Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, is a vibrant metropolis where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. The city offers everything from futuristic skyscrapers and neon-lit districts to serene temples and historic neighborhoods. Shibuya and Shinjuku pulse with energy, featuring world-famous landmarks like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and bustling entertainment hubs, while districts like Asakusa preserve Tokyo’s cultural roots with Senso-ji Temple, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple. Akihabara is a paradise for tech enthusiasts and anime fans, while Harajuku and Omotesando showcase cutting-edge fashion and design. Tokyo’s green spaces, such as Ueno Park and the Imperial Palace gardens, provide peaceful retreats amidst the urban landscape. Food lovers can enjoy everything from Michelin-starred dining to street food, including sushi, ramen, and izakaya delights. With its efficient transportation system, unique attractions, and ever-changing skyline, Tokyo is a city that constantly surprises and captivates visitors from all over the world. Here are some of the photos I captured during my visits. Enjoy your virtual tour!
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…
Sunflowers: the bright yellow petals and the dark, seed-packed centers are a giveaway. These are most likely Helianthus annuus (the common sunflower). They’re famous for heliotropism: when young, they track the sun across the sky like a bunch of floral solar panels; once mature, though, they stop moving. Each “flower” is actually a whole community of flowers. The…
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…
Driving on elevated highways in Tokyo during the rainy season is a distinct experience—part cyberpunk film, part urban meditation. The rain doesn’t fall gently; it sheets down the windscreen, a constant barrage that the wipers fight in a rhythmic frenzy. These roads often run surprisingly narrow for what you’d expect of a major city. Many…
In Tokyo’s subway stations, you’ll often see signs reminding passengers “Do not rush onto the train. Tokyo’s trains use automated doors that shut with timing set to the second. Trying to dash in risks triggering delays or causing minor accidents, and during rush hours, a misstep could result in injury due to the sheer density of…
The observation deck at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 is a solid spot for aviation geeks and plane spotters alike. It stretches across the rooftop, with open-air access and minimal obstruction, making it excellent for watching aircraft movements up close. The deck gives a clear view of Runway 34R/16L, which sees a fair bit of domestic…
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…
The Yamate Tunnel stretches 18.2 kilometers beneath Tokyo, making it the longest road tunnel in Japan and one of the longest urban highway tunnels in the world. It forms a critical part of the Shuto Expressway’s Central Circular Route (C2), looping around central Tokyo to divert long-distance and freight traffic away from the already congested…
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…
Some Japanese cafés are interesting. You walk in expecting solid coffee and a croissant, and boom—you’re staring at spaghetti topped with seaweed and a soft-boiled egg. Somehow, it’s really good. They’ve basically hacked Italian food and patched it with soy sauce and anime vibes. Then there’s the coffee. Look, it’s usually… fine. Not great. If you actually…
