Gotokuji Temple Photography Guide: Tokyo’s Cat Temple Gotokuji Temple is tucked away in the quiet streets of Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward. Thousands of beckoning cats, the adorable talismans that bring luck, call it home. Photographers and feline lovers will find an unforgettable blend of culture and history. Picture-perfect moments abound. Are you ready to discover this…
Masashige Kusunoki: The Imperial Palace Samurai Statue Story Standing guard in the Outer Gardens of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is a towering bronze samurai on horseback. Most visitors snap a quick photo and move on, but who was this man, immortalized in the heart of the city? The first time I saw this statue, I did…
Shinjuku’s Giant Jizo: More Than Just a Buddha As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. The Shinjuku Giant Jizo is a massive bronze statue located at Taiso-ji Temple in Tokyo. Often mistaken for a Buddha, it is actually a Bodhisattva, a compassionate deity in Japanese Buddhism who protects…
Shibuya Halloween 2017: A Party That Grew Too Big Shibuya Halloween 2017 was an experience on an entirely different scale. While I didn’t go to the main event that year I went to the “prequel”. What’s that I hear you ask? Well the event goes for a whole week! I went on the 29th and…
Odaiba’s Statue of Liberty When you think of an iconic Tokyo photograph, what comes to mind? The Shibuya Scramble? Sensō-ji Temple? While those are classics, one viewpoint offers a stunning combination of the modern city: the futuristic Rainbow Bridge, the classic Tokyo Tower, and, surprisingly, the Statue of Liberty. That’s right—New York isn’t the only…
Japanese Cricket at Suginami Festa Cricket in Japan? It’s a question that might surprise many, but the answer is a resounding yes! The Japanese do play it. And as an avid fan and photographer, I was thrilled to witness and capture the sport’s growing presence right at Tokyo’s Suginami Festa. The surprising history of cricket…
Hie Shrine Photo Guide: Torii Gates, Monkeys & Best Spots Hie Shrine isn’t the biggest shrine in Tokyo, but it might just be one of the best for photographers. Nestled between the skyscrapers of Akasaka, it offers a surreal mix of traditional architecture and modern city vibes. From the famous tunnel of red torii gates…
Tokyo’s 1000-Year-Old Samurai Parade: A Photographer’s Guide The roar of a modern city fades. In its place, you hear the quiet clank of lacquered armor and the soft thud of traditional sandals on asphalt. This is the Kachiya Matsuri at Kameido Katori Shrine, where for one afternoon, the pomp and pageantry of Japan’s Heian Period…
A Photographer’s Guide to Sensoji Temple Step into a world where ancient history meets vibrant energy. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa isn’t just Tokyo’s oldest spiritual heart—it is the ultimate photography destination. From the colossal red lantern of the Kaminarimon Gate to the bustling energy of Nakamise-dori, this guide reveals the best photo spots. I’ll share…
Tokyo Motor Show 2019: Where Art Met the Future The Tokyo Motor Show 2019 was an event in transition. With a new additional venue, fewer international brands, and a clear shift in focus, it was a glimpse into the future of automotive events. It will eventually lead to its rebranding as the Tokyo Mobility Show….
Design Festa Summer + Gakuten 2016: Biggest Art Show in Asia Editor’s Note (2026): I originally attended this event in 2016. Looking back a decade later, the art scene in Tokyo has changed, but the energy of Design Festa remains unmatched. I have re-edited these images to better reflect the atmosphere of that day. Have…
Visiting Hideki Tojo’s Grave at Zoshigaya Cemetery 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…
How to Photograph the Maman Spider at Roppongi Hills Standing guard beneath the Mori Tower, the Maman spider sculpture is one of Tokyo’s most unforgettable sights. For some, its towering legs and shadowy form are a cause for shudders. For others, it’s a marvel of art and engineering. The creation of sculptor Louise Bourgeois, Maman,…
Tennoji Temple Big Buddha: Tokyo’s Bronze Giant In the heart of bustling Tokyo lies a tranquil haven waiting to be discovered by those seeking a moment of peace and a unique photo opportunity. At Tennoji Temple, nestled in the nostalgic Yanaka district, sits a beautiful bronze Big Buddha, a hidden gem for travelers and photography…
Vending Machine Canned Bread at Inokashira Park Discovering “Pan-can” in a Tokyo vending machine Tokyo’s vending machines are legendary. I’ve seen them dispense everything from magazines and toys to flowers and even underwear. But when I stumbled upon a machine selling something as mundane as canned bread in Inokashira Park, I was taken aback. With…
Tokyo Marathon 2023 with a Fujifilm X-T3 & 100-400mm The Tokyo Marathon is one of the six World Major Marathons. It is a prestigious sporting event that attracted 38000 participants. Photographers documented them running the gruelling 42-kilometer course. I joined them for the first time in 2023. My camera got a workout that day! Photography…
A Photo Walk Through Zoshigaya Cemetery Zoshigaya Cemetery is an unusual Tokyo photo spot. Some might think it a rather morbid place, but not me. The forest-like atmosphere and fascinating tombstone architecture bring the place alive. It’s perfect for a walk or photography. Great photos and history await you. Many of the people who rest…
A Kagura Dance of Shrine Maidens at Kameido Tenjin The wisteria were late. I had come to Kameido Tenjin Shrine, famed for its cascading purple flowers, hoping to capture the peak of its annual festival in 2024. Instead, I found mostly green leaves and closed buds. With my primary photo opportunity gone, I wandered the…
Falconry at Hama Rikyu Gardens (January 2020) Every January, the ancient sport of falconry returns to Tokyo’s Hama Rikyu Gardens. It’s a nod to history, as Japan’s shoguns once used these grounds to hunt ducks with their prized birds. While those times are gone, falconers who keep the tradition alive showcase their skills over a…
Reflections on the 2016 Sanno Festival Tokyo is a city defined by layers, where the ultra-modern wraps around the ancient. The Sanno Festival at Hie Shrine perfectly captures this duality, offering a compelling mix of color, tradition, and urban texture. While many flock to the festival for its chaotic energy, I explored its quieter side…