Kaminarimon: Photographing the Sanja Festival 2026 The Sanja Festival 2026 at Kaminarimon featured a significant shift in crowds as the main Honsha Mikoshi toured local neighborhoods which could be followed by using GPS tracking. Photographers enjoyed neighborhood shrines at Thunder Gate, and opportunities for street portraits amidst preparations in the lead up to the 2028…
Mitama Festival 2017: Night Photography at Yasukuni Shrine The summer heat in Tokyo is undeniable, and 2017 was no exception. However, unlike my visit the previous year, I arrived at Yasukuni Shrine better prepared and ready to soak in the atmosphere. For the uninitiated, the Mitama Festival is designed to honor those who passed away…
Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival: Trip Report & Tips My trip to the 2022 Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival (つつじ祭り) started with a tough choice. With Tokyo’s spring flower season in full swing, it was either there or the tulips at Showa Memorial Park. I only had time for one. Knowing both would be crowded on a…
Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival 2026: The ¥1000 Price Hike I wasn’t able to go to the 2026 Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival during the peak bloom, which turned out to be a mixed experience. It couldn’t be helped; I’ve started several new jobs recently, and making a living is a priority. However, since I have rarely…
Nezu Shrine Azaleas 2018 Every spring, Tokyo’s Nezu Shrine offers a spectacular display of azaleas. It’s a tradition known as the Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri). With over 3,000 bushes of roughly 100 different varieties, the shrine grounds become a sea of color. This annual event transforms the historic shrine into a major attraction, drawing…
Fading Beauty: Myohoji Hydrangeas in 2017 One of the last places I visited for hydrangeas (ajisai) in 2017 was Myōhōji Temple, tucked away in Tokyo’s Suginami Ward. I arrived quite late in the season, and many of the flowers were already beginning to fade. Still, the hour-long walk from my apartment was well worth it;…
The Plum Blossoms That Almost Weren’t: Yushima Tenjin 2018 I often talk about how photography can be a frustrating exercise in managing expectations. My 2018 trip to Yushima Tenjin was a perfect example. After a long, cold snap in Tokyo, I was worried the plum blossoms would be a complete no-show. My initial walk through…
Sanja Festival: A Photography Guide for 2027 The Sanja Festival (Sanja Matsuri) is one of Tokyo’s largest Shinto festivals, held annually in May at Asakusa Shrine. For photographers in 2027, the event offers high-action shots of mikoshi (portable shrines), traditional parades, and Edo-style street culture. The best photography spots include the Kaminarimon Gate and the…
Sanja Matsuri 2018: Photos from Sensoji 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…
Sanja Matsuri Daigyoretsu: A Photographer’s Guide 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….
Myohoji Temple Photography Guide 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…
Zojoji Temple: A Photographer’s Guide 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…
Mitama Festival 2016 at Yasukuni Shrine: Photo Archive 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…
Photographing Traditional Weddings at Meiji Shrine 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. Best days…
Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival 2017 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…
Yasukuni Shrine Photo Guide Located in the heart of Chiyoda, Yasukuni Shrine carries a gravity that few other places in Tokyo can match. Founded by Emperor Meiji in 1869, it serves as a memorial for those who gave their lives for Japan, spanning from the Boshin War through World War II. Today, it draws five…
Gokokuji Temple: A Tokyo Photo Guide 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…
Nezu Shrine: A Photography Guide to an Edo-Era Sanctuary 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…
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin: Tokyo’s Fox Temple 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….
Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival 2017: A Photo Archive 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…