Photos from our trip to Japan, enjoy! 🙂
This is a chef in our favorite Restaurant 麺と心７ in Osaka. The moment he drains the noodles (yes, to the floor). I didn’t even warn him I’ll take the photo. Real, Tasty, Fresh Made Noodles. We visited the place several times. Looking forward to our next Japan trip!
A fine example of the love for lanterns the Asians have. Streets at night wouldn’t be the same without these beautiful lights. Osaka, Japan.
Bicycle riding is BIG in Japan. And why not, it’s a remarkable good way to save money, exercise, save the environment, reduce the traffic and many more benefits, all at once! Osaka is a fine example of the bike-love I’ve seen in Japan.
A window to a home made cooking meal (literally). I chose to frame this with the food display for contrast. Almost all of the restaurants in Japan offer fresh hand made noodles. Very tasty and quality food. Sumiyoshitaisha Station, Osaka, Japan.
Big Tree supported and a bike passing by, two ways of helping nature in one photo. Sumiyoshi Taisha Park, Osaka, Japan.
Japanese garden portrait. What could I (the photographer) possibly want more? Sumiyoshi Taisha Park in Osaka Japan.
I will start my Japan trip photos with a typical Japanese scene. My muse was kind enough to pose at the gate to demonstrate the size and beauty of this Shrine. Osaka, Japan.
Bikers are all around in Japan, it’s only a matter of time (or will) to have them in a nice frame. What better than a traditional kiosk in Sumiyoshi Taisha Park?
Beautiful nature surrounding a bridge reflected in the water canal. The color contrast between bridge-nature-sky is my favorite here. Also it’s a bit of a minimalist portrait since I placed my model there (thought it would look good). All this in the amazing little park and Temple Sumiyoshi Taisha, Osaka, Japan.
I love a good portrait, many times minimalist, and I had the amazing oportunity to have a photoshoot on this Bridge in Sumiyoshi Taisha Park. Japanese like to paint bridges in a very strong color, which combines remarkably with the nature’s green. Osaka, Japan.
Traditionally Temples in Japan have at least one water fountain were the traveller can cool down from the heat, I believe this is both physically and spiritually.
Kiosk at the Sumiyoshi Taisha station serving a favorite delicacy: Takoyaki! Japan should be in the list of every food-loving traveller… This photo is taken with the Sigma 15mm Fisheye, due to a very narrow space. The fisheye distortion has been corrected in LR6.
Osaka Castle west entrance. I took several photos but IMHO a Stitched Panorama is what does this view justice. Great place to be. Osaka, Japan.
Modern Buildings next to the traditional Japanese Castle in Osaka. Long exposure to emphasize the sky and water. Japan is such a great place for photography.
Looking at this magnificent castle from accross the water is rewarding. Osaka, Japan.
Another shot of the Osaka Castle, this time with a reflection. I’m very grateful that there was such a great sky with clouds to compliment the view.
A fine example of Japanese Castle architecture. Many thanks to the guard who let me approach the water close enough to get a great reflection. This is a very photo-friendly country! Osaka, Japan.
This is a self portrait combined with the Osaka Castle and bridge as a background. The bridge pole was so shiny that I couldn’t leave without taking this shot… Osaka, Japan.
Japan’s love for bicycles is seen everywhere, Police being no exception. This is the West entrance to the Osaka Castle, Japan.
This is a caption of the Golden Pagoda. The best picture I could get, considering the huge amount of tourists gathered around the lake. Kyoto, Japan.
In Japan you see a lot of girls (mostly tourists) dressed in Yukata, but this time she was taking photos, with a DSLR Camera! What a moment of such a great site, tradition blended with modern life. Ryoan-Ji, Kyoto, Japan
This is only a gate entering the Ninna-ji temple area, but still a magnificent architecture. Kyoto, Japan
A Zen corridor, surrounded by nature. Ideal for meditation or just a walk (or taking photos). Kyoto, Japan
Very Big Wooden Pagoda, in Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto. Many thanks to my muse for posing in order to demonstrate the size of the building.
Girls in their Yukata, having a stroll at the famous site. You can see girls in traditional clothes, all over town Kyoto, Japan.
Portrait of a tourist girl taking photo of her friend, both dressed in Yukata, very common sight in Kyomizu-Dera Temple, Kyoto, Japan
Famous for it’s lanterns, this shrine is even more impressive with a dynamic sunset sky. Kyoto, Japan
This huge temple houses a gigantic statue of Buddha, thus the size. I think it’s the biggest temple I have seen.
This enormous statue of Buddha in Tōdai-ji東大寺, Nara, gave me a hard time to find the right angle for the photo. Its size and surrounding columns give very little room for a correct frame. It is the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha. I believe by having people in the frame I give an idea of the gigantic proportions. Nara, Japan.
This is the Nandai-mon Gate (東大寺南大門) on the way to the Todai-Ji Temple, with the Huge Buddha Statue. I took this photo while walking, as I saw this very interesting view of the tourists surrounded by the gate and the nature. Nara park, Japan.
Nara Park is full of these lovely animals, and we decided to include one in our portraits. Nara, Japan.
My muse and I had the amazing experience to visit this Park. A beautiful place to admire temples and nature! My favorite 85mm lens for portraits, did a great job. Nara, Japan.
Stitched panorama processed in LR6. During late evening sky at the wonderful pedestrian crossing in Tennōji station, Osaka, Japan. What an architecture!
Mothers in Japan really impressed me! Their lifestyle was unlike anything I’ve seen in other countries, often taking their kids on their bicycles to/from school, or at shopping, or just for a ride. The benefits of this are in so many levels I can just think a few: Saving the environment from unnecessary emissions, saving the city from traffic and noise, saving on energy, giving them a great workout which improves their health and saves on healthcare system, enjoying their surroundings more, interact with their environment, enjoying time with their family, giving their kids a strong example towards this lifestyle. I took a lot of these photos while walking, and maybe I disturbed them a bit, but this was my way of showing how amazed I was by this beautiful sight. Osaka, Japan.
On our 5th day in Japan, we visited Himeji Castle. What an impressive architecture! Indeed a true treasure of Japanese history.
Arguably the most beautiful castle in Japan is standing tall demonstrating a superb architecture. It is also a great background for photography! Himeji, Japan
I thought it was about time for some Japanese garden panorama, in… Japan
Kokoen Garden, a typical Japanese one, gives such a great environment for a portrait. Surely not to be missed by anyone who visits the nearby Himeji Castle.
How could I possibly leave out a portrait from a Gardener? These hard working guys are doing such a tremendous job to keep everything as close to nature, yet, presented in an order. Himeji, Japan
I’m so in love with this Ice Cream! I prefer the other type of cone, the crunchy one. But this is the best shot from that day. I had to be fast for this, because the workers in the ice cream shops are really fast! I think It’s a must-try if you visit this country. Himeji, Japan
One more photo with a background of the Himeji Castle, this time a portrait of a grandma biker in her dress. Definitely a bike-lover place. Himeji, Japan.
Can’t stop having this wonderful castle as my background. Portrait of this lady crossing the street on her bike.
This couple turned around their bike in order to take a better look at me, or to pose for me, I’m not sure. What I know is that I love this photo and mostly I really like the hidden smile of the girl. Himeji, Japan.
The Bullet Train 新幹線大爆破 (Shinkansen) is a wonderful transportation that not only makes a trip faster but actually saves billions from Japan’s economy.
When the tide is low, thousands of tourists gather and approach the famous shrine. I took the photo from far to show the huge size of the gate (torii). Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Japan
Local Deer observing the tourists and the famous Shrine. Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Japan.
This is me, looking at this magnificent Itsukushima Shrine. The size of this Gate is incredible. The low tide allows for some dry photos in comparison with the high tide which submerges the lower part of the Gate in the water giving the impression that it was actually built on water. Great place for photography. Hiroshima, Japan.
Not all photos are about the Shrine, not when there are so many deers around! Hiroshima, Japan.
Another Long exposure of the famous Shrine, from inside the water while the tide was going up! Some times you got to “dive” in the photo, to get the result you want. Itsukushima Island, Hiroshima, Japan
This Great Shrine gave me a unique subject for my long exposure photography. Standing tall and impressive against the movement of clouds and water during high tides. Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Japan.
Chefs in action, cooking one of the best Okonomiyaki in town. お好み焼 長田屋, Hiroshima, Japan.
The recommendation for the best Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima lead us to this restaurant, we tried it, it was really amazing. お好み焼 長田屋, Hiroshima, Japan.
Served and eaten while hot! お好み焼 長田屋, Hiroshima, Japan.
Bikes don’t stop even at night, and why should they? Hiroshima, Japan
A very well organized and located Bicycle Parking in Hiroshima, Japan.
A closer look of what is inside the Bicycle Parking in Hiroshima, great space management!
Anime cosplay characters walking the streets of Kurashiki, traditional town, Japan.
Tourists and yukata girls enjoying a boat ride in the scenic location, Kurashiki Old Town, Japan.
Closer look at the traditional boat ride in Kurashiki town. Japan.
A scene common in Japan, cooking takoyaki at a food kiosk. I have tried it, it’s DELICIOUS! Described in wikipedia: Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special moulded pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion.
Boat ride in Dotonbori river with the neon signs lighting the way. Among them the famous Glico (Guriko). Osaka, Japan.
Japanese have a love for lanterns, and some of them are really big. It helps when they bike at night obviously! Girl biker passing from a restaurant in Dotonbori, Osaka.
Life-Size Robot “Gundam” in Tokyo, Japan
These ladies were walking in the rainy evening. After following them for a while (lucky I wasn’t arrested for stalker), it was definitely worth it! I got the photo I wanted.
What an impressive Buddha statue this is. Kamakura, Japan.
I visited this location to take a nice picture of the huge statue, I took the opportunity to have a great reflection from an earlier rain water pond. Kamakura, Japan.
An flower themed display of a train in Fujisawa, Japan
Yes, even Yukata girls check on their cellphone. Street photography is tricky. So many oportunities I lost in my recent trip in Japan. If you are not fast enough the moment is gone, so is the photo. This time I had my camera ready for action. Tokyo Street, Japan.
A Beautiful Nature site. Tourists admiring the Kegon Falls in Nikko, Japan.
After I bought the smoked fish, the chef was more willing to have a nice portrait look. Kegon Waterfalls, Japan
The best snack! Freshly smoked fish (and the portrait of the cook). Kegon Falls, Japan
Classic shot of the Tokyo Tower combined with the traffic lights from the Sakurada Dori Avenue. Tokyo, Japan.
The freshest Sushi in town.. served with a smile. I couldn’t resist the portrait photo. Tsukiji Market, Tokyo, Japan.
Gigantic Salmon Roe and fresh wasabi, these were the main differencies from the regular Sushi in Tsukiji market. The taste: beyond description. Tokyo, Japan.
Seafood skewers grilled by a beautiful smiling girl at Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, Japan.
Anything for a pose! Proudly blocking the traffic in order to have his portrait taken.. Tsukiji Market, Japan.
Keeping fit and save on energy/expenses? Yes in one move. Tsukiji Market, Tokyo, Japan.
Apologies for the privacy invasion, but these ladies deserve to be posted. Bicycle riding in all ages, forms and reasons. Tokyo, Japan.
Apologies for the privacy invasion, but these ladies deserve to be posted. Bicycle riding in all ages, forms and reasons. Tokyo, Japan.
Apologies for the privacy invasion, but these ladies deserve to be posted. Bicycle riding in all ages, forms and reasons. Tokyo, Japan.
Apologies for the privacy invasion, but these ladies deserve to be posted. Bicycle riding in all ages, forms and reasons. Tokyo, Japan.
Apologies for the privacy invasion, but these ladies deserve to be posted. Bicycle riding in all ages, forms and reasons. Tokyo, Japan.
Apologies for the privacy invasion, but these ladies deserve to be posted. Bicycle riding in all ages, forms and reasons. Tokyo, Japan.
Patience is so important in photography. Otherwise how could I have taken this photo without Spending some time on this bridge?Kuritsu Sumida Park, Tokyo, 区立隅田公園, 東京
When there is no room above, go below. Even Bicycles take valuable space. Beautifully decorated Parking in Tokyo.
Lights and colors of all kinds and shapes over the pedestrian crossing. One of the many streets that offer this view. This is really a place for night street photography. From the famous Entertainment district Kabukicho, Tokyo, Japan.
Chinese-Japanese Restaurant in Kabukicho “北京”, “Beijing” or “Pekin”. A customer watching his ramen being made by the chef was an excellent subject for street photography. Hand made fresh noodles display is a very common scene in Japan, and many places in Asia. What a privilege. Kabukicho, Tokyo.
I’m not a big fan of keeping animals in captivity, but at that moment I was amazed by all these sea animals living together. Diver giving some snacks to little sharks, in a huge water compartment at Osaka Aquarium, Japan.
Famous Shrine with thousandsTorii (Gates) in Kyoto. Many thanks to my Muse for giving me a great subject. Kyoto prefecture, Japan
One of the most beautiful temples in Japan, I present you Byodoin Temple. Using reflection and framing, two of the photography techniques that I love.
Another shot of the beautiful Byodoin temple, this time a long exposure of 2 minutes, for the additional effect of the water and sky. Movement of clouds and water vs the stillness of the temple. Uji, Kyoto, Japan.
Magnificent temple. Long exposure of 2 minutes view from the side pond. Uji, Kyoto, Japan.
Landscape and portrait in front of what is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Japan, Byodoin, Kyoto.
My camera didn’t break his concentration. Chef making Greek Tea Noodles, Uji, Japan.
Geisha apprentices “Maiko” in Gion district. This is the Real Thing (not Yukata girls). So difficult to take their photo, they run away fast! Kyoto, Japan.
I chose this portrait of the lady driver to comment on the hard work and dedication of the train drivers in Japan. They were polite, on time, focus, and most imporant: PRESENT. Never seen anything like this before. Great job guys!
Impressive place for photography. A portrait in this amazing Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan.
This is what happens when my beautiful muse decides to twirl in the Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan.
I deliberately, converted this photo into black and white to give the sense of “old times”. The bicycle and the stores behind it sure give the impression that this photo is from another century. Although it was shot a few months ago during my amazing trip in Kyoto, Japan.
Freshly produced Sesame Icecream, Kyoto Market, Japan
Freshly produced Sesame Icecream, Kyoto Market, Japan
Freshly produced Sesame Icecream, Kyoto Market, Japan
Freshly produced Sesame Icecream, Kyoto Market, Japan
One of our last photoshoots in Japan, Kimono Forest… those lights! Arashiyama Station, Kyoto.
A traveler taking photo of the Kyoto Tower (the tallest structure in the city). I found it an interesting subject – I cropped the sides to isolate the subject and minimize distraction. Kyoto, Japan.
Nobody said airport meals have to be fast, right? Chef during the preparation of our Amazing Meal just before we leave this wonderful country. As in most restaurants we’ve seen in this country, I really love how they position the preparation area IN the eating area, makes it feel like home. Until next time Japan! Kansai Airport, Osaka, Japan.
