense of shared anticipation and excitement makes it part of the experience. People wait patiently, often in the chilly weather, for…
Preachers on street corners in Japan, often armed with speakers, can be a surprising sight amidst the typically quiet and reserved public spaces. They deliver fiery sermons, with phrases like “the result of sin is death!” echoing through the urban landscape. While not as common as in some other countries, these street evangelists can often…
A night out in Shinjuku during the end-of-the-year season means navigating through packed streets and lively izakayas as everyone celebrates bonenkai (year-end drinking parties). The neon-lit alleys are bustling with groups of coworkers, friends, and couples squeezing into small bars and restaurants for one last hurrah before the year ends. Trying to beat the crowds…
In Japan, temporary parking lots on land awaiting sale or redevelopment are not just practical—they can also be a strategic move for tax reasons. Landowners often convert vacant plots into parking lots because undeveloped land incurs higher taxes compared to land in active use. By operating the space as a parking facility, even temporarily, the…
Heavy snowfall in Echigo Yuzawa transforms the area into a winter wonderland. Thick blankets of snow cover the rooftops and trees, while the streets are lined with shimmering white. It’s the perfect setting for winter activities or simply enjoying the beauty of a snowy Japanese landscape. ❄️🏔️✨ Echigo Yuzawa is a charming town nestled in…
Late momiji, or the delayed turning of autumn leaves in Japan, is increasingly being linked to the effects of global warming. Momiji, the vibrant red and orange leaves of Japanese maple trees, is a treasured seasonal phenomenon, drawing countless visitors to parks and temples each year. However, rising temperatures are altering the timing and intensity…
Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3, also known as the International Terminal, is a gateway to Tokyo that seamlessly blends modern efficiency with touches of Japanese culture. As someone who travels a lot, I’ve always been impressed by its spotless cleanliness—something you can count on in Japan. The Edo-period themed Edo Koji area, with its wooden storefronts…
A fleeting masterpiece: Tokyo Skytree piercing the skyline, framed perfectly from Expressway 9 as it arches over the Sumida River. Lucky moment where movement and stillness collide, turning a quick drive into an unforgettable scene. Red sign reads: direction of travel.
