Tokyo

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!

Observation Deck

Observation Deck

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 T2

Haneda T2

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…

Yamate Tunnel

Yamate Tunnel

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…

Back Alleys

Back Alleys

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…

Japanese Cafés

Japanese Cafés

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…

Chinowa

Chinowa

A Chinowa (茅の輪) is a sacred grass ring, part of an ancient Shinto purification ritual known as Chinowa Kuguri (茅の輪くぐり), performed to cleanse spiritual impurities, ward off misfortune, and invite good health. Walking through it might not transport you to another planet, but in the eyes of Shinto belief, it’s a powerful step into a cleaner, luckier version of your life….

Iwashi Sushi

Iwashi Sushi

Eating slightly flame-grilled iwashi (sardine) sushi is a punch of flavor and warmth that hits fast and lingers. The oily richness of the sardine turns buttery when kissed by fire. That quick sear brings out its natural umami, softens the sharpness, and adds a touch of smokiness. You bite in, and the warmth contrasts the cool rice…

NTT Green Phones

NTT Green Phones

NTT green public phones remain a common sight in Japan due to a unique blend of cultural habits, practical needs, and disaster preparedness. Though they might seem outdated in an age dominated by smartphones and wireless communication, these payphones serve an essential role, particularly in emergencies. Japan is a country prone to natural disasters such…

DoomScrolling

DoomScrolling

Every day on Japan’s trains, a quiet but familiar ritual plays out. As soon as commuters settle into their spots, they reach for their phones. It’s automatic, almost unconscious—like an addict lighting up. They’re not just checking messages. They’re diving into a stream of nonstop stimulation: breaking news, games, gossip, outrage, sexy influencers, shopping deals,…