This post focuses on my photographic experience at Sanja Matsuri 2018. If you are planning a future trip to the event, check out my [Sanja Festival: A Photographer’s Guide] for full information. For years, work obligations kept me away from experiencing the Sanja Matsuri on a Saturday. 2018 finally broke that streak, and it was…
Sumida Hokusai Museum: Explore Hokusai’s ukiyo-e genius at Tokyo’s stunning Sumida Hokusai Museum. My guide covers from the ‘The Great Wave’ to visitor tips.
The Daigyoretsu is the opener for the famous Sanja Festival. It’s an event that brings three million visitors to Tokyo’s Asakusa district for three days of endless, incredible energy. I’ve been to this spectacular opening parade many times and believe me when I say it is a photographer’s dream. You need to see this one….
Tokyo Game Show 2017 was huge. Models, cosplay, display booths, and live events filled the day. The excitement was palpable. New console titles were everywhere. From start to finish, it was perfect for photography. I was more than impressed and went home with an SD card full of photos. What was at Tokyo Game Show…
For most people, 2020 was a bad year. For photographers like me, cancelled events and empty streets filled Tokyo which was a disaster. That’s why the Spring Rose Festival at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens felt like such a gift. In a year of so much gray, these flowers were a much-needed splash of color and a reminder…
Editor’s Note: This article was originally written in 2020 following the 55th Yumi Katsura Grand Collection. With her passing in April 2024 at the age of 94, I am republishing this piece as a tribute to her legacy and the indelible mark she left on Japanese fashion. In February 2020, I had the incredible opportunity…
Myohoji might be one of Tokyo’s lesser-known temples on the international tourist circuit, but don’t let that discourage you. While it doesn’t have the massive crowds of Sensoji or Zojoji, it is deeply respected locally as a powerful spot for yakuyoke (warding off evil). For the visitor, Myohoji offers a perfect blend of stunning traditional…
At the heart of Tokyo lies a scene that perfectly captures the city’s soul: the historic Zojoji, towered over the iconic Tokyo Tower. More than just a beautiful landmark, the temple serves as a bridge between Japan’s shogunate past and its dynamic present. This guide will walk you through its most photogenic spots, share some…
Imagine standing beneath a golden canopy of light, the summer air thick with humidity and history. This is the essence of the Mitama Festival (Mitama Matsuri). While Yasukuni Shrine is historically dedicated to the spirits of those who died defending Japan, the festival itself transcends politics. It offers a profound moment of collective remembrance. In…
A Meiji Shrine wedding is steeped in tradition. They are a fusion of spectacle, kimonos, history, and cultural grandeur. Ready your camera! This is your chance to capture Tokyo’s most enchanting wedding moments and create unforgettable travel photos. Let’s head to this amazing venue to see them. When to see Meiji Shrine wedding parades There…
Halloween in Shibuya used to be a multi-day phenomenon. While the world looks forward to the big day, the initiated know that the energy in Shibuya once began building well before the big day. Before the crackdown, I and thousands of others would head to the famous crossing to see what the streets had in…
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…
Part of the famous Yasukuni Shrine, the Yushukan Museum offers a deep dive into Japan’s military history, with an extensive collection of swords, armor, aircraft, and tanks. Military history enthusiasts will find enough to stay occupied for hours, but photographers should be aware of a few important restrictions. First, it’s important to address the context….
Editor’s Note: This article covers the 2024 US-Japan Friendship Cup. For results and photos from the more recent 2025 competition, please see our new article. Fifty buff competitors muscled it out on stage for trophies and prizes at the 2024 US-Japan Friendship Cup Championships, and I was there to see it all. Held at the…
Spring in Tokyo is synonymous with color, and few places promise a spectacle quite like the Bunkyo Azalea Festival at Nezu Shrine. However, travel photography is often a game of timing, and even the best plans can fall victim to a busy schedule. On May 1, 2017, I finally arrived at the shrine to capture…
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…
Explore Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. A complete photographer’s guide to cherry blossoms, the Mitama Festival, Yushukan museum & travel tips for visitors.
AnimeJapan 2017 was a visual playground of cosplay, intricate models, and larger-than-life characters. For a photographer like me, it wasn’t just an event. It was a collection of unforgettable moments, lessons learned, and yes, a few regrets. Join me as I revisit the experience. There were many great things to shoot – stage events, models…
It was a hot one in every sense of the word. The 2024 Asakusa Samba Carnival was a roaring success. But performers and the parade had to sizzle under an unseasonable mid-September sun. With temperatures soaring into the mid-thirties, the heat was as intense as the action. For one Sunday afternoon, the vibrant spirit of…
In a city guarded by giant robots and occasionally terrorized by Godzilla, you might think you’ve seen it all. But venture away from the neon-drenched tourist hubs into the charming neighborhood of Sangenjaya, and you’ll find another titan hiding in plain sight. King Kong is perched majestically above a Family Mart convenience store. Meet King…