Fuji Faves: My (Mostly Impossible) Favorite Picks with the Fujifilm XM1
Welcome to Fuji Faves, where I bravely attempt to choose my favorite photos taken with my trusty Fujifilm XM1. Honestly, trying to pick these favorites is like standing in front of an ice cream counter with 50 flavors—how do you choose between mint chocolate chip and salted caramel without a mild existential crisis?
Excited to share my first post on FujiSnaps! Captured this view of Tokyo Skytree from my traditional Japanese room in Asakusa, near Senso-ji Temple. A rainy day, but the mist made this shot unforgettable. 🌧️📸
Street photography often reveals the beauty hidden in everyday moments, and this one holds a special place in my journey. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did capturing it!
I’ve always been drawn to Namba Yasaka Shrine in Osaka. There’s just something about that massive lion head structure that stops you in your tracks. It’s bold, powerful, and one of those places that just pulls you in with its energy. Legend has it that this lion’s mouth swallows evil spirits, clearing the way for good vibes and success. For a street photographer, it’s a goldmine of character, culture, and raw visuals. If you’re ever in Osaka, this spot is a must-see! Would love to hear what you think about this beast of a shrine! 🦁✨
I love how effortlessly older people in Japan style their outfits. It just works—every time. You can’t see every detail here, but this shot captures a few of my favorite things: the timeless style of Japan’s elders, Japan in motion, and a nod to one of my all-time favorite Japanese brands—Porter Yoshida. 🎒 This moment was caught in Shinjuku Station, Tokyo’s busiest hub, known for its organized chaos, countless connections, and rush-hour energy. A place where life never stops moving. What catches your eye?
Osaka never stops dazzling. Wandering through the streets here, you’re constantly hit by eye-catching details around every corner. Neon lights pulse with life, painting the city in vibrant hues. I can’t help but love getting lost in this electric maze. Then there it was—a giant crab shining bright above, casting its glow over the bustling street below. Only in Osaka would something like this be so perfectly at home. 🦀✨ What’s the wildest thing you’ve stumbled on while exploring?
Kyoto stands apart from Tokyo and Osaka—a quieter, more traditional charm fills its streets. But what they all share? The captivating views of storefronts and restaurants adorned with colorful lanterns, each telling its own story. While wandering near Nijo Castle, we captured this scene: a striking white umbrella passing in front of a building with vivid red lanterns. A simple, timeless moment that shows Kyoto’s elegance even in the everyday. Have you felt Kyoto’s unique rhythm? ☂️🏮
While exploring Tokyo in search of Saitama’s apartment from One Punch Man, we found ourselves immersed in the colorful streets of everyday life. This shot captures a simple yet captivating moment—a bus gliding past as a crossing guard ensures everything moves smoothly. It’s these everyday rhythms that make Japan so special: organized, vibrant, and always in motion. Tokyo truly is a dream for photographers seeking to freeze stories in time. What everyday scene captures your eye the most? 🚌📸
I’m not entirely sure of this spot’s exact location, but I’m pretty sure it’s somewhere in Osaka—and it makes perfect sense. Osaka is where food and bold creativity collide, especially when it comes to storefronts. The playful, over-the-top decorations that adorn restaurant fronts are unlike anywhere else. They draw you in, tell a story, and make each street an adventure for photographers. Capturing these lively scenes is like bottling a piece of Osaka’s spirit. What’s your favorite city for capturing character-packed streets? 🎭📷
Hoppy Dori Street in Asakusa has a whole different vibe during the day. By night, it’s alive with the buzz of izakayas, where people gather for great food, laughter, and late-night chats. But in the daytime, it feels as if the street is resting—quiet, almost asleep. This contrast shows another side of Tokyo’s character: even in stillness, there’s a story to capture. For photographers, moments like these offer a glimpse of the calm before the city’s lively evening storm. Have you seen both sides of Hoppy Dori? 🍻✨
Nara is a truly magical place. Here, deer roam freely, regarded as messengers of the gods and cherished as a living part of the city’s history. They wander among temples and parks, drawing visitors into their enchanting world. This old buck was no exception. When we crossed paths, his eyes revealed a long lifetime spent on these sacred grounds—a silent story etched in every gaze. Now it’s your turn to meet this striking character. Meet the deer. 🦌✨
Akihabara, Tokyo’s vibrant playground for anime, gaming, and tech lovers, is a place where the city never stops moving. This district’s colorful buildings light up the city of Tokyo, and in between, trains glide smoothly through the scene. Capturing this shot took patience, but it was worth every moment—combining movement, color, and the electric energy of Akihabara itself. Street photographers know the thrill of waiting for that perfect moment. Have you felt it too? 🚉✨
I can’t quite tell you where this is, but the storefront is simply unforgettable. The Japanese characters painted against the awning, the ever-present air conditioning units mounted on the facade, a few lanterns adding that traditional charm, and the perfect color balance—this scene screams Japan. And of course, no iconic street shot would be complete without a classic Japanese bicycle parked right in front. It’s the kind of moment that feels so ordinary yet so full of character. Japan’s streets always know how to tell a story. What’s your favorite street scene to capture? 🚲✨
Nestled near the iconic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, this pagoda stands tall with timeless elegance. What makes this scene even more special is the lively contrast: colorful food stands bustling with energy right in front of such a serene, historic backdrop. The vibrant reds, yellows, and greens of the stands play beautifully against the deep tones of the pagoda—a mix of modern life and ancient charm that only Japan can pull off. It’s a feast for the eyes and the soul. Have you captured moments like these? 🏯🍢✨
No-Face from Spirited Away in all its mysterious glory, captured at the Donguri Republic store in Osaka—a paradise for Studio Ghibli fans. This spot is a dream come true for anyone who loves anime and Ghibli’s enchanting worlds. By the way, Japan is sprinkled with Ghibli magic everywhere you go, from shops to themed cafes and even subtle nods in everyday life. If you’re an anime lover, places like this are an absolute must-visit. Which Ghibli creature is your favorite? 🎭✨
Somewhere in the Kyoto area, this abandoned house tells a story—one that feels both sad and beautiful. It’s bittersweet to think that someone once called this place home, or perhaps ran a business here. But time moves on, and nature always reclaims its space. Slowly but surely, the greenery is taking over, softening the decay with vibrant life. There’s something magical and mysterious about finding places like this when you’re traveling. Getting lost leads to the most unexpected treasures. Have you stumbled upon something like this? 🌱🏚✨