All Japan Model & Hobby Show 2022: A First Look Stepping into the All Japan Model & Hobby Show for the first time was an assault on the senses, in the best way possible. While it “only” occupied two of Tokyo Big Sight‘s cavernous South Halls, the space was a wonderland buzzing with the energy…
Fading Beauty: Myohoji Hydrangeas in 2017 One of the last places I visited for hydrangeas (ajisai) in 2017 was Myōhōji Temple, tucked away in Tokyo’s Suginami Ward. I arrived quite late in the season, and many of the flowers were already beginning to fade. Still, the hour-long walk from my apartment was well worth it;…
Daigyoretsu Opens the Sanja Matsuri If you are planning your trip to a future event, read [Sanja Matsuri Daigyoretsu: A Photographer’s Guide]. To learn more about my first adventure at the 2018 Daigyoretsu, read on. The Sanja Matsuri (or Sanja Festival) is a cornerstone of Tokyo’s cultural calendar. It draws approximately two million visitors over…
The Colossal Fantasy Fortress of Akihabara In neon-lit Tokyo, long-exposure photography is very popular. If you want to learn how the technique is done, read [How to Take Long-Exposure Photographs: A Beginner’s Guide]. But you can read on now and see how I applied it in this article. Surrounded by maids and cosplayers, Akihabara’s colossal…
Shinjuku Gyoen’s Unforgettable 2018 Cherry Blossoms 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 2018. The 2018 cherry blossom season at…
Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemums 2018 Shinjuku Gyoen might be Tokyo’s most famous and most popular park. You can read what gives it that reputation in [Shinjuku Gyoen: A Photography Guide to Tokyo’s Urban Oasis]. Every year it puts on a chrysanthemum exhibit. Read on to learn more of my photography adventures there in 2018. The 2018…
Nogawa Park Photo Guide Nestled in the western suburbs of Tokyo, Nogawa Park offers a tranquil escape with a unique history—it was once a golf course. While it may not boast the historical prestige of Tokyo’s Edo-period gardens, for the discerning photographer, Nogawa Park is a seasonal treasure trove. It reveals its true beauty in…
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens Photo Guide If you are looking for a Tokyo photo spot that has a little bit of everything, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is it. From history and beautiful bridges to flowers and temples, this park delivers. Birdwatchers love it, too. Some might say it is perfect. Well, if it’s not, it must be…
The Plum Blossoms That Almost Weren’t: Yushima Tenjin 2018 I often talk about how photography can be a frustrating exercise in managing expectations. My 2018 trip to Yushima Tenjin was a perfect example. After a long, cold snap in Tokyo, I was worried the plum blossoms would be a complete no-show. My initial walk through…
Why is Soseki Natsume’s Grave an Armchair? Like many who have studied Japanese, my first encounter with the literary giant Soseki Natsume was his classic novel, Botchan. While the specifics of the story have faded over the years, my fascination with the man himself has only grown. This fascination has led me not to his…
Tokyo Auto Salon 2020: Photo Highlights from Makuhari Messe Working my way through Tokyo Auto Salon 2020 in a single day required a pragmatic approach to both observation and movement. With 438 exhibitors and approximately 800 vehicles distributed throughout the Makuhari Messe, the scale of the event is significant. During its three-day run from January…
Tokyo Auto Salon: A Photo Guide to Japan’s Custom Car Show Tokyo Auto Salon is Japan’s premier showcase of car customization and automotive excellence. It brings the latest modified vehicles, concept cars, and performance tech to Makuhari Messe. Car enthusiasts from all over the world come to see cutting-edge tuning and motorsports builds to eye-catching…
Love in Shinjuku: A Guide to a Romantic Landmark In the concrete canyons of Shinjuku, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and the endless rush of Tokyo life, you can find LOVE. It’s not in a quiet café or a moonlit park, but standing bold and bright in front of the Shinjuku I-Land Tower. This iconic red…
Hanegi Park Plum Blossoms: 2023 Photography Guide For me, the Hanegi Park plum blossoms heralded the arrival of spring in 2023. While winter wasn’t truly over, seeing the tranquil park burst with fragrant pink and white blooms made it feel that way. Yes, warmer weather wasn’t far away. Visiting Hanegi Park during plum blossom season…
Kyu-Iwasaki Gardens Photo Guide Imagine stepping off a bustling Tokyo street and finding yourself in front of a 17th-century English manor. This isn’t a film set; it’s the Kyu-Iwasaki Gardens, a stunning time capsule of Meiji-era opulence. The famed British architect Josiah Conder designed it for the founder of Mitsubishi. This estate is a treasure…
Photographing Tokyo’s Cherry Blossom During the Pandemic 2020 was a difficult year, largely due to the hardship caused by the coronavirus. While it didn’t cause me any true difficulties, it completely ruined my flower photography schedule, as I tried to avoid going out as much as possible. However, I was determined to get some good…
Hanegi Park Plum Blossoms of 2017 In 2017, my visit to Hanegi Park near for the annual plum blossom season was nothing short of magical. That particular week in Tokyo was graced with brilliant blue skies just like at Yushima Tenjin a week earlier. It was a memorable season for flower photography. A serene Tokyo…
Tokyo Station’s Domed Ceilings: A Photographer’s Guide The Tokyo Station domed ceilings are two iconic octagonal rotundas located at the Marunouchi North and South exits. Restored in 2012 to their original 1914 design by architect Tatsuno Kingo, the 30-meter-high ceilings feature intricate stucco reliefs, eight zodiac signs, and majestic eagle engravings, making them a premier…
A Guide to the Setagaya Ume Matsuri at Hanegi Park Hanegi Park’s plum blossoms rank right up there with the best in Tokyo. There are 650 of the trees. But not only are flowers great, the location and the vibe are amazing. This free winter event is for families, flower lovers and anyone looking for…
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku Mirrors (Omokado) Have you seen those jaw-dropping, kaleidoscopic photos from Tokyo that seem to defy reality? Chances are, they were taken at the mesmerizing entrance designed by Hiroshi Nakamura to the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Omokado. This isn’t just a shopping center; it’s an architectural marvel and a photographer’s playground. As you…