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!
A night out at an izakaya is an experience that blends great food, endless drinks, and a lively atmosphere. These Japanese gastropubs range from smoky, dimly lit joints packed with salarymen to sleek, modern venues with digital ordering systems. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with a chorus of staff shouting “Irasshaimase!” welcoming you…
Some of Tokyo’s trains have gone full sci-fi mode—no more crumpled paper ads on the sides. Instead, it’s all sleek LCD screens, bombarding you ads. The trains themselves are unsettlingly clean, almost too perfect, with no gum under the seats, no forgotten newspapers, and no sun-bleached posters that overstayed their welcome. It’s impressive, sure, but…
Ah, the 28mm Nokton—great choice. That lens has some serious character, and on the M11, it’s a proper street photography weapon. The colours you get from that combo are just stunning, especially wide open. And yeah, the M11’s size is a huge plus—big enough to feel solid, small enough to carry everywhere without screaming, “Look…
A UFO Catcher is a type of arcade claw machine, originally popularised by SEGA, where players attempt to grab prizes using a mechanical claw. These machines are a staple of arcades in Japan and other parts of Asia, often featuring plush toys, figurines, and exclusive collectibles. Unlike traditional claw machines, UFO Catchers often have a…
Since I use black and white for focus peaking in live view on the rare occasions I skip the viewfinder—like when close focusing—I figured I’d give the black-and-white JPEG a shot. These are straight out of the camera (SOOC) with the high-contrast profile. Quite liking it!
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…
