These images were taken in and around JR Ueno train station and along Ameyako in Ueno, Tokyo. It was my first night shoot with the Canon 5D Mark II, which I had picked up a few days earlier at Yodobashi in Akihabara.
I used a Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS USM lens for all shots and the images were processed in Lightroom 2 on OSX.
Bikes parked on the sidewalk in Ueno, Tokyo
Looking through the window of a liquor store in Ueno, Tokyo
The never ending line of taxis waiting outside JR Ueno train station
A taxi driver waits for a fare outside JR Ueno train station
Ameyoko (アメ横) is a famous street market in Ueno, Tokyo
Lanterns outside of an eatery in Ueno, Tokyo
As night falls, the crowded streets of the Ameyako are deserted
A discarded wooden crate in one of the Ameyako stalls
Coca Cola seating sits empty in the back streets on Ueno, Tokyo
Streets still buzzing at 9pm on a Monday in Ueno, Tokyo
I can’t get enough of all the different taxi lights
I was surprised by the number of homeless people around Ueno
Pedestrians lit by construction works below Ueno railway line
A vendor tending to another fresh batch of…well whatever they are
Vending machines can sooth the 24/7 shopper’s needs
Care Bears ponder another day of vending machine madness
Workers watch as bitumen is sliced open to access water pipes
Under construction in Ueno, Tokyo
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wow, these are some really excellent photographs
Thanks much appreciated.
wow… great photographer!
Excellent photos !
The rich colors set it off!
Thx Andrew really great to hear you enjoyed the images. Was a great night of shooting with my new baby (5DMKII) ^_^ One very sweet camera.
I’ve only recently found your site, and I’m very glad I did. Its been almost 2 years since my wife and I went to Japan, and I miss it every day. Your site and posts like this one help me remember the atmosphere and culture that eludes me every day. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Thanks heaps – really appreciate the comments. Look out for more photo articles coming soon ^_^
Thanks for the twitter add!
These are great photos by the way – nice work.
^_^ Thx very much
Subarashii!
Brilliant photos. Love them… good composition, and the night shots really shine! Absolutely brilliant. Keep’em coming.
Thx I really enjoyed my night out in Ueno – was my first ever night shoot with the 5D MKII.
I was just down your way at Xmas – great city!
Ok… have family here in Adelaide, or just visiting? Yeah, Adelaide’s not bad (depends on what you want out of a city tho). It’s a good place to live and – as they say -bring up a family. However, it’s a long way from Japan.
The wife has family down there so we go every so often but yes I would rather be in Japan ^_^
Is hard to believe that there are homeless people in Japan, this is something new for me. Amazing photos, congratulations.
Wow, excellent images! What lens did you use?
Thx – 70-200mm 2.8 IS USM Canon ^_^
I am impressed with the sharpness and contrast for presumably shooting handheld at night with a 70-200mm lens, IS or not. Were you using a very high ISO?
There really is no place like Tokyo for night street photography. What other big city can you feel totally safe walking around with nearly $5,000 worth of camera kit on your neck? Not to mention the unique lighting and scenes on the streets in Tokyo at night.
A nice collection, although the inclusion of the homeless person caused me to pause. In the beginning when I lived in Tokyo I might have photographed a homeless person or two, but soon after that up until now I would not (but also do not live in Japan anymore anyway).
Thx Jason – yes agreed about the homeless guy. I felt a bit funny about taking that but it was one of those split second decisions as the background was clear and he was walking alone so I took it. Whether it’s right or wrong – I’m still not sure.
The shots were taken at anything from 800 to 2000 ISO depending on what was needed. The 5D MKII handles noise much better than my previous camera and as I have learnt the hard way it is better to get a sharp, grainy shot than a blurred clean one ^_^
Beautiful photos. My husband and I stayed in Ueno on our honeymoon in 2003, but somehow we missed Ameyako. We’ll have to go back and find it!
Thx Heather – definitely worth checking out and a good excuse to go back! BTW nice website you have too.
great shots. i miss this place. this was “my” neighbourhood the last time i was in Japan.
^_^ Me too – we used it as our base in Tokyo for about 2 weeks. I found it a great spot to get around Tokyo as so many trains go through Ueno station.
LOVE these photos, very vibrant and awesome colours…looks like I’m far from the only one who loves them too ^_^
You have very good taste, Bugs ^_^
Wow!! Great shots!
^_^ Thx!
I always enjoy looking at your photos. They’re absolutely gorgeous and always seem to capture the spirit of the scene.
I believe the “fresh batch of…well whatever they are” consists of takoyaki. ^_^
Thx really appreciate that ^_^
Not sure on the takoyaki though – they were very sweet smelling like caramel or some kind of sugar-based food.
wooooowww great picture !!!
^_^ Thx – much appreciated!