Yamaguchi City doesn’t clamor for attention the way Tokyo or Kyoto do—it speaks in quieter tones. When The New York Times assigned me to photograph it for the annual 52 Places list, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Unlike Japan’s more famous destinations, Yamaguchi isn’t known for dazzling sights or major tourist draws. But as I spent time there, I realized 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 demanded 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.

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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