Christmas in the City

Winter has arrived in Japan –in some places much harsher than in Tokyo– and temperatures have been dropping to the low single digits in recent days. It is this time of the year that I am reminded again just how insufficient the insulation in your typical Japanese apartment is. (Seriously, even in fairly modern concrete buildings like the one I live in it is pathetic!)

Just as everywhere else, along with the cold weather has come another steep rise in Covid 19 cases – nowhere near what is currently happening in Europe, but enough for us to have called off any major travel plans over the holidays. Instead, we’re making the best out of Christmas in the city. Earlier this week, we visited the Tokyo Christmas Market in Hibiya that looked very much like a genuine one in Germany (Holzpyramide, Glühwein, Gebrannte Mandeln and all).

Yesterday, we got tickets for the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills. Aside from seeing a great exhibition on contemporary Japanese artists (incl. Hiroshi Sugimoto, who I have long admired as a photographer), this time we also got in line for the sky deck at 270m. First time I got to properly test the X-T4’s low light capabilities and I’m super happy with the results (compare that with the pictures out of my old Nikon).

Since this will most certainly be my last post this year, I wish happy holidays to everyone who’s is following along here. Stay safe, optimistic and have a great start into 2021.