Tennoji Temple Big Buddha: Tokyo’s Bronze Giant In the heart of bustling Tokyo lies a tranquil haven waiting to be discovered by those seeking a moment of peace and a unique photo opportunity. At Tennoji Temple, nestled in the nostalgic Yanaka district, sits a beautiful bronze Big Buddha, a hidden gem for travelers and photography…
Vending Machine Canned Bread at Inokashira Park Discovering “Pan-can” in a Tokyo vending machine Tokyo’s vending machines are legendary. I’ve seen them dispense everything from magazines and toys to flowers and even underwear. But when I stumbled upon a machine selling something as mundane as canned bread in Inokashira Park, I was taken aback. With…
Red Spider Lilies at Nogawa Park: A Tokyo Guide In Japan, it is a flower of delicate beauty that also carries the weight of final goodbyes. The red spider lily, or higanbana, is said to bloom when you part with someone for the last time. For years, I seemed to be having my own final…
Finding a Subway Exit for Shinjuku Street Photography A solitary figure emerges from a brightly lit subway exit into the Tokyo night. Many photographers have snapped this scene. It’s one of my favorites, too. For a long time, I wondered where this Shinjuku street photo was taken. I felt an overwhelming urge to solve it….
Tokyo Marathon 2023 with a Fujifilm X-T3 & 100-400mm The Tokyo Marathon is one of the six World Major Marathons. It is a prestigious sporting event that attracted 38000 participants. Photographers documented them running the gruelling 42-kilometer course. I joined them for the first time in 2023. My camera got a workout that day! Photography…
A Photo Walk Through Zoshigaya Cemetery Zoshigaya Cemetery is an unusual Tokyo photo spot. Some might think it a rather morbid place, but not me. The forest-like atmosphere and fascinating tombstone architecture bring the place alive. It’s perfect for a walk or photography. Great photos and history await you. Many of the people who rest…
Chidorigafuchi in 2017: From Mosh Pit to Morning Magic Editor’s Note: I’m often asked about the best way to see Tokyo’s cherry blossoms. It always brings me back to a specific morning in 2017 when I finally figured out how to enjoy Chidorigafuchi. This is that story. Chidorigafuchi Park is a popular place for cherry…
A Kagura Dance of Shrine Maidens at Kameido Tenjin The wisteria were late. I had come to Kameido Tenjin Shrine, famed for its cascading purple flowers, hoping to capture the peak of its annual festival in 2024. Instead, I found mostly green leaves and closed buds. With my primary photo opportunity gone, I wandered the…
Inui Street: Enjoy the Tokyo Imperial Palace Cherry Blossoms Inui Street is a 750-meter tree-lined boulevard within the Tokyo Imperial Palace grounds, famous for its exclusive seasonal public openings. During the 2027 spring sakura season, visitors can walk this restricted route to view over 70 species of cherry blossoms, offering a rare glimpse into the…
Testing the Fujifilm X-T2 on Tokyo’s Cherry Blossoms After years with my trusty Pentax K-3, it suddenly died. I needed a camera and I decided on the Fujifilm X-T2. I paired it with the highly-praised XF 16-55mm f/2.8 lens. This new kit felt like a different beast altogether. To get a feel for its dials…
Hamarikyu Gardens: A Shogun’s Park Escape the bustling energy of central Tokyo and step into a world of serene landscapes and rich history at Hamarikyu Gardens. Once a private hunting ground for shoguns, it now offers a unique oasis where traditional Japanese aesthetics meet the city’s futuristic skyline. For photographers and nature lovers, Hamarikyu is…
Daiba Park: A Secret Spot for Perfect Rainbow Bridge Photos 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…
Falconry at Hama Rikyu Gardens (January 2020) 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…
Reflections on the 2016 Sanno Festival 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…
Silky in Tokyo: A Lee Filters Super Stopper Review 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…
JGSDF Public Information Center: Japan’s Modern Military For military hardware enthusiasts and photographers visiting Japan, there’s a hidden gem just outside Tokyo that you cannot miss: The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Public Information Center. The information center, often called “Rikkun Land,” is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the tanks,…
Mister Donut x Pokémon Review: Tasting the 2020 Collection 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….
Yushima Tenjin: Plum Blossom & Chrysanthemum Photo Guide 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…
Tokyo Auto Salon 2017: Cars, Culture, and a Dental Crisis 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,…
Canon EOS R5 Field Test: 2024 Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemums 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…