Finding a Subway Exit for Shinjuku Street Photography 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….
A Photo Walk Through Zoshigaya Cemetery Zoshigaya Cemetery is an unusual Tokyo photo spot. Some might think it a rather morbid place, but not me. The forest-like atmosphere and fascinating tombstone architecture bring the place alive. It’s perfect for a walk or photography. Great photos and history await you. Many of the people who rest…
Inui Street: Enjoy the Tokyo Imperial Palace Cherry Blossoms Tokyo has countless spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). But one stands apart: the limited-time public opening of the Imperial Palace’s Inui Street. This isn’t your typical picnic under the trees affair. It’s an orderly, reverent, and beautiful walk through grounds usually closed to the public….
Hamarikyu Gardens: A Shogun’s Park 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…
Daiba Park: A Secret Spot for Perfect Rainbow Bridge Photos 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…
Silky in Tokyo: A Lee Filters Super Stopper Review In 2016, I added a new tool to my photography arsenal. I bought the Lee Filters 100mm x 100mm Super Stopper, a 15-stop neutral density (ND) filter. For those unfamiliar with this piece of gear, an ND filter is a high-quality piece of darkened glass or…
JGSDF Public Information Center: Japan’s Modern Military For military hardware enthusiasts and photographers visiting Japan, there’s a hidden gem just outside Tokyo that you cannot miss: The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Public Information Center. The information center, often called “Rikkun Land,” is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the tanks,…
Yushima Tenjin: Plum Blossom & Chrysanthemum Photo Guide 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…
Canon EOS R5 Field Test: 2024 Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemums Looking back at my photos from the Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibit in November 2024, I’m reminded of two things. The flowers were not at their best, but my new camera was. While the blooms themselves were a bit underwhelming compared to previous years, the situation created…
Rainbow Bridge Tokyo: The Photo Guide (2026) The Rainbow Bridge is a landmark suspension bridge in Tokyo that connects the Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront. It features two decks accommodating the Shuto Expressway, the Yurikamome transit line, and a 1.7km pedestrian walkway called the Rainbow Promenade. For photographers, it offers iconic views of the…
Sengakuji Temple: Where Japan’s 47 Ronin Heroes Lie 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…
Thomas Baty: Grave of a British Traitor 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…
Shinjuku Gyoen: A Photography Guide to Tokyo’s Urban Oasis Near the chaos of Shinjuku Station lies an escape into nature: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This historic park is a masterpiece of landscape design. It offers a tranquil haven of seasonal blooms, serene gardens, and striking skyline views. Local and visiting photographers love its ever-changing seasons….
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory Guide Discover Tokyo’s top free observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Offering stunning city views from 243 meters, it’s the perfect spot to witness Mount Fuji at sunset or experience the building’s transformation through record-breaking digital art projections. This iconic landmark is essential for any photographer or traveler. It…
Tokyo Imperial Palace Photo Guide The Tokyo Imperial Palace, once the site of Edo Castle and now the Emperor’s residence in Chiyoda, is one of Japan’s most iconic photography locations. While most tourists settle for shots of the Nijubashi Bridge, this guide explores the best angles, light, and hidden photo spots, from historic watchtowers to…
My favorite cherry blossom spot is Aoyama cemetery Imagine stepping into a peaceful haven in Tokyo’s heart. A place where beautiful flowers bloom in silence. Their petals gently draped over weathered gravestones. No crowds, no noise, just you, your camera, and spring’s magic. This is Aoyama Cemetery, my favorite cherry blossom spot. Let me take…
Aoyama Cemetery Photo Guide 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…
Seeing Mount Fuji From Tokyo: Visibility Guide & Tips Seeing Mount Fuji from Tokyo is challenging, with it being visible only about 20% to 30% of the year. Visibility is highly seasonal, peaking at nearly 80% during winter months like December and January, while dropping below 10% in the humid summer. For the best chance,…