Articles & Guides
Discover Tokyo through our curated articles and guides. Explore our collection of insights about the city.
Osaka Castle Tour: Exploring 5 Must-Visit Castles in the Region
From the towering walls of Osaka Castle to the quieter grounds of Ikeda Castle Ruins Park, Osaka Prefecture preserves a fascinating array of fortresses that tell the story of Japan’s feudal past. This guide introduces five notable castles, each with its own character, history, and atmosphere, offering travelers a deeper look into the region’s cultural heritage.
5 Photogenic Temples and Shrines Around Osaka, Kyoto and Nara
From Kyoto’s ritual-rich shrines to Osaka’s bold urban sanctuaries and Nara’s hillside temples, these five sites offer some of the most photogenic spiritual settings in Japan. Among them is even a dramatic cliffside hall in Tottori, included for its breathtaking scenery and unique place in Japan’s religious heritage.
City Views in Osaka: Top Observation Decks to Visit
From the retro charm of Tsutenkaku Tower to the soaring heights of Harukas 300, Osaka offers observation decks that showcase the city’s energy from above. This guide highlights the top spots to enjoy sweeping daytime panoramas and glittering nightscapes, each offering a unique perspective on Japan’s vibrant metropolis.
Exploring Osaka’s Most Photogenic Retro Streets and Markets
From lantern-lit yokocho to lively food markets, Osaka’s old streets carry a nostalgic atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city’s modern bustle. This guide introduces some of the most photogenic spots where retro character, local flavors, and timeless alleyways come together for unforgettable walks and photography.
Kyoto Autumn Leaves Guide: Must-Visit Temples and Hidden Retreats
Each autumn, Kyoto transforms into a canvas of vivid reds and golds, with historic temples and quiet retreats offering some of the most breathtaking seasonal views in Japan. From world-famous landmarks to serene hillside sanctuaries, this guide introduces the best spots to experience the beauty of Kyoto’s autumn leaves.
Capturing Kyoto at Dawn: Best Places for Morning Photography
From tranquil riversides to iconic temple paths, Kyoto’s early mornings offer a rare mix of stillness and beauty. This guide takes you through the best locations to capture the city at dawn, where soft light and calm atmospheres create perfect conditions for unforgettable photographs.
Unveiling Kyoto’s Most Serene and Photogenic Gardens
From moss-covered temples and refined imperial villas to seasonal ponds framed by maple and cherry trees, Kyoto’s gardens offer a rare blend of artistry and nature. This guide explores the city’s most serene and photogenic landscapes, inviting visitors to experience their history, craftsmanship, and ever-changing seasonal charm.
Photogenic Caves in Japan: Your Next Cool Underground Adventure
Venture into Japan’s most photogenic limestone caves, where shimmering underground rivers, dramatic rock formations, and cool air offer the perfect mix of adventure and refreshment. From Iwate to Okinawa, these subterranean wonders promise both a visual feast and a welcome summer escape.
Scenic Wind Chimes Across Japan: Photogenic Moments in the Summer Breeze
From temple gardens adorned with colorful glass chimes to coastal shrines where the wind carries their gentle notes, Japan offers countless spots where summer’s beauty is both seen and heard. These scenic wind chimes create photogenic moments that capture the season’s lightness and serenity.
Guide to Japan’s Most Beautiful Weeping Cherry Blossoms
Shidare-zakura, or weeping cherry trees, are cherished for their flowing branches and soft pink blossoms that drape like waterfalls in spring. This guide introduces some of Japan’s most scenic spots to enjoy these elegant blooms, from historic single trees to sweeping blossom-lined paths, ideal for slow strolls, quiet admiration, and seasonal photography.
Japan’s Torii Gates: Discover the Ultimate Collection of Must-Visit Shrines
From coastal torii rising from the sea to secluded shrine gates hidden in quiet forests, Japan’s torii gates offer more than spiritual symbolism — they invite exploration. This evolving guide highlights both iconic landmarks and under-the-radar sites worth visiting, especially for those drawn to culture, photography, or quiet discovery.
Wisteria Wonders Across Japan: Five Must‑See Wisteria Tunnels
From pastel-purple tunnels to fragrant trellises, this article introduces five standout destinations across Japan where wisteria (fuji, 藤) blooms in full glory each spring. Whether draped over temple grounds or stretched across water-filled parks, these sites offer a poetic glimpse into Japan’s floral heritage. Each location captures a different mood of the season, from serene temple walks to immersive floral tunnels.
Best Flower Fields a Day Trip from Tokyo: Pink Moss, Azalea & Sunflowers
Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, and Kanagawa each host expansive flower fields reachable within two hours of Tokyo. Travellers can enjoy hillside carpets of pink moss phlox (shibazakura [芝桜]), hillsides ablaze with azaleas (tsutsuji [躑躅]), and rolling sunflower fields (himawari [向日葵]), each in its perfect season and ideal for a one‑day escape.
Instagram-Worthy Umbrella Sky Spots in Japan
From Hokkaido to Nagasaki, discover enchanting destinations where colorful umbrellas are suspended overhead, from garden paths to greenhouse ceilings. These seasonal umbrella sky installations transform everyday spaces into vivid visual experiences and offer perfect settings for well-composed photographs.
From Pagodas to Torii: 5 Essential Temples and Shrines in Tokyo
Tokyo’s most famous temples and shrines are more than sightseeing stops, they’re living symbols of the city’s history and culture. This guide highlights five essential spiritual sites, each offering a glimpse into Japan’s traditions amid the urban landscape.
Best Parks in Tokyo: Top Green Spaces to Visit in the City
Explore Tokyo’s lushest parks, where centuries-old imperial gardens, scenic cherry blossom groves, and innovative rooftop oases bring nature into the urban heart. From the tranquil ponds of Hama‑rikyū to the lively weekend vibe at Yoyogi and the historic charm of Ueno and Shinjuku Gyo‑en, these verdant retreats offer calm, culture, and unforgettable photo moments.
5 Photography Spots in Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station blends Meiji-era architecture with a modern skyline, offering striking views by day and night. From reflective courtyards and rooftop terraces to elegant staircases and domed ceilings, this guide highlights the most photogenic spots near the station, perfect for photography enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Dynamic Junctions in Tokyo and Where to Photograph Them
Tokyo’s elevated expressways form a dizzying network of roads, ramps, and junctions that cut through the city like arteries. These complex structures aren’t just feats of engineering, they’re also captivating photography subjects. Discover how and where to capture the city’s dynamic energy through its tangled infrastructure and glowing streams of light.
Tokyo SkyTree 10 Best and Secret Spots to Take a Picture
Tokyo Skytree is more than just a broadcasting tower—it’s a visual icon that dominates the city skyline. This guide introduces 10 of the best and lesser-known photo spots to capture the Skytree from unique angles, whether you’re looking for sweeping city views or quiet corners off the tourist trail.
Tokyo Tower 10 Best and Hidden Spots to Take a Picture
Tokyo Tower has long stood as a proud symbol of Japan’s postwar resurgence. Rising 333 meters into the sky, this vibrant landmark is not only a beacon of history and progress but also one of Tokyo’s most photogenic icons. Discover 10 unique locations—some well-known, others tucked away—that offer stunning perspectives of the tower.
9 Spots for Night Photography in Shinjuku Tokyo
Shinjuku’s nighttime energy is a magnet for photographers seeking vivid cityscapes and dynamic street scenes. From glowing alleys to cinematic intersections, this guide explores nine must-visit locations in Tokyo’s most electric district for night photography.
The Picture of Lines and Curves in Tokyo
Captured from the rear of an automated train, this iconic Tokyo view transforms motion into art. Blurred lines, minimalist tones, and geometric depth make it a favorite among photographers seeking a unique urban composition that shifts with every ride.
Best Photography Spots in Shiodome
Once a historic maritime gateway to Edo, Shiodome has transformed into one of Tokyo’s most modern urban environments. While often overlooked by tourists, its sleek skyscrapers, layered walkways, and architectural contrasts offer a surprising array of photographic opportunities for those who take the time to explore.
Best Photography Spots in Shinagawa
Shinagawa Station may be a transit point for many, but the surrounding area holds unexpected visual appeal. From sleek skyscrapers and modern plazas to atmospheric contrasts between east and west exits, Shinagawa blends functionality with striking urban design—making it a surprising but rewarding area for photographers to explore.