In 2017, we spent 6 weeks in Tokyo with family. After 28 years in Japan, they were moving to Hong Kong later in the year and so we thought it was a good time to see them as well as Tokyo and its nearby towns and cities.
This also included a trip by bullet train to the countryside a few hours north of Tokyo. Our family took us to enjoy a Ryokan, a type of traditional traveller inn which has existing for well over 1000 years in Japan. The classic Japanese dinner of more than 20 items, the hot spa baths and the tatami mats make these country-based ryokans quite an experience, and an especially relaxing one.
Plus of course, the tea culture of Japan allowed for many a time in the cosy, formal tea houses, whether Japanese, Chinese or Taiwanese. We thank our family for all the dinners, experiences and time we enjoyed with them all!
We really do love Japan and mostly definitely will be returning again and again.
Please enjoy the gallery of photographs by clicking the photo or visiting:
~ Vientiene
P.S. For any photography enthusiasts or professionals reading: I use a Panasonic G5 (micro four-thirds), a 20mm f1.7 pancake and 42.5mm f1.7 portrait lens (40mm FF and 85mm FF equivalent respectively). Previously, from 2013-2017, I mostly used a 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens and a 45-200mm f4-5.6 OIS (FF equivalent 28-84mm and 90-400mm respectively). It was in early 2017 when I replaced the kit lens with the much faster 20mm prime allowing the capture of much more light, as well as an increase in saturation, a reduction in size and a significant boost in sharpness. Due to weight and size I left the telescopic behind with friends in Penang in 2018 when I added the portrait lens with its razor thin depth of field. I may regret it, but at least now all (both) my lenses fit in my small camera bag. The best camera (and lens!) is the one you have with you!