NIKON Z 8 (20mm, f/4, 1/50 sec, ISO900)
When we visited the museum we found a small garden right next to it. Of course we had to see it.
We haven’t planed to visit Kanazawa before we went to Japan. We decided after Kyoto and Osaka left us amazed but also overwhelmed and exhausted. We needed a break before we would conclude our trip in Tokyo. Kanazawa was easy to reach, located at the sea and famous for its gardens so we went there.
Compared to Osaka and Kyoto it was very cold and rather wet but we didn’t regret our decision. Kanazawa is a great city and while you won’t ever feel lonely here it is rather quiet compared to Kyoto or Osaka. Those gardens are just different if you don’t have to share them with hundreds of people.
NIKON Z 8 (20mm, f/1.8, 1/50 sec, ISO100)
NIKON Z 8 (20mm, f/5.6, 1/50 sec, ISO2000)
NIKON Z 8 (20mm, f/5.6, 1/50 sec, ISO2000)
This garden is small but it has everything. A small koi pond, an old house, trees, moss and a small path made of rocks.
The more I learn about Japan the more I’m amazed. There is a sense and appreciation of beauty that simply doesn’t exist in our western world. It seems that for the Japanese every little detail is important. Once you realise that you can see it in everything. It’s in the gardens and temples, the food, the furniture and in all goods they make. There is love and understanding for small details, an aim for perfection that you can feel in the cameras, the audio gear or the cars they make.
I recently bought a class A integrated amplifier from Luxman second hand for my second stereo system. The amplifier is almost 20 years old but it looks like new (including the remote!) and it sounds and feels fantastic. Same is true for my Technics turntable but I bought that one new. Just like my Fuji X-Pro2, the Nikon Z8 or now the Nikon Zf. The Japanese make products that not only perform excellent but are also an absolute joy to use.
NIKON Z 8 (20mm, f/5.6, 1/50 sec, ISO1800)
NIKON Z 8 (20mm, f/5.6, 1/50 sec, ISO320)
NIKON Z 8 (20mm, f/2, 1/50 sec, ISO125)
Japan is a very special place. It’s literally the opposite of our previous travel destinations. It’s full of people, the main cities are huge and extremely busy. Space is very limited and in many places public transport is the only option that makes sense. You need to restrict yourself regarding luggage or camera equipment because you are going to carry your stuff around a lot. It’s very different to the South West of the USA, Ireland, Scotland or Norway but we still just love it.
It’s not your destination if you mainly look for solitude but you can find quiet places. But most importantly the people are amazing even though the language barrier is huge. The food is excellent as is safety and cleanliness. It’s easy to love Japan.
NIKON Z 8 (20mm, f/4, 1/50 sec, ISO720)