Sanja Festival: A Photography Guide for 2027 The Sanja Festival (Sanja Matsuri) is one of Tokyo’s largest Shinto festivals, held annually in May at Asakusa Shrine. For photographers in 2027, the event offers high-action shots of mikoshi (portable shrines), traditional parades, and Edo-style street culture. The best photography spots include the Kaminarimon Gate and the…
Rikugien Gardens Photo Guide Rikugien Gardens is another of Tokyo’s Edo-period parks. Many people consider it to be one of the city’s best. While it isn’t big, it is beautiful. Scenes from classical waka poetry famously inspired its design. A Yamanote line station is only a few minutes walk away making it easily accessible. Main…
A Photographer’s Guide to Keihinjima Tsubasa Park I knew after my first visit that Keihinjima Tsubasa Park was an excellent spot for plane spotting. Why? Its prime location, incredibly close to Haneda Airport, made it a perfect vantage point. While my day wasn’t flawless, I left with the certainty that I would return to photograph…
The Transformation of the Kanda River Sakura As some of you might know, I live in Suginami Ward’s Takaido-Higashi. I’m lucky because in spring, many great cherry blossom spots are near my house. Shinjuku Gyoen isn’t far and neither is Inokashira Park. But luckily two more are within easy walking distance. One is Zenpukuji Park…
Beyond the Blossoms: A Photographer’s Guide to Yoyogi Park Next to the pop-culture center of Harajuku, Yoyogi Park offers a natural mix of splendor and urban charm. For photographers, this expansive green space is a playground of endless photo opportunities. Whether you love cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, or rockabilly dancing, a story lies around every…
Sanja Matsuri 2018: Photos from Sensoji This post focuses on my photographic experience at Sanja Matsuri 2018. If you are planning a future trip to the event, check out my [Sanja Festival: A Photographer’s Guide] for full information. For years, work obligations kept me away from experiencing the Sanja Matsuri on a Saturday. 2018 finally…
Sumida Hokusai Museum, Tokyo: 2026 Visitor Guide The Sumida Hokusai Museum celebrates one of Japan’s most celebrated artists, Katsushika Hokusai. The exhibits offer an intimate look at the genius behind ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’ and countless other ukiyo-e masterpieces. From its sleek, modern architecture to its rich displays of iconic prints, it is a…
My First Experience with Futsal Photography Have you ever pointed your camera at a sport you knew nothing about? That was me, stepping into the world of futsal for the first time in 2021. It was a thrilling, fast-paced challenge that pushed my skills in unexpected ways. Thanks to the welcoming folks at Futsal Tokyo…
Sanja Matsuri Daigyoretsu: A Photographer’s Guide The Daigyoretsu is the opener for the famous Sanja Festival. It’s an event that brings three million visitors to Tokyo’s Asakusa district for three days of endless, incredible energy. I’ve been to this spectacular opening parade many times and believe me when I say it is a photographer’s dream….
Tokyo Game Show 2017 Event Photography Tokyo Game Show 2017 was huge. Models, cosplay, display booths, and live events filled the day. The excitement was palpable. New console titles were everywhere. From start to finish, it was perfect for photography. I was more than impressed and went home with an SD card full of photos….
Spring Rose Festival 2020 at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens For most people, 2020 was a bad year. For photographers like me, cancelled events and empty streets filled Tokyo which was a disaster. That’s why the Spring Rose Festival at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens felt like such a gift. In a year of so much gray, these flowers were a…
My 2026 Kinuta Park Cherry Blossoms Season Started Today Recently, my professional life took an unexpected turn. One of the companies I work for lost a major contract, leaving many teachers, myself included, looking for new jobs. The timing couldn’t have been worse, coinciding exactly with the official opening of the Tokyo cherry blossom season…
55th Yumi Katsura Grand Collection in Tokyo Editor’s Note: This article was originally written in 2020 following the 55th Yumi Katsura Grand Collection. With her passing in April 2024 at the age of 94, I am republishing this piece as a tribute to her legacy and the indelible mark she left on Japanese fashion. In…
Myohoji Temple Photography Guide Myohoji might be one of Tokyo’s lesser-known temples on the international tourist circuit, but don’t let that discourage you. While it doesn’t have the massive crowds of Sensoji or Zojoji, it is deeply respected locally as a powerful spot for yakuyoke (warding off evil). For the visitor, Myohoji offers a perfect…
Zojoji Temple: A Photographer’s Guide At the heart of Tokyo lies a scene that perfectly captures the city’s soul: the historic Zojoji, towered over the iconic Tokyo Tower. More than just a beautiful landmark, the temple serves as a bridge between Japan’s shogunate past and its dynamic present. This guide will walk you through its…
5 Tips for Photographing Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is one of Tokyo’s most iconic autumn destinations, and for good reason. It is lined with 146 majestic ginkgo trees that lead to the outer gardens of Meiji Shrine. When autumn arrives, the leaves ignite into a brilliant gold, creating a…
Plum Blossoms at Shiba Park in 2020: A look back I went to Shiba Park in spring 2020. The weather was cool, the sky was a perfect, cloudless blue that made the pinks of the blossoms even more vibrant. Looking back, it was the kind of day that was made for flower photography. Photographing plum…
Fujinon XF 55-200mm Review: A 7-Year Long-Term Verdict As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more Editor’s Note (March 2026): While I transitioned to Canon in 2024, I am keeping this review live because the Fujinon XF 55-200mm was a cornerstone of my kit for seven years. The insights below are based…
Mitama Festival 2016 at Yasukuni Shrine: Photo Archive Imagine standing beneath a golden canopy of light, the summer air thick with humidity and history. This is the essence of the Mitama Festival (Mitama Matsuri). While Yasukuni Shrine is historically dedicated to the spirits of those who died defending Japan, the festival itself transcends politics. It…
How to Take Long-Exposure Photographs: A Beginner’s Guide Have you ever wondered how photographers capture stunning, colorful light trails in night cityscapes? The technique is called long-exposure photography. This guide will teach you how to make your own by looking at the gear and camera settings you need. Long-exposure photography camera gear First, stability is…