Veg Out Kyoto | Food Photographer in Japan

Kyoto, with its ancient temples and peaceful gardens, is a city that captures the soul of Japan. But for vegetarians and vegans, navigating Kyoto’s traditional culinary landscape is tricky. Enter Veg Out, a riverside café that's quickly become a haven for plant-based eaters and a delightful surprise for anyone exploring the city’s gastronomic offerings.

Tucked away near Kyoto’s Kamogawa River, Veg Out is more than just a café—it’s a humble retreat. The first thing you’ll notice is its calm atmosphere. The minimalist design, with its warm wooden interiors and large windows, offers both a stunning view and the chance to retreat from Kyoto’s tourist throngs. It’s an inviting space where you can unwind and let the cranes fly by.

At the heart of Veg Out’s menu is the signature Veg Out Plate, a dish that exemplifies the café's dedication to plant-based cuisine. As a food photographer in Japan, I was thrilled to be able to turn my lens on this vibrant plate for Virtuoso, The Magazine. Bursting with a wholesome combination of ingredients sourced from local farm cooperatives, The Veg Out Plate showcases the incredible variety and richness that plant-based food has to offer.

The dish starts with a base of fluffy quinoa, providing a nutritious and satisfying foundation. It's generously topped with an array of roasted seasonal vegetables, which vary depending on the freshest produce available from local farms. The colorful assortment of veggies not only pleases the eye but also ensures a variety of textures and flavors in every bite. Adding to the plate’s appeal are the house-made pickles, offering a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the roasted vegetables. Fresh greens add a crisp, refreshing element, and everything is brought together with a drizzle of tangy tahini dressing.

The staff’s passion for their food and the values behind it is palpable. From their biodegradable packaging to efforts to minimize food waste, Veg Out’s commitment to sustainability shines through in every detail. Yet, what sets Veg Out apart is its dedication to fostering a sense of community and promoting sustainable living. The café regularly hosts events like cooking classes, wellness workshops, and environmental talks, creating a space where people can learn, connect, and be inspired.

As veganism and vegetarianism continue to rise globally, Veg Out is at the forefront of this movement in Japan. It reflects a growing awareness of the health benefits of plant-based diets and their positive impact on the environment. By offering delicious and inventive vegan options, Veg Out is making plant-based dining accessible and appealing to all.

Veg Out is more than just a place to eat in Kyoto; it’s a culinary journey that highlights the beauty and potential of plant-based cuisine. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, a curious foodie, or just someone looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy a meal, Veg Out delivers a solid experience; a blend of delectable food, serene ambiance, and commitment to sustainability make it a gem in Kyoto’s vibrant food scene.

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Phuket | Thailand Travel Photography

As a travel photographer, Phuket, Thailand, has a way of drawing me in with its endless opportunities for capturing the essence of a place. The island blends natural beauty, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes in a way that feels almost tailor-made for a photographer. It doesn’t matter if I’m just starting my day with the quiet stillness of a beach sunrise or ending it amidst the lively buzz of a night market—there’s always something to photograph, something that speaks to the soul of Southeast Asia.

The energetic diversity in Phuket is incredible. I’ll often find myself bouncing between moments of tranquility and exhilaration. The beaches at dawn, bathed in soft golden light, feel like a world apart—serene and still. In contrast, the markets are a whirlwind of color and motion, alive with the hum of motorbikes and the vibrant displays of fruit, spices, and handcrafted goods. Each scene offers something unique to capture, a new perspective on the pulse of life here.

What I appreciate most is how Phuket never feels one-dimensional. The temples, with their quiet, intricate beauty, offer a peaceful respite from the busy streets. The way the light shifts inside these sacred spaces—soft and shadowed—always provides an opportunity to reflect the island’s spiritual depth. In those moments, it’s easy to lose track of time, just letting the atmosphere guide the shot.

Beyond the beaches, there’s a wildness in Phuket’s landscapes that speaks to a different side of the island. The jungles, thick with greenery, the dramatic cliffs that seem to drop straight into the ocean—there’s a raw beauty here that’s hard to ignore. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that stand out: the silhouette of a palm tree swaying in the wind, or sunlight filtering through the jungle canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. These are the moments that remind me of how much the island has to offer if I just slow down and pay attention.

Light in Phuket is a constant companion, shifting through the day and giving each moment its own character. The soft light at sunrise and sunset is perfect for capturing the sweeping vistas and quiet landscapes. But the island’s energy doesn’t stop there—the neon glow of the nightlife and the vibrant atmosphere of the beaches add another layer of color and life to photos. Each shift in light brings with it a new way to see the island.

Phuket invites me to explore, to experiment, and to find new ways to tell its story through my lens. In every corner of this island, I feel like I’m capturing a piece of Thailand. It’s a place that inspires me to keep discovering, to keep creating.

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Farmoon | Kyoto's Best Farm-To-Table Restaurant

Traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto was not just another journey for me; it was a purposeful mission to photograph the exquisite offerings at Farmoon for a piece in Virtuoso, The Magazine that highlights Kyoto's organic farming initiatives. As I approached this culinary gem, nestled within a beautifully converted machiya, I felt an exciting anticipation. The bustling energy of Tokyo faded away, replaced by the serene charm that Kyoto exudes.

Upon entering Farmoon, I was greeted by the inviting aroma of fresh ingredients and the gentle hum of conversation. Chef Masayo Funakoshi was at work, her passion evident in every dish she prepared. Each meal at Farmoon is a reflection of her artistry—an innovative blend of Western and traditional Japanese flavors. As Funakoshi and her staff plated each offering on handmade ceramic tableware, I could see how the commitment to organic farming shine.

As a food photographer in Japan, it was essential for me to capture not only the beauty of the dishes but also the story behind them. I aimed to highlight how Farmoon's menu is deeply connected to the organic farming initiatives taking root in the region. The sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the plates, which allowed me to explore different angles and compositions that would convey the warmth and creativity of the dining experience.

The circular communal table at Farmoon fostered a sense of togetherness. With each click of the shutter, I sought to illustrate the rich narrative of sustainable dining and the dedication of local farmers who contribute to this culinary ecosystem. My goal was to showcase how food photography goes beyond aesthetics; it captures the heart and soul of culinary experiences tied to organic practices. The dishes at Farmoon are not just delicious; they tell a story of community, care, and the rich agricultural heritage of the region.

If you’re looking for captivating food photography that tells a compelling story—whether for a magazine feature or your own culinary project—consider how professional imagery can elevate your brand. It’s about making connections, celebrating culture, and sharing creativity through the lens.

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Yamaguchi City doesn’t clamor for attention the way Tokyo or Osaka do—it speaks in quieter tones. When The New York Times assigned me to photograph the city for the annual 52 Places list, I was thrilled. Unlike Japan’s more famous destinations, Yamaguchi isn’t known for dazzling sights or major tourist draws and that’s why I love it. Its charm lies in the details—the kind you only notice when you slow down.

As a travel photographer in Japan, I’m used to chasing extremes—bright cityscapes or sweeping rural vistas. But Yamaguchi demands something different. It doesn’t overwhelm; it unfolds. Yamaguchji’s beauty isn’t in spectacle but in subtlety, in the way history and daily life quietly coexist.

I felt this rhythm as I moved through the city. The winding paths to Ruriko-ji’s five-story pagoda lead through a landscape where nature and architecture blended. Traditional machiya homes sit alongside modern storefronts, not in stark contrast but in quiet harmony. Yamaguchi isn’t a place of bold juxtapositions—it’s a city of smooth transitions, where nothing feels out of place.

Photographing Yamaguchi required patience. Light and shadow told the story as much as the landmarks themselves—afternoon light filtered through blazing red maples, a temple floor glowed in the evening sun. More than capturing locations, I wanted to photograph the feeling of being there, the unhurried stillness that sets Yamaguchi apart.

Unlike Japan’s more touristy spots, Yamaguchi hasn’t been polished for visitors. It remains itself: a city of everyday moments. Cyclists ride along quiet streets, shopkeepers prepare for the day, temple bells chime in the distance. It doesn’t try to impress, but if you take the time to look, it leaves a lasting impression.

Yamaguchi isn’t necessarily a photographer’s dream in the typical sense. It’s not grandiose, filled with dramatic scenes. Yamaguchi is, however, a contemplative city, where the small moments of history, culture, and nature play together—the kind of beauty you don’t just see but feel. This fact made my time in Yamaguchi an opportunity for me to slow down, reflect on my process instead of just a product, and to enjoy aspects of the job that time doesn’t usually afford.

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I was honored to see my videography featured by New York Times Travel editor Stephen Hiltner, who spoke about why Yamaguchi made this year’s 52 Places to Go list. Check out the short clip about why Yamaguchi was selected for the prestigious list and then read the full 52 Places To Go in 2024.

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Shingo Gokan & SG Tavern | Tokyo Editorial Photographer

In April 1865, 19 young samurai from the Satsuma Domain—now Kagoshima Prefecture—embarked on a covert mission to London. At a time when Japan was isolated under the Sakoku policy, overseas travel was forbidden. Yet, these samurai, now known as the Satsuma Students, defied the ban with a singular goal: to absorb the Western knowledge reshaping the world. They would return, carrying with them the tools to spark Japan’s modernization, laying the foundation for a transformative revolution.

I couldn’t help but think of these samurai as I sat with Shingo Gokan at his newly opened SG Tavern. Like the Satsuma Students, Gokan is a bridge between worlds, combining a quiet determination with a passion for exploration and innovation. His journey, too, has involved defying convention and venturing into the unknown in pursuit of something greater.

Gokan’s career began at 18, a formative age to jump behind the bar. Soon after, he set his sights beyond Japan’s borders, traveling to Spain and then New York in 2006 to refine his craft. His breakthrough came in 2012 when he won the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition, cementing his reputation on the global stage and leading to extensive travels across Europe and Asia, deepening his understanding of bartending cultures worldwide.

In 2014, after more than a decade of honing his skills, Gokan opened his first venture in Shanghai—Speak Low, inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies. The bar was an immediate success, celebrated not just for its concept but for its immersive experience. By 2017, with multiple brands operating in Shanghai and accolades such as International Bartender of the Year at the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards, Gokan had become a cultural force in the industry—a true Culturalpreneur, blending the artistry of mixology with a deep respect for tradition and an unflinching desire to innovate. Ready for his next challenge, he returned to Japan, where his international experiences positioned him not only as a respected professional but also as one of the industry’s leading figures.

While researching his SG Shochu brand in Kagoshima, Gokan became captivated by the Satsuma Students’ story. Inspired, he wondered: what if he could create a space where time-honored traditions and innovative ideas could coexist? This question led to the creation of SG Tavern—a place where culture, history, and creativity converge.

“For Japanese people, the highball means whisky and soda. But for Westerners, it’s more of a style,” Gokan explains. “I wanted to introduce a new take on the highball to Japanese consumers, while also bringing our Japanese spirits to the global market.” To do this, Gokan crafted SG Tavern’s Highball Journey, a menu that follows the Satsuma’s voyage. Take, for example, the Satsuma, a fresh take on the highball that combines Gokan’s own SG Shochu IMO (sweet potato shochu) with sencha green tea directly from Kagoshima.

The drink menu extends beyond the Highball Journey, showcasing a range of signature cocktails. A standout is the Pole Star Martini, a tribute to Seibei Nakagawa, a pivotal figure in the Satsuma Students' mission. This cocktail blends the smoothness of Grey Goose vodka with the tartness of seabuckthorn, accented by passionfruit and finished with a delicate splash of unfiltered beer. Another highlight is Gokan’s menu favorite, the Matcha Sazerac. “Matcha, kinako (soybean flour), and mugwort are common in Japanese sweets, but they’re rare in cocktails,” he explains. For Gokan, these drinks are a tribute to the samurai’s enduring influence on Gokan’s approach to bartending and offer a taste of the world the students themselves sought to understand.

The experience at SG Tavern extends beyond the drinks. In collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Yoshihiro Narisawa, Gokan has curated a menu that merges Japanese culinary traditions with global influences. Narisawa, known for his creative reinterpretations of Japanese ingredients, designed dishes that complement Gokan’s cocktails while adding their own chapter to the Satsuma Students’ story.

For Gokan, SG Tavern is more than just a place to eat and drink—it is a living story that invites guests to reflect on how cultural boundaries are remade, much like the Satsuma Students did when they set out to transform Japan’s future. As SG Tavern continues to evolve, it showcases the possibilities that emerge when history and creativity come together. “We have a lot of space for ‘What ifs.’ Our tavern is based on history, but there’s room for creativity in the gaps of the story,” Gokan says. “We research history, but we also create within it.” The tavern’s story is far from complete, and with each new chapter, the possibilities for deeper cultural connections and Gokan’s creative innovation continue to unfold.

Editorial profile was written and photographed for Travel + Leisure Asia (2025).

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