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…
A Photographer’s Guide to Tokyo City View Tokyo City View is an indoor observatory on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, offering panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline. It is a premier location for photographing Tokyo Tower, Mount Fuji, and the Shinjuku horizon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See…
2026 Keyakizaka Guide: Tokyo Tower Christmas Photos As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. 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 and Blue’ lights, creating…
Ginko Ogino Grave: Japan’s First Licensed Female Physician Ginko Ogino was the first licensed female physician to practice Western medicine in Japan. After overcoming personal hardship and systemic gender bias, she earned her medical license in 1885, breaking barriers in the Meiji era. Her legacy as a feminist and pioneer is preserved at her grave…
Inui Street Autumn Walk 2026: Tokyo Photography Guide 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…
Miyazaki Ghibli Clock: Timed Perfection in Tokyo As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. Are you a Ghibli fan? Have you tried to get tickets to the museum in Mitaka? I’ve heard it can be difficult. Well, there is something else you can do if you can’t get…
Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower: Tokyo Architecture Photography The Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower is a 204 meter skyscraper located in the Nishi-Shinjuku district of Tokyo. Completed in 2008 by Tange Associates, this 50 story educational building is famous for its curved shape and aluminum diagrid exterior. It is a premier destination for architectural photography in Japan….
Free Tokyo Bay Views at Caretta Shiodome Sky View Caretta Shiodome Sky View is a free observation area on the 46th floor of the Dentsu Building in Tokyo. Located 200 meters above ground, it offers panoramic vistas of Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge, and Odaiba. It is a premier spot for photographers because tripods are permitted…
Iruma Air Show 2024: Canon R5 Field Test 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…
The Art of Iron: 2025 US-Japan Bodybuilding Cup The art of iron refers to the meticulous process of sculpting the human physique through bodybuilding, disciplined nutrition, and resistance training. Rather than just lifting weights, athletes treat their bodies as a medium, using calculated repetitions to ‘chisel’ muscle. This dedication was on full display in the…
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…
Sanja Festival 2025: Seeing through crowds with the Canon R5 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. The air in Asakusa crackled with energy. Shouts of “Wasshoi! Wasshoi!” echoed off the buildings. Teams of festival-goers, clad in traditional garb, heaved thousand-kilogram mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets and…
Coppa di Tokyo 2024: The Day Classic Cars Conquered a City The Coppa di Tokyo 2024 was a premier regularity rally held on November 23, 2024, featuring nearly 100 vintage European and American classic cars. Starting at Shiodome’s “Italia Street,” the event sent pristine Ferraris, Porsches, and Alfa Romeos through iconic Tokyo districts like Asakusa…
The Kurayami Festival: Beyond the Shadows The Kurayami Matsuri (Darkness Festival) is a seven-day festival held every year from April 30 to May 6 at Fuchu’s Okunitama Shrine in Tokyo. It is one of the Kanto region’s oldest and most significant festivals, known for its “darkness” theme. The highlights are floats and mikoshi (portable shrines)…
How to Find Your Next Tokyo Photo Spot As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. Living in this city is like a double-edged sword. Everyone wants to come here for their holidays and take photographs. So while I love Shibuya, Meiji Shrine and Sensoji, there are times I…
The Photographer’s Guide to Tokyo’s Historic Cemeteries Do you know the word, taphophile? It means individuals who have an appreciation for cemeteries, gravestones, and the art, culture, and stories they represent. Another word to describe them is tombstone tourist, which seems less confronting. If you are one of those, Tokyo is one of the best…
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…
The Transformation of the Kanda River Sakura As some of you might know, I live in Suginami Ward’s Takaido-Higashi. I’m lucky because in spring, many great cherry blossom spots are near my house. Shinjuku Gyoen isn’t far and neither is Inokashira Park. But luckily two more are within easy walking distance. One is Zenpukuji Park…
My 2026 Kinuta Park Cherry Blossoms Season Started Today Recently, my professional life took an unexpected turn. One of the companies I work for lost a major contract, leaving many teachers, myself included, looking for new jobs. The timing couldn’t have been worse, coinciding exactly with the official opening of the Tokyo cherry blossom season…
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…