Kyowa Bridge
Discover Kyowa Bridge, Haneda Airport’s ultimate plane spotting location. Get close-up photos with our guide to directions, camera gear, & times.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall
The Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall was born from two enormous tragedies. One was the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake; the other was the 1945 Bombing of Tokyo. Each event claimed over 100,000 lives that Tokyo hasn’t forgotten. Within these grounds, tribute is paid not only to the victims of quake and fire, but also to those…
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What Does a Real Tokyo Neighborhood Look Like?
Have you ever wondered what a “real” Tokyo neighborhood looks like? I mean the one beyond the tourist maps, in the quiet suburbs where people actually live? I’m going to take you on a photo tour of my home: Takaido-Higashi in Suginami Ward, a side of the city most visitors never see. Understanding Japanese Addresses:…
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The Shinjuku Taxi
As dusk settles over Tokyo, the Shinjuku district undergoes a breathtaking metamorphosis. A symphony of neon ignites the sky, and the city’s pulse quickens. Amidst this vibrant chaos, one element reigns supreme: the ubiquitous taxi. With tens of thousands of cabs navigating the sprawling metropolis, they are an undeniable and essential feature of Shinjuku’s nocturnal…
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Tokyo Big Sight
Tokyo Big Sight is an architectural beacon in Japan’s bustling capital. I’d planned my visit for weeks, hoping to capture the sun gleaming off its futuristic glass and titanium structures. But Tokyo’s weather had other plans. Faced with a flat, grey sky, I had a choice: go home disappointed, or embrace the mood. I chose…
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Hie Shrine
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…
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Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
Journey into Japan’s architectural past at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. It is a diverse collection that includes historical homes, traditional shops, and temples. Photographers can capture a side of Tokyo beyond its modern cityscape of concrete and steel. Every photograph taken here holds a piece of Japanese history, with some scenes providing insight…
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Sensoji Temple
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…
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Hibiya Park
Editor’s Note: The central water fountain has been demolished and is being rebuilt along with some landscaping. It should be completed in early 2026. In the bustling heart of Tokyo, just a stone’s throw from the Imperial Palace, government offices, and major corporations, is an urban sanctuary: Hibiya Park. For the city’s busy workers seeking…
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Design Festa Summer + Gakuten 2016
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…
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Tokyo International Forum
It was a classic photographer’s dilemma: my original plan to shoot Yushima Tenjin’s famous plum blossoms in 2022 was a bust, as the flowers were far from blooming. I checked the internet scrambling for a new subject in a city full of icons. The place I found was something I’d never considered before: Tokyo International…
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Inokashira Park Photo Guide
Are you searching for an escape in Tokyo that marries nature, culture, and endless photo opportunities? Look no further than Inokashira Park. It’s a place where you can capture the pink of spring cherry blossoms, the deep reds of autumn leaves, or the simple joy of a swan boat ride across a serene pond. For…
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Shinjuku Gyoen Is the Best Cherry Blossom Spot
After years of searching for the perfect hanami experience, I can say it with confidence. Shinjuku Gyoen is the best cherry blossom spot in Tokyo. While I adore the moody, atmospheric lanes of Aoyama Cemetery, it’s not for everyone. Shinjuku Gyoen is simply unmatched. It’s experience delivers on every level for every person. It combines…
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Azabudai Hills
Editor’s note: When the Azabudai Hills Observation Deck first opened in 2024, admission was free. This is no longer the case. The article has been updated to reflect this. The Azabudai Hills observation deck might be a contender for having the best Tokyo views. Why? It’s a superb platform to photograph iconic landmarks like Tokyo…
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Hideki Tojo’s Grave
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…
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Finding a Subway Exit
A solitary figure emerges from a brightly lit subway exit into the Tokyo night. Many photographers have snapped this scene. It’s one of my favorites, too. For a long time, I wondered where this Shinjuku street photo was taken. I felt an overwhelming urge to solve it. The image was so evocative, I knew I…
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Zoshigaya Cemetery
Visit Zoshigaya Cemetery in Tokyo: a historic site with unique graves of figures like Lafcadio Hearn & Soseki Natsume. A peaceful photo walk.
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Inui Street Cherry Blossoms
Inui Street is a 750-meter tree-lined boulevard within the Tokyo Imperial Palace grounds, famous for its exclusive seasonal public openings. During the 2027 spring sakura season, visitors can walk this restricted route to view over 70 species of cherry blossoms, offering a rare glimpse into the inner palace landscape normally closed to the public. Tokyo…
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Hamarikyu Gardens
Escape the bustling energy of central Tokyo and step into a world of serene landscapes and rich history at Hamarikyu Gardens. Once a private hunting ground for shoguns, it now offers a unique oasis where traditional Japanese aesthetics meet the city’s futuristic skyline. For photographers and nature lovers, Hamarikyu is filled with picturesque scenes, from…
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Daiba Park and Rainbow Bridge
Situated on a small island, Daiba Park is a perfect, yet often overlooked, spot for photographing the iconic Rainbow Bridge. While it may not be as famous as other Tokyo viewpoints, its relative obscurity means fewer crowds. With this photo guide, I hope to show you just how much photographic potential it holds. The best…
