Ryozen Kannon behind the trees at dusk at Kodaiji Temple

Daiunin Temple tower from Kodaiji Temple

Parked at Lake Biwa 2

Parked at Lake Biwa 1

Winter fisherman at Lake Biwa

Genkyuen Garden in autumn 12

When I'm crazy rich, I intend to have someone make me a Japanese garden with a castle in the background just like this.

Genkyuen Garden in autumn 9

Reflections were king at Genkyuen Garden on this gorgeous autumn day when I drove up here with my wife.

Genkyuen Garden in autumn 7

Reflections were king at Genkyuen Garden on this gorgeous autumn day when I drove up here with my wife.

Shogunzuka from downtown in black and white

I shot this walking through downtown. In the background is Shogunzuka, which has an observation deck offering a sweeping view of Kyoto.

Bridge over the Ado River in black and white (vertical)

A bridge over the Ado River offered a wonderful opportunity to play with light and shadow.

Bridge over the Ado River in black and white (horizontal)

A bridge over the Ado River offered a wonderful opportunity to play with light and shadow.

The Ado River through the branches

I stepped under the wide tree along the Ado River for a different perspective.

Low, wide tree along the banks of the Ado River

I didn't notice this imposing tree until I stopped focusing so much on the landscape. Sometimes a nice shot is right under your nose.

Branches reach over the Ado River

I had planned to visit the Kyoto Aquarium for the last time, but my one-year pass had actually expired. Instead I drove north through the mountains on Route 367. This is the first scenic spot I stopped to photograph along the way.

Power lines in Shiga

When it's hard to find views completely devoid of manmade objects, make them the subject of your shot.

Power lines in mountains near Lake Biwa

I found a little restaurant on a road over Mt. Hiei with a fantastic view. The food is okay. You're paying for the view. It was worth it.

Tree at Lake Inawashiro at dusk

Parting shot from Lake Inawashiro

Spiders at Lake Inawashiro at dusk

I thought I was done shooting, but then this scene caught my attention. This was taken handheld. Exactly why I got a couple fast prime lenses.

Dusk over Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro

Will have to try these kinds of shots again with an ND filter to compare the difference.

Dusk with crescent moon at Lake Inawashiro

This came out pretty good. Definitely better than the shot where a dragonfly decided to rest on the inside of the lens hood.

Dusk at Lake Inawashiro

An ND filter would make the water even smoother, but I'm pretty happy with this.

Red sky over Lake Inawashiro

The weather was very cooperative the day I visited this lake.