Enoshima in January (Part 2)

I took quite a few photos on this trip to Enoshima in January. There's a lot to see and do on this little island. It was just after the New Year's holiday period, and there were still quite a few people making the trek to Enoshima Shrine. Perhaps for a late hatsumode (first shrine visit of the new year) or perhaps they were just out enjoying the fine weather on Enoshima? The lovely Samuel Cocking Garden is located at the base of the Enoshima Sea Candle (lighthouse). Although it was January they had an amazing display of tuplips.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 100, 1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/125 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 400, 1/200 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/500 sec.

Return to Omoide Yokocho (one week later)

I returned to Omoide Yokocho a week later from my previous post and took another snap walking through memory lane, a.k.a piss alley. Not sure which I like better... What do you think?

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f5.6, ISO 400, 1/13 sec.

Omoide Yokocho Yakitori Lantern

Two-weekends ago I took a stroll through Omoide Yokocho (or Memory Lane) near Shinjuku Station's west exit (or Nishi-Guchi). Some may also know it as Shonben Yokocho or (Piss Alley). This narrow alley is full of small restaurants and has a unique, charming and authentic feeling. At times this crowed dirty alley makes you feel like you've left modern Shinjuku and traveled back in time. Then suddenly your snapped out of your trance by the tourists crowding out the locals in this unique time-capsule. CNN has a great post located here.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 100, 1/30 sec.

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Lanterns

In norther Japan, these lanterns are made for the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri. I haven't had the opportunity to visit Aomori especially during festival time, but several smaller versions of these lanterns are currently on display in Tokyo Midtown.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/50 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/40 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/320 sec.

First Post

This is to be a blog full of my photos of "Living in Japan", especially Tokyo.  However, I will not fill it with family photos or snaps.  This is to be personal yet impersonal project.  It will be filled with the everyday sights of Japan.  Things that I find, beautiful, strange, sublime, funny and unusual.

The title alludes to my conflicted feelings that I have for Tokyo.  Sometimes one truly feels lost in this big, frenetic city.  Other times there is a sense of discovery... finding things unexpected, forgotten or lost. 

Hopefully, I will be able to explore these feelings and share them with you.  If you find my photos interesting, please post comments.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings.

Strange sculpture near the French
Ambassador's residence in Minami Azabu.

Restaurant near Sangen-Jaya Station (三軒茶屋駅)

Sculpture on pedestal at the entrance to Meiji Jingu Gaien (Meiji Shrine Outer Garden).
Is it a unicorn? Kirin?

Ginkgo Avenue (aka Icho Namiki ) near the Meiji Jingu Gaien.
The ginkgo leaves are almost at peak fall color.

Japanese Maple Tree in "Step" Park in Moto Azabu