Ryūge-ji Temple
The main hall at Ryuge-ji Temple in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan—a historic site founded in 1189 in the Mutsuura mountains. After the original structure burned in 1499, it merged with two neighboring temples, forming the present-day complex. This tranquil Buddhist sanctuary has endured for over 830 years, blending spiritual heritage with the local residential urban landscape.
Bell Tower
A wooden bell tower in the courtyard of Ryuge-ji Temple, Yokohama, Japan. Built with stout corner pillars and an open design, it houses a large bell hung from a central beam. This style dates back to the 13th century. The thatched roof, once common, is now a rarity, with clay tiles more prevalent today.
Fudōmyō-Ō
A small vermilion shrine housing a statue of the Buddhist deity Fudomyo-O, or the Immovable Wisdom King. Although located within the grounds of Ryuge-ji Temple in Yokohama, Japan, the shrine’s architecture closely mirrors that of traditional Shinto hokora, blending the two traditions of Buddhism and Shintoism in a peaceful garden setting.
Fiery Horizon
My border collie and I ventured onto the jetty to watch the sunset beneath a brisk winter sky, slightly warmed by the fiery glow of the setting sun. Enoshima Island lay nearby, while the Izu Peninsula stretched faintly in the far distance.
Nishihama Breakwater
Captured at Katase-Nishihama Beach in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, along the coast of Shonan Bay. An overcast evening set the stage for a long exposure, smoothing the water’s surface while perfectly aligning with the setting sun.
Golden Hour
A visit to Katase-Nishihama Beach in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, off the coast of Shonan Bay, Japan, on an overcast day provided an opportunity to capture these silhouettes of visitors along the boardwalk. As the late afternoon sun broke through the clouds, it cast a bright spotlight on the calm waters of this cold winter day.
Ashinoko & Fujisan
A surreal view of Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), captured from the southeastern shore in Hakone, Japan, looking northwest. This late-afternoon shot was achieved using a 10-stop ND filter and a circular polarizer (CP) filter, creating the smooth, glass-like surface of the water and the soft, textured motion of the clouds.
Ancient Giants
A preserved section of the ancient Tokaido Highway, lined with towering cedars planted over 300 years ago to provide shade and shelter for travelers journeying between Kyoto and Edo during Japan’s Edo Period (1603–1868).
Smile of Contentment
Dale-chan the border collie enjoying a peaceful moment on a nature trail encircling the Onshi-Hakone Park in Hakone, Japan. Surrounded by lush greenery on a moss-covered wooden bench, she truly embodies the serenity of this beautiful place.
Lakeside Panorama Hall
Lakeside Panorama Hall at Onshi-Hakone Park, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, stands as a modern tribute to the grandeur of the Hakone Imperial Villa, which once graced these grounds. Constructed from white granite and completed in 1992, the hall overlooks the serene Lake Ashinoko and features a café and museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the villa's history as a retreat for royalty and foreign dignitaries. In the foreground, the neatly maintained lawn reveals remnants of the original palace foundation stones, a poignant reminder of the past amidst the picturesque landscape.