Inokashira Park Cherry Blossoms 2017: A Perfect Moment Imagine standing by the serene pond, looking up at a canopy of Inokashira Park cherry blossoms in full bloom. For travelers seeking the quintessential Tokyo spring experience, this spot is unrivaled. Back in 2017, everything was in perfect alignment for a photographer: the sky was a brilliant…
A Photographer’s Guide to 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….
Inokashira Park Photo Guide: Best Spots & Photography Tips 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…
Shinjuku Gyoen is Tokyo’s 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…
Red Spider Lilies at Nogawa Park: A Tokyo Guide In Japan, it is a flower of delicate beauty that also carries the weight of final goodbyes. The red spider lily, or higanbana, is said to bloom when you part with someone for the last time. For years, I seemed to be having my own final…
Chidorigafuchi in 2017: From Mosh Pit to Morning Magic Editor’s Note: I’m often asked about the best way to see Tokyo’s cherry blossoms. It always brings me back to a specific morning in 2017 when I finally figured out how to enjoy Chidorigafuchi. This is that story. Chidorigafuchi Park is a popular place for cherry…
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….
Testing the Fujifilm X-T2 on Tokyo’s Cherry Blossoms After years with my trusty Pentax K-3, it suddenly died. I needed a camera and I decided on the Fujifilm X-T2. I paired it with the highly-praised XF 16-55mm f/2.8 lens. This new kit felt like a different beast altogether. To get a feel for its dials…
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…
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…
Plum Blossoms & Packed Trains: A 2026 Trip to Yushima Tenjin Tokyo train hell during the plum blossom festival 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…
Golden Hour Hanegi Park Plum Blossoms 2021 Editor’s Note: These golden hour Hanegi Park plum photos were originally taken in the spring of 2021. It captured a moment at the Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival during the pandemic, when the usual crowds had vanished. We’re keeping it online as a time capsule of that blossom season….
12 visits to Hanegi Park: Lessons from a 10% Success Rate Hanegi Park has a plum blossom festival every spring. I’ve skipped it maybe three times, once when the pandemic was on, another when I was sick, and the last was due to bad weather and timetable problems. The event has a bunch of street…
The Meiji Shrine Photo Guide (Best Spots & Tips) Meiji Shrine is in the heart of bustling Tokyo. It’s a place where time seems to slow down. The hum of the city fades into the gentle rustle of leaves. This sanctuary of Shinto tradition and natural beauty is nestled within a forest. It’s a hidden…
Surviving the Sumida River Fireworks Festival Do you want to see Tokyo’s biggest fireworks festival and one million spectators? That sounds like a recipe for disaster for a people-shy photographer like me. In July 2016, armed with a camera, I braved the throngs and went to the Sumida River to photograph it. A night of…
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…