2024 QUARTER 2 PHOTO JOURNAL RECAP
The last photo journal took us through January, February, and March, and now somehow it’s already time to recap Quarter 2.
Here are 12 photos to walk you through my April, May, and June of 2024:
Long roams and bike rides are pillars of my weeks and process. These essential chunks of time give the brain a chance to simultaneously rest, reset, recover, and subconsciously connect dots and generate ideas. These periods of no media input combined with physical movement feel like tapping into a superpower.
Osaka Castle is an icon of the city, and for good reason. The sprawling complex boasts huge park areas, endless nooks, moats, a restored traditional castle, and spectacular views. As a result, it gets overrun during the day. But go early in the morning or later in the evening, and there’s barely a soul in sight. Just you and the other freaks.
Sumiyoshi is a classic Osaka neighborhood. Although it’s just a handful of train stops from the center of town, it feels like going back in time a couple decades. Enjoy a stunning park and shrine duo, as well as a stroll through a timeless shotengai (outdoor, covered, shopping strip).
With an endless sprawl of towering offices and apartments, you can never run out of locations to do some good old-fashioned guerilla shooting in Osaka. This photo is from an afternoon of skyscraper hopping to capture some unique perspectives of the city.
Osakako, the city’s port area, is nestled in an out-of-the-way corner, with highlights including seaside parks and trails, interesting architecture (the Culturarium), and a massive ferris wheel.
Yama is a revered Osaka DJ who flows between a dizzying spectrum of tribal-infused techno, house, and DnB. She is known for her ability to swiftly read a room, and then direct its energy. A mesmerizing conductor.
This photo is from her set at Club Joule with Chicago legend Larry Heard this past Golden Week.
A shrine nestled amongst the skyscrapers.
Treasures are to be found around every corner when on foot or bike in Osaka.
Plopped in the middle of Lake Biwa, one of the region’s most prized possessions, is the little island of Chikubu. Although no permanent residents inhabit the island, there are a few different ferry options that get you there.
I took the journey earlier this summer to soak up the energy of the power spot’s views, shrines, and temples.
Deep into the Nara countryside is Murou, a splendid and idyllic small town resting on a sweet little river.
This visit is easily one of my most memorable Japan experiences.
The Nara countryside is packed full of sacred shrines and temples perfect for exploring.
One of these is Murouji: the town of Murou’s stunning, multi-level compound of shrines and temples of all sorts and sizes.
Luckily (and a bit intentionally), the timing of my visit lined up perfectly with the peak of hydrangea season.
This photo features one angle of Murou Art Forest, an overwhelmingly impressive countryside park about a 20-minute trek from Murou town center.
The site was home to this year’s Prythm music event, which celebrated the summer solstice. The day was capped off by a magical full moon.
A church’s cross lit up in the blue hour magic.
Vantage point: from the crest of the Yodogawa riverside, while looking back over Juso neighborhood.
Quarter 2 2024 in the books.
Crazy to think that the pumpkins will be out next time I put together one of these quarterly recaps.
Let’s get a good 3-month burst in before Halloween is staring us down.
Thanks a lot for reading and talk soon,
-Andy