In 2021, I went to many memorable rose festivals. An outstanding one was at Jindai Botanical Gardens. I saw some great flower events that year, so I went with high levels of enthusiasm. The weather for it was great/ Even going there was enjoyable. I only had to catch the Keio-Inokashira line to Kichijoji and …
Did you know Japan celebrates Tanabata in July and August? It does, and there is a simple reason for it. Some places hold it following the modern calendar, while others follow the old. And the Asagaya Pearl Center, a shopping arcade in Suginami ward, does things the old way! This retro-style shopping mall puts on …
Koishikawa Korakuen has always been one of my favorite parks in Tokyo. It is historical and has much to see. The park began when Yorifusa Tokugawa built a residence there in the 1600s. Over many years many features were added, and in 1938 it became a public park. Now, we can enjoy the grounds and …
I don’t know a lot about the Gundam universe, but I enjoy photographing its RX-0 Unicorn statue in Odaiba. This giant battlesuit is one of Tokyo’s most famous tourist attractions. It has become a Mecca for lovers of the giant robot genre. In photos, this thing looks fantastic! As the statue is full-sized, it is …
Located in western Tokyo is Nogawa Park. It is large and a little unusual as it started life as a golf course! Families love it. But, I wouldn’t exactly call it a must-see for photographers like the Edo-period parks in Tokyo. This one is seasonal. You go there for specific attractions. Even though Nogawa is …
The Yasuyo Building is the proverbial needle in the haystack. It’s in Shinjuku, where outstanding architecture is hard to find. But if you do find it, photograph it while you can because, in Tokyo, nothing stands forever. The architect, Nobumichi Akashi, built the Yasuyo in 1969. In this city, that is old, I guess. But …
The Fukugawa Edo Museum is for Japanese history lovers. But, it isn’t about the samurai or ninjas. It is all about life in a tiny village on the banks of a canal. You’d be correct in thinking it is something different because it is. Many people know the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku. That place is …
In autumn 2021, I checked out Yushima Tenjin’s chrysanthemums. Earlier that day, I visited Shinjuku Gyoen to see its flowers. At that time, the weather was perfect. I lucked out as the conditions continued into the afternoon. It was an excellent day for flower photography. As it was a weekday, the shrine wasn’t too crowded. …
The first time I went to Shinjuku was in 1991. It was during the bubble period. I had a job interview at a school one afternoon. It was my first solo trip. Every other time had been with my girlfriend. I was a little apprehensive. The place was so big, would I get lost in …
The colossal fantasy fortress of Akihabara is one of my favorite photographs. Maids and costumed characters surround it. In arcades are an enormous assortment of games. Anime and manga fill the stores. Imagination is the only limit. And that is where I found the perfect place for a photograph. There was a group of buildings …
