Odaiba’s Statue of Liberty When you think of an iconic Tokyo photograph, what comes to mind? The Shibuya Scramble? Sensō-ji Temple? While those are classics, one viewpoint offers a stunning combination of the modern city: the futuristic Rainbow Bridge, the classic Tokyo Tower, and, surprisingly, the Statue of Liberty. That’s right—New York isn’t the only…
The Shinjuku Taxi: Lifeline of Tokyo’s Night As dusk settles over Tokyo, the Shinjuku district undergoes a breathtaking metamorphosis. A symphony of neon ignites the sky, and the city’s pulse quickens. Amidst this vibrant chaos, one element reigns supreme: the ubiquitous taxi. With tens of thousands of cabs navigating the sprawling metropolis, they are an…
Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossoms 2017: Hanami and Cityscapes 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 2017. The 2017 cherry blossom…
Tokyo Big Sight: An Architectural Guide in Black & White Tokyo Big Sight is an architectural beacon in Japan’s bustling capital. I’d planned my visit for weeks, hoping to capture the sun gleaming off its futuristic glass and titanium structures. But Tokyo’s weather had other plans. Faced with a flat, grey sky, I had a…
Japanese Cricket at Suginami Festa Cricket in Japan? It’s a question that might surprise many, but the answer is a resounding yes! The Japanese do play it. And as an avid fan and photographer, I was thrilled to witness and capture the sport’s growing presence right at Tokyo’s Suginami Festa. The surprising history of cricket…
Hie Shrine Photo Guide: Torii Gates, Monkeys & Best Spots Hie Shrine isn’t the biggest shrine in Tokyo, but it might just be one of the best for photographers. Nestled between the skyscrapers of Akasaka, it offers a surreal mix of traditional architecture and modern city vibes. From the famous tunnel of red torii gates…
Hakusan Shrine Hydrangea Festival 2017 in Photos The annual Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, held at Hakusan Shrine, showcases over 3,000 blooming hydrangea shrubs. During the festival, visitors can enjoy food stalls, art exhibitions, and interactive events. If you’re in Tokyo in June, the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival is a chance to experience a traditional Japanese festival and…
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum: Photo Guide Journey into Japan’s architectural past at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. It is a diverse collection that includes historical homes, traditional shops, and temples. Photographers can capture a side of Tokyo beyond its modern cityscape of concrete and steel. Every photograph taken here holds a piece of…
Tokyo’s 1000-Year-Old Samurai Parade: A Photographer’s Guide The roar of a modern city fades. In its place, you hear the quiet clank of lacquered armor and the soft thud of traditional sandals on asphalt. This is the Kachiya Matsuri at Kameido Katori Shrine, where for one afternoon, the pomp and pageantry of Japan’s Heian Period…
A Photographer’s Guide to Sensoji Temple Step into a world where ancient history meets vibrant energy. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa isn’t just Tokyo’s oldest spiritual heart—it is the ultimate photography destination. From the colossal red lantern of the Kaminarimon Gate to the bustling energy of Nakamise-dori, this guide reveals the best photo spots. I’ll share…
Inokashira Park Cherry Blossoms 2017: A Perfect Moment Imagine standing by the serene pond, looking up at a canopy of Inokashira Park cherry blossoms in full bloom. For travelers seeking the quintessential Tokyo spring experience, this spot is unrivaled. Back in 2017, everything was in perfect alignment for a photographer: the sky was a brilliant…
Tokyo Motor Show 2019: Where Art Met the Future 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….
A Photographer’s Guide to Hibiya Park 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….
Design Festa Summer + Gakuten 2016: Biggest Art Show in Asia 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…
Tokyo International Forum: A photographer’s guide 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…
Inokashira Park Photo Guide: Best Spots & Photography Tips 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…
Shinjuku Gyoen is Tokyo’s Best Cherry Blossom Spot 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…
Photographing Azabudai Hills in 2026: Is the View Still Worth It? 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….
Visiting Hideki Tojo’s Grave at Zoshigaya Cemetery 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…
How to Photograph the Maman Spider at Roppongi Hills 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,…