Tsukuba RC Arena: The Ultimate RC Car Circuit The moment you step inside Tsukuba RC Arena, the air itself feels electric. It’s a symphony of sound—the high-pitched whine of brushless motors, the quiet hiss of tires on polished concrete, and the focused murmurs of drivers in the pits. This isn’t just a race track; it’s…
A Photographer’s Guide to Emperor Akihito’s 83rd Birthday Visiting the Tokyo Imperial Palace on December 23 How often do you get the chance to photograph a reigning monarch from just fifty meters away? On December 23, 2016, I had that very opportunity. With my camera in hand, I joined a massive crowd heading to the…
Rainbow Bridge Tokyo: The Photo Guide (2026) The Rainbow Bridge is a landmark suspension bridge in Tokyo that connects the Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront. It features two decks accommodating the Shuto Expressway, the Yurikamome transit line, and a 1.7km pedestrian walkway called the Rainbow Promenade. For photographers, it offers iconic views of the…
Keio Plaza Hotel Hinamatsuri 2017 Hinamatsuri 2017 was good. Do you know the event? Doll’s Day is another name for it. Japan celebrates it on March 3. Families pray for their daughter’s health, prosperity, and happiness. For the event, families display a set of Hina dolls. It’s a great cultural tradition. Photographers love it too….
Sengakuji Temple: Where Japan’s 47 Ronin Heroes Lie Located in the Minato ward of Tokyo, Sengakuji Temple is where 47 masterless samurai etched a tale of honor and sacrifice into the annals of Japanese history. Here’s your guide to capturing the solemn, bloodied, and storied past of one of Tokyo’s most revered sites. Let’s visit…
JASDF Iruma Air Base Open Day 2019: Aviation Photography Have you ever wanted to get up close to Japan’s most powerful military aircraft? Imagine standing just meters away as their engines roar to life, feeling the vibrations in your chest. Then, just minutes later, watch them perform jaw-dropping passes directly overhead. That was the incredible…
My First Hachioji Matsuri (2025): Drums, Floats, and Frenzy The humid August air in Hachioji wasn’t the only thing that was thick. It was filled with the distant, thundering beat of taiko drums and a palpable energy that pulled me in the moment I stepped off the train. On August 3rd, 2025, I was about…
Thomas Baty: Grave of a British Traitor Thomas Baty (1869–1954) was a prominent British legal scholar and advisor to the Japanese Foreign Ministry who became a controversial figure for remaining in Japan during World War II. He was accused of being a ‘British traitor’. His grave is uniquely located in the Japanese section of Tokyo’s…
Plum Blossoms & Packed Trains: A 2026 Trip to Yushima Tenjin Tokyo train hell during the plum blossom festival Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival 2026 and I got off to a bad start. There is nothing worse than leaving the house and arriving at the train station only to find all trains have been delayed…
Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2025: A Photographer’s Guide & Gallery In March 2025, the air at Tokyo Big Sight was electric with the buzz of thousands of motorcycle lovers, and I was right there in the thick of it. It was my first time going to the Tokyo Motorcycle Show and it did not disappoint. It’s…
A Photographer’s Look Back at Tokyo Game Show 2016 The Tokyo Game Show in 2016 was a spectacle of epic proportions, a celebration of games, cutting-edge tech, and dazzling cosplay. With excitement for new releases and virtual reality taking center stage, I plunged into the final day’s crowd with my camera, ready to capture the…
Sanja Matsuri 2017 Photo Journal from Asakusa This post focuses on my photographic experience at Sanja Matsuri 2017. If you are planning a future trip to the event, check out my [Sanja Festival: A Photographer’s Guide] for full information. Asakusa is rarely quiet, but every May during the Sanja Festival (Sanja Matsuri), this historic district…
A Guide to Tokyo’s Japanese Sword Museum As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. In a quiet corner of Tokyo, there is a museum where steel tells a story not of war, but of art. The Japanese Sword Museum invites you to forget the battlefield and focus on…
Yokohama Custom Hot Rod Show 2019 Prep Day The Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show Prep Day offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the world’s premier custom car and motorcycle event hosted by Mooneyes. Held at the Pacifico Yokohama, setup day allows enthusiasts to witness the arrival of international invitees and the meticulous staging of Japan’s…
Shinjuku Gyoen: A Photography Guide to Tokyo’s Urban Oasis Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of Tokyo’s most versatile photography locations, featuring a blend of traditional Japanese, English Landscape, and French Formal garden styles. Ideal for landscape and portrait photography, the park peaks during the spring cherry blossom season and vibrant autumn foliage, offering a…
Golden Hour Hanegi Park Plum Blossoms 2021 Hanegi Park in Setagaya, Tokyo, is renowned for its 650 plum trees. During the golden hour, the low-angled sunset light transforms the plum blossoms (ume) into a glowing canopy of pink and white. This 2021 photography series captures the peak bloom at Hanegi Park, showcasing the interplay between…
12 visits to Hanegi Park: Lessons from a 10% Success Rate Hanegi Park, located in Setagaya, Tokyo, is one of the city’s premier destinations for the Setagaya Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival). Featuring over 600 plum trees, the park typically reaches peak bloom between mid-February and early March. Achieving a ‘success rate’ in photography here…
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory Guide The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers two free observation decks located 202 meters above ground. Known locally as ‘Tocho,’ these twin towers provide 360-degree panoramic views of landmarks like Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji. Entry is completely free, making it the most popular budget-friendly alternative to paid…
Tokyo Motor Show 2017: A Photographer’s View of the Future The Tokyo Motor Show 2017 was the 45th edition of Japan’s premier automotive event, held at Tokyo Big Sight. Focused on the theme ‘Beyond the Motor,’ the show highlighted the industry’s shift toward autonomous driving and electric vehicles. This gallery showcases iconic reveals like the…
Oji Fox Parade: Tokyo’s Magical New Year’s Eve The Oji Fox Parade, known as Oji Kitsune no Gyoretsu, is a traditional Japanese festival held annually on New Year’s Eve in Kita, Tokyo. Based on local folklore, participants wear fox masks and carry lanterns while marching to Oji Inari Shrine to celebrate the first dream of…