San Francisco

San Francisco, located in Northern California, is a vibrant city known for its iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, which stretches across the bay, the city offers breathtaking views and a blend of urban and coastal charm. San Francisco’s unique character can be felt in its historic neighborhoods, like the colorful Victorian homes of Alamo Square, the bustling streets of Chinatown, and the bohemian vibes of Haight-Ashbury. Visitors can explore popular attractions such as Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the lively shops and cafes of Pier 39. The city’s hilly streets, cable cars, and waterfront parks add to its charm, while its thriving culinary scene highlights everything from fresh seafood to global cuisine. With its mix of history, innovation, and natural beauty, San Francisco is a dynamic and unforgettable destination.

Here are some of the photos I captured during my visits. Enjoy your virtual tour!

Crossing the Bay
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Crossing the Bay

Crossing San Francisco Bay on a cold and misty Monday morning wasn’t exactly the warm welcome I’d hoped for after a ~9-hour flight from Tokyo. The foggy skyline and biting chill set a somber mood, but there’s still something captivating about the Bay’s quiet beauty in such conditions. Not ideal, but undeniably atmospheric.

Boarding Completed
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Boarding Completed

A few bubbles in my tummy before take-off—enjoying a pre-flight drink to pass the time. Unfortunately, take-off ended up being delayed by three hours due to a balance issue with the cargo. Not the smoothest start, but at least there was time to sip and relax before the long wait!

San Francisco Pier
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San Francisco Pier

This might just be my favorite shot from last week’s visit to San Francisco. The composition, the mood—it all came together perfectly. Now the real dilemma: color or black and white? The color version captures the vibrancy and life of the scene, while the black and white emphasizes texture, contrast, and timelessness. Tough call, but…

Cable Cars
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Cable Cars

The San Francisco cable car system holds the title of the world’s last manually operated cable car system, a living piece of history on the city’s steep streets. Once sprawling with 23 lines established between 1873 and 1890, today only three remain: two connecting downtown near Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf, and one following California…

Landing in SFO
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Landing in SFO

Snapped a few shots at SFO airport, and the highlight was definitely the sleek rear end of a Dreamliner. The smooth curves and modern design make it a photogenic masterpiece, even on the tarmac. A great start to capturing the airport’s bustling energy!

Good Morning California
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Good Morning California

The final moments of the journey to San Francisco were marked by the approach to SFO airport. The view from the window captured the Bay Area’s iconic scenery—rolling hills, the expanse of the bay, and the city skyline in the distance. A fittingly picturesque end to the trip as the plane descended gracefully toward the…