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 much-needed splash of color and a reminder…
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 at Yasukuni Shrine on March 19. I want to…
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 February 2020, I had the incredible opportunity…
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 blend of stunning traditional…
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 most photogenic spots, share some…
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 stunning spectacle that draws huge crowds of Tokyoites and…
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. The plum blossoms of Shiba Park 2020 There wasn’t much difference from…
Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 Review: It’s a fantastic all-around lens, but what are its compromises? Is it right for you? Learn more here.
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 offers a profound moment of collective remembrance. In…
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 the name of the game. Your camera’s shutter…
A Meiji Shrine wedding is steeped in tradition. They are a fusion of spectacle, kimonos, history, and cultural grandeur. Ready your camera! This is your chance to capture Tokyo’s most enchanting wedding moments and create unforgettable travel photos. Let’s head to this amazing venue to see them. When to see Meiji Shrine wedding parades There…
Halloween in Shibuya used to be a multi-day phenomenon. While the world looks forward to the big day, the initiated know that the energy in Shibuya once began building well before the big day. Before the crackdown, I and thousands of others would head to the famous crossing to see what the streets had in…
In the heart of Tokyo, a city renowned for its futuristic skyscrapers and neon-lit streets, lies the foundational work of a visionary from across the seas. Josiah Conder, an English architect, left a mark on Japan’s capital, and that influence continues to be heard in the architectural landscape. His story is one of cultural exchange…
Part of the famous Yasukuni Shrine, the Yushukan Museum offers a deep dive into Japan’s military history, with an extensive collection of swords, armor, aircraft, and tanks. Military history enthusiasts will find enough to stay occupied for hours, but photographers should be aware of a few important restrictions. First, it’s important to address the context….
Editor’s Note: This article covers the 2024 US-Japan Friendship Cup. For results and photos from the more recent 2025 competition, please see our new article. Fifty buff competitors muscled it out on stage for trophies and prizes at the 2024 US-Japan Friendship Cup Championships, and I was there to see it all. Held at the…
Spring in Tokyo is synonymous with color, and few places promise a spectacle quite like the Bunkyo Azalea Festival at Nezu Shrine. However, travel photography is often a game of timing, and even the best plans can fall victim to a busy schedule. On May 1, 2017, I finally arrived at the shrine to capture…
I’ve often found Tokyo’s architecture to be dominated by concrete, steel, and glass boxes. However, Harajuku is leading a change, with a wave of interesting and innovative designs. Here are ten buildings along or near Omotesando that showcase this architectural evolution. Omotesando Keyaki Building This might be my favorite piece of Harajuku architecture. Concrete and…
I found myself back with the Aoyama Cemetery cherry blossoms in 2018. While I had hoped for a sunny day, the clouds had other plans. Still, the beauty of the sakura trees has a way of making you forget everything else, and I had a wonderful time. Photographing sakura under overcast skies The previous day…
Explore Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. A complete photographer’s guide to cherry blossoms, the Mitama Festival, Yushukan museum & travel tips for visitors.
Hanegi Park’s plum blossoms in 2022 weren’t just a feast for the eyes. They offered a glimpse of hope for both Tokyo’s spirit and the future of photography. Beneath the blooms, I found myself reflecting on more than seasonal beauty. As shutters clicked around me, something was clear. Even in a smartphone-dominated world, ‘real cameras’…