Gotokuji Temple is tucked away in the quiet streets of Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward. Thousands of beckoning cats, the adorable talismans that bring luck, call it home. Photographers and feline lovers will find an unforgettable blend of culture and history. Picture-perfect moments abound. Are you ready to discover this kitty haven? The legend of Maneki Neko…
This article was first published on the now defunct Around Tokyo website in 2017. It was updated in 2026 with current location tips for visiting photographers. I photographed my first professional model in 2017. It would be my first stop to become a full-time photographer. While it didn’t go as planned, it was the perfect…
Discover Kyowa Bridge, Haneda Airport’s ultimate plane spotting location. Get close-up photos with our guide to directions, camera gear, & times.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall was born from two enormous tragedies. One was the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake; the other was the 1945 Bombing of Tokyo. Each event claimed over 100,000 lives that Tokyo hasn’t forgotten. Within these grounds, tribute is paid not only to the victims of quake and fire, but also to those…
Standing guard in the Outer Gardens of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is a towering bronze samurai on horseback. Most visitors snap a quick photo and move on, but who was this man, immortalized in the heart of the city? The first time I saw this statue, I did the same. But the heroic figure stuck with…
Have you ever wondered what a “real” Tokyo neighborhood looks like? I mean the one beyond the tourist maps, in the quiet suburbs where people actually live? I’m going to take you on a photo tour of my home: Takaido-Higashi in Suginami Ward, a side of the city most visitors never see. Understanding Japanese Addresses:…
When I visited the Kanda River cherry blossoms in 2017, I had a good and terrible day. Well, even though the sky was cloudy, the flowers were fantastic. The bad? My beloved Pentax K3 camera died. The rear display said goodbye, fizzled,and went black never to revive. Let’s talk about it. The day my Pentax…
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 travelers and children. Standing nearly three meters tall, it is one of the celebrated ‘Edo Six Jizo’ statues dating back to 1712….
Shibuya Halloween 2017 was an experience on an entirely different scale. While I didn’t go to the main event that year I went to the “prequel”. What’s that I hear you ask? Well the event goes for a whole week! I went on the 29th and the 30th. I’m not sure how many people were…
When you think of an iconic Tokyo photograph, what comes to mind? The Shibuya Scramble? Sensō-ji Temple? While those are classics, one viewpoint offers a stunning combination of the modern city: the futuristic Rainbow Bridge, the classic Tokyo Tower, and, surprisingly, the Statue of Liberty. That’s right—New York isn’t the only city with a Lady…
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 undeniable and essential feature of Shinjuku’s nocturnal…
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 season at Shinjuku Gyoen was a near-perfect display…
Tokyo Big Sight is an architectural beacon in Japan’s bustling capital. I’d planned my visit for weeks, hoping to capture the sun gleaming off its futuristic glass and titanium structures. But Tokyo’s weather had other plans. Faced with a flat, grey sky, I had a choice: go home disappointed, or embrace the mood. I chose…
Cricket in Japan? It’s a question that might surprise many, but the answer is a resounding yes! The Japanese do play it. And as an avid fan and photographer, I was thrilled to witness and capture the sport’s growing presence right at Tokyo’s Suginami Festa. The history of cricket in Japan While cricket was first…
Hie Shrine isn’t the biggest shrine in Tokyo, but it might just be one of the best for photographers. Nestled between the skyscrapers of Akasaka, it offers a surreal mix of traditional architecture and modern city vibes. From the famous tunnel of red torii gates to the unique monkey statues—and even an outdoor escalator—there is…
The annual Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, held at Hakusan Shrine, showcases over 3,000 blooming hydrangea shrubs. During the festival, visitors can enjoy food stalls, art exhibitions, and interactive events. If you’re in Tokyo in June, the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival is a chance to experience a traditional Japanese festival and see a unique side of Japan. My…
Journey into Japan’s architectural past at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. It is a diverse collection that includes historical homes, traditional shops, and temples. Photographers can capture a side of Tokyo beyond its modern cityscape of concrete and steel. Every photograph taken here holds a piece of Japanese history, with some scenes providing insight…
The trees mute the sounds of the outside city. You hear the quiet clank of replica lacquered armor and the soft thud of traditional sandals on asphalt. A line of samurai approaches. This is the Kachiya Matsuri at Kameido Katori Shrine, where for one afternoon, the pomp and pageantry of Japan’s Heian Period return to…
Step into a world where ancient history meets vibrant energy. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa isn’t just Tokyo’s oldest spiritual heart—it is the ultimate photography destination. From the colossal red lantern of the Kaminarimon Gate to the bustling energy of Nakamise-dori, this guide reveals the best photo spots. I’ll share my professional tips and secret locations…
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 blue, softened by just the right amount of…