In 2025, I had the opportunity to circumnavigate Japan and visit a collection of the most beautiful and friendly cities. The temples, gardens, museums, and landmarks were so unique and historically rich. I was most taken by the cultural courtesy and contentment demonstrated by the locals. Impressed as well with how few spoke any English and had no reason or care to learn such (so grateful for conversational translation on the iPhone). The entire experience was nourishing for me, in fact, somewhat metamorphic as I learned to accept my new station and embrace a daily expression of gratitude for each day that I have left. To anyone that might venture to this distant land, my recommendation would be NOT to use a tour service. Instead, use AI to craft your own personalized adventures and spend the time to fully metabolize the ethos that is Japan. Truly a graceful people and place. My images reflect a fascination with the temples and expressing them in as was rather than an as is setting.
I visited: Yokohama, Kobe, Kochi, Fukuoka, Kanazawa, Omaezaki, Sakata, Hakodate, Otaru, Aomori, Miyako.
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Sunsets in SoCal in the spring and summer typically present with what I call, "White Sky". Sunsets in the late fall and early winter often present with the most vivid colors: yellow, read, orange, and at times, vivid purple!
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