Benjamin Steele

Early morning at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. A 4:30 wake-up treated us well to beat the overwhelming crowds of Kyoto. We found the Torii gates empty other than a few locals out for their daily walks or runs (pretty impressed by those who run to the top).

The gates symbolize the transition from the everyday world to sacred ground, with each gate being donated by a business or individual as inscribed in writing. Unfortunately, overrun with tourism (ourselves included), but well worth the visit.

While in Japan, we visited six different cities. Although I preferred the less traveled of the six, Kyoto was still remarkable, particularly early in the mornings, late in the evenings, or when venturing off the beaten path.

24 hours in Tokyo. Unfortunately our flight was delayed nearly two days, so our time in Tokyo was cut short, but we certainly made the most of the time that we had. Up at 3:30 and 30,000 steps was quite the way to start our Honeymoon. Luckily for me is an exceptional travel partner and kept me moving when my legs started cramping.

We were fortunate to be staying in Asakusa during the Sanja Matsuri festival. Not planned, but a lucky coincidence. This day produced some of my favorite memories and photos to document, maybe ever.

Although the trip was delayed, we luckily planned for over three weeks in Japan. We’re currently in a small coastal town in the Izu Peninsula. More to come.

Some additional frames worth sharing. Super fun to put my new FujiFilm GFX100 II through its paces. Cheers to the team over there for making such an enjoyable tool. And thanks to God for making such a memorable coastline.