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.
Sanmon Gate
A peaceful view of a stone-paved path bordered by a white wall with traditional roof tiles, leading to a large wooden sanmon gate with a gabled tiled roof. Here, visitors and worshipers pass from the secular world into the serene, sacred grounds of the Buddhist temple.
Susaki Shrine
A peaceful view of a small urban Shinto shrine in Kanazawa, Yokohama, Japan. A stone torii gate, lion-dog guardians, and shimenawa rope welcome visitors along a clean path leading to the wooden worship hall. Surrounded by trees and soft winter evening light, the serene courtyard invites quiet prayer and reflection.
Komainu
A stone lion-dog (komainu) stands guard in the quiet courtyard of a traditional Shinto shrine in urban Japan. Its powerful mane, sharp claws, and fierce expression embody protection and strength, while the small cub beneath its paw symbolizes care. A moss-covered tree, the wooden exterior of the shrine, and a straw shimenawa rope evoke a sense of history and reverence, all beneath the soft light of a chilly winter evening during blue hour.
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.
Good Luck Deities
Alongside the lively dance, Daikokuten—one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods—also made an appearance. A beloved deity of prosperity and good fortune, Daikokuten.
Geometric Tapestry
A cluster of modern office buildings in Tokyo, Japan, featuring sleek glass facades, geometric architectural patterns, and reflective surfaces. The mix of contemporary high-rises and traditional design elements highlights the dynamic urban landscape of the city's business district. Sunlight casts subtle reflections on the windows, enhancing the interplay of light and shadow in this dense metropolitan setting.