teamlab Planets Tokyo
Immersive art is a relatively new concept. Projections, fog, natural elements, the play of light and shadow in a space all flowing together. teamLab understands this better than perhaps any other traditional museum, and their installations offer a different experience, if you’re brave enough to venture through it.
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Some things in life are universal. The smell of the sea air, the wind in your hair. And, apparently watching dolphins perform stunts on a hot summer day. Whether in America or Japan, this aquarium and theme park ticked all the right boxes for a family outing.
Meiji Jingu
They say the journey is more important than the destination. If you are coming to Meiji Jingu looking for a multi-story pagoda, or a lavish main building, you may be disappointed. This spiritual experience is a literal walk in the park, past wooden massive gates and into the forest grounds. Take your time, bring your most comfortable shoes, and explore with no end in sight.
Landmark Tower Sky Garden
Many observation decks have 360-degree panoramic views, but not all of those experiences are fulfilling. The 69th floor (nice) of the Landmark Tower is one of those that is definitely worth it in so many ways. Unlike Tokyo Tower and Skytree, this highlight of Yokohama’s skyline is all about serenity, capped off with stunning views of Mt. Fuji.
Sensoji Temple & Asakusa
It was cold, and warm, and fragrant on the December afternoon that I visited this wonderful temple and its surrounding district. For all the bustling, modern, developed metropolis that Tokyo is, there are still pockets of history that feel untouched. This one remains a gem in that sense, and its atmosphere was something to behold even as COVID’s shadow lingered in the background.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
All over the world, you’ll find different varieties of similar things. Mountains are different from East to West, with their own types of snow to ski. Some rivers are calm and flat, while others cut through valleys and elevation. Beaches do not exist as one size fits all destinations either, and Oregon’s Cannon Beach may be among the most serene in America.
Views from Seattle Space Needle
When architecture meets outlook, the result can be spectacular. Seattle Space Needle offers just that special combination of panoramic views of the city framed by Mt. Rainier, together with its own unique, modern design. Top it off with a great experience for family and photographers alike, and it’s a must visit spot when in town.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte plays host to an annual wild flower festival, a chance for visitors to gather and enjoy the summer time bloom across its many hills. From a photographic standpoint, the light was also invitingly soft, lending texture and shadows to the landscape.