Author: Philbert Ono

Comprehensive chronology of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics from July to Aug. 2021 plus photos of all Tokyo 2020 venues during the Games. No spectators were allowed at competitions. Only team…

In 2021, the pandemic continues to cause uncertainty, anxiety, and divisiveness. Amid calls for a cancelation and all the negativity in the media, Tokyo 2020 bows to pressure and regretfully…

The new 2020s decade starts out as an exciting Olympic year. Little did anyone know how things would soon tragically unfold worldwide. The coronavirus pandemic forces the historic first-time postponement…

Being one year before the Games, 2019 is a happy and eventful year with “One Year to Go” events and many test events. Prime time to check out Tokyo 2020…

First page of this comprehensive chronology (timeline) of significant developments and events from 2011 to 2022 (multiple pages) related to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics held during a worldwide…

Among wildlife photographers outside Japan, the two most sought-after wildlife subjects in Japan are the tancho red-crowned cranes (in Hokkaido) and the so-called “snow monkeys” in Nagano. Those of us…

Way up near the northern tip of Hokkaido is a pair of small islands called Rebun and Rishiri. It’s one of the most remote places I’ve ever been to in…

Mt. Fuji is basically synonymous with Shizuoka Prefecture and vice versa, although it also belongs to Yamanashi Prefecture. Since the “front” side of Fuji is in Shizuoka (as seen from…

Ikaho Onsen is a hot spring town about 2.5 hours by bus from Tokyo (Buster Shinjuku bus terminal in Shinjuku Station). It’s on the way to the famous Kusatsu Onsen…

Nyuto Onsen is a remote, hot spring enclave in the mountains along a river. There’s a variety of hot spring baths, both indoors and outdoors. Very rustic and charming in…