Japan

Across my first 29 years of life, I had been fortunate enough to travel to over a dozen countries, from mainland Europe, to the Caribbean, to the Mediterranean and beyond. I had yet, however to travel to the Far East, and felt that I had been missing out on experiencing a culture truly foreign to my own. I also held a special appreciation for the art of Japan, including the music of modern innovators like Haroumi Hosono and Ryuichi Sakamoto, the landmark films of Akira Kurosawa and Yasujiro Ozu, and of modern masters like Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Hirokazu Koreeda. With that in mind, I had been looking for an excuse to travel halfway around the world, explore this great island nation, and experience the culture firsthand. When I decided I wanted to do something meaningful for my 30th birthday, and that my girlfriend of nearly a decade deserved a special place to be proposed to – I had my excuse.

Months of extensive planning, stressful and secretive ring shopping, and itinerary making later, we booked our trip. We settled on three major areas to explore – Osaka, with its vibrant food scene and nightlife, Kyoto, with its historical charm and peaceful atmosphere, and Tokyo, with its never-ending opportunities for spontaneity. Oh, and a romantic night at Mt Fuji, where I planned to propose at sunset with the help of a discreetly hidden photographer.

What started as a personal milestone trip quickly became something much more. I developed a deeper appreciation for Japan by focusing not only on the major landmarks and guidebook must-sees, but also on the smaller, quieter moments that often go unnoticed.

Like many visitors, we made time for the major sights. I photographed the neon lights of Dotonbori, the peaceful shrines and gardens of Kyoto, and the endless energy of Tokyo. These places were awe-spiring and photogenic, but it was the in-between moments that stuck with me the most. Things like the way the afternoon light shone through the trees, a stray cat basking in the sun, or a quiet exchange between strangers. These small moments helped me connect with these places in a more personal way.

SMALL MOMENTS

As someone who sees photography as a form of storytelling, I found myself drawn to the character and rhythm of each city. Osaka felt vibrant and fast-paced. Kyoto was calm and contemplative. Tokyo had its own kind of organized chaos. Each place challenged me to observe more carefully and to look beyond what was directly in front of me.

OSAKA

KYOTO

TOKYO

Getting engaged during the trip made it all the more special. While my best laid plans didn't quite work out – there was no sunset (or Mt Fuji) to be seen through the fall of freezing rain and snow, it didn't matter. The moments we shared before, during, and after she said "Yes" were more special than any plan I ever could have dreamed up. Those moments, and countless others across our twelve-day trip, made it more than just a birthday celebration. It became a marker of a new chapter in life, one that I'm so happy to have documented through photos that carry both personal and emotional meaning.

MT FUJI (viewed from planes & trains)

Looking back, the trip wasn't just about exploring Japan, but about slowing down enough to really see it. By making time to notice the details, the quieter moments left out of travel guides, I left with more than just a collection of images. I came home with a stronger connection to the country, a greater appreciation for its people, and a set of memories that I’ll carry with me forever.

Engagement photos by Sofia Hiramatsu