Tokyo is a city of contrasts, but few places offer the serenity and visual splendor of Gokokuji. While it boasts stunning historical architecture, it is the atmosphere that truly captivates. In spring, it becomes as pretty as a picture, framed by soft blooms. A bronze Buddha sits meditatively in the courtyard, backed by a historic…
Stepping into the Pacifico Yokohama for the 28th Yokohama Custom Hot Rod Show was like entering a different dimension. It was 2019, and the air was thick with the anticipation of thousands of petrolheads in seventh heaven. From the moment I walked in, I was surrounded by polished chrome, thumping music, and a sea of…
Nezu Shrine commands a quiet confidence in a city known for its kinetic energy. It may not possess the global name recognition of other Tokyo heavyweights, but the atmosphere here more than compensates for the lack of crowds. Two things define this location: the history, which is palpable, and the seasonal explosion of color during…
The sharp crack of a plastic bat hitting a ball, followed by a flurry of small legs and excited shouts, isn’t the typical sound of a park in Akishima, Tokyo. But this was the scene at the 2020 Japan Cricket Blast Mayor’s Cup. It was my first chance to photograph Japan’s growing passion for cricket….
A guide to Kaminarimon Bon Odori in Asakusa! Get tips for 2026, see photos of the traditional dance, & learn how to shoot this memorable Tokyo cultural event.
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…
Tucked away in the modern cityscape of Akasaka, Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is a spiritual oasis guarded by an army of stone foxes. While other temples might have a handful of these divine messengers, this one is home to a staggering collection of what feels like a thousand. For photographers and curious travelers, it’s a…
Step into the cradle of Japanese aviation at the Tokorozawa Aviation Museum in Saitama Prefecture, a must-visit for aircraft photographers and history buffs alike. Located on the very site of Japan’s first airfield, this museum narrates the nation’s compelling relationship with flight. Whether you’re a seasoned aviation enthusiast or simply curious, the museum’s impressive collection…
The highlight of my photo life for 2018 was the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup. I hadn’t photographed any type of motorsport until that point. My only experience with photographing cars was at the Tokyo Motor Show, which I attended the previous year. Things were about to change in my life. Drift racing was a complete…
In 2017, Yushima Tenjin was draped in clouds of plum blossoms. The beautiful flowers brought a unique blend of serenity and tradition. Photographers came to capture them. Students came in large numbers. The day had perfect skies, a large crowd, and nostalgia for the gear I used long ago. Yushima Tenjin is a Mecca for…
Visit Tama Cemetery near Tokyo. Discover graves of famous Japanese figures, unique architecture & peaceful grounds. A fascinating spot for history lovers & photographers.
The cavernous exhibit halls of Makuhari Messe were electric, overflowing with an outrageous sea of automotive fantasy. Vivid colors and gleaming chrome fought for attention under the constant, frantic strobe of camera flashes going off left, right, and center. Tokyo Auto Salon 2018 was here, and it was more brilliantly overwhelming than ever. The best…
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 kitty haven? The legend of Maneki Neko…
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 the same. But the heroic figure stuck with…
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 travelers and children. Standing nearly three meters tall, it is one of the celebrated ‘Edo Six Jizo’ statues dating back to 1712….
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 the 30th. I’m not sure how many people were…
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 city with a Lady…
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 history of cricket in Japan While cricket was first…
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 to the unique monkey statues—and even an outdoor escalator—there is…
The trees mute the sounds of the outside city. You hear the quiet clank of replica lacquered armor and the soft thud of traditional sandals on asphalt. A line of samurai approaches. This is the Kachiya Matsuri at Kameido Katori Shrine, where for one afternoon, the pomp and pageantry of Japan’s Heian Period return to…