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!

Rainy Day

Rainy Day

Came back from the US for this? It’s the last days of Hanami, and the rain just won’t stop—it feels more like the rainy season than spring. So much for enjoying the cherry blossoms! At least the rain gives the petals a kind of melancholic beauty, but it’s not the Hanami I was hoping for.

XT2 in Shinjuku
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XT2 in Shinjuku

Testing out the different focus modes, including face tracking, in Shinjuku during commuting time was a real eye-opener. The fast-moving crowd and ever-changing scenes were a perfect challenge, and the camera handled it well. Face tracking was especially impressive, locking onto subjects even in the chaos. A great spot to push the camera to its…

Out with XT2

Out with XT2

First night out with my Canon replacement, the Fuji X-T2—not bad at all! The camera handled low light beautifully, with sharp details and rich tones. The compact size and retro design were a pleasure to work with, and it’s definitely shaping up to be a great choice. Excited to explore its full potential!

Audi S4

Audi S4

Another test drive thanks to Audi Ikebukuro: a brand new 2017 Audi S4, and when I say brand new it’s not a figure of speech: it only had 30km on the odometer when they gave me the keys! I used to own the previous generation and this one is even better. Just makes it too…

Purple Tokyo

Purple Tokyo

A beautiful sunset from the Bunkyo Civic Center painted the sky in shades of purple, creating a mesmerizing view. The blend of the city skyline with the vibrant hues of dusk made the moment truly magical. Watching Tokyo transition from day to night in such stunning colors is always unforgettable!

Fifty Shades of Orange

Fifty Shades of Orange

A beautiful sunset over the Shinjuku skyline with Mt. Fuji in the background—an absolutely stunning view! I was hoping to catch Diamond Fuji, but it turns out I got the date wrong. Still, the scene didn’t disappoint, with the city lights and the iconic mountain creating a perfect blend of urban and natural beauty. Maybe…

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower

The illuminated Tokyo Tower is always a stunning sight but notoriously tricky to shoot, especially when it comes to nailing the white balance. The warm glow of the tower contrasts with the cooler tones of the city at night, making it a challenge to capture the scene just right. Still, it’s worth the effort every…

Purple Date
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Purple Date

The ambient lighting at the top of Tokyo Tower is just stunning—especially the purple glow! It adds a unique and calming vibe to the space, making the experience of taking in Tokyo’s breathtaking views feel even more special. A perfect touch to an already iconic spot!

Tokyo Tower Panorama

Tokyo Tower Panorama

Tokyo Tower panorama: It’s been a while since I last went to the top of Tokyo Tower, but it’s always worth it. The view of the city is breathtaking, especially at dusk when the lights of Tokyo start to shimmer. A perfect spot for capturing wide, stunning shots of the sprawling metropolis, blending the colors…

Zojoji Temple
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Zojoji Temple

Ideally located near Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple is a historic and spiritual landmark that plays a central role in Tokyo’s New Year celebrations. With its striking mix of traditional architecture and the modern backdrop of the tower, the temple is a stunning place to welcome the new year. Visitors flock here to join the joyous…

Subway
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Subway

In the subway with my Sigma ART 35mm f/1.4—a lens that never disappoints. The wide aperture handles the low light beautifully, creating sharp, detailed shots with creamy bokeh. Even in such a mundane setting, it makes every frame look cinematic and polished. Always a pleasure to shoot with this gem!

Toppan Building

Toppan Building

Micro 4/3 cameras are definitely convenient to carry and simple to use, but when it comes to photo quality, my 5D Mark III still takes the crown. The level of detail, dynamic range, and overall depth it captures—even in something as ordinary as this random building—just outshines the Micro 4/3. Sometimes, the bulkier gear is…

Year End Lights
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Year End Lights

Marunouchi is always a treat around the end of the year, with its stunning light displays creating a festive and magical atmosphere. The tree-lined streets glow warmly with thousands of golden LED lights, offering a perfect backdrop for an evening stroll. Whether you’re window-shopping or just soaking in the holiday vibes, it’s a beautiful way…

Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace

My usual jogging track at night—quite a view, isn’t it? :) The glow of the lights, the calm atmosphere, and the crisp night air make it a perfect place to unwind and get those miles in. It’s hard not to feel inspired running through such a beautiful setting!

Forest Floor

Forest Floor

At the end of autumn in Tokyo, ginkgo leaves steal the show, blanketing the forest floor in vibrant shades of yellow. Their fan-shaped elegance creates a striking contrast against the earthy tones of the season, turning paths and open spaces into golden carpets. The soft crunch underfoot and the way they catch the light make…

Secret Park

Secret Park

While cycling through the city, I stumbled upon a tiny hidden park with a lovely view of Shinjuku’s skyline. Nestled away from the bustling streets, it felt like a quiet oasis amidst the urban chaos. The contrast of greenery with the towering skyscrapers in the distance made it a perfect spot to pause and take…

Kabukicho

Kabukicho

A night out in Kabukicho reveals just how much this iconic Tokyo district has transformed in recent years. Once dominated by salarymen unwinding after work, the streets now buzz with foreign tourists exploring its neon-lit alleys and eclectic nightlife. The vibe has shifted to feel more international, but the district’s energy and chaotic charm remain…

Platforms Ghosts
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Platforms Ghosts

Having fun on JR platforms with an ND filter mounted on the GX-85, turning people and trains into ghostly figures. The long exposures blur the bustling movement into ethereal streaks, creating an almost surreal scene. It’s a fascinating way to capture the energy of Tokyo while revealing a hidden, dreamlike layer to its everyday chaos.