Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossoms 2023 The 2023 Shinjuku Gyoen cherry blossoms reached full bloom in late March, offering photographers soft pink canopies. Despite overcast skies and weekday crowds, the park provided excellent lighting for capturing delicate sakura details. This photo review explores the atmosphere and technical conditions of the 2023 season in one of Tokyo’s…
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….
Shinjuku Gyoen’s Unforgettable 2018 Cherry Blossoms Shinjuku Gyoen might be Tokyo’s most famous and most popular cherry blossom spots. You can read what gives it that reputation in [Shinjuku Gyoen is Tokyo’s Best Cherry Blossom Spot]. Now read on and learn more of my photographic adventures there in 2018. The 2018 cherry blossom season at…
Love in Shinjuku: A Guide to a Romantic Landmark In the concrete canyons of Shinjuku, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and the endless rush of Tokyo life, you can find LOVE. It’s not in a quiet café or a moonlit park, but standing bold and bright in front of the Shinjuku I-Land Tower. This iconic red…
Shinjuku’s Giant Jizo: More Than Just a Buddha As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. The Shinjuku Giant Jizo is a massive bronze statue located at Taiso-ji Temple in Tokyo. Often mistaken for a Buddha, it is actually a Bodhisattva, a compassionate deity in Japanese Buddhism who protects…
The Shinjuku Taxi: Lifeline of Tokyo’s Night 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…
Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossoms 2017: Hanami and Cityscapes Shinjuku Gyoen might be Tokyo’s most famous and most popular cherry blossom spots. You can read what gives it that reputation in [Shinjuku Gyoen is Tokyo’s Best Cherry Blossom Spot]. Now read on and learn more of my photographic adventures there in 2017. The 2017 cherry blossom…
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…
Keio Plaza Hotel Hinamatsuri 2017 Hinamatsuri 2017 was good. Do you know the event? Doll’s Day is another name for it. Japan celebrates it on March 3. Families pray for their daughter’s health, prosperity, and happiness. For the event, families display a set of Hina dolls. It’s a great cultural tradition. Photographers love it too….
Shinjuku Gyoen: A Photography Guide to Tokyo’s Urban Oasis Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of Tokyo’s most versatile photography locations, featuring a blend of traditional Japanese, English Landscape, and French Formal garden styles. Ideal for landscape and portrait photography, the park peaks during the spring cherry blossom season and vibrant autumn foliage, offering a…
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory Guide The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers two free observation decks located 202 meters above ground. Known locally as ‘Tocho,’ these twin towers provide 360-degree panoramic views of landmarks like Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji. Entry is completely free, making it the most popular budget-friendly alternative to paid…