Photographer Mark Esguerra buys a ticket to ride and shows us what to look out for in Japan’s capital city

AMAZING ARCHITECTURE

With Japan, the beauty is always in the detail, and no more so than when it comes to architecture. The interior of the Tokyo International Forum building in the Marunouchi District is nothing like I’ve ever seen before. While it might have been designed for conferences I doubt that anyone is going to be listening to what the speakers have to say, when they are surrounded with architecture such as this. But such beauty isn’t reserved just for the larger venues, even the shopping malls are just as eyecatching. Staring at the entrance to the Tokyu Plaza at Omotesando in the Harajuku District of Tokyo could easily make you lose track of time.

A Photographer's Take On Tokyo

SPECTACULAR SUNSETS

The sunsets in Japan are like no other. While Tokyo’s glittering architecture may be beautiful, it still finds it hard to compete with what Mother Nature can provide. However, these towering skyscrapers can help you get the best view. You will find numerous free observation decks scattered throughout the city. As a landscape photographer, I tend to be aware of the daily sunrise and sunset times. So when the sun was getting ready to go down I headed to the observatory deck at the World Trade Center Building in Hamamatsuchō.

A Photographer's Take On Tokyo

PICTURESQUE CHERRY BLOSSOM

Cherry blossom season in Japan may be fleeting, but it sees people travel from far and wide. As the trees are only in full bloom for a week, it tends to be incredibly crowded where ever there’s a cherry blossom tree. However, with a little patience you can still get your own piece of sakura. Admittedly I was surrounded by people when I took this shot, but when you are looking at the cherry blossoms you can easily forget about that. And when I took this shot in the moonlight, it was as if the cherry blossoms had an extra sparkle.

A Photographer's Take On Tokyo

CRAZY CROSSINGS

I've always been impressed by the intricacies of Tokyo, but witnessing how folks cross and intertwine on several of the crossings in Shibuya just makes the organised chaos all the more impressive.

A Photographer's Take On Tokyo

MAGNIFICENT MOUNT FUJI

The images of Mount Fuji for this story were not planned at all. The conditions that I had for my shots were a total gift. Japan has had a way of providing me with great scenes, but that was among the best I've witnessed so far. It’s such an epic view.

A Photographer's Take On Tokyo

To see more of Mark’s work visit www.themarkeworld.com

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Kyushu

Japan

  • Explore Fukuoka’s most famous Yatai with your private guide
  • Ride on the scenic trains Yufuin No Mori and Aso Boy!
  • Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan with hot spring baths
  • Embark on a boat tour to discover the famous landmarks of Nagasaki
ideal length 10 nights

Kansai & Shikoku

Japan

  • Explore Kurashiki’s preserved canal that dates back to the Edo Period
  • Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan with hot spring baths
  • Visit the Himeji Castle, Japan's most spectacular castle
  • Go island hopping the Seto Inland Sea
  • Dine on the famous and delicious Kobe beef
ideal length 12 nights

Ultimate Okinawa

Japan Asia

  • Relax on the white-sand beaches of Taketomi and the Ishigaki Islands
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shuri Castle
  • Learn about the history of Ryukyu Island
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise on the East China Sea
  • Snorkel above some of Japan’s most beautiful coral reefs
ideal length 9 nights
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