Living in Tokyo for roughly two decades, you’d think the novelty would wear off—but this city never stops surprising me. From the quiet hum of early-morning trains to the neon chaos of Shinjuku at night, Tokyo’s rhythm is a constant source of inspiration. Daily life here is a blend of tradition and modernity: vending machines on every corner, temples nestled between skyscrapers, and festivals that bring streets to life. Even mundane errands feel unique, whether it’s navigating crowded markets, exploring new ramen shops, or watching the seasons change in meticulously tended parks. Tokyo’s energy, contrasts, and subtle details make every day a story waiting to be told. It’s a photographer’s dream and a constant reminder that familiarity doesn’t dull magic—it sharpens it.
Akasaka subway station slips into character with impressive commitment when Harry Potter takes over the neighbourhood. The usual metro signage is suddenly joined by house colours, glowing posters, wizarding graphics and just enough theatrical lighting to make you half-expect a spell to be announced instead of a subway line.
A typical Japanese neighbourhood in transition. The older houses are about fifty years old, two floors, a small garden out front or tucked round the back, enough space to breathe and enough light to remind you what season it is. These places feel lived in, not optimised. Sadly, they are being replaced, one plot at…
There is something quietly cinematic about underground passages in the Tokyo subway. Shot on a Leica with the 35mm APO Summicron, the scene looks just awesome. The APO rendering gives everything a clean, calm look without tipping into clinical. It is sharp, yes, but the kind of sharpness that does not wave its arms for…
At a matsuri you end up drifting through crowds that feel as if the whole town has emptied itself into the lantern-lit streets. You get teenagers in yukata glued to their phones, elderly couples strolling at a pace that would confuse a stopwatch, kids darting around like they’ve just discovered sugar exists, and office workers…
Sugamo Station’s platform around 18:00 feels like a crossroads of Tokyo’s everyday rhythm. The air hums with the sound of incoming trains and the chatter of students in their uniforms, laughing in small groups as they head home. Office employees move through the crowd with quiet precision, some glued to their phones, others loosening their…
There’s something oddly hypnotic about a Japanese railway crossing at dusk. The warning bells — that unmistakable ding ding ding — echo through the quiet streets, a sound so familiar across Japan that it feels like part of the country’s heartbeat. The red lights flash in perfect rhythm, reflecting off the yellow-and-black striped barriers as they lower…
All over Japan, the same rhythm plays out. At noon sharp, pavements flood with salarymen, dark suits moving in sync towards noodle shops, curry counters, and cafés. Ten minutes before or after it’s calm, but on the hour every seat vanishes, queues curling onto the street. If you want to eat in peace, slip in…
The south exit of Yoyogi Station feels modest compared to its giant neighbour Shinjuku, but it comes alive after dark. A few narrow streets spill out from the ticket gates, lined with low-key izakayas that glow with paper lanterns once the evening sets in. Office workers often drift over after work, packing into these small…
Haneda Airport’s Terminal 2 is the domestic terminal primarily serving ANA (All Nippon Airways) and its affiliated carriers. Opened in 2004, it was designed with efficiency and flow in mind, catering to Japan’s meticulous domestic air travel system. The architecture is clean and purposeful, with expansive glass façades allowing in swathes of natural light, especially…
If you ever find yourself near one of Japan’s major railway stations — be it the humming metropolis of Tokyo, the cultural maze of Osaka, or even smaller, off-the-tourist-map towns — do yourself a favor: skip the main streets for a moment and slip into the nearest narrow alleyway that looks like it belongs in…
