Text by Nic
Japan might be a second home to many Hong Kong people, a place they visit in their spare time. With the country’s tourism industry growing rapidly and the Tokyo Olympics scheduled for 2020, more and more tourists are expected to flock in. However, this surge in visitors is causing concern among Japanese people about the potential pollution of traditional Japanese culture, and the increasing crowds are also making it harder for photographers to capture architecture and landscapes.
Travel photographer Alfonso Calero considers Japan his second home and has visited the country numerous times over the past 30 years to take photographs. As such, he knows some spots where you can capture beautiful scenes while avoiding the crowds.
Here are 8 recommended locations in Tokyo and Kyoto suggested by Alfonso Calero:
Tokyo
Yanaka Ginza
A historic district near Ueno and Nippori, it is one of the few areas in Tokyo that was not destroyed during the war. Many old houses still remain, offering an authentic cultural experience of traditional Japan.
Shibamata
Often described as a mini version of Asakusa, this area features various shrines, temples, and traditional homes. The Edogawa River, located behind the shrine, sometimes offers sightseeing boat services. You can also take a walk along the wide riverbank to escape the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo and enjoy a lifestyle reminiscent of fishermen and baseball players.
Tokyo International Forum
A unique building near Yurakucho Station, it boasts a spacious atrium and serves as a hub for international cultural and information exchange. Designed by American architect Rafael Viñoly, its glass lobby is ship-themed and filled with natural light, making it a special example of green architecture.
Kawagoe
Just a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo, although many shops have been converted into stores and restaurants, some buildings remain well-preserved and ideal for photography. Kawagoe is also known for its "kawaii" (cute) architecture, with many early 20th-century brick and concrete buildings still standing.
Kyoto
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
Located on a hill in Arashiyama, this temple is a 30-minute walk from the bamboo forest. It is home to 1,200 stone statues, each with a unique expression. Though covered in moss, they can bring smiles to visitors' faces.
Haradani-en
Haradani-en is a private garden with many cherry blossom trees, just a five-minute drive from Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). During the cherry blossom season, you can enjoy sake and bento boxes amidst falling petals.
Nanzen-ji Suirokaku
Located behind Nanzen-ji Temple, these aqueduct bridges were built during the Meiji period (1868–1912) to transport water and goods between Kyoto and Lake Biwa in neighboring Shiga Prefecture. The canal follows a path through the surrounding forest, featuring arched brick designs, making it a unique spot for photography.
Kyoto Station
Many travelers pass through this station, but few pay attention to the building itself. Constructed in 1997 and designed by architect Hiroshi Hara, the station is made of steel frames and reinforced concrete. To preserve the views of the ancient capital, the structure maintains a north-south orientation, ensuring unobstructed sightlines and reducing visual pressure.
To see more of Alfonso Calero’s photography and travel tips, you can visit his website.
Source: fstoppers