Photographing the Return of Koenji Awa Odori
Photographing Koenji Awa Odori 2023: Tips for capturing Tokyo’s massive dance festival with 12,000 dancers & 1 million spectators. See photos!
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Shimokitazawa Awa Odori 2023
I was finally at Shimokitazawa Awa Odori 2023. After a five-year wait, I was finally back. The sound of taiko drums echoed through the narrow streets I hadn’t walked on since 2018. This wasn’t just any festival but an explosion of noise, color, tradition, dance and music. For a photographer, it was a dream and…
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Kameido Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival 2021
A visit to the Kameido Tenjin Shrine Chrysanthemum Festival in 2021 left me with mixed feelings. The shrine is renowned for its wisteria and plum blossoms, but the autumn floral display, though pleasant, didn’t reach the same heights. It prompted a reflection on what could have been. For those unfamiliar with Kameido Tenjin, a grand…
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Shimokitazawa Awa Odori Photography Guide
Every August, the Shimokitazawa Awa Odori brings energy, dance, and music to Tokyo’s summer. It’s one of my favorite night events in the city. The locals turn out in droves to provide a festival with an incredible, welcoming atmosphere. I often look back at the photos I took in 2023, and they always remind me…
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Kanda Matsuri 2025
A photographer’s first Kanda Matsuri! Learn about this historic Tokyo Shinto festival, its key events, and get practical photo tips for your visit.
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Blue Impulse: Shooting the Paralympic Flyover in Tokyo
See Japan’s Blue Impulse aerobatic team fly for the Tokyo Paralympics! Photos & insights into photographing the Kawasaki T-4s despite challenges.
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Rikugien Gardens Light-Up (2026)
Get 8 insider tips for the 2026 Rikugien Gardens autumn light-up! Learn the best photo spots, how to avoid the crowds, and have a truly magical night in Tokyo.
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Mitama Festival 2025
A photographer’s experience at Mitama Festival 2025. Learn how to capture stunning shots of the mikoshi and 30,000 lanterns at night. Pro tips & FAQ inside!
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Japan U-19 National Cricket Academy Trials 2021
Exclusive photos from the Japan U-19 National Academy Squad 2021 trials. See future cricket stars in action and get insights into sports photography.
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Supercars at Ginkgo Avenue
Capturing supercars at Tokyo’s Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue. See why yellow ginkgo trees provided the perfect background for autumn photography.
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Tokyo Rainbow Bridge: 2020 Pandemic Lighting
See rare photos of the 2020 Tokyo Rainbow Bridge alert colors. Learn about the blue and red lighting and the best Odaiba photography spots.
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Tokyo Imperial Palace Winter Illumination Photos
The Tokyo Imperial Palace winter illumination is a seasonal event where historic gates and keeps are lit at night. Located on the eastern side near Tokyo Station, this display offers photographers a rare chance to capture long exposures of the Seimon and Otemon gates reflecting in the palace moat during the colder months. One evening,…
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Zojoji Tanabata Festival 2022
The Zojoji Tanabata Festival is a traditional Japanese celebration held every July at Zojoji Temple. It features thousands of hand-lit candles arranged like the Milky Way, set against the backdrop of Tokyo Tower. This event is a prime location for night photography and experiencing ancient Japanese folklore within a modern city setting. As an Amazon…
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2026 Keyakizaka Christmas
Tokyo Snapped is supported by its readers. As an Amazon and Klook Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. [Full Disclosure]. If you’re looking to capture an iconic Tokyo Christmas photo, look no further than Keyakizaka in Roppongi Hills. Every December, the street’s Zelkova trees are decked out in brilliant ‘Snow…
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Inui Street Autumn Walk 2026
The Inui Street Autumn Walk is a seasonal public opening at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, occurring in late November or early December. For 2026, photographers can access a 750-meter restricted path from Sakashita-mon Gate to Inui-mon Gate, offering rare views of fall foliage and the historic Fujimi Keep. As an Amazon Associate I earn from…
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Koenji Awa Odori 2025
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. I did something different for Koenji Awa Odori 2025. Until this time, I shot all of them along Konan Street. I got good shots there, and while it was crowded, I could always find a place to shoot. There was never…
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Inside Tokyo Auto Salon 2020
This photographic archive documents the Tokyo Auto Salon 2020, showcasing the pinnacle of Japanese automotive culture and custom car tuning. Featuring previously unpublished images, the gallery highlights innovative vehicle builds, aftermarket designs, and performance trends from leading manufacturers. It serves as a visual record of the evolution within the Japanese car scene. A great Japanese…
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Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibition 2019
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. On cool November mornings, the air in Shinjuku Gyoen carries a sharp, herbal scent. It is the smell of thousands of chrysanthemums, or kiku (菊), arranged in protective wooden pavilions. While many visitors come for the autumn leaves, the focus of…
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Yushima Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival Photography
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. In autumn 2021, I checked out the Yushima Tenjin chrysanthemums. Earlier that day, I visited Shinjuku Gyoen to see its flowers. At that time, the weather was perfect. I lucked out as the conditions continued into the afternoon. It was an…
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Iruma Air Show 2024
The Canon EOS R5 excels at aviation photography, as demonstrated at the JASDF Iruma Air Show 2024. Its 45-megapixel sensor provides immense cropping flexibility for distant aircraft, while the advanced vehicle tracking autofocus ensures sharp focus on fast-moving jets. For photographers, it delivers professional-grade performance and resolution in challenging, action environments. As an Amazon Associate…
