Author: Alexander Farrell

Yasaka Pagoda is among Kyoto’s many heavily photographed sights. Rather than reproduce something that’s already all over Instagram, I’d rather …

The renovations at Higashi Honganji Temple are nearly complete, and …

The city of Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868, was designed according to a grid pattern that originated in China. Today’s Kyoto Station …

Spaces can feel very confined in Japan. Very busy. Very exciting. Very different from suburban Texas where I grew up. But that’s one of many …

I was setting up my camera for a long exposure shot at Kyoto Station when these two guys came over and struck up a conversation. They asked me …

This is Nijo Castle. Where’s the castle, you ask? That’s what most visitors wonder. There used to be a keep, but it burned down when it was …

Most international visitors to Kyoto probably don’t know it’s a big-time college town. It may not be Tokyo, but there are some prestigious universities …

I love the shiny blue body on this motorcycle. It matches the rider’s tank top, his shoes, and I think even his gloves. I would not look so cool …

I’ve driven through this gate, one of the largest torii in Japan, countless times. (By the way, this road, Jingu-michi, is a good detour to avoid …

The narrow streets around Nanzenji Temple are some of the most clogged with tourists during the day. That’s especially so in autumn …

The fountain’s water show may be done for the night, but there’s still a pretty view to take in here at the intersection of Kawaramachi and Oike …

Is Japan an up-and-coming soccer powerhouse? It’s not really my sport, so I can’t say, but either way, the Samurai Blue feed plenty of excitement …