Sorry for disappearing—I’ve been busy working on my portfolio and haven’t had much time to post.
But I’m back and excited to share about my summer trip to Japan!
I don’t have any big projects right now, so I’ll be focusing on improving my photography skills.
In late June, I returned to Japan for a 2 weeks trip to capture photos for a client’s presentation.
It had been five years since my last visit in 2018, when I explored Kyoto and Osaka, and this time, I was excited to be back in Tokyo with my children.
Balancing work and leisure, I was eager to experience Japan’s summer, despite the humid weather, and reconnect with old friends.
Our trip was a mix of nostalgia, professional growth, and family time.
Landing in Tokyo after a long flight, we were immediately greeted by the city’s familiar energy.
On our first day, we reconnected with a student friend we had met during a previous summer trip in the Netherlands.
He had been studying in Tokyo for six months and graciously became our guide for a few days, making our initial days in the city more enjoyable.
Once I recovered from the jet lag, I set out to explore Shinjuku and Shibuya for some night photography.
This trip was an opportunity for me to experiment with long exposure techniques, capturing the dynamic energy of Tokyo at night.
Although I made a few technical mistakes with my camera settings, my client was understanding.
In the end, the photos captured the spirit of Tokyo’s bustling nightlife—vibrant, chaotic, and captivating.
Despite the crowds, Tokyo still feels like home and remains one of my favorite cities.
Although this trip was primarily for photography, I also had work commitments.
I met with my client’s partners, attended Zoom calls to help resolve some issues, and even had the chance to visit an art gallery.
Through a friend, I was introduced to the gallery’s owner, who shared insights into Tokyo’s art scene and the unique subculture in Kōenji district.
This was a refreshing discovery, as I had always associated Japan with more mainstream districts like Asakusa and Shinjuku.
Kōenji and Daikanyama introduced me to new layers of Tokyo—quirky, artistic, and less touristy.
The blend of modernity and tradition in Japan always fascinates me.
While there were places I couldn’t visit, such as certain izakayas (due to being with my young children), it gave me even more reason to plan my next visit.
I’m already looking forward to my next trip in 2026 when I’ll be working on a guesthouse project and cafe in Japan.
No trip to Japan is complete without indulging in its incredible food.
From street food to fine dining, Japan offers a culinary journey like no other. I relished the opportunity to try everything from soba, udon, and Japanese curry to tonkatsu, sushi, and the famous fluffy soufflé pancakes.
Matcha desserts were a highlight, with so many variations that I could hardly keep up.
Even during work, I made sure to explore Tokyo’s vibrant food scene, trying dishes that were both affordable and of the highest quality.
If you ever visit Japan, make sure to experience both street food and traditional restaurants—each bite tells a story of its own.
After a week in Tokyo, we took the Shinkansen to Nagano.
I had planned to do some long-exposure shots of the bullet train, but unfortunately, the photos didn’t turn out as I’d hoped.
Moments like these remind me how much I still have to learn as a photographer.
Nagano was a peaceful change from Tokyo’s hustle and bustle. We visited serene spots like the Shiraito Falls in Karuizawa, the ancient Togakushi cedar trees, and the Zenko-ji Temple.
The region is known for its clean water and healthy food, which made our stay all the more rejuvenating.
Traveling through the beautiful countryside with my children was a refreshing break from the intensity of work in Tokyo.
This trip wasn’t just about visiting famous places—it was about capturing meaningful moments during a work trip.
As a photographer, I’m constantly learning and growing with each journey.
Japan, with its mix of tradition and modernity, offers endless inspiration, whether I’m working or spending time with family.
Until then, I’ll cherish the memories of this summer in Japan and look forward to what’s next.
Thank you for following along on this journey—see you soon!
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