The Tokyo Motor Show 2019 was an event in transition. With a new additional venue, fewer international brands, and a clear shift in focus, it was a glimpse into the future of automotive events. It will eventually lead to its rebranding as the Tokyo Mobility Show. While many reports covered the technical specifications, I walked…
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. For the city’s busy workers seeking…
Editor’s Note (2026): I originally attended this event in 2016. Looking back a decade later, the art scene in Tokyo has changed, but the energy of Design Festa remains unmatched. I have re-edited these images to better reflect the atmosphere of that day. Have you ever stepped into a space so vast it felt like…
It was a classic photographer’s dilemma: my original plan to shoot Yushima Tenjin’s famous plum blossoms in 2022 was a bust, as the flowers were far from blooming. I checked the internet scrambling for a new subject in a city full of icons. The place I found was something I’d never considered before: Tokyo International…
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 a swan boat ride across a serene pond. For…
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 on every level for every person. It combines…
Editor’s note: When the Azabudai Hills Observation Deck first opened in 2024, admission was free. This is no longer the case. The article has been updated to reflect this. The Azabudai Hills observation deck might be a contender for having the best Tokyo views. Why? It’s a superb platform to photograph iconic landmarks like Tokyo…
Hideki Tojo, the Imperial Japanese Army general and 27th prime minister, remains one of modern history’s most controversial figures. As a key advocate for the ‘preventive war’ against the United States, his leadership ended in Japan’s devastation and his own execution. Is he revered or reviled? The answer is complex, but for history buffs, his…
Standing guard beneath the Mori Tower, the Maman spider sculpture is one of Tokyo’s most unforgettable sights. For some, its towering legs and shadowy form are a cause for shudders. For others, it’s a marvel of art and engineering. The creation of sculptor Louise Bourgeois, Maman, is an iconic stop for photographers and art lovers…
In the heart of bustling Tokyo lies a tranquil haven waiting to be discovered by those seeking a moment of peace and a unique photo opportunity. At Tennoji Temple, nestled in the nostalgic Yanaka district, sits a beautiful bronze Big Buddha, a hidden gem for travelers and photography enthusiasts alike. Though smaller than the colossal…
Tokyo’s vending machines are legendary. I’ve seen them dispense everything from magazines and toys to flowers and even underwear. But when I stumbled upon a machine selling something as mundane as canned bread in Inokashira Park, I was taken aback. With options like chocolate and strawberry, my curiosity was piqued. Little did I know, this…
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 goodbyes with them—for one reason or another, I always…
A solitary figure emerges from a brightly lit subway exit into the Tokyo night. Many photographers have snapped this scene. It’s one of my favorites, too. For a long time, I wondered where this Shinjuku street photo was taken. I felt an overwhelming urge to solve it. The image was so evocative, I knew I…
The Tokyo Marathon is one of the six World Major Marathons. It is a prestigious sporting event that attracted 38000 participants. Photographers documented them running the gruelling 42-kilometer course. I joined them for the first time in 2023. My camera got a workout that day! My photography gear for this shoot Shooting the race start…
Visit Zoshigaya Cemetery in Tokyo: a historic site with unique graves of figures like Lafcadio Hearn & Soseki Natsume. A peaceful photo walk.
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 blossoms. When the flowers bloom, it is picturesque. The…
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. The wisteria were late. I had come to Kameido Tenjin Shrine, famed for its cascading purple flowers, hoping to capture the peak of its annual festival in 2024. Instead, I found mostly green leaves and closed buds. With my primary photo…
Inui Street is a 750-meter tree-lined boulevard within the Tokyo Imperial Palace grounds, famous for its exclusive seasonal public openings. During the 2027 spring sakura season, visitors can walk this restricted route to view over 70 species of cherry blossoms, offering a rare glimpse into the inner palace landscape normally closed to the public. Tokyo…
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 and controls, I headed out for what I…
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 filled with picturesque scenes, from…