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Rohan Ugale

@rohanugale

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🎇 Travel Photographer & Visual Storyteller
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A bit of Kyoto through the seasons & through my lens. More than just places, these are slices of time that I wholeheartedly enjoyed - whether that be just taking in the beauty, marveling at the details, or simply the memories & fun of capturing the photos. Looking back on these, they’re moments I’d truly wish for others to experience themselves.

📍Early morning at Kiyomizu-dera and the surrounding slopes. Here, I captured the famous temple in spring. (1-3)

📍A visit to Ginkaku-ji - much quieter than its golden sibling. I particularly enjoyed this visit in the summer. (4-6)

📍Jizo-in is absolutely elevated in autumn. The contrast between the hardy bamboo and autumn leaves is something otherworldly. (7-9)

📍Okazaki boat tours in spring. Located near Heian Shrine and Nanzen-ji, this short cruise takes you along the sakura-lined canals. (10-11)

📍Kyoto Station, captured in summer. There’s something about the summer light and heat that just made this place feel more alive, more chaotic. And taking photos is something fun to do if you’re waiting around for your train. (12-14)

📍Tenjuan is beautiful all season long, but when autumn leaves scatter across its famous pond, you can get some seriously great photos. (15-17)

📍Kamo Riverwalk is probably one of Kyoto’s most famous locations. In the evenings, it feels like the whole city comes here to take in the sunset. One of my favorite evenings here was in summer - when the sky turned colors I didn’t think were possible. (18-19)

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place. I’m glad you’re here!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Kyoto, Japan by @rohanugale

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14 hours ago

When I went up to Tottori last spring, I didn’t know just how much I’d enjoy it - especially the day I spent roaming around the Tottori Sand Dunes. There’s something about this landscape, and maybe the novelty & fun of playing around in the sand that makes this an enjoyable experience.

The dunes themselves are breathtaking, and while it might feel a bit touristy closer to the parking lot, once you head out further it opens up magnificently. Walk enough and there’s space to experience your own little cinematic moments, like you were a character in the Dune movies. And since the dunes are perched over the sea, the views and sunset are absolutely incredible.

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place. I’m glad you’re here!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Japan by @rohanugale

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3 days ago

Tokyo has a little bit of everything, for everyone. It’s typically my arrival and departure point in Japan, so I’ve had the chance to explore different areas and neighborhoods through the seasons. And while I prefer to spend more time exploring further out, especially in smaller and more remote prefectures, there’s always something new to do in the big city.

Here, I’ve put together a few of those special moments and I’d say if you have the chance, think about seeking them out for yourself!

📍Watching the Shinkansen between the buildings. Two great places are Shimbashi Station & Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Ginza rooftop. (1-2)

📍Under Tokyo Tower. On Sakurada-dori in Minato Ward, near the Higashi-Azabu Pedestrian Bridge, there’s quite a few beautiful places to photograph Tokyo Tower. (3-4)

📍Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple in the summer. It’s incredible in every season, but there’s something about the summer haze that elevates these scenes. (5-6)

📍University of Tokyo campuses in autumn. One of the best ginkgo viewing spots in Tokyo! (7-9)

📍Nakameguro cherry blossoms in spring. Although the main area near Nakameguro Station is popular, if you walk away from Sakura Bridge toward Naka-Meguro Park, it opens up quite a bit. (10-11)

📍Views from the Tokyo Skytree. Going up the Skytree on a clear day is incredible - it really gives you a sense for just how infinite Tokyo feels. (12-14)

📍Ueno Park Shinobazuno Pond in summer. Each summer, thousands of wind chimes are installed for the local festival here. The sound and overall vibe, combined with the lotus flowers blooming in the morning, is beautiful. (15-17)

📍The National Art Center, Tokyo in the morning. Watching the morning light cast beautiful shadows in this architectural space is special. It’s also famous for being featured in the popular movie Your Name. (18-19)

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place. I’m glad you’re here!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Tokyo, Japan by @rohanugale

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5 days ago

Back in 2023, there was a place I really wanted to photograph: Shirahige Shrine, a picturesque shrine with a floating torii gate off the shores of Lake Biwa, in an area north of Kyoto City. I wasn’t yet comfortable driving in Japan, so to make this visit happen, I decided to try and go by train & by foot. It was an adventure to say the least - after taking the train from Kyoto to Omi-Takashima, the only reliable way to get there early in the morning is to walk. So, I did - through farm roads, under a tunnel, along the beach, and finally, up to the shrine.

Reflecting on this experience, of course I’m happy I got the photo I wanted, but more than that, the journey, anticipation, and excitement of adventuring there is something I won’t forget. In a day and age of instant gratification, this experience reminded me that not only are some of the best things worth waiting for, but that our memories and journeys along the way are even more valuable than the final result.

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place. I’m glad you’re here!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Japan by @rohanugale

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7 days ago

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know well that Mt. Fuji is my favorite subject to photograph. Depending on the time of year, Fuji-san may be more visible or less visible, and it always feels extra special when you get a full day of clear views. I’ve been lucky over the past few years to have more good days than bad ones (excluding summer, which is always rough). So, earlier this year, when I was presented with an exceptionally clear day, I endeavored to capture as many beautiful photographs of Fuji-san as I could, mixing both planned shots with open exploration and discovery.

I think the results speak for themselves, but this was probably one of the most fun, exciting, and exhausting days of photography I’ve ever had. April 18, 2026 - you won’t be soon forgotten!

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place. I’m glad you’re here!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Mt. Fuji, Japan by @rohanugale

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9 days ago

Who doesn’t want to experience a bit of magic? I spent years traveling up and down Japan to visit these amazing places for myself. And although I love the photos I took, I still don’t think they quite do these places justice - because there’s nothing like being there yourself, fully immersed in the experience. Many of them are accessible by train, like Kurashiki, Morioka, Todoroki, and Iwakuni, but others are better to visit by car, like Shirogane Pond and Shiraito Falls.

Maybe you’d like to visit some of these places too?

📍Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Kurashiki City
📍Shiraito Falls, Fujinomiya
📍Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park), Morioka City
📍Todoroki Fudoson Temple, Tokyo
📍Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike), Biei, Hokkaido
📍Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni City

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place. I’m glad you’re here!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Japan by @rohanugale

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11 days ago

I always enjoy clean, uncluttered, and simple compositions. Although they may come across as “boring” to some, I find that minimalist photos just help the subject stand out even more, accented by any additional framing, color, or atmosphere the scene provides. To me, they’re also somewhat calming and therapeutic to look at, and I hope you feel the same way!

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place. I’m glad you’re here!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Japan by @rohanugale

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13 days ago

Frames from a couple of days in Osaka in late April last year, right after picking up the Fujifilm GFX100RF. Given how vibrant and colorful Osaka is, I was excited to put this camera to the test… and it delivered, to say the least. From early mornings roaming around Shinsekai and Namba Yasaka Shrine, to a quick stroll through Dotonbori, some time watching the light shift in Osaka Station City, and even a quick look at Osaka Castle, the GFX RF kept delivering, all the while providing an insanely fun and intuitive shooting experience. I was happy to take it to Osaka Expo 2025 as well, where I was able to capture the temporary architectural marvel that was the Grand Ring. Then finally, to round it out, I went for the night view at Abeno Harukas 300, which is definitely my favorite spot in Osaka to take in the city… especially with Shinsekai’s Tsutenkaku Tower featuring front and center.

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place. I’m glad you’re here!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Japan by @rohanugale

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15 days ago

Sharing some of my favorite adventures and photos from around Nagano Prefecture over the past few years. If you love nature, hiking, and mountains plus historic temples & shrines, Nagano has you covered. Not to mention my personal favorite Nagano (Shinshu) soba noodles - which I seem to eat almost daily while there. Visiting Nagano offers something different year round… while its mountainous escapes offer cooler conditions in the summer, there are some incredible autumn leaf viewing opportunities come fall. Best of all, Nagano City is easy accessible from Tokyo via Shinkansen, and it’s the perfect starting place for a road-trip or other side-adventures using the train system.

So, if you’re considering a trip out to Nagano Prefecture, think about visiting some of my favorite places too!

📍Zenkoji Temple, Nagano City (2-4)
📍Togakushi Shrine, Nagano City (5-7)
📍Narai-juku Post Town (8-9)
📍Matsumoto Castle & Taiko Festival, Matsumoto City (10-11)
📍Kamikochi (12-14)
📍Lake Suwa & Fuji-san at Enrei-Onodachi Park Viewpoint, Okaya (15)
📍Lake Momiji & Minowa Dam, Minowa (16-17)
📍Choen-ji Temple, Chino (18-19)

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place. I’m glad you’re here!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Japan by @rohanugale

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17 days ago

Counting down the days until another autumn color chase around Japan. While I do love the cherry blossom season, and even the deep greens of summer, there’s something uniquely vivid and impactful about the visual contrast that comes from the rich reds, oranges, and yellows of the fall leaves. I was excited to see the first forecast release, and the timing seems to line up with some of the locations I’m most interested in… so hoping for the best. As with any seasonal chase, it’s impossible to be everywhere all at once - meaning you get what you get. But if this year is anything like last year, I’d be more than happy with the adventures & the results.

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place. I’m glad you’re here!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Japan by @rohanugale

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19 days ago

When I think back on some of my favorite photography moments of the past few years, I can’t forget this snowy night I spent out in Sapporo City last November capturing one of the first snowfalls of the season. The first snow is one of those incredible times of year where seasons overlap - with autumn’s ginkgo and momiji starting to get covered by snow and ice. And while it was a pretty wet & cold time, I still recall how excited I was during every minute of it… there’s just something about watching the snow come down that invites child-like awe & wonder.

This was one of my few experiences shooting snowfall, so I gave myself a lot of breathing room by using a fast shutter speed (1/500 or faster mostly) to freeze the snowfall and enough ISO (1600-2000) to properly expose the details at night. Aperture wise I kept my Sigma 17-40 relatively open at f/2, although it does go down to f/1.8. To stay worry-free out there, I used a nylon, hotshoe-mounted rain cover with a clear plastic window to see my X-T5’s LCD. Overall, I love the results, but more than that, I cherish the memories of a fun night out in the snow.

Just for fun, I added a little bonus at the end, showing the scene next morning.

And if you’re new here, welcome!

I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Japan by @rohanugale

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21 days ago

I’ve been lucky to spend a cumulative few weeks around many of Kyushu’s beautiful prefectures - with only Oita still eluding me. This southern island has such a rich history, built on its incredible food, crafts, trade, natural landscapes & volcanoes, stunning coastlines, and so much more. It’s impossible to cover all of the places I’ve been, nor all of my favorite moments. But, I’d love to share a small slice of the Kyushu I’ve seen and enjoyed over the years. I even skipped the usual mini-maps this time to make space for more locations & images.

I’m hoping to finally visit Oita later this year, with places like Beppu and Yufuin high on my list. If you have recommendations or places you’ve loved in Kyushu, please do share in the comments below. I’d be excited to hear about your Kyushu experiences.

That being said, if you’re planning to visit Kyushu, definitely think about visiting some of these places!

Fukuoka
📍Canal City Center, Fukuoka City (2)
📍Canal City Yatai Stalls, Fukuoka City (3)
📍Nanzo-in Temple, Sasaguri (4)
📍Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Dazaifu (5)
📍Umi-no-nakamichi Seaside Park, Fukuoka City (6)
📍Sakurai Shrine, Itoshima (7)

Saga
📍Irohajima Observation Deck, Karatsu (8)
📍Tozan (Sueyama) Shrine, Arita (9)
📍Ouo Shrine, Tara (10)

Kagoshima
📍Arimura Lava Observation Deck, Sakurajima (11)
📍Shiroyama Park Observation Deck, Kagoshima City (12)

Kumamoto
📍Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto City (13)

Nagasaki
📍Mt. Inasa Overlook, Nagasaki City (14-15)
📍Megane Bridge, Nagasaki City (16)
📍Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki City (17)

Miyazaki
📍Takachiho Gorge, Takachiho (18-19)

And if you’re new here, welcome!

I’m Rohan Ugale, and I’ve been exploring & photographing Japan for years.

If you’re hoping to find out about interesting & smaller places to see, plus learn to make photos you love, you’re in the right place!

——

#Japan #Fujifilm #MadeWithLightroom taken in Japan by @rohanugale

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23 days ago