A Photo Journey Through Japan's Past and Present

Tokyo/Blade Runner
A Photo Journey Through Japan

Living in Japan for two years gave me the chance to explore a lot of the nooks and crannies of the very spread out nation. At the end it made me realize how much more there still is to explore when I am lucky enough to return. From new age skyscrapers to temples built hundreds of years ago, Japan is a photographers paradise. In Tokyo you can weave your way through boutique shopping malls and spot ancient temples by the tall trees that surround them. Suddenly you are surrounded by nature and a calmness that only Japanese temples can bring. Zen rock gardens, meticulously manicured landscapes, temples built with wood as an extension of nature, and flowing rivers connecting it all are what you will find waiting for you. On the weekends I would find old walking paths through cities that would lead from temple to temple. Wherever you end up, it is easy to hop on a train and find your way back home.
Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo
There are some cities which a traveler cannot miss. Kyoto, Kamakura, Hakone, Hiroshima are a few. Tokyo is amazing as well. You can climb up a skyscraper at night and look down over the cityscape that inspired the movie blade runner. The Japanese people are friendly hosts, the local cuisine is delectable, and the sights are one of a kind. Only too late did I find out that there is amazing scuba diving down south near Mr. Miagi's home of Okinawa. Nudibranchs galore for those adventurous enough. Plus migrating humpback whales a little ways offshore. Also a bit of a trip.
  I did find the incredible snowboarding in Niigata and Nagano, although a trip up to the north island of Hokkaido would be the ultimate snow vacation. Cold, moisture rich air from Siberia hits the Japanese Alps and drops soft, dry, snow on the leeward side. Time your Hokkaido trip with the huge ice festival, just remember to book way, way in advance!

  Soccer and baseball games are huge, you just have to trade yakiniku and ramen for hot dogs and pretzels. And anything western still sizzles over here. From styles and trends to sports and hobbies. I have since met tons of enthusiastic surfers from Japan as well.

Kinkakuji- Zen Buddhism Temple in Kyoto
A-bomb dome in Hiroshima
  These images are just a few of my memories from this amazing time of my life. I look at these and wonder when I will go back.

Floating Torii of Itsukushima Shrine




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