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A man opens a set of sliding doors on the island of Okinawa. Covering only 454 square miles (1,176 square kilometers), Okinawa is noted for its fine beaches and for the long life expectancy of native islanders, who maintain ancient values and a vibrant culture distinct from that of mainland Japan.
Two Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, give each other the once-over on Honshu island. Living farther north than any other non-human primates, they rely on thick coats to help them survive the frigid temperatures in the highlands of central Japan and spend time soaking in the region’s many thermal springs.
A geisha stands with sealed lips symbolizing a code of honor. Entertaining Japan’s male elite through music, dance, song, and conversation, geisha are valued as much for discretion as for beauty. The famed icons of Japanese culture have practiced their gei, or art, for over 250 years.
A father cradles his sleeping son during breakfast at the Daiwa Sushi restaurant in Tokyo’s immense Tsukiji Fish Market. "Everything there is really fresh," says photographer Justin Guariglia. "But also very expensive."
Parts of Japan’s 17th-century Nakasendo Highway have been preserved and restored to their original tranquility.
Like the tips of icebergs breaking the surface of a pale sea, mountains near the South Pole show that many Antarctic summits—unlike the Gamburtsevs, which lie farther east—remain unconquered by ice. Any kind of scientific study presents unique challenges in Antarctica. "We needed to get people, equipment, and fuel into the middle of the ice sheet," expedition leader Bell said. Among the complications: fuel turned to unburnable jelly in the cold and the high altitude made oxygen bottles necessary for breathing. By the time the team was ready to go home, she said, they were exhausted.