The Photography of Dr. Jeffrey P. Harper

In May of 2024 my wife and I joined a group of her friends on a golf junket to Japan.  A van/bus was rented and we drove, over several days and several overnight stop-overs, from Tokyo to near Nagoya - and back to Tokyo.  We had lots of fun and saw a lot of amazing things . . . and ate a lot of great Japanese food . . . lots of it! While the group played golf I set off to explore the surrounding area with my camera.  This entry, unlike others here, is not a chronological account of the whole trip, but "only" a collection of favorite images.

At a tourist trap bathroom stop I took this amazing photo of Mt. Fuji with late spring colors in the foreground.  Magical.

I spent one morning with a Japanese man, another "golf widow," exploring the temples we found on GoogleMaps.  Fantastic beauty. . .

Fantastical Japanese artistic expression.

A trip highlight was a frightening ride up a steep mountain on a cable-car.  The view was astounding!

Transportation options around an ancient royal Japanese temple complex.

Japanese use of color and aesthetics are impressive.

Japanese sense of humor . . . or?  "Marriage Rocks."

I was a bit embarrassed when out tour leader booked a dockside viewing of traditional woman pearl divers.  They seemed like they were just awakened from their naps and driven down to the port to perform for us.  It was interesting.

We stopped to marvel at a 19th century Japanese businessman's house. Beautiful.

Astoundingly beautiful temples at every turn.

Japanese woodworking skill on display . . . love this.

We visited many, many shrines . . . each different in special ways.

A seaside shrine with monks.

Japanese traditional temple aesthetic.

The Japanese love of Nature is evident everywhere.

Springtime in Japan means . . . FLOWERS!

We visited a famous Begonia garden.  Fantastic!

Springtime in Japan . . . many different flowers everywhere.

A field of bluebells.

Seen in a museum waiting room.

Gorgeous natural views . . . 

We stayed in hotels with great views throughout the week.

Another great hotel room window view.

Fantastic beauty . . . and craftsmanship.

Big straw knot.

Inner room of a Japanese temple.

Pagoda viewpoint . . . er . . . coastal city view.

Too many steps for me!  I didn't go up.

Small Japanese town urban environment.  

Sweet waterfall at a temple.

Small temple shrine.

We stopped at a small town along the way and discovered a covered walking street.

Small town sweet shop.

The Japanese lead the world in amazing, and beautiful packaging.

Busking with your monkey at the pagoda view point.

Japan is known for its beautiful gardens . . . 

 . . .  so many beautiful Japanese gardens!

I just love these contrasting textures and shapes.  Japan!

A sacred temple.

An ancient village restored for tourist enjoyment and appreciation.

Japanese tourists enjoying a tour through their cultural heritage.

Packaged and ready to ship.

My lunch, carefully selected from the corn dog family of fine and delicious deep fried foods. Japan!

I left Japan with wonderful memories and a ton of images . . . many more than I could post here.  I know I will go back to Japan.  It is a fascinating country try.