What a winter (break) wonderland – The Vanderbilt Hustler

From Japan to San Francisco, Hustler photographers ventured far and extensive over their winter break. 

Ophelia Lu, Deputy Photography Editor

I visited Japan’s Kansai area with my household over my winter break. We stopped by Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Himeji, Wakayama and Shirahama. Having visited throughout a less-crowded season, I used to be in a position to observe numerous features of those cities. I noticed the bustling streets and evening markets, loved peaceable moments in historical temples, stood in awe in entrance of castles from the Edo Shogunate and had participating conversations with the locals. As I traveled from metropolis to metropolis, I captured scenes that caught my eye, whether or not due to the view, the individuals or the quiet whisper of historical past they gave me.

Business being performed at Taiyaki stall in Kobe, as photographed on Dec. 16, 2025. (Hustler Multimedia/Ophelia Lu)

Emily Peng, Staff Photographer and Graphics Staffer

Over my winter break, I visited the city of Hakone in Japan for the primary time with my mother and grandparents. It is an attractive and stress-free area crammed with mountains, scorching springs and unimaginable views. I loved the peaceable stillness of Hakone, permitting me to replicate on the previous 12 months, respiration within the chilly air. Along with these distinctive features of Hakone, I additionally noticed many acquainted options of Japan, like the ever-present merchandising machines and the excellent practice system. While solely a fraction of my break, I’m grateful to have skilled this excellent journey. 

Steam rises from the sulfur vents and volcanic scorching springs of Owakudani Valley, as photographed on Dec. 20, 2025. (Hustler Multimedia/Emily Peng)

Savannah Walske, Deputy Photography Editor

For the ultimate winter break of my faculty profession, I returned to California to do one of many issues I like most, photographing my residence state’s stunning landscapes. After getting a brand new digicam lens for Christmas, I made a decision to test it out at the San Francisco Marina and by the Palace of Fine Arts. Peaceful walks by the San Francisco Bay make up a big a part of each faculty break I spend at residence, though I don’t doc them as a lot as I might in any other case like. These images have been captured proper at sundown, and regardless of the comparatively chilly temperature, I discovered plenty of different San Franciscans cruising the bay’s perimeter. 

The Golden Gate Bridge stands at sundown with a chook in midflight, as photographed on Dec. 28, 2025. (Hustler Multimedia/Savannah Walske)

Royce Yang, Staff Photographer

There is a definite, moody ambiance to the Chinese metropolis of Xiamen within the winter. I initially got here for household and meals, however I discovered myself distracted by the abundance of cats who occupy the country alleyways and market stalls, showing indifferent to the human bustle. Whether watching a ferry lower via the fog or wandering a crowded road, there was all the time a feline close by, although oftentimes napping. The structure was spectacular too, however for me, the cats of China will stay the spotlight of my break.

People bustle via a market in central Xiamen, as photographed on Dec.19, 2025. (Hustler Multimedia/Royce Yang)