The Meiji Shrine Photo Guide (Best Spots & Tips) Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto destination, located in a lush forest in Shibuya. While photography is generally permitted in the outer grounds, it is strictly prohibited in the inner sanctum. This guide covers the photo spots, including the massive Torii gates and…
Yabusame: Photos from Meiji Shrine Grand Autumn Festival Yabusame is a traditional Japanese Shinto ritual involving mounted archery. Archers dressed in samurai-era attire shoot arrows at three wooden targets while galloping at high speeds. These photos capture the annual Yabusame demonstration at the Meiji Shrine Grand Autumn Festival, highlighting the precision, speed, and ancient heritage…
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…
Surviving the Sumida River Fireworks Festival The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is Tokyo’s largest pyrotechnic event, held annually on the last Saturday of July. To survive the extreme crowds, visitors should arrive at least three hours early, secure a viewing spot in Asakusa or Ryogoku, carry a portable fan, and pre-load their Suica cards for…
Taira no Masakado: Rebel Samurai Who Haunts and Guards Tokyo Taira no Masakado was a 10th-century warrior who led a rebellion against the Imperial Court. Following his death, he became one of Japan’s Three Great Onryo (vengeful spirits). Today, he is worshipped as a guardian of Tokyo at his “head mound” grave in Otemachi to…
Shibuya Halloween 2016: Photographing Japan’s Biggest Party Shibuya Halloween 2016 was one of the largest unofficial street parties in Tokyo’s history, drawing an estimated 70,000 costumed revelers to the Scramble Crossing. Unlike modern years with strict drinking bans and heavy policing, 2016 represented the peak of the event’s “wild” era, characterized by massive crowds, elaborate…
My favorite cherry blossom spot is Aoyama cemetery Aoyama Cemetery is widely considered one of Tokyo’s premier cherry blossom spots, famous for its 800-meter ‘Sakura Avenue’ that creates a breathtaking tunnel of pink petals. Located in the Minato district, it offers a peaceful, scenic hanami experience that is less crowded than Ueno Park, making it…
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…
teamLab Borderless Odaiba: A Retrospective teamLab Borderless Odaiba was the world’s first permanent digital art museum, located in Tokyo’s Palette Town from 2018 to 2022. Created by the art collective teamLab, the 10,000-square-meter space featured immersive, borderless installations before closing to relocate to its new permanent home in Azabudai Hills. In June 2018, a revolutionary…
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,…