Steve's Photoblog
Timeless Japan - My Special Place
Posted by Steve Rice (Olympia, United States) on 7 November 2008 in Architecture and Portfolio.
This is a roof detail of Nijo-jo (Nijo Castle) in Kyoto, Japan. The castles, temples and shrines of Japan are beautiful and serene places which, on occasion, are full of people and bustle.
I have found Japan to have a very civil society where people treat one another with respect. Also, it's a place where quality and customer service actually mean something. In many places, those concepts have been reduced to advertising slogans. Not so in Japan.
Japan is a place that is comfortable yet exotic, very safe, and photogenic beyond description. That's why it's my special place.
bluechameleon from Vancouver, Canada
This is amazing Steve! Exceptional capture, full of detail that I can't even imagine.
7 Nov 2008 5:29am
jamesy from christchurch, New Zealand
Wow Steve what an amazing place the detail is beautiful
7 Nov 2008 5:31am
Monique from Koh Samui, Thailand
A beautiful photo of your special place ... I like the architecture of the temples and the details are so amazing, you can watch them for hours and hours and still find something new to see!
7 Nov 2008 5:45am
Kathryn from Warburton, Australia
you have captured the detail and shine of the metal very well indeed! great composition and thanks for sharing this with us!
7 Nov 2008 5:48am
Kylie Greenan from Richmond, Australia
A place I must get to, beautiful detail here and thanks so much Steve ro participating in the challenge!
7 Nov 2008 5:59am
dj.tigersprout from San Bruno, CA, United States
i just adored my time in Japan all those years ago -- it is time to return! this is a stunningly detailed and wonderfully ornate shot -- amazingly captured and presented! a faaabulous submission for a 'special place'... bravo!!
7 Nov 2008 6:12am
Ana Lúcia from Leiria, Portugal
Amazing Steve!!! A great composition with excellent light and detail.
7 Nov 2008 7:21am
Linerberry from Sumner, Christchurch, New Zealand
I think you've sold me on Japan! A lovely description and great image:-)
7 Nov 2008 8:19am
Em!ly Ng from Residing in: Adelaide, Australia | Home:, Singapore
"civil, comfortable yet exotic, very safe, and photogenic" sounds so good!
interesting how it's accented with metal in the foregrd roof, and the bg one, wood was chosen. good photo to represent japan.. old-world charm, understated/subtle yet grand
i feel the focus here are the 2 roof tops.. perhaps u could have afforded cropping the wood carving at the bottom slightly to include the tip of the other roof would make it geometrically stronger..
7 Nov 2008 8:35am
KIJI from valenciennes, France
Very beautiful and famous SPECIAL place!
I'm found of Japan too :)
7 Nov 2008 8:40am
Paco Díaz from Palma de Mallorca, Spain
It's really a beautiful roof. I understand very well the choice.
7 Nov 2008 9:03am
Jason Kravitz from Brussels, Belgium
nice image Steve
After my recent first Asia visit to China, Japan is high on the list for next time - thanks for the insightful information
7 Nov 2008 9:03am
kylie from Shanghai, China
I hope to visit one day. It really looks amazing. This photo is jam-packed with so much detail, its really stunning!
7 Nov 2008 9:47am
thierry from conde sur noireau, France
very nice shot of this Japanese castel with details very dead
7 Nov 2008 11:50am
Alejandro Caballero from Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Buena composicion no se pierde detalle, saludos.
7 Nov 2008 12:11pm
Observing from West Cheshire, United Kingdom
I can understand your feelings Steve, it is a lovely place although I've never been there. Wonderful old buildings in this shot, just look at the details.
Have a good weekend.
7 Nov 2008 4:57pm
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
Wow, what a lovely place you have Steve, and they make sushi, ahhh heaven ;)
7 Nov 2008 5:24pm
@Lorraine: Yes, I love the sushi there. Since I was in Hiroshima, I became quite fond of the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. The people in Hiroshima think their style is the best.
Judy from Brooksville-Florida,, United States
This is fantastic, Steve; I can see why you chose this for your special place!
7 Nov 2008 5:50pm
peter from new york, United States
thanks for sharing this shot and your thoughts steve! i was there when i was little but really think i need another visit!
7 Nov 2008 7:14pm
Fliss from Melbourne Beach, United States
Oh how gorgeous... love the temples in Japan... they look so calming...
7 Nov 2008 8:57pm
JJ from Jersey City, United States
nice composition and wonderful detail, only makes me want to visit Japan more
8 Nov 2008 12:59am
akarui from Kagoshima, Japan
Beautiful picture of Japanese roofs. Japan is a wonderful place and may be the country where you get the best service...
8 Nov 2008 4:48am
@akarui: I agree.
Evelyne Dubos from Le Mans, France
With this nice shot of Japanese architecture and your feelings about this country, i can understand your choice...
8 Nov 2008 10:31pm
GJC from Kyoto, Japan
Nicely said, and nicely photographed. I agree that for a certain kind of photography, Japan can't be beat. You'll have to come back soon. Thanks for sharing.
9 Nov 2008 6:42am
Vinman from Clacton-on-Sea, United Kingdom
The best pictures are the ones that make us want to visit the place, especially those with a real history. Japn was on my list anyway but Kyoto has now started an itinerary!
10 Nov 2008 9:57pm
@Vinman: Kyoto is filled with the most beautiful temples and shrines imaginable. Most of the temples have absolutely gorgeous gardens on their grounds. Fall is a wonderful time to visit since those gardens are full of fall colors. My wife and I spent three weeks in Kyoto alone in the fall.
I've been there in spring too when the cherry blossoms are in full swing. That is amazing also. To walk the Path of Philosophy in cherry blossom time is not to be missed. Every place in Japan has some jewel to be admired. Kyoto is full of such jewels.
