Hot for Hydrangeas in Tokyo 2025
June 17, 2025
The moment you step outside, it hits you: a wall of wet heat that feels less like air and more like a hot, damp blanket. That’s summer in Tokyo.
Blog Archives
Hatoyama Hall: Where Politics Met Stained-Glass Beauty
May 25, 2025
Beyond Tokyo’s neon-lit streets and skyscrapers is a pocket of history and architecture. It is Hatoyama Hall, also known as “Otowa Palace.” This Western-style mansion offers a glimpse into early 20th-century Japan. One of its political families even called it home.
Josiah Conder: Tokyo Buildings and Beautiful Roses
May 20, 2025
Josiah Conder had a big influence on Japanese architecture. After arriving in 1877, he built a huge reputation through his work and teachings. Many of his students went on to become giants of Japanese design. But he wasn’t only an architect.
Sanja Festival 2025: Sunday Photos
May 18, 2025
The Sanja Matsuri goes for three days. It starts on Friday, but the main days are Saturday and Sunday. I couldn’t go to the first two days because of prior commitments in 2025, but I went on the last day.
Kanda Matsuri 2025: Capturing Tokyo’s Epic Festival
May 11, 2025
Tokyo is a city of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and cutting-edge technology. This hyper-modern metropolis has pockets of thriving ancient traditions. The Kanda Matsuri (神田祭) is an example. It’s one of Tokyo’s “Big Three” Shinto festivals.
Colorful Flowers Bring Crowds to Nezu Shrine
April 22, 2025
Colorful flowers bring crowds to Nezu Shrine. They certainly do. The vibrant red, purple, pink, and white azaleas are a people pleaser. But they can give photographers like me problems. I came up with a solution for them in 2025.