For every nomad on foreign soil, common scenes of paved roads, tall buildings and lush green trees are sights calling for attention. Our camera rolls capture the Land of the Rising Sun, but the eyes of a traveller view differently from the everyday man. Every tiny detail fascinates its minds; as do ours as we marvel at the beauty that can’t be put into words.
Tokyo
The view from the top is decked with endless rows of skyscrapers that showcase Japan’s urbane sprawl.
Shot on Sony RX1R II
Overhead view of Asakusa. From this high, we use a different lens while gazing down at the city. From a non–native‘s view, what will we see first?
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Photography tip: The best thing about photography is that the same place can look so different when shot from different levels. Look out for observation decks (like this one near Asakusa Station) and even bridges to capture the neighbourhood in one shot from high above!
An unlikely friendship. Loving all of God‘s creation is a thread that runs deep in this land.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Pure innocence in the happiest place on Earth, translating to genuine smiles on our faces.
Shot on Sony RX1R II
Tokyo Disneyland is a place where you can truly live out your best character, regardless of age.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Even your furry friends are all dolled up, ready to take on the day.
Some are still embraced in a dreamy lullaby… 
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Photography tip: The best time to take a close-up shot of an animal is when it’s relaxed – for example, this adorable sleeping cat! Use a low f/stop (eg. f/2.8) to get a shallow depth of field, this will focus on your subject while the background blurs out. Don’t forget to get down and shoot from the animal’s eye level!
While others are hard at work on their art.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Diligence, a virtue not lost with the Japanese. A lesson for us to strive for perfection.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Others are immersed in their religious rituals. Locals and foreigners come together under one sacred house.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
These little finds are precious keepsakes for a fascinated wanderer.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
“Kawaii“, served in a bento
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Of course, what could put a bigger smile on our faces than yakiniku? ☺
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
A plate of sushi in its land of origin – can’t get any more authentic than this!
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Excited explorers like we are, ready to hop on the shinkansen for our next adventure.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Kyoto
Where the juxtaposition of colours against the monochromatic palette light up the entire place 
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Being ‘one of the locals‘ in the alley street, wondering how it’ll be to see through their eyes.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Photography tip: When we’re taking photos of people, we tend to place the subject in the center of the frame. Instead, try using the Rules of Thirds (the frame is divided into 9 sections) and place your subject at the intersections of the dividing lines. If you’re using a Sony camera, simply select the function that displays the Rule of Thirds grid on your camera screen, it’ll be much easier for you to frame your shot!
Walking down landmarks, witnessing shrines that showcase a rich heritage, yet has grown to become an infamous Instagram backdrop. It‘s almost impossible to capture a shot with no one in sight.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Observing the rituals of the believers, where sincere prayers are cast.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
For every traveller, Kyoto‘s like an infinite rainbow. Kaleidoscope colours, each one carrying the wishes and hopes of others.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Osaka
Suzana‘s feeling right at home, even though she‘s thousands of miles away; in a place where magic never dies.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
With a chug of non–alcoholic beer by her side to sweeten the day.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
And friendly Bob who’ll light up your day!
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Okonomiyaki, the pancake that‘ll surprise you with its various fillings.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Soon, dusk hits. Like the city that never sleeps, Dotonbori is alive even in the nights. And so, we continue collecting these memories.
Shot on Sony A7S II with Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens
Kamakura
As the crimson leaves fill up the bright blue skies, our hearts sing with envy at the beauty that ceaselessly greets residents every Fall.
Shot on Sony RX1R II
Photography tip: When shooting autumn foliage, take note of the direction of the light – it changes your shot completely! For the image above, the back light allowed us to capture the sunlight shining through the leaves, bringing out the rich colours of the maple leaves.
The leisurely pace at which a single leaf slowly changes from a golden brown to reddish hue is a reminder to us that change is constant, yet beautiful.
Shot on Sony RX1R II
Photography tip: If you’re not comfortable shooting on Manual mode, set your camera to Aperture Priority mode (A-mode) where you can change the aperture easily to capture the type of shot you want. If you’re holding up a leaf like the shot above, increase the aperture (smaller f-stop) as much as possible but if you would like to capture the entire fall foliage, reduce the aperture (larger f-stop)!
Kōtoku–in, home to the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. The ‘Great Buddha‘ sits, while the people stand in awe.
Shot on Sony RX1R II
While peering down at the rest of the world, we only feel more humble at the view that caress us.
Shot on Sony RX1R II
Like the falling leaves, sorrow fill our hearts with every footstep leading back to home. Yet, memories in every photo make Japan impossible to be truly left behind. Roaming the streets, we yearned to live through the eyes of a wanderer. We got our wish, and so much more. The lens which we see, becomes a photo book to share with you ❤️️
All images were taken with the Sony RX1R II and A7S II, our favourite travel companions.
This article was brought to you by Sony Singapore.