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 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…
The new Haneda flight route offers breathtaking views over Tokyo on clear days, showcasing the city’s immense size and iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Skytree. While the route is a bit noisier for residents, it provides arriving passengers with incredible photo opportunities. Can you identify the locations or landmarks in these shots? Let me…
Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3, also known as the International Terminal, is a gateway to Tokyo that seamlessly blends modern efficiency with touches of Japanese culture. As someone who travels a lot, I’ve always been impressed by its spotless cleanliness—something you can count on in Japan. The Edo-period themed Edo Koji area, with its wooden storefronts…
A fleeting masterpiece: Tokyo Skytree piercing the skyline, framed perfectly from Expressway 9 as it arches over the Sumida River. Lucky moment where movement and stillness collide, turning a quick drive into an unforgettable scene. Red sign reads: direction of travel.
Makudonarudo (マクドナルド) is a slice of fast food life that’s surprisingly woven into Japan’s socio-economic fabric. In poorer neighborhoods, it becomes more than just a quick meal—it’s a gathering spot for many elderly folks living on tight budgets. You’ll see groups of older people nursing coffee refills and sharing fries, finding warmth and company they…
Overtourism describes a phenomenon where the number of visitors to a destination overwhelms its capacity, causing strain on local communities, infrastructure, and the environment. In Japan, this has become a pressing issue in popular locations such as Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district as well as popular insta spots. Overcrowding diminishes the charm…
An early morning drive through Tokyo to reach Haneda Airport is a serene yet vibrant experience. The city streets are quieter, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights and the first hints of dawn. Iconic landmarks pass by, silhouetted against the awakening sky, while the occasional train or taxi punctuates the stillness. The route takes…
Local trains in Japan are a must-try experience. They offer a charming and laid-back way to explore the countryside, small towns, and even suburban areas. The slower pace lets you take in the scenery, and the local vibe feels so different from the hustle of bullet trains. It’s a simple but memorable way to connect…
A crossing in Shibuya—not the Shibuya Crossing—is a quieter, less chaotic scene, but still full of character. Fewer people mean more room to focus on individual moments: a lone cyclist, a pair of friends chatting, or the rhythm of the lights changing. It’s a different vibe, but no less intriguing for those who love capturing…