The Koshu Valley is a verdant and peaceful landscape that exudes the essence of Japanese aesthetics. Though close to Tokyo, the Koshu landscape is nestled amidst rolling hills and towering mountains. It is here, within this lush valley that we find the home of the Koshu grape, the foundation of the Koshu wine and, perhaps, Japan's best-kept secret. Arriving in the city of Katsunuma in the early morning, I was struck by the area’s environmental beauty and was grateful that my travel photography assignment for Hemispheres, United Airlines’ inflight magazine, had taken me to such a calm and sere ..read more

Tokyo, the sprawling metropolis of Japan, boasts an exceptional culinary scene that is renowned the world over. With its diverse range of cuisines, Tokyo is a food lover's paradise and a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the wonders of Japanese gastronomy. From traditional Japanese dishes to creative fusion, the city's food culture is a testament to both the country's deep-rooted traditions and innovative spirit. Japanese cuisine has always been known for its emphasis on quality ingredients, and Tokyo takes this to another level. The city's coastal location ensures that the ..read more

Kyoto, Japan is a city that serves as a portal into the heart of Japan's ancient culture. As the former imperial capital, Kyoto is a city steeped in history and tradition. Its streets are lined with ancient temples, shrines, and historic sites, each one holding stories and secrets that stretch back centuries. Kyoto has a magnetism. As a photographer in Japan, I find it hard to break free from the city’s enchantment. At times, walking through Kyoto is like peering into the past. The city's charming neighborhoods are filled with quaint tea houses, traditional shops, and other establishments tha ..read more

Phuket, Thailand is a place that invites the soul to slow down and savor the present moment. It is a place where time seems to elongate, allowing thoughts to come and go like lapping waves. The island is a world away from the bustling metropolises of the West, and it has a quiet magic that is all its own. Here, the days stretch out languidly, and the rhythms of life are dictated not by the clock, but by the natural world. As I wandered the island, I was struck by the serenity of its landscapes. The soft, white sand beaches were framed by swaying palm trees, and the turquoise waters of the And ..read more

The sun is setting low over the Czech city of Prague. I spent the day wandering St. Vitus Cathedral, a gothic labyrinth that rises high above the surrounding buildings, a brooding presence of ancient power and a reminder of the transience of human life. It is a magnificently haunting structure. As I made my way through the cathedral's dimly lit halls, I felt the weight of centuries bearing down upon me, like the oppressive force of an endless night. The dark corners and hidden alcoves whispered secrets of a bygone era, of kings and crusades, of wars and revolutions. The cathedral's architectu ..read more

Makoto Kagoshima is a Japanese artist whose work is at once playful and profound, a celebration of the beauty of the natural world and a meditation on the fragility of life. Born in Kagoshima, Japan in 1967, he has spent his career exploring the possibilities of ceramics and other media, creating pieces that are both whimsical and deeply meaningful. As a photographer in Japan, one of the biggest perks of my job is meeting fellow creatives. Considering this, I was excited to photograph Makoto for a piece commissioned by House & Garden, the UK’s premier lifestyle magazine. In the southern c ..read more

Okinawa, Japan, is a land of serene natural beauty where the turquoise waters of the East China Sea embrace white-sand beaches and the verdant mountains rise majestically towards the sky. As a travel photographer in Japan, Okinawa is irresistible. But the islands of Okinawa, the Japanese tropics, are much more than a paradise for photographers. Okinawa prefecture is also a place of deep reflection, where the scars of history and the challenges of modernity have left indelible marks on the culture and the people. The traditional houses and temples stand as reminders of the island's rich cultur ..read more

As a photographer in Tokyo, I am always delighted when I am given the opportunity to tramp through the city I am fortunate enough to call home. Recently, the New York Times asked me to turn my lenses on a Tokyo itinerary showcasing highlights that can be explored in a short amount of time. As I photographed the most recent version of 36 Hours in Tokyo, Japan I was able to reflect on why, specifically, I choose to make my home in the Japanese capital. Tokyo is a city that crackles with energy and innovation, where the ancient and the modern coexist in a way that is both captivating and inspiri ..read more

In Nozawa Onsen, each season is a sight to behold. The cherry blossoms bloom in spring, turning the village into a pink-petal sea. During summer, the rice paddies in the valley project a vibrant green, creating a sense of vitality and growth. And in autumn, the leaves in the surrounding mountains transform into various shades of red and gold, reminding us of the transience of life and the beauty of impermanence. However, it is the winter in Nozawa that reigns supreme. It seems that the snow falls silently in Nozawa Onsen, coating the narrow streets and wooden buildings with a heavy blanket of ..read more

I walked the bustling streets of Akihabara, surrounded by neon lights and the excited chatter of what I assumed were anime enthusiasts. The air was thick with a heady mix of anticipation and wonder. Everywhere I looked was the influence of technology or anime culture. A girl dressed in cosplay roamed towards the station, her costume’s bright fox tail bobbing as she trotted. The sound of an 8-bit classic mingling with the hum of electronics. I sat and sipped a coffee but couldn't help but feel a sense of disorientation. In the cafe, I was still and at ease. But just outside the window was a fr ..read more