Otaru

Hokkaido

Japan

February 10, 2014

My friend and professional photographer, Ralph Velasco recently published an ebook entitled “Essence of a Place.”

In the book, Ralph provides a list of types of images that capture the unique elements of any location. 

I followed Ralph’s advice.  In addition to the architecture and the remains of the Snow Festival, I searched for Ralph’s “details” and “patterns” in Otaru, this port city near Sapporo.

I found a few unlikely yet rewarding scenes as I made my solo and lonely stroll in the warehouse district and port alongside the harbor of the Sea of Japan.  (The warehouse district?)

Yes, Ralph is quite correct.  It’s all in the details.