This post focuses on my photographic experience at Sanja Matsuri 2017. If you are planning a future trip to the event, check out my [Sanja Festival: A Photographer’s Guide] for full information. Asakusa is rarely quiet, but every May during the Sanja Festival (Sanja Matsuri), this historic district transforms into something else. Widely considered Tokyo’s…
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. In a quiet corner of Tokyo, there is a museum where steel tells a story not of war, but of art. The Japanese Sword Museum invites you to forget the battlefield and focus on the blade itself. Here, you’ll discover centuries…
The Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show Prep Day offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the world’s premier custom car and motorcycle event hosted by Mooneyes. Held at the Pacifico Yokohama, setup day allows enthusiasts to witness the arrival of international invitees and the meticulous staging of Japan’s finest custom culture builds before the public exhibition…
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Tokyo’s picturesque park near Shinjuku Station. Discover top photo spots, seasonal blooms, diverse gardens & photography tips.
Hanegi Park in Setagaya, Tokyo, is renowned for its 650 plum trees. During the golden hour, the low-angled sunset light transforms the plum blossoms (ume) into a glowing canopy of pink and white. This 2021 photography series captures the peak bloom at Hanegi Park, showcasing the interplay between warm ‘magic hour’ light and delicate spring…
Hanegi Park, located in Setagaya, Tokyo, is one of the city’s premier destinations for the Setagaya Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival). Featuring over 600 plum trees, the park typically reaches peak bloom between mid-February and early March. Achieving a ‘success rate’ in photography here requires precise timing, as peak flowering lasts only a few days….
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 observatories in the city. Discover Tokyo’s…
The Tokyo Motor Show 2017 was the 45th edition of Japan’s premier automotive event, held at Tokyo Big Sight. Focused on the theme ‘Beyond the Motor,’ the show highlighted the industry’s shift toward autonomous driving and electric vehicles. This gallery showcases iconic reveals like the Mazda Vision Coupe and Nissan IMx through my camera’s lens….
The Oji Fox Parade, known as Oji Kitsune no Gyoretsu, is a traditional Japanese festival held annually on New Year’s Eve in Kita, Tokyo. Based on local folklore, participants wear fox masks and carry lanterns while marching to Oji Inari Shrine to celebrate the first dream of the new year. Most New Year’s Eves find…
Step into the serenity of Meiji Shrine. Our essential photography guide reveals the best spots, from the iconic sake barrels to capturing traditional weddings.
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 of this discipline. As an Amazon Associate I…
Photograph Tokyo Imperial Palace, home of the Emperor & former Shoguns. Find photo spots, tips for seasonal shots (spring, autumn, winter lights) & its history.
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 a seamless exit. Do you want…
Discover the story of Taira no Masakado, a rebel samurai whose grave is a sacred guardian spot for business and fortune in the heart of Tokyo.
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 cosplay, and spontaneous celebration. My first Shibuya…
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 ideal for photography and quiet walks in late…
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 highlights. Aoyama Cemetery (Aoyama…
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 museum opened its doors in…
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, viewers should look for the mountain in the early…