my trip to Japan
Japan 2017: Wandering Through a Dream
In 2017, my brother and I finally made the trip to Japan — something we had talked about for years. Stepping off the plane felt surreal. Japan is one of those places that somehow feels both exactly like you imagined and completely surprising at the same time.
We split our time between fast-paced city life and quiet moments tucked away from the crowds. Tokyo was alive at every hour — neon lights, busy streets, and food stalls that kept pulling us in at random corners. Shibuya Crossing felt like a living current, people flowing in every direction but somehow never colliding.
But honestly, some of my favorite parts were the simple, unexpected moments.
Walking through old neighborhoods in the early morning, watching shop owners set up for the day. Stumbling into small temples that felt hidden between skyscrapers. Finding a tiny ramen shop, with only five seats at the counter, and having what felt like the best meal of the trip.
We didn’t follow a strict plan. We just explored. Some days, we’d hop on a train without knowing exactly where we’d end up. Other days, we’d walk for miles through streets we couldn’t pronounce, chasing whatever caught our eye.
What stuck with me the most wasn’t just the big sights, but the feeling of discovery around every corner. It’s a place that makes you want to slow down and look closer — to notice the details in everyday life, from the way people greet you in shops to the quiet beauty of a garden tucked between buildings.
Traveling with my brother made it all even better. It turned the trip into something more than just sightseeing — it was about shared moments, dumb jokes, and memories that we still laugh about to this day.
The photos I’m sharing here are just a slice of what we experienced. They can’t fully capture the sounds, the smells, the feeling of being there… but they’re a window into the trip. Hope you enjoy.
If you’ve been to Japan, let me know what your favorite spot was. If you haven’t — I highly recommend it!
Camera Settings & Gear I Used:
A few people asked me about my setup for these shots in Japan, so here’s what I used:
Camera:
Fujifilm X-T100 — super compact and light, perfect for traveling around Tokyo streets and shrines. I like it because it’s simple but still gives that Fuji color magic.
Lenses:
Fujinon XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ — my main walkaround lens. It’s small and covers a good range for street and landscape shots.
Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR — sharp, fast, and gave me great depth for portraits and tighter frames.
Shutter Speed:
Mostly kept it around 1/250 to 1/500 during the day to freeze motion, especially in busy areas like Shibuya.
Slowed it down to 1/60 or lower in shaded alleys or temples.
Aperture:
Shot a lot wide open at f/2 to f/4 for softer backgrounds.
For cityscapes and landscapes, closed down to f/8 to f/11 to keep things sharp front to back.
ISO:
Tried to stay at ISO 200-400 for clean shots, but pushed to ISO 800-1600 at night, especially around neon signs and street food stalls.
Focus:
Used manual focus a few times for precise shots, but mostly relied on Fuji’s autofocus, which is quick and reliable.
Film Simulation Mode:
Shot mainly in Classic Chrome for that muted, documentary vibe.
Also played with Velvia for vibrant colors in parks and street scenes.
Metering:
Stuck with Multi metering mode, and it handled most situations well.
Occasionally adjusted exposure compensation by +0.3 to +0.7 to brighten shadowy scenes.
Other Gear:
Wrist strap instead of a neck strap for faster handling.
Extra batteries — trust me, the XT100 needs them for a full day out.
16GB and 32GB SD cards — kept a few spares handy.
Simple Tips if you’re using cameras like this:
Pack light. A small setup makes you more spontaneous in the streets.
Play with Fuji’s film simulations — they save time in editing.
Use the flip screen for creative angles, especially low shots in temples or streets.
Charge all your batteries the night before. I killed one battery before lunch the first day 😂
Enjoy the moment. Japan is full of photo ops, but don’t forget to soak it in with your eyes too.
