Author name: Larry

The-Grandeur-and-Serenity-of-Dongjus-Dongyang-Mountain-Trail
Travel Footprints

Sleeping Guardians on the Cliffs – The Grandeur and Serenity of Dongju’s Dongyang Mountain Trail

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In October 2025, I joined a National Geographic photography workshop to Dongju Island’s Dongyang Mountain Trail and experienced the best weather of our four-day journey. When the military fortress on the cliff came into view, I was deeply moved—it stood like a sleeping giant, quietly guarding the coast. The trail wound through magnificent bay terrain, where giant rocks, waves, hiding goats, and tiny figures of distant travelers together created an unforgettable journey of dialogue with history and connection with nature.

My First Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri Experience_202508
Documentary Photography

Sacred Waters and Joyful Hearts – My First Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri Experience

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On August 17, 2025, I stepped into Tomioka Hachimangū for my very first Japanese traditional festival. It was the mikoshi procession day of Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri, blessed with perfect sunny weather and crowds that burned even brighter than the summer sun. The most amazing moment was witnessing the famous “water-splashing festival.” Before the mikoshi appeared,

Midnight at Senso-ji_202508
Travel Footprints, Architecture, NightAstro

Midnight at Senso-ji: Ancient Serenity Under Starlit Skies and the Hidden Side of Kaminarimon Gate

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On the night of August 14th, 2025, at 11:30 PM, as Tokyo’s evening deepened, I stepped into a completely different Senso-ji from its daytime self. The Kaminarimon Gate and Kobunacho had already turned off their lights, but the clear night sky remained bright enough for me to capture this rare tranquility with my wide-aperture lens.

Travel Footprints

Summer at Sensoji Temple – Revisiting the Ancient Temple

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On a summer afternoon in August 2025, I revisited Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. Unlike the cherry blossom season, summer’s Sensoji was crowded yet still captivating. From the massive red lantern at Kaminarimon to the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street, and the incense and Buddha statues around the main hall, every corner tells stories of history and faith. I paid special attention to the Kobunacho lantern, the Shijinbashi lantern donated by Konosuke Matsushita, and unexpectedly discovered the Shiranami Gonin Otoko statues, savoring the cultural depth of this ancient temple amid the crowds.

Summer-Journey-Along-Sumida-River-West-Bank
Travel Footprints, WildlifeNature

Summer Twilight by the Sumida River – A Quiet Evening with Wild Birds

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On the afternoon of August 15, 2025, I walked along the west bank of the Sumida River from Azuma Bridge to Sumida Park. During this photography journey from sunset to nightfall, I encountered a gentle, fearless seagull and an elegant heron resting by the pond. As darkness fell, the pond water reflected the shore lights, creating a dreamlike scene with the heron standing on a stone. The soft glow of Tokyo Skytree, reflections of boat-shaped lamps, and colorful lights of yakatabune boats together wove the most beautiful memories of this summer twilight.

Summer at Sumida River East Bank
Travel Footprints

Summer Hours by the Sumida River – An Afternoon Encounter with City Views and a Grey Heron

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On August 13th, 2025, I spent a summer afternoon along Tokyo’s Sumida River east bank. This spot offers a unique view where Tokyo Skytree, passing trains, and the riverside come together in one frame. The biggest surprise was discovering a grey heron under the bridge. With my telephoto lens, I captured its focused grooming, especially the amusing moment when the wind lifted its head feathers – creating a funny contrast with its sharp, piercing gaze. An unexpectedly joyful afternoon of photography.

Ancient-Artistry-at-Lukang-Longshan-Temple_202506
Travel Footprints, Architecture

Faith Carved in Stone and Light – An Afternoon at Lukang Longshan Temple

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I visited Lukang Longshan Temple on an afternoon in June 2025, capturing the play of light and shadow across this historic site. From the Qing Dynasty stone lions at the main gate and eighteen arhats, to the dragon pillars inscribed with “Second year of Xianfeng,” and the expressive Eight Immortals sculptures above the five-gate hall, every detail showed remarkable craftsmanship. Surrounded by rising incense smoke, I felt the devotion of worshippers and tried to capture through my lens the moments where traditional architecture and faith culture meet.

Busan-Songdo-Sky-Park_202506
Travel Footprints, Landscape

When Blue Hour Meets the Little Prince – An Unexpected Gift at Busan Songdo Sky Park

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On the evening of June 4th, 2025, I experienced a surprising photography journey at Busan Songdo Sky Park. Though I arrived late and missed the full sunset, I still captured beautiful sunset silhouettes – the orange-red sun framed between tree leaves. Meeting relaxed cats at the Yonggung Sky Walk entrance healed my disappointment. When I returned to the cable car station rooftop and waited longer, I witnessed my first blue hour – the sky painted with layers of blue-purple and orange-pink colors. Even more surprising was finding the Little Prince art installation on the rooftop. The yellow silhouette against the dreamy sky created a more magical scene than any sunset. This experience taught me: sometimes behind what we lose, there’s often a more beautiful surprise waiting.

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