It's funny how when you revisit some old photos, something new can strike you startingly. Our trip to Japan last year was amazing, and with plans of vacation coming up again, I took a peak at some old snaps taken back before my days with the 5dM2.  Several of my favorite shots seemed fitting in monochrome, and I pieced them together into a collection I thought I'd (re)share with you.  But be warned, we venture into dark photography here - a very fitting break from all the wedding photography :)

The most intriguing thing about Kyoto was the sense of cultural preservation.  Temples and statues just seemed so much more magical here than in Tokyo, where the busy city life seemed to mute the old way of life. 

I remember discovering a hidden pile of Torii Gates that were meant to be sold as souvenirs later in the day.  It was only because we were there in the wee hours of dawn that allowed us to roam around undisturbed.

Kyoto's train station frenzy.

In any other country, these coins wouldn't last a second out in the public.

The little tiny shops, old bike, and flower pots have a certain charm on this quiet side street.

Ah the Pagoda, one of many, although we had this one to ourselves.  

The fascination with the bike continues.

The water fountains in the temple for public drinking.

Did it confer special healing powers?

The base of the Kiyomizu Temple is surrounded by twisting trees.

Detail is everywhere, even on the side of buildings.

The Deer of Nara, that were more like well behaved pets than wild animals.

The gates of Todaiji.

The smell of burning incense. 

The most amazing statue at Todaiji.

The odd shafts of light that occasionally entered the temple.

Truly, everything is in the details: their food and presentation, no different.

Blessed with hair for this season, later to be bald.

An oddly composed shot for an odd sculpture that still reminds me of the end of earth, and the question "Are you John Connor?".

World's ugliest fish.

Nobody more fitting to greet you in Harjuku.