The humid August air in Hachioji wasn’t the only thing that was thick. It was filled with the distant, thundering beat of taiko drums and a palpable energy that pulled me in the moment I stepped off the train. On August 3rd, 2025, I was about to dive headfirst into the Hachioji Matsuri (festival)—one of…
Thomas Baty (1869–1954) was a prominent British legal scholar and advisor to the Japanese Foreign Ministry who became a controversial figure for remaining in Japan during World War II. He was accused of being a ‘British traitor’. His grave is uniquely located in the Japanese section of Tokyo’s Aoyama Cemetery. How did a brilliant British…
Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival 2026 and I got off to a bad start. There is nothing worse than leaving the house and arriving at the train station only to find all trains have been delayed due to mechanical problems. I hate that because it reduces the amount of time taking photos, which is how…
In March 2025, the air at Tokyo Big Sight was electric with the buzz of thousands of motorcycle lovers, and I was right there in the thick of it. It was my first time going to the Tokyo Motorcycle Show and it did not disappoint. It’s one thing to see bikes online, but it’s another…
The Tokyo Game Show in 2016 was a spectacle of epic proportions, a celebration of games, cutting-edge tech, and dazzling cosplay. With excitement for new releases and virtual reality taking center stage, I plunged into the final day’s crowd with my camera, ready to capture the action. Let’s recount the sights, sounds, and images from…
This post focuses on my photographic experience at Sanja Matsuri 2017. If you are planning a future trip to the event, check out my [Sanja Festival: A Photographer’s Guide] for full information. Asakusa is rarely quiet, but every May during the Sanja Festival (Sanja Matsuri), this historic district transforms into something else. Widely considered Tokyo’s…
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. In a quiet corner of Tokyo, there is a museum where steel tells a story not of war, but of art. The Japanese Sword Museum invites you to forget the battlefield and focus on the blade itself. Here, you’ll discover centuries…
The Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show Prep Day offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the world’s premier custom car and motorcycle event hosted by Mooneyes. Held at the Pacifico Yokohama, setup day allows enthusiasts to witness the arrival of international invitees and the meticulous staging of Japan’s finest custom culture builds before the public exhibition…
The Tokyo Motor Show 2017 was the 45th edition of Japan’s premier automotive event, held at Tokyo Big Sight. Focused on the theme ‘Beyond the Motor,’ the show highlighted the industry’s shift toward autonomous driving and electric vehicles. This gallery showcases iconic reveals like the Mazda Vision Coupe and Nissan IMx through my camera’s lens….
The Oji Fox Parade, known as Oji Kitsune no Gyoretsu, is a traditional Japanese festival held annually on New Year’s Eve in Kita, Tokyo. Based on local folklore, participants wear fox masks and carry lanterns while marching to Oji Inari Shrine to celebrate the first dream of the new year. Most New Year’s Eves find…
Step into the serenity of Meiji Shrine. Our essential photography guide reveals the best spots, from the iconic sake barrels to capturing traditional weddings.
Yabusame is a traditional Japanese Shinto ritual involving mounted archery. Archers dressed in samurai-era attire shoot arrows at three wooden targets while galloping at high speeds. These photos capture the annual Yabusame demonstration at the Meiji Shrine Grand Autumn Festival, highlighting the precision, speed, and ancient heritage of this discipline. As an Amazon Associate I…
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is Tokyo’s largest pyrotechnic event, held annually on the last Saturday of July. To survive the extreme crowds, visitors should arrive at least three hours early, secure a viewing spot in Asakusa or Ryogoku, carry a portable fan, and pre-load their Suica cards for a seamless exit. Do you want…
Discover the story of Taira no Masakado, a rebel samurai whose grave is a sacred guardian spot for business and fortune in the heart of Tokyo.
Shibuya Halloween 2016 was one of the largest unofficial street parties in Tokyo’s history, drawing an estimated 70,000 costumed revelers to the Scramble Crossing. Unlike modern years with strict drinking bans and heavy policing, 2016 represented the peak of the event’s “wild” era, characterized by massive crowds, elaborate cosplay, and spontaneous celebration. My first Shibuya…
Aoyama Cemetery is Tokyo’s oldest public burial ground, located in the heart of Minato City. It is a premier destination for history buffs visiting the graves of icons like Hachiko, and for photographers capturing the famous ‘sakura tunnel.’ This guide explores the cemetery’s unique architecture, notable residents, and seasonal cherry blossom highlights. Aoyama Cemetery (Aoyama…
teamLab Borderless Odaiba was the world’s first permanent digital art museum, located in Tokyo’s Palette Town from 2018 to 2022. Created by the art collective teamLab, the 10,000-square-meter space featured immersive, borderless installations before closing to relocate to its new permanent home in Azabudai Hills. In June 2018, a revolutionary museum opened its doors in…