Japan is one of my favorite countries to travel to. From its stunning natural scenery—like cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji—to its captivating anime (especially the passionate Gundam series) and unique local cuisine, everything about Japan fascinates me.
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, […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
On February 27th at Odaiba, I spent an entire day chasing my childhood Gundam dreams. From the sunlit Unicorn Gundam to the nighttime light show weaving through red, purple, green, and gold, every moment was a reunion with my dreams. Most unforgettable was that brilliant light striking the horn, illuminating the passion in my heart that has never faded.
On a Tuesday afternoon in February 2025, I visited Meiji Shrine in central Tokyo. I walked through Japan’s largest wooden torii gate made from Taiwan cypress with its natural aged character, strolled along the tree-lined path where light and shadow danced together, and admired the Imperial chrysanthemum emblems and the impressive wall of sake barrels. As I left, the low golden sunlight covered the entire shrine, making everything look noble and special. It was a peaceful and memorable visit.
In February 2025, I visited the beautiful Matsushima Coast for the first time. The day was calm and bright, with clear blue skies and gentle sunshine. The sea stretched out in shades of emerald, quietly shimmering under the light. There were some visitors along the shore, enjoying the pleasant weather, but the atmosphere remained peaceful.
In February 2025, I spent three days in Shirakawa-go. From the observation deck, I looked down at the snow-covered village. Walking through the paths, I experienced the mix of crowds and quiet moments, captured reflections of snow-covered houses in a pond, and witnessed the solemn beauty of Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine in winter. Snowfall on my last day brought a memorable ending to the journey.
In February 2025, I had the chance to visit Ghibli Park in Aichi, Japan. I mainly explored Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse and Dondoko Forest, and both places were full of charm and detail. The Grand Warehouse was like walking into a dream — filled with scenes, props, and animations from many Studio Ghibli films. Every corner
