Ginko Ogino was the first licensed female physician to practice Western medicine in Japan. After overcoming personal hardship and systemic gender bias, she earned her medical license in 1885, breaking barriers in the Meiji era. Her legacy as a feminist and pioneer is preserved at her grave and statue within Tokyo’s historic Zoshigaya Cemetery. As…
Do you know the word, taphophile? It means individuals who have an appreciation for cemeteries, gravestones, and the art, culture, and stories they represent. Another word to describe them is tombstone tourist, which seems less confronting. If you are one of those, Tokyo is one of the best places in the world to be. Being…
Every spring, Tokyo transforms into a canvas of pink, and few places are as atmospheric as Aoyama Cemetery. While it might seem unusual to visit a graveyard for sightseeing, this location offers some of the most stunning photo opportunities in the city. In 2022, I grabbed my camera to capture the Aoyama Cemetery cherry blossoms,…
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. Like many who have studied Japanese, my first encounter with the literary giant Soseki Natsume was his classic novel, Botchan. While the specifics of the story have faded over the years, my fascination with the man himself has only grown. This…
In the heart of Tokyo, a city renowned for its futuristic skyscrapers and neon-lit streets, lies the foundational work of a visionary from across the seas. Josiah Conder, an English architect, left a mark on Japan’s capital, and that influence continues to be heard in the architectural landscape. His story is one of cultural exchange…
I found myself back with the Aoyama Cemetery cherry blossoms in 2018. While I had hoped for a sunny day, the clouds had other plans. Still, the beauty of the sakura trees has a way of making you forget everything else, and I had a wonderful time. Photographing sakura under overcast skies The previous day…
In a quiet corner of Tokyo’s Taito Ward lies Yanaka Cemetery, a place where history rests beneath canopies of cherry blossoms and towering trees. Here, you won’t find a grand, imperial-style mausoleum for the last shogun. Instead, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the man who oversaw the end of samurai rule, lies in a surprisingly humble grave. A…
Visit Tama Cemetery near Tokyo. Discover graves of famous Japanese figures, unique architecture & peaceful grounds. A fascinating spot for history lovers & photographers.
Hideki Tojo, the Imperial Japanese Army general and 27th prime minister, remains one of modern history’s most controversial figures. As a key advocate for the ‘preventive war’ against the United States, his leadership ended in Japan’s devastation and his own execution. Is he revered or reviled? The answer is complex, but for history buffs, his…
Visit Zoshigaya Cemetery in Tokyo: a historic site with unique graves of figures like Lafcadio Hearn & Soseki Natsume. A peaceful photo walk.
Located in the Minato ward of Tokyo, Sengakuji Temple is where 47 masterless samurai etched a tale of honor and sacrifice into the annals of Japanese history. Here’s your guide to capturing the solemn, bloodied, and storied past of one of Tokyo’s most revered sites. Let’s visit their resting place. While the legend of the…
Thomas Baty (1869–1954) was a prominent British legal scholar and advisor to the Japanese Foreign Ministry who became a controversial figure for remaining in Japan during World War II. He was accused of being a ‘British traitor’. His grave is uniquely located in the Japanese section of Tokyo’s Aoyama Cemetery. How did a brilliant British…
Discover the story of Taira no Masakado, a rebel samurai whose grave is a sacred guardian spot for business and fortune in the heart of Tokyo.
Aoyama Cemetery is Tokyo’s oldest public burial ground, located in the heart of Minato City. It is a premier destination for history buffs visiting the graves of icons like Hachiko, and for photographers capturing the famous ‘sakura tunnel.’ This guide explores the cemetery’s unique architecture, notable residents, and seasonal cherry blossom highlights. Aoyama Cemetery (Aoyama…