Situated on a small island, Daiba Park is a perfect, yet often overlooked, spot for photographing the iconic Rainbow Bridge. While it may not be as famous as other Tokyo viewpoints, its relative obscurity means fewer crowds. With this photo guide, I hope to show you just how much photographic potential it holds. The best…
Every January, the ancient sport of falconry returns to Tokyo’s Hama Rikyu Gardens. It’s a nod to history, as Japan’s shoguns once used these grounds to hunt ducks with their prized birds. While those times are gone, falconers who keep the tradition alive showcase their skills over a two-day event. In 2020, I went to…
Tokyo is a city defined by layers, where the ultra-modern wraps around the ancient. The Sanno Festival at Hie Shrine perfectly captures this duality, offering a compelling mix of color, tradition, and urban texture. While many flock to the festival for its chaotic energy, I explored its quieter side in 2016. It was a day…
In 2016, I added a new tool to my photography arsenal. I bought the Lee Filters 100mm x 100mm Super Stopper, a 15-stop neutral density (ND) filter. For those unfamiliar with this piece of gear, an ND filter is a high-quality piece of darkened glass or resin that attaches to the front of a camera…
A must-see for military fans in Japan! Our JGSDF Public Information Center guide covers the Type 10 tank, Cobra helicopter, photo tips, & how to plan a visit.
It was a poster in a Mister Donut window that did it. In August 2020, the advertisement showcasing their latest Pokémon donut collaboration was too tempting to ignore. As someone who keeps a close eye on my weight, I usually steer clear of such sugary delights. But having recently dived into the Pokémon series, my…
Yushima Tenjin is another of Tokyo’s important shrines. You’ll find it in Bunkyo Ward. It isn’t big, but it is famous for its flowers in spring and autumn. The architecture is impressive too. For photographers, this place should be on their bucket list. The shrine’s flowers are a huge drawcard. Visitors come for the plum…
Tokyo Auto Salon 2017 happened long ago. It was enormous fun, eventually. But my first problem was fixing a tooth problem. I was in tremendous pain and needed a dentist that morning. Luckily, he was free and saw me immediately. That cost me thirty minutes, and I scrambled to the station to make up for…
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 the perfect real-world test for my Canon EOS R5….
Tsukuba RC Arena: Yokomo’s world-class RC racing venue. Renovated with amazing tracks & English support. The ultimate RC hobby destination!
How often do you get the chance to photograph a reigning monarch from just fifty meters away? On December 23, 2016, I had that very opportunity. With my camera in hand, I joined a massive crowd heading to the Imperial Palace, hoping to capture Japan’s Emperor Akihito on his 83rd birthday. The day turned into…
Planning a walk across Tokyo Rainbow Bridge? My photo guide has the best spots, tips for beating the fence, & what to expect from the north vs. south views.
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. Visiting the Keio Plaza Hotel…
Located in the Minato ward of Tokyo, Sengakuji Temple is where 47 masterless samurai etched a tale of honor and sacrifice into the annals of Japanese history. Here’s your guide to capturing the solemn, bloodied, and storied past of one of Tokyo’s most revered sites. Let’s visit their resting place. While the legend of the…
Have you ever wanted to get up close to Japan’s most powerful military aircraft? Imagine standing just meters away as their engines roar to life, feeling the vibrations in your chest. Then, just minutes later, watch them perform jaw-dropping passes directly overhead. That was the incredible scene at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Iruma Open…
The humid August air in Hachioji wasn’t the only thing that was thick. It was filled with the distant, thundering beat of taiko drums and a palpable energy that pulled me in the moment I stepped off the train. On August 3rd, 2025, I was about to dive headfirst into the Hachioji Matsuri (festival)—one of…
Thomas Baty (1869–1954) was a prominent British legal scholar and advisor to the Japanese Foreign Ministry who became a controversial figure for remaining in Japan during World War II. He was accused of being a ‘British traitor’. His grave is uniquely located in the Japanese section of Tokyo’s Aoyama Cemetery. How did a brilliant British…
Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival 2026 and I got off to a bad start. There is nothing worse than leaving the house and arriving at the train station only to find all trains have been delayed due to mechanical problems. I hate that because it reduces the amount of time taking photos, which is how…
In March 2025, the air at Tokyo Big Sight was electric with the buzz of thousands of motorcycle lovers, and I was right there in the thick of it. It was my first time going to the Tokyo Motorcycle Show and it did not disappoint. It’s one thing to see bikes online, but it’s another…
The Tokyo Game Show in 2016 was a spectacle of epic proportions, a celebration of games, cutting-edge tech, and dazzling cosplay. With excitement for new releases and virtual reality taking center stage, I plunged into the final day’s crowd with my camera, ready to capture the action. Let’s recount the sights, sounds, and images from…