An executive board member with a Ph.D. in Public Policy, based in Tokyo. Interested in travel, history, and the arts. Sharing impressions from travels and moments from everyday life.
I was a bit surprised to see onigiri, one of the most familiar meals for Japanese people, being sold at a shop near the boarding gate at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
I was a bit surprised to see onigiri, one of the most familiar meals for Japanese people, being sold at a shop near the boarding gate at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Montmartre has a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Paris. I love taking a leisurely stroll there on a sunny day.
Montmartre has a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Paris. I love taking a leisurely stroll there on a sunny day.
When the rain ceases and the evening sun begins to emerge, Paris unveils a beauty even more sublime.
When the rain ceases and the evening sun begins to emerge, Paris unveils a beauty even more sublime.
One of my favorite things to do in Paris is strolling along the Seine.
One of my favorite things to do in Paris is strolling along the Seine.
Ile de la Cité is lively, but the neighboring Île Saint-Louis has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It’s my favorite area.
Ile de la Cité is lively, but the neighboring Île Saint-Louis has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It’s my favorite area.
The rose windows of Notre-Dame Cathedral: the south one on the left, the north one on the right. Their beauty is so mesmerizing that I lose track of time just gazing at them.
The rose windows of Notre-Dame Cathedral: the south one on the left, the north one on the right. Their beauty is so mesmerizing that I lose track of time just gazing at them.
Notre-Dame Cathedral façade (central pillar, tympanum, decorative arch) and the ribbed vaults of the nave. A true essence of Gothic architecture.
Notre-Dame Cathedral façade (central pillar, tympanum, decorative arch) and the ribbed vaults of the nave. A true essence of Gothic architecture.
Notre-Dame Cathedral as seen from the rear. On the left is its appearance in February 2024, and on the right, in February 2025. While full restoration will still take time, progress is steadily being made.
Notre-Dame Cathedral as seen from the rear. On the left is its appearance in February 2024, and on the right, in February 2025. While full restoration will still take time, progress is steadily being made.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Seen from the front, it has almost regained its pre-fire appearance.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Seen from the front, it has almost regained its pre-fire appearance.
In late February, I visited Paris for the first time in a while. This photo shows Île Saint-Louis, a small island in the Seine River.
In late February, I visited Paris for the first time in a while. This photo shows Île Saint-Louis, a small island in the Seine River.
The view I saw during my lunch break: A shrine's torii gate nestled between the buildings.
The view I saw during my lunch break: A shrine's torii gate nestled between the buildings.
Sweet Kanpei (a type of mandarin orange) and lemons sent from my family home in Ehime!
Sweet Kanpei (a type of mandarin orange) and lemons sent from my family home in Ehime!
Here's the courtyard of the hotel I stayed at. It was nice to relax after a long time.
Here's the courtyard of the hotel I stayed at. It was nice to relax after a long time.
On a business trip to Yamanashi. At Isawa Onsen Station, there's a footbath that warmly welcomes travelers.
On a business trip to Yamanashi. At Isawa Onsen Station, there's a footbath that warmly welcomes travelers.
Near the confluence of the Takano River and the Kamo River (Demachiyanagi, Kyoto)
Near the confluence of the Takano River and the Kamo River (Demachiyanagi, Kyoto)
Serene Space (Tenryuji Temple)
Serene Space (Tenryuji Temple)
The garden of Tenryuji in winter's barrenness is beautiful.
The garden of Tenryuji in winter's barrenness is beautiful.
The Sogenchi Garden at Tenryuji Temple. Designed by Muso Kokushi about 700 years ago.
The Sogenchi Garden at Tenryuji Temple. Designed by Muso Kokushi about 700 years ago.
Togetsukyo Bridge and Ogurayama. If you go early in the morning, it's cold but refreshing!
Togetsukyo Bridge and Ogurayama. If you go early in the morning, it's cold but refreshing!
The garden and five-story pagoda of To-ji Temple. One of my favorite spaces.
The garden and five-story pagoda of To-ji Temple. One of my favorite spaces.
As you enter through the South Gate, the Golden Hall appears right in front of you. The Golden Hall serves as the main hall of Toji Temple. Inside, you will find the principal deity Yakushi Nyorai, flanked by Nikko Bosatsu and Gekko Bosatsu.
As you enter through the South Gate, the Golden Hall appears right in front of you. The Golden Hall serves as the main hall of Toji Temple. Inside, you will find the principal deity Yakushi Nyorai, flanked by Nikko Bosatsu and Gekko Bosatsu.
Recently, I visited Kyoto. This photo shows the Five-Story Pagoda of Toji Temple, which is designated as a National Treasure.
Recently, I visited Kyoto. This photo shows the Five-Story Pagoda of Toji Temple, which is designated as a National Treasure.
From the inner sanctuary of Taisanji Temple (at the summit of Kyogamori), you can enjoy panoramic views of Matsuyama City and the Seto Inland Sea.
From the inner sanctuary of Taisanji Temple (at the summit of Kyogamori), you can enjoy panoramic views of Matsuyama City and the Seto Inland Sea.
If you climb further up the mountain path from the main hall of Taisanji Temple, you will reach the Oku-no-in (Inner Sanctuary). At the Oku-no-in, an Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva is enshrined.
If you climb further up the mountain path from the main hall of Taisanji Temple, you will reach the Oku-no-in (Inner Sanctuary). At the Oku-no-in, an Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva is enshrined.
The principal deity is the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva. The seven Bodhisattva statues were donated by emperors between the Nara and Heian periods. Normally kept as hidden Buddhas, these statues are unveiled only once every 50 years.
The principal deity is the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva. The seven Bodhisattva statues were donated by emperors between the Nara and Heian periods. Normally kept as hidden Buddhas, these statues are unveiled only once every 50 years.