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 my professional tips and secret locations…
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. While many reports covered the technical specifications, I walked…
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 you ever stepped into a space so vast it felt like…
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…
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, is an iconic stop for photographers and art lovers…
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 enthusiasts alike. Though smaller than the colossal…
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 options like chocolate and strawberry, my curiosity was piqued. Little did I know, this…
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! My photography gear for this shoot Shooting the race start…
Visit Zoshigaya Cemetery in Tokyo: a historic site with unique graves of figures like Lafcadio Hearn & Soseki Natsume. A peaceful photo walk.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. 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…
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 two-day event. In 2020, I went to…
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 in 2016. It was a day…
It was a poster in a Mister Donut window that did it. In August 2020, the advertisement showcasing their latest Pokémon donut collaboration was too tempting to ignore. As someone who keeps a close eye on my weight, I usually steer clear of such sugary delights. But having recently dived into the Pokémon series, my…
Yushima Tenjin is another of Tokyo’s important shrines. You’ll find it in Bunkyo Ward. It isn’t big, but it is famous for its flowers in spring and autumn. The architecture is impressive too. For photographers, this place should be on their bucket list. The shrine’s flowers are a huge drawcard. Visitors come for the plum…
Tokyo Auto Salon 2017 happened long ago. It was enormous fun, eventually. But my first problem was fixing a tooth problem. I was in tremendous pain and needed a dentist that morning. Luckily, he was free and saw me immediately. That cost me thirty minutes, and I scrambled to the station to make up for…
Tsukuba RC Arena: Yokomo’s world-class RC racing venue. Renovated with amazing tracks & English support. The ultimate RC hobby destination!
How often do you get the chance to photograph a reigning monarch from just fifty meters away? On December 23, 2016, I had that very opportunity. With my camera in hand, I joined a massive crowd heading to the Imperial Palace, hoping to capture Japan’s Emperor Akihito on his 83rd birthday. The day turned into…
Hinamatsuri 2017 was good. Do you know the event? Doll’s Day is another name for it. Japan celebrates it on March 3. Families pray for their daughter’s health, prosperity, and happiness. For the event, families display a set of Hina dolls. It’s a great cultural tradition. Photographers love it too. Visiting the Keio Plaza Hotel…
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…
Have you ever wanted to get up close to Japan’s most powerful military aircraft? Imagine standing just meters away as their engines roar to life, feeling the vibrations in your chest. Then, just minutes later, watch them perform jaw-dropping passes directly overhead. That was the incredible scene at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Iruma Open…