See a different side of Tokyo with a bespoke photowalk tour
Tokyo is absolutely massive. That’s no secret at all. Yet despite the city’s truly sprawling nature, it’s surprisingly suited to explorations on foot. Many interesting areas are within easy walking distance of each other, and like so many journeys in life, the bits in between can very often turn out to be the most rewarding.
Having lived, walked and photographed in the Japanese capital for nearly two decades, I can honestly say I know Tokyo fairly well. Meaning I know where to go, and more importantly perhaps, where not to. Plus, of course, I've sought out lots of the little side streets and alleyways that in a city the size of Tokyo can very easily go unnoticed.
So, in a bid to put this knowledge to some use, I’m offering photowalk tours of Tokyo. However, what works for one person doesn’t work nearly so well for another, so each tour will be a bespoke one. It could be a meander through the back streets of well known areas, or a more off-beat journey away from the city's busier haunts. The customisation options are almost limitless, and a taster of my walks can be seen on this short segment I did with CNN. You can also read about them in this Associated Press review, as well as part of a CNN Tokyo tours article. Plus for a more in-depth look, there’s a customer’s write-up of a photowalk here.
Also, while there will obviously be a stress on the photography side of things, the walks won’t be workshops. Of course tips and advice will be readily offered when wanted (there’s a video of my approach, ideas and techniques here), but the emphasis will be far more on the explorative side of things. A way to see new places with your own eyes, and hopefully come away with some good and very memorable shots. A brief peek, if you will, under the thin veneer of modern Tokyo, to see the older, often grittier capital.
Prices:
Both prices are fixed, regardless of the number of people. Hotel pick-up is provided if preferred.
¥32,000: A three to four hour bespoke photowalk for up to four people. Morning or afternoon starts.
¥48,000: A full day of walking and bespoke exploration for up to four people.
*Both options exclude any food, drinks or travel costs.
More info about me can be seen on the About page, and my photographic projects, which offer a glimpse of what you are likely to see on a photowalk tour, are all visible here.
To ask questions, check availability and book a photowalk, please get in touch through the secure form below, or if it’s short notice, I can be contacted on either WhatsApp or iMessage at +81 090 1120 6199.
Some Reviews:
Our photo tour with Lee was one of the highlights of our last trip to Japan. We have visited Tokyo multiple times, so we feel we have come to know it reasonably well. But there are always new layers to be revealed – and Lee’s tour certainly did that. He is a remarkable guide. Our tour with him was a fascinating, eye-opening and quite profound experience – and it helped us take better pictures, too. Not bad for a morning’s stroll! We cannot recommend it highly enough.
— Christian & Louise, East Sussex
When I woke up this morning, I thought I’d spend the evening writing about some jaw-dropping installation or an eccentric street performance, not about the photographer who would show me around. By sharing his wealth of experience and eye for photography, Lee has helped me discover a Tokyo I didn’t expect. I feel privileged and I’ve made a friend. (read the full blog write-up here)
— Isaac, Geneva
The highlight of the time we spent in Tokyo was definitely our walk with Lee and what it triggered in discovering older neighborhoods. It changed our approach to the rest of our trip and we ended up seeing and experiencing so much more than we would have done otherwise.
— Fred & Sophia, Switzerland.
About one month ago I had the true pleasure of getting to go on a photowalk with Lee of Tokyo Times. He has a wonderful eye, is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and has been doing some absolutely amazing work in and around Tokyo for some years now.
— Garrett, California
We recently engaged Lee for a third time to show us more of the side of Tokyo he gives us regular glimpses of through his photoblog and Instagram account. This tour was centred on the west side of Tokyo starting at Araiyakushi-Mae Station and taking in areas around Nakano, Ogikubo, Nishi-Ogikubo and more.
It was a full day tour, but as before it passed all too quickly. It was clear that Lee had taken time to plan the route carefully and fit in a couple of places we had mentioned in emails. Although we covered a lot of ground it was at a comfortable pace with a couple of breaks at the most wonderful old Tokyo establishments we will never forget.
Lee's friendly and easy-going nature right from the start make you feel like you have known him for years, and his continuous erudite reactive commentary builds depth and detail into the old and traditional side of Tokyo you find yourself surrounded by. Lee's interaction with the locals adds yet another layer to the experience of this world so far removed from the lights and gloss of the Tokyo we see (and also enjoy) through the NHK lens and tourist brochures.
And let's not forget that Lee is an accomplished photographer, and on this occasion he took us to the location of one of our personal favourite photographs of his and took the time to show us how to set up and take the shot, and more importantly, the patience needed to capture the right moment. The result was a pretty good facsimile of his original and something we certainly learned from.
All in all another genuinely wonderful experience we could not have come close to on our own.
— Mark & Deborah, UK
If, as I am, you are a regular follower of Lee’s blog, you will know that his love for Tokyo takes him well beyond those clichéd images of concrete, steel, neon and crowds. Like his photos, his photowalks offer up the human face of the planet’s most populated city. Having been on two of such walks (the only thing preventing me from embarking upon a third is that I no longer live in Tokyo), I can do nothing but recommend them.
Our last outing had Lee walking us from Ueno through to Minowa, the ‘shitamachi’ area of the city, where the past seeps into the present, the streets are narrow and indolent pussycats peer out from behind overgrown window boxes. Buildings that have stood for decades if not centuries, the spaces where they used to be: Lee knows it all and regales his walkers with his erudition and his easy good humour. Assuming, of course, that he’s not stopping to chat amiably to one of the locals along the way.
Footsore but fulfilled at the end of the tour, we ended up among peeling posters and wobbly tables, quaffing a well-deserved bottle of Sapporo or three. And yes - before you ask - Lee knows where all the good bars are as well.
— Colin & Naoko, Abu Dhabi
We met Lee at the right place at the right time. He was waiting for us. Lee is a very friendly and professional guide. Before we actually met we were in email conversation and Lee worked out what we were looking for from the experience. So as soon as we had made our introductions Lee was “working”. He showed us places and photo opportunities we would have missed on our own, just what we wanted. He was also knowledgeable regarding the history and facts about the places we visited with him. Our time just flew by. In my opinion the tour was very good value and it gave us some great photos we my not have taken on our own.
— Andre & Ben, London
Experiencing Tokyo’s old neighborhoods through Lee’s eyes was so interesting. It's nothing like a standard guided tour, and the fact that a standard tour would never take you to these neighborhoods is just the start of it. Any tour guide can talk about a building you're actually looking at, but Lee is just as fascinating talking about a building that isn't there anymore. He'll tell you how there's real community in these old neighborhoods with people stopping to talk to each other on the street and in shops, and the next minute he'll actually be having a conversation with an elderly gentleman, commiserating about a big condo going up across from some old shops. If you're unfamiliar with these parts of Tokyo, I can't recommend these tours too highly - and even if you are, as I am, it's an experience you wouldn't have on your own.
— Jessica, Washington
