A local bar in the snow
Sapporo is a city of snow. The white flakes that fall throughout the winter months from November to March and accumulate, even in the city center …
Night on the town
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 …
Nijo Castle light trails
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 …
Moon over the Kamo River
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 …
Blue on Blue
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 …
Heian Shrine torii and museum
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 …
Nanzenji gate
The narrow streets around Nanzenji Temple are some of the most clogged with tourists during the day. That’s especially so in autumn …
Oike Avenue pool
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 …
Samurai Blue Kyoto Tower
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 …
Minamiza Theater
Gion, Kyoto’s largest geisha quarter today, is a wonderful place to get a first-person look at Japan’s traditional culture, but it’s also …
Oike dining establishments
Kyoto may be Japan’s ancient capital, but it’s a much more international city than the way your travel agent described it. For that I’m thankful …
Christmas spirit
It can be hard to summon the courage to ask a total stranger to pose for a photo. Not at all with this guy. He’s clearly seeking attention …