JAPAN HONEYMOON WITH WIFEY.
MARRIED ON A FRIDAY, EN ROUTE ON MONDAY.

I was first in Tokyo during fall of 2016, propelled mostly by wide eyed curiosity and finding great light to shoot. On this visit I discovered a totally new place and learned how massive the city is. Tokyo seems to defy physics and sprawl endlessly. As the trip crystallizes in my memory, I’m left craving more. It somehow has this lingering pull. I’m replaying days in my head and eager to go back. I won’t pretend I even scratched the surface in a 2 week visit…it almost feels like I didn’t see anything somehow. Yes the 7-11 egg salad sandwich is unbelievably delicious and if you walk by a ramen shop full of people you should absolutely stop and try it. Excellent travel is a balance between planning ahead and intuitive spontaneity. Japan puts this philosophy to the test, revealing it’s character slowly over time.

Kyoto was a pleasant surprise after a week in Tokyo. It felt more accessible, slower and friendlier. The fall colors were also in peak form! Grab a bike and cruise all day.

Images by ILL GANDER & Ashley Bouwer.
Leica Q2, RZ67, CONTAX T3, CANON HANDYCAM

Kyoto

Unagi - no frills grilled eel

Toji Temple - low key ancient pagoda

Takayasu - ramen

Momotaro - Japanese denim

Ichizawa - lifetime cotton canvas tote bags

Miki Keiran - omlette specialist at Nishiki market

Monk - prix fixe dinner featuring pizza

Totaro - cafe, matcha and exotic sweets

Aman - Hotel

Ace - Hotel