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Greenest greens

Springtime in Japan had the most vivid greens, oranges, pinks and blues. These pines may not be what you think of when you picture Japan, but Kyoto is nestled between to mountains and the forest is a large part of the region's identity. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Hono-chan the clown

My youngest niece enjoys being photographed, and would clown around to get our attention. Here she models the latest in reading glasses at Eiga Mura, a movie theme park. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Temple detail

The temples are dotted with decorative hardware. I liked the shape and patina of this one against the pale orange wood. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Golden Pavilion

One of Kyoto's most visited landmarks. The foliage isn't completely grown in, but the detail and clarity of the shot surprised me when I got home and saw it full size. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Stone statues

Tiny souvenirs bathed in sunlight. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Temple with lens flare

The sun broke through the light cloud cover just as I was shooting this temple. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Sakura, blooming

After only a few days in Japan, the tight pink buds seemed to open overnight. Trees were so full of blooms that you could scarcely see the color of the branches under the bright pinks. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Blue Sagi at waterfall

I was lining up a shot of this waterfall at the Imperial Garden in Kyoto when a Blue Sagi swooped in, landed, and posed. Pure luck. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Geiko Hisano of Pontocho

Walking through the Gion as dusk, we lucked into seeing two Maiko (apprentices studying to become Geisha) and one full-fledged Geiko, Hisano-san. Quite well known in those circles, it was extremely lucky to have just bumped into her. She very graciously allowed me to photograph her. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

1000 Mori

The well-known 100 gates in Kyoto. The sun shines through the tightly packed gates and casts a rich orange glow on everything. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Sakura petals falling like snow

Within 7 days of blooming, the flower petals fall on walkways and streets and into the rivers, coating the city in a soft pink blanket for a day or two until a rainshower washes most of them away. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Chika-chan & Shoko-san

My two tour guides, not to mention my wife and mother-in-law, Chikako (left) and Shoko. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Bell handle

Hundreds of years old, but still functional and beautiful. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

Kitsune (fox) guardian

The temple with the 1,000 Mori is guarded by numerous foxes, chief among them the two giants at the main entry gate. This is the right-hand fox. Tamron 18-270 DI II.

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keeperdesign's Profile
keeperdesign's Exhibits

I'm a graphic designer for a national nonprofit. I live in Oregon with my wife and dog. For fun we travel, take photos, and scuba/snorkel.

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Springtime in Kyoto, Japan 2011
by keeperdesign

almost 2 years ago

After the three disasters earlier this year, my wife Chikako and I were eager to visit her home town of Kyoto and show people that, despite the harrowing reports of destruction, Japan was still a beautiful and resilient place. We were there the better part of April and saw all of Sakura season, from the first buds to full bloom to the petals falling like snow. Before the trip I replaced my multiple lenses (18-55mm and 55-200mm) with just one "walking around" lens, a Tamron 18-270 DI-II. It's fast and bright, and not having to switch lenses all the time was a game-changer for me.

Greenest greens
Hono-chan the clown
Temple detail
Golden Pavilion
Stone statues
Temple with lens flare
Sakura, blooming
Blue Sagi at waterfall
Geiko Hisano of Pontocho
1000 Mori
Sakura petals falling like snow
Chika-chan & Shoko-san
Bell handle
Kitsune (fox) guardian

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Guestbook for “Springtime in Kyoto, Japan 2011”

Name/Note Date

04/05/12

bosley

d.e. bosley, jr.

03/26/12

Thom Richards

Excellent compositions! Thanks for sharing with us...you are a great photographer!

03/14/12

2LiveOutLoud

Thoughtful Mission Delightful Images hoping all of your wife's friends and family are safe and well

02/18/12

Douglas Vergara

I thank you for sharing a beautiful part of your life. Simply beautiful and serene.

07/03/11

Thor Arne

Very nice pictures.

05/31/11

Karen Swigart

Karen Swigart - a nice tribute

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