As you probably know, every year Markus and I use a photo from our travels for a holiday card. Before we went to Japan, I planned two different shoots for last year’s photo. Our first attempt in Kawaguchiko with Mt. Fuji, did not work out so I had a backup plan with a photographer in Osaka. Thankfully, I found Manu Akamatsu on AirBnB. The time we spent with him was definitely a highlight of our trip.

Markus and I were a bit nervous before meeting Manu. We wondered if it would be an uncomfortable and awkward experience. I almost cancelled because I didn’t want to deal with it, but I’m so glad I didn’t. Within a few minutes of meeting Manu, I knew we made the right decision. He was warm, personable and funny. It was like meeting up with an old friend or cousin. He took us to a few really great spots in the Namba area and even gave us a couple restaurant recommendations. I was also able to ask him some hard hitting questions about Japanese dramas. For example, “why does every drama couple, adults or teenagers, always go on a date to the aquarium?” It was so funny to see his reaction because he never thought about it before but then realized that I was right. I’m still waiting on that answer. As you can see from these photos, Manu isn’t just a great conversationalist. He’s also an amazing photographer. We loved our photos and I wouldn’t hesitate to book him again if we visit Japan again.