Warming colors of winter in the Port of Kobe.

As the cold winter sets in, a little warmth can be found in the Port of Kobe with beautiful bright colors awash uplifting the soul.

Winter travel in Hokkaido

A moment of solitude brought on by winter’s cold white haze. The railway platform mostly abandoned of life becomes a quiet respite clearing the mind of noise. Only the consistent sound of the snow falling with a slight howl of the wind breaks the stillness. The sound is that of some massive godlike creature exhaling its chilling breath upon the area.

A train passes a through a winter landscape in Hokkaido

A single train carriage passes through a winter landscape in Hokkaido. As the island is mostly countryside apart from a few major cities, fewer trains operate on a delayed schedule. One may wait 1-4 hours for the next train to arrive. Huddling up close to a small gas stove in a tiny station can be the outcome for those stuck in this harsh environment.

Spring in Kyoto begins

A path leads the way to a Buddhist temple in Kyoto. As winter’s grip loosens the colors of life begin to bloom again lifting one’s spirits.

The smell of burnt incense is a reminder of being in a spiritual structure

A lone candle sits in a dark pot among the burned sticks of incense laying in the ash at a Buddhist temple in Kyoto. The smell of spirituality fills the prayer hall among the dark walls in meditation.

Railway line from Kyoto Station through Higashiyama leads towards Lake Biwa

A railway line from Kyoto station through the hills of Higashiyama leads towards the Lake Biwa area. The afternoon sunset brings spring color hues.

Spring Silhouette of Kyoto

During a brisk cold spring afternoon in Kyoto a tree fans out into the sky gathering warmth for its coming blossoms.

Afternoon cruise leaving Shodoshima Island via Ferry

The fresh ocean breeze revitalizes the spirit while passing islands pass like ducks on a pond. The Shodoshima Island ferry carries automobiles and passengers to and from Shikoku Island. Standing on the upper deck alone, one may feel as he or she is on a ghost ship.