Japanese spring vibes

Exploring Himeji and Hakone during a cozy spring trip to Japan. Shot on Fuji X100VI.

CameraFuji x100vi
LocationHimeji, Hakone
DateFebruary 2026

When travelling in Himeji & Mount Fuji I had some fun with different styles of photography, trying to capture the nice lighting but also making some jokes :)

Location / Context

This collection covers two iconic but very different locations: the pristine historical grounds of Himeji Castle, and the serene, slightly nostalgic waters of Hakone.

Photo Story

The weather was perfect. The harsh shadows and bright blues gave everything a very crisp, film-like quality (shoutout to the Fuji X100VI). We spent time exploring the city streets, watching the pirate ship in Hakone, and even warming up by an open fire near the castle grounds. The contrast between the massive traditional structures and the everyday cozy moments is exactly what makes Japan so special.

Gallery

Himeji Castle Portrait Making some jokes and enjoying the sun in front of the massive Himeji Castle.

Hakone Pirate Ship The famous sightseeing ship sailing across Lake Ashi in Hakone.

Ship Deck Views Soaking in the sun and the lake breeze on the ship deck.

Himeji City View Looking out onto the streets of Himeji through a beautifully framed architectural ring.

Warming Up Taking a break by an open fire near the castle grounds. The perfect cozy moment.

Color Story

The dominant colors here are driven entirely by the environment: the stark white of Himeji Castle, the deep navy of Lake Ashi, and that unbeatable, clear Japanese spring sky. To break up the cool tones, there are pops of intense warmth—from the crackling fire, the orange buses, and a bright red Honda sweater. It's the perfect visual representation of a cozy, slightly chilly spring day.

Scene Palette

Castle White
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Clear Sky Blue
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Fire Orange
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Mood Palette

Cozy Japan
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