Street Photography Off the Beaten Path: Akabane, Tokyo

Why Street Photography in Akabane, Tokyo is Great.

Akabane is the northernmost transportation hub of Tokyo and has been relatively untouched by the tourism boom in Japan over the past decade.  Like any big city burrow, older buildings are replaced by taller, shinier new ones, although the pace is slower in Akabane than in the rest of Tokyo.  Giving the local vibe a sense of being forgotten in time. 

As a photographer, I find this atmosphere perfect for capturing authenticity.  Not just of Akabane or even Tokyo at large, but also the very history of Japan.  For example, a Starbucks is next to a generations-old sushi restaurant at the East exit of Akabane station. Crossing the street brings you into an old market named Ichibangai that is lost to nostalgia in the best possible way.   

The Ichbangai nostalgia spills into the surrounding neighbourhood with varying degrees of success, further adding to the area's character. Akabane is full of characters: commuters, locals, students, and those who are just part of the fabric that makes any area rich in street photography possibilities.

The real draw for any photographer is quality light. Some locations are great but lack amazing light.  Akabane is different because most buildings are less than six stories tall.  This lets the light permeate every gritty inch of this off-the-beaten-path Tokyo street photography powerhouse. 

I prefer to shoot early in the morning until I need a second coffee. The options are wide open, the high-contrast light gives great shadows and silhouettes and creates radiant pools for people to walk into. Unlike larger stations, the bus and taxi stops are busy with commuters coming, going, and waiting.   

The station itself is designed for loitering.  A large hall greets passengers at the main gate, filled with restaurants and shops. Buses and taxis are available in any direction, with more shops, businesses, restaurants, and residences all within a few footsteps of the exit. 

If there is a problem with shooting street photography in Akabane, it is that it's too good. This is a place I return to often and suggest to anyone to visit and soak up some of Akabane's authentic goodness.

Join us for a walking tour of Tokyo's best street photography locations, featuring popular spots favored by local street photographer Jeff Austin of Tokyo Forgeries. With over 20 years of experience capturing the essence of these streets, Jeff is eager to share his expertise. The videos and images displayed on this page showcase Jeff's original work, and during this unique tour, he will provide valuable tips for capturing stunning photographs. Don't miss this opportunity to explore Tokyo through the eyes of a seasoned photographer!