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!
Tokyo’s endless churn of demolition and rebuilding comes with a noticeable trend—houses are shrinking. The city’s obsession with perpetual renewal means that many homes barely make it past 30 years before being torn down, their remains carted away in mini dump trucks. But what replaces them is often even smaller than before. Rising land prices,…
Ah, the classic morning commute with a little one in tow—where every second counts, and somehow, you’re always one sock short. If you take the train, brace yourself for the peak-hour crush. Even the politest commuters turn into efficient sardines, and squeezing in with a child can feel like playing Tetris on hard mode. If…
Kerosene heaters remain a common sight in Japan, particularly in older homes, small businesses, and rural areas where central heating is rare. Even in urban environments like Tokyo, many residents still rely on them to keep individual rooms warm during the winter months. Unlike in colder regions such as Hokkaido, where kerosene delivery trucks regularly…
Many AMG 53 and 63 models in Japan likely never get the chance to truly stretch their legs, often serving more as status symbols than performance machines. In Tokyo’s dense traffic and tightly packed urban areas, there’s little opportunity to unleash the full potential of these high-performance vehicles. Instead, they’re more about presence, both visual…
A family visit to temples during New Year is a beautiful way to embrace the fresh start with tradition and tranquillity. Temples come alive with an air of reverence and quiet celebration as people flock to offer their first prayers of the year, a practice often called hatsumōde in Japan. Families queue patiently to toss…
There’s something hypnotic about the way a train platform comes alive through a large aperture lens. The shallow depth of field transforms a mundane moment into a dreamy tableau, isolating the details that would otherwise blur into the chaos of daily life. Or maybe it’s the gleaming edge of a train track, the leading lines…
First introduced in 2018, Sparking Elian was Evian’s stylish answer to the growing popularity of sparkling waters, but with their signature alpine twist. You’d think, “Evian’s already fancy enough, do they really need bubbles?” Apparently, yes! First time to come across this in Tokyo.
A pocket-sized restaurant in Tokyo is a treasure trove of culinary charm. These tiny establishments, often tucked away in narrow alleys or between towering buildings, are all about intimacy and flavour. With only a handful of seats, sometimes just a counter, the chef is often within arm’s reach, preparing each dish with precision. The vibe?…
Tokyo Midtown, approaching its 20th year, remains a shining beacon of modern architectural brilliance. Located in the bustling Roppongi district, this meticulously planned urban complex seamlessly integrates towering glass structures, thoughtful landscaping, and functional elegance. The centrepiece, Midtown Tower, is a staggering 248 metres tall, making it one of Tokyo’s highest skyscrapers. Its sleek façade…
Coming of age is a significant milestone in many cultures, marking the transition from youth to adulthood. In Japan, this is celebrated on Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day), held annually on the second Monday of January. It’s a time for 20-year-olds to don their finest traditional attire—typically colourful furisode kimonos for women and…
Ah, cameras on lamp posts—welcome to the high-tech neighbourhood watch of the 21st century! It’s like your streetlights have decided to moonlight as security guards. These unassuming sentinels, perched high above, are quietly capturing the comings and goings of daily life. From tracking a stray cat’s midnight adventures to monitoring the occasional delivery driver who’s…
The winter blue sky in Japan is something special—clear, crisp, and vibrant. It’s the best time of year to enjoy that perfect shade of blue, especially with summers becoming unbearably hot and autumn and spring more unpredictable thanks to global warming. Winter’s stable weather feels like a gift, offering the kind of skies that make…
After buying your ramen at the vending machine, you take a seat at the counter, hand over your ticket, and wait as the magic happens. The sound of noodles boiling, the clatter of bowls, and the aroma of rich broth fill the air, building the anticipation. While waiting, I couldn’t help but appreciate how sharp…
I love how the road glistens after a light winter rain, and the Nokton 50mm captured it beautifully. Moments like these remind me of the importance of having a camera you can carry anywhere—ready to capture the unexpected beauty around you. After all, the best camera you can get is the one you’ll actually use.
We heard the food stalls were back at Yasukuni Shrine, so we decided to pay a visit and soak in the New Year vibes. Armed with my Christmas gift—the Nokton 75mm lens—it was the perfect chance to capture a few memorable shots. Yasukuni Shrine, nestled in the heart of Tokyo, is a place steeped in…
Beneath the Yamanote Line on the east side, you’ll find a treasure trove of great restaurants tucked into the narrow streets and bustling underpasses. These spots range from cozy izakayas and ramen joints to more unique offerings like grilled seafood or curry houses. The atmosphere is lively and unpretentious, often filled with locals grabbing a…
The early morning drive to the airport presented a rare opportunity to stream smoothly through Tokyo’s highways, unhindered by the usual horrific traffic jams. The quiet roads and steady flow felt almost surreal, making the city’s vast network of expressways seem efficient and serene for a change. A small silver lining to an otherwise sleepy…
Preachers on street corners in Japan, often armed with speakers, can be a surprising sight amidst the typically quiet and reserved public spaces. They deliver fiery sermons, with phrases like “the result of sin is death!” echoing through the urban landscape. While not as common as in some other countries, these street evangelists can often…
A night out in Shinjuku during the end-of-the-year season means navigating through packed streets and lively izakayas as everyone celebrates bonenkai (year-end drinking parties). The neon-lit alleys are bustling with groups of coworkers, friends, and couples squeezing into small bars and restaurants for one last hurrah before the year ends. Trying to beat the crowds…
In Japan, temporary parking lots on land awaiting sale or redevelopment are not just practical—they can also be a strategic move for tax reasons. Landowners often convert vacant plots into parking lots because undeveloped land incurs higher taxes compared to land in active use. By operating the space as a parking facility, even temporarily, the…