viaggio in Giappone

A Day by the Sea — Shichirigahama

/ sayuri.kirishima / 2 commenti

It was a beautiful summer morning when Fuka decided to leave Tokyo for a day by the sea. There was no particular reason for the trip and nothing special waiting for her at Shichirigahama. She simply felt like getting away for a while, so she packed her camera and a few things into her backpack and took the bus towards the coast. She enjoyed travelling that way when she wasn’t in a hurry, watching the city gradually change through the window as the streets became quieter and the sea slowly appeared in the distance. Here is the scene → [view post]

Originally posted on Instagram → [Instagram]

When she finally reached Shichirigahama, Fuka stopped for a moment to admire the view. The sky was perfectly clear and the sunlight made the water sparkle all the way to the horizon. It was exactly the kind of summer day she had hoped for. She found a place on the beach, changed into her swimsuit and allowed herself to enjoy the morning without thinking about work or anything else waiting for her back in Tokyo. Here is the scene → [view post] After a while, as usual, her camera ended up hanging from her shoulder again and she began walking along the shore, photographing the ordinary details of a day at the beach: families enjoying the sunshine, couples walking near the water, children playing in the sand and people relaxing beneath the blue sky. She had come there to rest, but Fuka could never completely stop looking at the world through her camera.Here is the scene → [view post]

Eventually, she put the camera aside and went into the sea. The waves were gentle, but she had fun letting them carry her back and forth, laughing when one reached her unexpectedly. After swimming, she returned to the beach, bought an ice cream and sat near the shore, where she began looking at the shells scattered across the sand. Some were smooth and almost perfect, while others had clearly been shaped by a long journey through the sea. Here is the scene → [view post] She picked up a few and eventually decided to keep one as a small reminder of the day. Later, while sitting on her towel, she watched some children building sandcastles. They worked seriously for a few minutes, watched their creations collapse and then started again without the slightest disappointment. Fuka smiled as she watched them and thought that perhaps adults sometimes forget how to enjoy something simply because it is enjoyable, without worrying about whether it will last or whether it has any real purpose. Here is the scene → [view post]

As the afternoon slowly turned into evening, the beach became quieter and the light warmer. Fuka packed her camera, towel and the few shells she had collected into her backpack and took one last look at the sea before leaving. Here is the scene → [view post] She was tired, her skin still warm from the sun and probably carrying more sand in her belongings than she would have liked, but she felt wonderfully relaxed. On the bus back to Tokyo, she found a seat by the window and watched the coastline disappear as the city gradually returned around her. Nothing extraordinary had happened that day. There had been no great adventure, no unexpected encounter and no important discovery. There had simply been sunshine, the sea, her camera, an ice cream, a few shells and several hours in which she could forget everything else. Yet as Fuka rested her head against the window and smiled quietly to herself, she realised that perhaps those were the days worth remembering most. Sometimes, all a person needs is a bus, a sunny beach and a little time that belongs entirely to themselves.

A Small Moment #13

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One rainy afternoon, Fuka had no intention of searching for anything at all. She had simply stopped beneath the awning of an old bookstore, hoping to wait until the rain became a little lighter. Raindrops tapped gently against the transparent umbrella while the warm glow behind the shop window quietly invited her to stay a little longer. Here is the scene → [view post]

Through the glass, rows of old books filled every shelf. Their worn covers and faded pages seemed to hold countless stories collected over many decades. Curiosity slowly replaced impatience, and what had begun as a brief shelter from the rain soon became an unexpected reason to open the door.

A gentle voice welcomed her inside.

The owner greeted her with a warm smile, and the atmosphere of the little bookstore felt strangely timeless. Outside, the rain continued to fall across the narrow streets of Kanda, but inside, time seemed to move at its own peaceful rhythm. The scent of old paper, polished wood, and quiet conversation transformed the shop into a place that invited visitors to slow down. Here is the scene → [view post]

Originally posted on Instagram → [view post]

While wandering through the shelves, one particular book caught Fuka’s attention. It was a collection of Japanese legends and traditional folklore. As she turned its pages, stories of ancient shrines, mysterious spirits, and forgotten traditions unfolded before her. Although many of the places described were unfamiliar, the tales carried an unexpected sense of familiarity, as if they belonged to memories she had never lived but somehow understood.

She had only planned to browse for a few minutes.

Instead, she found herself standing at the counter with the book resting carefully in her hands. The shop owner wrapped it with quiet care, smiling as though she had seen this kind of meeting happen many times before. Some books are chosen by their readers. Others seem to choose the reader instead. Here is the scene → [view post]

Walking back into the gentle rain, Fuka realized that the evening had given her far more than shelter. Sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin not with a destination, but with a single unexpected step through an unfamiliar doorway.

The Letter That Led to Nara – Part II

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Following Minako through the quiet paths of Nara Park, Fuka felt as though every step carried her further away from the ordinary world she had left behind that morning. The peaceful surroundings of Kasuga Taisha contrasted with the questions filling her mind, making the silence between them feel almost as meaningful as the conversation that was about to begin. Here is the scene → [view post]

When they finally stopped beneath the shrine’s ancient trees, Minako calmly revealed why she had brought Fuka there. The encounter with the mysterious fox statue some time before had not been a coincidence. According to Minako, it had awakened something within her—a gift she neither understood nor had ever asked for. Certain places, certain symbols, and even certain people seemed connected by invisible threads that only a few could perceive. Here is the scene → [view post]

For Fuka, the explanation sounded impossible.

Originally posted on Instagram → [view post]

She had always considered herself an ordinary photographer, someone who simply loved discovering Japan through her camera. The idea that she could somehow be connected to forces beyond her understanding felt too extraordinary to accept. She questioned Minako’s words, wondering why someone like her would ever be chosen for such a role.

Before either of them could continue, something unexpected happened.

Several foxes quietly emerged from the surrounding woods and gathered around Fuka without showing the slightest fear. Rather than behaving like wild animals, they circled her peacefully, almost as if they had known her for much longer than a few passing moments. The unexpected encounter eased the tension that had built throughout the conversation, replacing uncertainty with a quiet sense of wonder. Here is the scene → [view post]

As the two young women gently stroked the curious animals, the atmosphere changed completely. The silence no longer felt uncomfortable, and the mysterious story Minako had shared seemed just a little easier to believe. There were still far more questions than answers, but for the first time Fuka allowed herself to consider that perhaps not everything in the world could be explained through logic alone.

Eventually, she looked at Minako and made her decision.

She still did not fully understand what awaited them or what role she was expected to play, but she knew she wanted to uncover the truth. Without another word, the two shook hands, sealing the beginning of a journey neither of them could yet imagine. Here is the scene → [view post]

Originally posted on Instagram → [view post]

The Letter That Led to Nara – Part I

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One quiet morning, as Fuka checked her mailbox before leaving home, she found an envelope unlike the rest. Here is the scene → [view post] There was no sender’s name, no return address, only her own name written neatly on the front and sealed with dark red wax. Curious, she returned to her apartment and carefully unfolded the letter inside. Here is the scene → [view post] It contained just one short message:

“Please come to Nara Park. Wait there for further instructions.”

Nothing more.

For several minutes she simply stared at the page, trying to imagine who could have written it and, more importantly, why. Ignoring it would have been the sensible choice, yet the mystery lingered in her thoughts for the rest of the day. By the following morning, curiosity had quietly won. With her camera, a light backpack, and far more questions than answers, she boarded the train to Nara. Here is the scene → [view post]

Originally posted on Instagram → [view post]

As the Shinkansen left Tokyo behind, the scenery outside gradually changed from endless buildings to green mountains and open countryside. Even while enjoying a simple lunch on board, her thoughts kept returning to the anonymous letter. Who had chosen Nara as a meeting place? Why had they contacted her in such an unusual way? And what exactly was waiting at the end of the journey?

After arriving at Nara Station, she followed the directions toward Nara Park, still finding no further clues. Here is the scene → [view post] The famous deer wandered peacefully among visitors, approaching anyone who seemed willing to greet them. For a little while, the mystery almost faded into the background as Fuka admired the quiet beauty of the park and enjoyed photographing its gentle inhabitants. It was easy to believe that perhaps the strange letter had simply become an excuse to visit one of Japan’s most beautiful places.

Originally posted on Instagram → [view post]

Then, as she stood in front of the park map wondering where to go next, someone quietly called her name.

Standing only a few steps away was Minako.

She looked perfectly calm, almost as though she had known the exact moment Fuka would arrive. Without offering any explanation, she invited her to walk deeper into the park. The two of them continued in silence beneath the trees until, at last, Minako broke the silence with a single sentence that immediately answered one question while creating countless others.

“I was the one who sent the letter.”

Fuka had finally found the mysterious sender. Here is the scene → [view post]

Why Minako had brought her all the way to Nara, however, remained a mystery waiting to be uncovered.

A Summer Night at the Matsuri

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There are evenings that never ask to be extraordinary. They simply become unforgettable through the little moments shared with the right people. As the lanterns illuminated the streets and the scent of festival food filled the warm summer air, Fuka, Kyoka, and Sayuri stepped into one of Japan’s traditional summer festivals. Around them, laughter echoed between the colorful stalls, while the soft glow of paper lanterns transformed the streets into a place that felt almost timeless. Here is the scene → [view post]

Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, they chose to wander slowly, letting curiosity guide each step. Every corner revealed something new, and every sound seemed to invite them a little deeper into the celebration.

Soon, the gentle melody of shamisen music drew their attention. The three friends stopped in front of a small stage, quietly listening as the traditional performance unfolded beneath rows of glowing lanterns. For a few peaceful minutes, the lively festival seemed to slow down, reminding them that some of the most beautiful memories are made simply by taking the time to listen. Here is the scene → [view post]

Their peaceful moment was suddenly interrupted by two playful children wearing fox masks. The unexpected encounter brought surprised smiles, quickly followed by laughter that spread naturally among everyone nearby. It was one of those brief, joyful moments that no photograph could fully capture, yet one that would remain vivid in their memories.

狐のお面をつけた子どもたちが急に「がおー！」って近づいてきて、
さゆりが一番びっくりしていました。🌸

でも、そのあとみんなで笑ってしまって、
なんだかすごく夏祭りらしい瞬間だった気がします。

提灯の灯りの下だと、知らない人とも少しだけ距離が近くなるのかもしれません。

今日は、楽しい思い出がまたひとつ増えました。✨

Fuka 🦊

Originally posted on Instagram → [view post]

No summer festival would be complete without tasting its famous street food. The irresistible aroma of freshly prepared takoyaki soon led them to one of the bustling food stalls. Even after the vendor warned them that they were still incredibly hot, excitement won over patience. The first bite was almost too hot to handle, but it only made the three friends laugh even harder together. Here is the scene → [view post]

As the evening continued, they wandered toward a small stall filled with colorful omamori. Carefully handcrafted and carrying wishes for happiness, health, and good fortune, each charm seemed to tell its own story. After taking their time to look through them, each of the three friends chose one that felt personally meaningful—a small keepsake that would allow the memories of this summer night to travel home with them. Here is the scene → [view post]

When the festival finally began to quiet down, they made their way to the waterfront just in time for the fireworks. Brilliant colors bloomed across the night sky, reflecting on the calm water below while thousands of people watched in silence. Standing side by side, Fuka, Kyoka, and Sayuri shared one last peaceful moment together, knowing that some evenings never truly end. They simply become memories that return whenever the heart longs for summer again.