The Top Five Tokyo Street Photography You Have Never Heard Of
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The Top Five Tokyo Street Photography You Have Never Heard Of:
Everyone knows the usual suspects when in comes to street photography in Tokyo: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno, and Ikebukuro. Of course there are many others, but this article isn't about the places you know, its about the places you don't know.
In no particular order:
- Kawaguchi
- Omiya
- Akabane
- Kanda
- Nakano
Kawaguchi and Omiya are actually located in Saitama, not Tokyo. When you travel by train, the distinction between the two prefectures is minimal. Third, Akabane is in northern Tokyo, while Kanda and Nakano are situated in eastern and western Tokyo, respectively.
Kawaguchi
One of my favorite places, not just for being my home city, but also for its warm charm, unique character, and excellent natural light. While any place can enjoy great light on a beautiful day, the center of Kawaguchi features broad, long avenues and predominantly six to eight-story buildings. This design allows for ample sunlight to shine through, even in the winter months when the sun is low on the horizon.
The lighting is vibrant and high-contrast, while pedestrian bridges cast shadows and create geometric shapes that enhance your compositions. This lesser-known spot, Kawaguchi, allows for the creation of silhouettes, shadow play, candid moments, and editorial-style images.
Omiya
Omiya is a little further afield from Tokyo, but is easily accessible by local train and Shinkansen. Omiya is able double down on the character and charm of Kawaguchi. It is much larger, sprawling out form the station creating pockets of commerce and what can only be described as a charming-chaos. As well a large and very famous Shinto Shrine, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Jinja.
A day of street photography here is unlike any other location in Tokyo. The labyrinth of streets are designed for night life, however in the day time they com alive with possibility. Things not ment to be seen peak out from behind the facade tempting the fate of your shutter.
Akabane
The Northernmost transportation hub of Tokyo. Several train lines from East, West and Central Tokyo converge here providing a large number of commuters from all walks of life to photograph.
With commuters come restaurants, shops, and all the commerce associated with large numbers of people. Akabane has been this type of hub for generations, which gives it a quality that only comes with time. Like the face of a fisherman who's put twenty-five years into the salty air of the ocean, its truth and authenticity are evident on every corner.
Kanda
Nestled between Akihabara and Tokyo stations, it’s no wonder you might not have heard of it. Kanda is a realm of salarymen and showcases simplicity and efficiency. This very quality transforms Kanda into a paradise for street photographers, with everyday people engaging in their daily routines.
The intricate network of side streets, teeming with restaurants, cafes, and pubs, adds distinctive charm to this mostly ungentrified part of Tokyo. Experiencing Kanda is essential and should top any street photography itinerary in the city.
Nakano
Nakano is just a few minutes from Shinjuku, yet it feels far removed from the hustle and bustle that defines Shinjuku. While predominantly residential, Nakano possesses a uniquely eclectic atmosphere.
The main attraction is the expansive covered shopping area known as Nakano Sun Shopping Mall. Here, you can find a diverse selection of shops, complemented by a vibrant mix of people. The narrow streets allow for intimate encounters with your surroundings, while the adjacent side streets offer additional chances for fantastic street photography.
I can not recommend these five locations enough. Each one has its unique charms, and will fill your day with great street photography opportunities. Tokyo Photo Tour offers private guided photo tours of several of these locations and would be happy to help you explore them.
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