Tokyo Snapped is supported by its readers. As an Amazon and Klook Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. [Full Disclosure]. If you’re looking to capture an iconic Tokyo Christmas photo, look no further than Keyakizaka in Roppongi Hills. Every December, the street’s Zelkova trees are decked out in brilliant ‘Snow…
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…
The Inui Street Autumn Walk is a seasonal public opening at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, occurring in late November or early December. For 2026, photographers can access a 750-meter restricted path from Sakashita-mon Gate to Inui-mon Gate, offering rare views of fall foliage and the historic Fujimi Keep. As an Amazon Associate I earn from…
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. I did something different for Koenji Awa Odori 2025. Until this time, I shot all of them along Konan Street. I got good shots there, and while it was crowded, I could always find a place to shoot. There was never…
This photographic archive documents the Tokyo Auto Salon 2020, showcasing the pinnacle of Japanese automotive culture and custom car tuning. Featuring previously unpublished images, the gallery highlights innovative vehicle builds, aftermarket designs, and performance trends from leading manufacturers. It serves as a visual record of the evolution within the Japanese car scene. A great Japanese…
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. On cool November mornings, the air in Shinjuku Gyoen carries a sharp, herbal scent. It is the smell of thousands of chrysanthemums, or kiku (菊), arranged in protective wooden pavilions. While many visitors come for the autumn leaves, the focus of…
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. Are you a Ghibli fan? Have you tried to get tickets to the museum in Mitaka? I’ve heard it can be difficult. Well, there is something else you can do if you can’t get into it. There is a magnificent Hayao…
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. In autumn 2021, I checked out the Yushima Tenjin chrysanthemums. Earlier that day, I visited Shinjuku Gyoen to see its flowers. At that time, the weather was perfect. I lucked out as the conditions continued into the afternoon. It was an…
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. Tokyo has many lesser-known places. You can walk along a street of modern buildings, and an old temple or shrine is nestled among them. It can be surprising when it happens, but it’s not unusual. One striking example is Miyamasumitake Shrine…
The Canon EOS R5 excels at aviation photography, as demonstrated at the JASDF Iruma Air Show 2024. Its 45-megapixel sensor provides immense cropping flexibility for distant aircraft, while the advanced vehicle tracking autofocus ensures sharp focus on fast-moving jets. For photographers, it delivers professional-grade performance and resolution in challenging, action environments. As an Amazon Associate…
Photographing Yoyogi Park cherry blossoms 2023 offered unique challenges due to unpredictable weather. For optimal results, photographers should visit on weekdays to minimize crowds. Using a wide-angle lens, such as the Fujifilm 10-24mm, provides a distinct perspective of the blossoms and the blue sheet hanami culture found throughout this iconic Tokyo park. Capturing the Yoyogi…
The art of iron refers to the meticulous process of sculpting the human physique through bodybuilding, disciplined nutrition, and resistance training. Rather than just lifting weights, athletes treat their bodies as a medium, using calculated repetitions to ‘chisel’ muscle. This dedication was on full display in the US-Japan Friendship Cup 2025 Bodybuilding Competition at Yokota…
Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is a premier Tokyo photography location known for its golden autumn leaves. During the peak season in late November, the street attracts an array of supercars and classic vehicles. This creates a unique opportunity to photograph high-end automotive design against a backdrop of brilliant yellow trees. As an Amazon Associate I…
Can a bug on a train explain the Japanese psyche? Read my review of Michael Pronko’s ‘Tokyo’s Mystery Deepens’, a collection of essays for expats & travelers.
The Sanja Festival 2026 at Kaminarimon featured a significant shift in crowds as the main Honsha Mikoshi toured local neighborhoods which could be followed by using GPS tracking. Photographers enjoyed neighborhood shrines at Thunder Gate, and opportunities for street portraits amidst preparations in the lead up to the 2028 1400th anniversary. Tokyo Snapped is supported…
Photographing the 2021 Japanese women’s cricket squad trials in Sano offers a unique blend of professional sports and seasonal beauty. This gallery captures elite athletes during fitness tests and match play under blooming cherry blossoms. Using a Fujifilm X-T3, these images document the growth of cricket in Japan starting in Tochigi. As an Amazon Associate…
The Mitama Festival 2017 at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine was a spectacular display of Japanese tradition, featuring over 30,000 glowing yellow lanterns. This mid-summer celebration is a prime location for night photography, offering a unique atmosphere where photographers capture the ‘matsuri’ spirit, traditional dances, and the iconic illuminated pathways of Chiyoda. The summer heat in Tokyo…
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. The air in Asakusa crackled with energy. Shouts of “Wasshoi! Wasshoi!” echoed off the buildings. Teams of festival-goers, clad in traditional garb, heaved thousand-kilogram mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets and around Sensoji Temple. This was Sanja Matsuri 2025, one of…
The Coppa di Tokyo 2024 was a premier regularity rally held on November 23, 2024, featuring nearly 100 vintage European and American classic cars. Starting at Shiodome’s “Italia Street,” the event sent pristine Ferraris, Porsches, and Alfa Romeos through iconic Tokyo districts like Asakusa and Ueno, celebrating automotive history in the heart of Japan. As…
Experience the Kurayami Matsuri at Okunitama Shrine. Learn about the Hyottoko dancers, the Shishimai lion dance, and tips for low-light festival photography.