Tokyo in Focus: A Photographer’s Journey

My recent trip to Tokyo was unlike any other. The city, for just two weeks was both my workplace and my playground — evenings spent working as a broadcast engineer on the World Athletics. Mornings free to explore with my camera in hand. It was a rhythm that gave me a unique window into the city: structured at night, wide open to discovery by day.

I visited a number of places around the city during my time. I was looking for patterns, shadows, light and the essence of Japan, those unique sights that can only be found in Tokyo.  At night, I wanted the capture the Tokyo night and the overwhelming array of neon lights and city at night.   

Shibuya: Where the City Pulses

Nothing really prepares you for the madness of Shibuya Crossing. Waves of people surge across from every direction, a living organism flowing and reshaping with each green light. The neon lights here aren’t just bright — they’re overwhelming, a sensory overload that’s somehow exhilarating instead of exhausting.

Harajuku: Style on Display

In Harajuku, contrasts abound. High fashion boutiques sit next to quirky streetwear shops, and the sidewalks are their own kind of runway. It’s an area that feels both playful and stylish, buzzing with youthful energy.

Shinjuku: Towers and Contrasts

Shinjuku is skyscraper central. The sheer scale of the architecture creates a dramatic backdrop, particularly on the sunny days I was lucky enough to catch. The strong contrasts between light and shadow added even more depth to the already towering scenes.

Roppongi, Minto, and Yurakucho: Layers of the City

Each district carried its own distinct character. Roppongi, with its nightlife edge. Minto (Minato), sleek and modern. Yurakucho, humming with trains and tucked-away izakayas. Tokyo never runs out of layers to peel back, each street corner offering something unexpected.

Inspiration Along the Way

One highlight was stepping into one of Tokyo’s Leica stores, where I had the chance to see Alan Schaller’s work. His monochrome visions of urban life were deeply inspiring.

And to top my time off in Tokyo - I had the chance to join two photo workshops with Laurence Bouchard. An evening workshop followed by a day workshop. Walking the streets with someone so skilled at spotting visual poetry in the everyday gave me fresh ways of seeing, sharpening how I approached both the chaos and the quiet moments of the city.

A City That Overloads and Enchants

Tokyo is a city of overload — of lights, of people, of sounds. But for a photographer, that’s paradise. Every morning walk brought fresh scenes that demanded to be captured, from the madness of Shibuya Crossing to the sharp shadows cast by glass towers.

It’s a place where the visual senses don’t just wake up — they get pushed into overdrive. And honestly? I can’t wait to go back.