AnimeJapan 2017 was a visual playground of cosplay, intricate models, and larger-than-life characters. For a photographer like me, it wasn’t just an event. It was a collection of unforgettable moments, lessons learned, and yes, a few regrets. Join me as I revisit the experience. There were many great things to shoot – stage events, models…
It was a hot one in every sense of the word. The 2024 Asakusa Samba Carnival was a roaring success. But performers and the parade had to sizzle under an unseasonable mid-September sun. With temperatures soaring into the mid-thirties, the heat was as intense as the action. For one Sunday afternoon, the vibrant spirit of…
In a city guarded by giant robots and occasionally terrorized by Godzilla, you might think you’ve seen it all. But venture away from the neon-drenched tourist hubs into the charming neighborhood of Sangenjaya, and you’ll find another titan hiding in plain sight. King Kong is perched majestically above a Family Mart convenience store. Meet King…
Tokyo is a city of contrasts, but few places offer the serenity and visual splendor of Gokokuji. While it boasts stunning historical architecture, it is the atmosphere that truly captivates. In spring, it becomes as pretty as a picture, framed by soft blooms. A bronze Buddha sits meditatively in the courtyard, backed by a historic…
Stepping into the Pacifico Yokohama for the 28th Yokohama Custom Hot Rod Show was like entering a different dimension. It was 2019, and the air was thick with the anticipation of thousands of petrolheads in seventh heaven. From the moment I walked in, I was surrounded by polished chrome, thumping music, and a sea of…
Nezu Shrine commands a quiet confidence in a city known for its kinetic energy. It may not possess the global name recognition of other Tokyo heavyweights, but the atmosphere here more than compensates for the lack of crowds. Two things define this location: the history, which is palpable, and the seasonal explosion of color during…
I photographed the Kanda River cherry blossoms again in 2020. That year, I had planned to photograph some new places. But due to the pandemic, that didn’t happen. It was a disastrous flower photography season. At least I had something close to home to fall back on. In retrospect, I was lucky. Traveling far by…
The roar of a jet engine has a way of commanding attention. While I have been an aviation enthusiast for as long as I can remember, I realized in 2021 that I had never actually attempted to capture jetliners with a camera. Well, I shot military aircraft at Iruma Air Base Open Day in 2019,…
The sharp crack of a plastic bat hitting a ball, followed by a flurry of small legs and excited shouts, isn’t the typical sound of a park in Akishima, Tokyo. But this was the scene at the 2020 Japan Cricket Blast Mayor’s Cup. It was my first chance to photograph Japan’s growing passion for cricket….
A guide to Kaminarimon Bon Odori in Asakusa! Get tips for 2026, see photos of the traditional dance, & learn how to shoot this memorable Tokyo cultural event.
In a quiet corner of Tokyo’s Taito Ward lies Yanaka Cemetery, a place where history rests beneath canopies of cherry blossoms and towering trees. Here, you won’t find a grand, imperial-style mausoleum for the last shogun. Instead, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the man who oversaw the end of samurai rule, lies in a surprisingly humble grave. A…
Tucked away in the modern cityscape of Akasaka, Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is a spiritual oasis guarded by an army of stone foxes. While other temples might have a handful of these divine messengers, this one is home to a staggering collection of what feels like a thousand. For photographers and curious travelers, it’s a…
Imagine stepping off a bustling Tokyo street and into a scene from the English countryside, complete with a stone manor and a fragrant rose garden. This isn’t a dream; it’s the Kyu-Furukawa Gardens, a stunning example of Taisho-era elegance and a photographer’s paradise. You can’t get much more English than that, can you? Josiah Conder,…
Step into the cradle of Japanese aviation at the Tokorozawa Aviation Museum in Saitama Prefecture, a must-visit for aircraft photographers and history buffs alike. Located on the very site of Japan’s first airfield, this museum narrates the nation’s compelling relationship with flight. Whether you’re a seasoned aviation enthusiast or simply curious, the museum’s impressive collection…
I’ve never been a big fan of sunflowers. So, I thought I wouldn’t enjoy this festival as much as others like hanami, Nezu Shrine’s azaleas, and Kameido Tenjin’s plum blossoms. But, I had a change of heart after spending time with them in Kiyose City in 2018. It was fun photographing them, even though it…
The highlight of my photo life for 2018 was the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup. I hadn’t photographed any type of motorsport until that point. My only experience with photographing cars was at the Tokyo Motor Show, which I attended the previous year. Things were about to change in my life. Drift racing was a complete…
In 2017, Yushima Tenjin was draped in clouds of plum blossoms. The beautiful flowers brought a unique blend of serenity and tradition. Photographers came to capture them. Students came in large numbers. The day had perfect skies, a large crowd, and nostalgia for the gear I used long ago. Yushima Tenjin is a Mecca for…
Visit Tama Cemetery near Tokyo. Discover graves of famous Japanese figures, unique architecture & peaceful grounds. A fascinating spot for history lovers & photographers.
Archival Note: This post was originally published in November 2021. It is presented here as part of the Tokyo Snapped archive, documenting one of the city’s many flower festivals. There are days when you set out to document a location, and then there are days when you simply get lost in the viewfinder. In November…
The cavernous exhibit halls of Makuhari Messe were electric, overflowing with an outrageous sea of automotive fantasy. Vivid colors and gleaming chrome fought for attention under the constant, frantic strobe of camera flashes going off left, right, and center. Tokyo Auto Salon 2018 was here, and it was more brilliantly overwhelming than ever. The best…