tokyo Archives - Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens

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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Visiting Shibuya Sky – Tips for Photographers

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 08:29:38 +0000

Must-See Tokyo Photography Location: Shibuya Sky Shibuya Sky is one of Tokyo’s newest and most photogenic attractions, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline from a height of 229 meters. You’ll feel like you’re walking on air above the city and it’s no surprise this observation deck has quickly become a must-visit for those seeking a bird’s eye view of the famous Shibuya Crossing. Having just visited last week to take a peek and get firsthand experience and imagery, this article will share how to visit Shibuya Sky, some tips for photographing from the top and how to make the most of your experience. From sunrise to sunset, the lighting conditions at Shibuya Sky are ever-changing, offering photographers an array of opportunities to experiment with various techniques and capture the cityscape in different moods. You can witness the captivating transformation of the city as the sunlight gradually illuminates the high-rise buildings, or capture the vibrant neon glow as night falls, turning Tokyo into a dynamic and colourful show below. To start off, I want to make it clear that you’ll need to plan your visit to Shibuya Sky. It’s currently very popular, and as such, tickets sell out in advance,...

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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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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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Shooting Sunrise at Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 07:53:28 +0000

Sunrise Photography at Sensoji Temple Walking through the historic streets of Asakusa at 5:30am, it was hard not to wonder what on earth we were doing awake. Usually buzzing with atmosphere, the streets were quiet and almost completely empty at this crazy hour of the morning. Not to mention the temperature was hovering just above freezing. As I repeat to myself often, all good photos come to those who rise early, and while sunrises and I might not be best friends, I knew this one would be pretty special! Not only was it a historic location, it was the first sunrise of my Japan Photo Tour and I was SO excited to share the beauty of Tokyo with my group. Sensoji Temple (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is Tokyo’s oldest temple and boy is it impressive. Having visited before in summer during the daytime I knew that anytime after 8am it was crowded, really crowded. Luckily though, the temple grounds are open 24hours so you can wander through and explore Sensoji under the stars or like us, as the sun rises over the city. The actual temple opens at sunrise but the rest of the grounds are completely open...

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Tokyo in Photos: Weekend Wanderlust

Lisa Michele Burns — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 05:03:54 +0000

Tokyo is Japan’s bright shining star, a city of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, sushi and a culture that’s a magical blend of quirky and traditionally quaint. 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. Japan has long been in my top five favourite countries ever since I joined a home stay program at school and lived with a Japanese family in Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido, one of the best experiences of my life. I love stopping in Tokyo even if it’s just for a weekend so here are a collection of images to get you dreaming of a trip to the city where anything is possible…even a Batman sighting.

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