Asia Travel Guides for Photographers - Tokyo, Singapore + more

Street Photography in Tokyo: Neighbourhoods + Creative Techniques

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:23:22 +0000

Tokyo’s energy isn’t just seen, it’s felt, especially when you’re exploring with a camera. While the city’s temples and neon-lit streets are photogenic icons, Tokyo’s true stories play out in fleeting moments between commuters, market vendors, and friends meeting beneath glowing lanterns or illuminated signs. Street photography here is a rewarding challenge, offering endless opportunities to create images that pulse with movement and life. I’ve often found it’s been the images I captured on my way to/from a location I wanted to photograph, that turn out the best, those unscripted moments, quick Embracing the Pace of the City Tokyo moves quickly, but something I love about the city is that despite the innovation, population, and pace, it feels calm, quiet, and creative. I’ve photographed many cities around the world, and none feel as diverse, inspiring and thrilling as Tokyo, I’m almost confident to say that any visiting photographer, will be able to capture some of their best images here. Rather than fighting the crowds, use them as part of your composition. Shibuya Crossing, for example, is famous for a reason, but even quieter neighbourhoods offer constant streams of foot traffic, so be sure to allow time for observing and you’ll...

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Aman Kyoto: A Tranquil Haven in Nature’s Embrace

Maja Laxdal — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 11:10:31 +0000

Visual Hotel Review of Aman Kyoto By Contributor and Photographer Maja Laxdal Nestled amidst the enchanting forests of Kyoto, Aman Kyoto stands as a testament to the seamless integration of modern luxury and traditional Japanese aesthetics. My recent stay at this exquisite resort left me captivated by its attention to detail and overwhelming feeling of serenity. Aman Kyoto’s secluded location provides a haven of tranquility, surrounded by the lush beauty of nature. The resort’s commitment to preserving the natural environment creates an atmosphere that immediately transports guests away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Aman Kyoto, designed by the brilliant late Kerry Hill, is an architectural brilliance. The resort embraces the philosophy of “wabi-sabi,” celebrating the beauty found in simplicity and imperfection. The design reflects a deep respect for the traditional Japanese aesthetic, incorporating elements such as sliding doors, tatami mat flooring, and a minimalist design ethos. Walking through the carefully crafted spaces, one can’t help but appreciate the thoughtfulness put into every detail. The minimalist design of the guest pavilions and rooms perfectly balances modern luxury with the timeless elegance of Japanese architecture. Each room offers a sense of peace and harmony, creating a space where...

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A Guide to Photographing Chinese New Year in Hong Kong

Nicole Claringbold — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 09:03:10 +0000

Lunar New Year in Hong Kong In this big city with deep cultural ties and traditions, photographer Nicole Claringbold shares how to make the most of celebrating and photographing Chinese Near Year in Hong Kong. From the best places to photograph, to which angles could work best and insights into the cultural traditions. The festive ambience and visual delights of Hong Kong at Lunar New Year make it a very worthwhile destination or stopover if you are travelling in the region. When is Chinese New Year Celebrated? Determined by the date of the second new moon after the winter solstice on December 21, Chinese New Year typically falls sometime between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, Chinese New Year is celebrated from February 10th – 13th, and will fall between January 29th-31st in 2025. Lunar New Year is celebrated over 3 or 4 days if it coincides with a Sunday. With family gatherings and temple rituals to usher in good luck, health and wealth for the new year high on the agenda, there are endless activities to do and see at this time of the year. RED symbolises luck – joy & celebration Favourable for...

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The 7 Best Shibuya Crossing Photography Locations

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 05:59:14 +0000

Shibuya Crossing Viewpoints and Photo Spots Shibuya Crossing is an iconic location in Tokyo, Japan, that has captured the imagination of photographers around the world. With its bustling streets, vibrant lights, and mass of pedestrians, this intersection has become a symbol of modern urban life and a visual feast for photographers. A staggering 2.4million people use this crossing daily and if you’re seeking for the best viewpoint to photograph Shibuya Crossing, this guide is for you. I’ll be sharing where you can photograph the crossing from up high and on the ground to ensure you make the most of your time in Shibuya. Covering all four corners of the crossing, the spots listed range in Shibuya Crossing represents the energy and dynamism of Tokyo. As one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings, Shibuya Crossing is a hive of activity, with close to 2,500 people crossing the street every time the traffic lights change. This constant motion creates a mesmerising visual display, with streams of people flowing in all directions. Scroll down to find a Google Map listing all of the vantage points noted in this article. I’ve personally photographed this crossing in summer, winter and autumn, when it’s busy, not...

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Behind the Lens – Photographing a Sumo Tournament in Tokyo

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 12:34:21 +0000

Photographing a Sumo Tournament in Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo wrestling has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries, and its tournaments have captivated audiences all over the world, some intensely interested, others puzzled but amused by what they’re witnessing. *A little warning for those who don’t want to see too much flesh, the photos within this article do showcase a lot of skin. I’ve tried to photograph the event tastefully and used creative techniques to make the images a little more arty…hopefully you’ll enjoy seeing a peek inside this fascinating Japanese sport. On my recent trip to Tokyo, I was lucky enough to reserve a ticket to the September tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan, the national sumo arena of Japan. I reserved the seat online, picked up the tickets at a local 7-Eleven store and had no idea as to where we’d be sitting, but assumed it would be very far from the action because they were roughly $20AUD. Spoiler, we were in the very back row, but this actually ended up being ideal for someone who had no idea what was happening and wanted to photograph as much as possible without getting in anyone’s way. So, let’s...

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The Magic of Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong

Nicole Claringbold — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 06:58:40 +0000

Photographing the Mid-Autumn Festivities in Hong Kong If you are visiting or transiting through Hong Kong in September and early October, you are going to witness Hong Kong at its festive best! The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most significant and colourful festivals on the Chinese cultural calendar is celebrated on the full moon day, the 15th day of the eighth lunar month – 29th September 2023 in the Gregorian Calendar. Also known as the Mooncake Festival, Moon Festival, or Lantern Festival, it’s a deep-rooted custom that traditionally heralds the end of harvest and dates back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty, when people thanked the moon god for the crop yield. Hong Kong continues to celebrate this time of giving thanks, and under the full moon high in the sky, the city comes alive under a dazzling display of colourful festive lanterns. Seen dotted throughout Hong Kong’s many green spaces and across all precincts in the territory, the lanterns shine bright each evening. In 2023, the official start date (and Full Harvest Moon) falls on September 29th, in 2024 it’ll be September 17th, with approximately 8 days of celebrations following. Where to Photograph the Mid-Autumn Festival in...

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A Photographer’s Guide to Tokyo, Japan

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 07:44:18 +0000

Tokyo Photography Locations – Your curated list Tokyo is Japan’s bright shining star; a city of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, Japanese cuisine (yum!) and a culture that’s a magical blend of quirky and quaint. When it comes to Tokyo photography locations you’re spoilt for choice and finding a photo spot that tickles your fancy is as easy as saying ichi, ni, san… You can’t leave Tokyo feeling the same as when you arrived. A visit will overwhelm and excite with innovation, surprise with characters and treat with fascinating edible creations. For photographers, Tokyo is a city that enables you to photograph street scenes, landscapes, cultural portraits and ornate details. A visit to Tokyo with your camera is like a never-ending ride, there’s a photo opportunity around every corner and you’ll leave with a full memory card of images! Photo spots in Tokyo are found in all directions no matter which one you decide to explore first. This Tokyo guide lists a collection of my favourite photography locations throughout Tokyo. After visiting eight times I’ve explored a lot of the city but there is also so much more to see that’s hidden within the alleys and surrounding districts that one day...

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I know a place – Hoshinoya Kyoto, Japan

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 08:00:27 +0000

Hoshinoya Kyoto – A Visual Hotel Review I know a place… Where a turquoise river leads to tranquility. Where Japanese maples drape traditional wooden pavilions and the sound of water brings an instant serenity. Here, natural beauty blends with the elegance and enchanting architecture of a 17th century villa. A luxurious retreat nestled on the banks of the Oi River where time passes slowly. Hoshinoya Kyoto exudes every element of relaxation. The surroundings, the interiors, staff, cuisine and activities all meticulously work together to provide an experience of rejuvenation and cultural immersion. It’s a hotel that feels like a lavish home. Somewhere to stay as a destination, one you’ll probably never want to leave. Located in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most beautiful districts, it’s an area that’s been frequented by noble families since medieval times. Today, Arashiyama is a popular location for visitors with the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Monkey Park and a number temples ranging from UNESCO World Heritage sites through to tiny corners of moss covered brilliance drawing the crowds daily. Hoshinoya Kyoto however is totally private, accessible only by wooden boat and tucked away within the majestic Rankyo Gorge. Within the grounds of the inn, the gardens welcome...

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Step inside the Hoshinoya Tokyo – A Visual Hotel Review

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 02:12:19 +0000

An oasis where contemporary Japanese architecture is fused with inspired elements of a traditional Tokyo ryokan… Zeitaku. Luxury is typically associated with lavish décor, fancy restaurants and extravagance sans limit but hidden within the cosmopolitan Otemachi district of Tokyo rests a new form of Zeitaku. Peeled back to mere perfection, the walls of Hoshinoya Tokyo house not just luxury but minimalistic beauty blended with striking architecture in its finest form. A true nod to the traditional Japanese ryokan, this hotel is the epitome of thoughtful design and an integration of inspiring elements. It could just be the best ryokan in Tokyo. Upon entering the wooden doorway carved from a single slab of cypress tree, tatami mats and staff greet you to immediately whisk away your shoes so you feel at home. Placed in bamboo boxes that soak up scent and artistically form a patterned wall in the foyer, this is the first of many intriguing inventions found throughout the hotel that are so simple yet effective and brilliant in their purpose. Unlike regular hotels, the vibe at Hoshinoya Tokyo is like stepping into a zen space where light, sound and textures have been used to artfully remove all distractions. Rather...

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Travel with Purpose – Enriching Ways to Experience the World

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 10:52:50 +0000

If we think about why we travel, the reasons can vary from seeking total relaxation and an escape from the everyday hustle, to craving cultural immersion and once in a lifetime experiences. You may love all-inclusive resort holidays, wilderness lodges, roughing it a little or splurging on luxury hotels. Maybe islands are your thing, you love hunting down historic sites or can’t go past a bedazzled bazaar. Whatever your travel style, have you considered travelling with purpose? I was recently invited to an industry breakfast event at the Australian Museum in Sydney, for the announcement of Adventure World’s key initiatives and their company mission, ‘Travel with Purpose’. It’s this very phrase that’s been at the forefront of my mind over the past few years. Constant travel, for both work and personal photography projects, made me question, why do I travel and how can I create or experience something meaningful when I do? It’s so easy to get swept up in the content driven mindset of, “I need to go there, see it and capture that dream photo”, but when we stop to consider our motivation, are there better, more fulfilling ways to experience the world? What we see on social...

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Perspectives: Photographing the Supertree Grove in Singapore

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 03 May 2022 11:04:13 +0000

Supertree Grove – Singapore Welcome to the Singapore Supertree Grove where you’ll be wandering beneath innovative man-made structures designed to blend the modern and natural world together. It’s tropical, a little crazy and oh so photogenic. If you’ve already read my guide to the best photography locations in Singapore, this gem no doubt stood out as somewhere you need to visit and I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed! For photographers there’s opportunities popping up everywhere from the mighty structures themselves right down to the tiny features of bromeliads, orchids and flowering tropical plants. Over 158,000 plants await your lens as they cling to the sides of the supertrees, creating a lush landscape that contrasts in photos against the skyline of Singapore. A trip to the Supertree Grove isn’t complete without seeing these mighty fairytale trees in the evening when the lights illuminate the landscape and dance to music…it’s all kinds of wonderful! Photo Spots in Singapore Supertree Grove – Right underneath! Get right below and look up to capture these impressive beauties and enhance their bedazzling size. If you’ve got a wide-angle lens, point upward to compose their shapes, the giant (insert plant name) and sky above....

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Perspectives: The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 09:11:09 +0000

Photographing the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove The immense size of bamboo stalks rising above is enough to overwhelm you in the best possible way. Natural beauty is on full display here at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of the most photographed locations in Kyoto, Japan. Nestled in the quiet but bustling suburb of Arashiyama, the bamboo grove is a popular, no wait, extremely popular tourist attraction and it’s not hard to see why. Rivalling the Fushimi-Inari torii gates and the Golden Pavilion for top spot on the tourist wish list, it’s a destination you need to see to believe. Not only does Arashiyama have the bamboo grove but it’s home to an abundant collection of temples and areas of natural beauty so no trip to the bamboo grove should be complete without spending an entire day (or more if you end up loving it as much as I do!) exploring the surrounding photo spots. Day after day, people swarm in the thousands to photography and marvel at these impressive stalks of bamboo. You’ll no doubt stumble across numerous photoshoots, insta poses and selfie sticks when visiting during the peak daytime hours, but if you’re hoping to capture the bamboo grove in...

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