My Endless Love For Japan
Chureito Pagoda - Fujikawaguchiko, Japan - Shot on Fujifilm X-T4 - 16-80mm f4
Japan is to me the most captivating and fascinating country in the world. From the beauty of the landscapes, to the richness of the culture and the kindness of its people. I love Japan more than any other country.
Modernity of the city
The big cities of Japan such as the Tokyo metropolitan area is estimated to have more than 37 million people. Most of the country is mountains and volcanos so the countryside is fairly inhabited and all the people cramp themselves up in the cities.
Tokyo, Japan - Shot on Fujifilm X-T3 - 16-80mm f4
What is the most surprising is how such crowded urban areas feel so clean, organised and orderly. Only in Japan can you hop on a train filled to the rim and yet not feel overwhelmed and suffocated. That is because the Japanese people are extremely respectful of others and put the communal well being before their own. They are polite, apologetic, quiet, clean, and respect the rules. Everything that the west isn’t.
Another great thing about the big cities is the convenience. The trains can literally bring you anywhere you want thanks to an incredible rail system that runs like clockwork. The average delay on the train schedule doesn’t exceed 30 seconds which is unparalleled. The convenience stores at all corners of the block are open 24/7 giving you access to easy pre-prep meals, hot coffee, food & drinks or medicine anytime you want. If that wasn’t enough, vending machine serving cold drinks, hot coffee and tea and even soup are located all over the place. Not only in the busy business areas but also in the residential areas. Quite literally everywhere.
Tokyo is probably one of the most modern cities in the world. However, still to this day, you can explore the back alleyways and feel transported in 1945. The post-war era is still very much present in those back alleys where you can eat and drink at Izakayas. Tiny little hole in the wall ramen shops or bars where only a few seats are available to customers and you experience your dinner sitting right in front of your host with whom you can converse.
Nonbei Yokocho - Shibuya, Tokyo - Shot on Fujifilm X-T4 - 16-80mm f4
A culture filled with Traditions
The flip side of the modernity is the deep traditions on which the culture is founded.
As we explored Kyoto for a few days, we were able to experience this side of Japan which feels so different from Tokyo. In the Gion District, you are surrounded by traditional wooden houses, intimate Izakaya restaurants and you can even spot Geishas going to and from work in their traditional Japanese attire. It feels like a time capsule and an incredible experience although as a photographer, it is quite frustrating since a lot of the streets are prohibiting photography. The ban came after people became a little too intense trying to capture Geishas, chasing them down private streets to get the money shots. Totally understandable…
Gion District - Kyoto, Japan - Shot on fujifilm X-T4 - 16-80mm f4
Another traditional aspects of Japan, is the many Shrines and Temples ornating the cityscape. Kyoto once again is king in the department with over 2000 Shrines and Temples. So many of them are worth visiting but rushed by limited time and being tourists visiting Kyoto for the first time, we had to make our way to Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Fushimi Inari Shrine - Kyoto, Japan - Fujifilm X-T3 - 18-55mm f2.8
The 1000 famous orange gates heading up the hill to a breathtaking view point is definitely worth the hype. It takes a few hours to walk all the way up and down. Exploring every little side parts would probably take quite a few visits as well. If you are trying to take a photo like everyone else, in the middle of a 1000 gates without anyone around or in the background, it is going to be quite challenging. But if you go up the stairs for a little while, less and less people make it up there so your chances of getting “the shot” are higher.
Incredible nature all around
Nara Deer Park - Nara, Japan - Fujifilm X-T3 - 16-80mm f4
We got to visit Japan at the end of November to mid December. To our surprise, the fall colours were still prominent and the foliage showed its beautiful colours until we left. In my humble opinion, I think autumn is probably the best time to visit for that very reason. Sure the cherry blossoms of spring seem amazing as well but I would rather avoid the crazy tourist waves that flood Japan in April.
More than just foliage, the wild animals are a great thing to experience as well. And while in Kyoto, I highly recommend seeing two parks. The Aroshiyama Monkey Park, and the Nara Deer Park. Both are worth the visit.
And if you have more time in the countryside you NEED to make your way to Mount Fuji and see the notorious mountain from up close. Trying to hike Mt. Fuji might also be a lifetime goal of some of you. However, It seems long and tedious and takes a couple of days so not for everyone.
To see the famous mountain we decided to head towards lake Kawaguchiko and try our luck there. To our surprise, we did get to see Mt. Fuji unencumbered, on a bright day and got to see him from every angle. We chose to rent bikes from the town (which was easy to get to from Shinjuku Station on a 2 hour bus ride) and ride our way around the big blue lake to capture different shots.
The other great thing about seeing it from “Fujikawaguchiko” is the Chureito Pagoda. This is the world famous shot that has been seen by every single person around the world. And I agree, it is over shot. But when I got the shot myself I was extremely happy and proud nonetheless. I think it is totally worth it. I’ll let you be the judge of that by living you on that high note, sharing my favourite shot of Mt. Fuji, and I will see you in the next blog…
Take care.
Chureito Pagoda - Fujikawaguchiko, Japan - Fujifilm X-T4 - 18-55mm f2.8
