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!

Light Tunnel

Light Tunnel

The beautiful lights in Korakuen for the end of the year are truly magical. The garden transforms into a glowing wonderland, with illuminated trees, pathways, and reflections on the water creating a serene and festive atmosphere. A perfect spot to enjoy Tokyo’s winter charm! ✨🎄

Gimme Money

Gimme Money

Ever since the news about disguised Chinese guys posing as Japanese monks to scam money from donors, I can’t help but wonder: is this guy fake too? It’s a thought that crosses my mind every time I see a monk collecting donations now. The whole situation has made something so culturally iconic feel suspicious, which…

Sake Bar

Sake Bar

Discovered a lovely spot in Takadanobaba with a great selection and super friendly staff. A neat touch: the right glass is filled with water and serves as a reference for exactly how much to pour. Simple, clever, and thoughtful—just like the overall vibe of the place!

XF 55-200mm

XF 55-200mm

Took some handheld shots at 1/15s using the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS, and I’m impressed. This “cheap” zoom really delivers. The image stabilization is fantastic—better than I expected and even better than the Canon 100-400mm I used to own. With the Fuji, I can still get sharp shots at 1/15s, whereas with…

Takadanobaba Night

Takadanobaba Night

Takadanobaba on the Yamanote Line, also known as the Atomu stop! Famous for its connection to Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom), this lively station even plays the iconic theme song when trains arrive. A fun nod to Osamu Tezuka’s legacy and a charming detail for fans of Japanese pop culture.

Waiting for Train
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Waiting for Train

Captured various people waiting for trains in Tokyo, specifically in Shinjuku and Akihabara. Why, you ask? Turns out there’s a demand for these kinds of shots on Shutterstock! It’s interesting how everyday moments, like commuters standing by the platform, can be turned into stock photo gold. Sometimes the ordinary is what people are looking for.

Traffic Lights

Traffic Lights

As I mentioned earlier, playing with the focus ring of the little Zeiss Biogon is such a treat. Here’s a defocused shot of the road while waiting at a traffic light in Tokyo. The blurred lights and soft bokeh create a dreamy, abstract vibe—proof that even a mundane moment can turn into something visually interesting…

Amour Ebisu

Amour Ebisu

Had an amazing dining experience at Amour, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Ebisu. The delicate fusion of French and Japanese cuisine was beautifully crafted, reminding me of the excellent Sa.Qua.Na in Honfleur. Every dish was a treat for the senses—definitely worth a try if you’re in the area!

Biogon Bokeh

Biogon Bokeh

I’m loving how the little Zeiss Biogon (35mm) beautifully blurs the background at a large aperture. The soft, creamy bokeh adds so much character to the shots, making subjects stand out while giving the images a dreamy, artistic feel. This lens has a way of turning everyday scenes into something special!

Rainy Walk

Rainy Walk

It’s been raining non-stop for days here in Tokyo. The city takes on a completely different vibe—streets glisten, umbrellas fill the sidewalks, and the gray skies add a moody touch to the usual bustle. A bit dreary, but there’s always something atmospheric about Tokyo in the rain.

Station Agent
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Station Agent

The 56mm f/1.2 APD has become a permanent fixture on my X-T2—it’s just that good! Incredible sharpness, dreamy bokeh, and perfect for portraits or anything with a shallow depth of field. On another note, The Station Agent was the first movie I saw with Peter Dinklage, long before his Game of Thrones fame. Such a…