zonjineko! » tokyo

Book Review: Tokyo On Foot

zonjineko — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:13:48 +0000

I was recently inter-state on holidays for Christmas and dropped in to a local bookstore – something I rarely do now with Kindle books being my dead-tree-replacement of choice.

I tend to always head straight for the Japanese travel books just to needlessly tease myself that I am standing here in Australia and not in Japan. ^^

In amongst the Lonely Planet and Frommer guides I found an awesome illustrated book called “Tokyo On Foot” written and beautifully illustrated by Florent Chavouet,. The style of drawing immediately caught my eye and 5 minutes later I was at the register handing over AUD$24.99 to the cashier.

I’ll admit that I can barely draw a straight line so anyone who can achieve the level of detail in the drawings included below is just astounding to me.

Every time I think about Japan, I can now sit down and flick through the pages of this book and all the atmosphere, sights and sounds come floating back.

I highly recommend grabbing a copy – I know you won’t be disappointed. It’s available at Amazon (for much less than what I paid) or check out an online or old-school book store near you.

View more of Florent Chavouet’s stunning illustrations at www.florentchavouet.com.

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Japan Images: Chinese Odle Estaurant

zonjineko — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:59:02 +0000

Towards the end of our recent trip to Tokyo, I realised I hadn’t done much night shooting around the streets of Naka-Meguro, where we stayed for 10 days.

Unlike back home where I live in Australia, Tokyo just keeps pumping all night long and for a photographer there is so much to see and do – even at midnight.

As I was wandering the streets towards the Expressway to get a few timelapses I stumbled across this restaurant. It had a great feel to it – hope you like it too ^^

These images were taken with a Sony NEX 5N and the 16mm (24mm) kit lens.

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Japan Images: Ukuleles in Yoyogi Park

zonjineko — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:13:51 +0000

I’ve been to the Harajuku-Shibuya area many times but for some reason had never visited Yoyogi Park so I made sure I did this time.

I was really surprised at its size and also the sheer number of Tokyoites squeezed in to this place on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Despite the crush of people, these girls found a nice quiet place to practice their ukulele chops ^^

For the photo nerds, like myself, this image was taken with a NEX 5N and an old Contax Yashica Carl Zeiss 135mm f2.8 and C/Y to NEX adaptor.

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Japan Images: Takeshita Maid

zonjineko — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:26:56 +0000

There’s always plenty going on along the famous Takeshita-dori in Harajuku, Tokyo. An endless sea of people flood the narrow streets with everyone from lost 70-year-old American tourists to Nigerian salesmen through to the most eclectically dressed Japanese twenty-somethings.

Everyone is there for the same reason – it is a truly unique experience. Make sure you drop by on your next trip to Tokyo ^^

HD Video: A Walk Along Takeshita

I shot this around the same time – hopefully it gives you some sense of the feeling but there’s nothing like the buzz of being there in person.

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Japan Images: Pachinko Parlour

zonjineko — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:14:49 +0000

Pachinko (パチンコ) parlours are everywhere in Tokyo and I do mean everywhere. Even in the small back streets with just a konbini (コンビニ) and a chemist you hear the dull roar of a hundred Pachinko machines doing their thing. Then the automatic sliding doors on the front open up and for a few seconds it sounds like Metallica concert until they close again. It’s amazing sound – here’s a Youtube clip that will help to explain ^^

With the word “Yakuza” somewhere in the back of brain, I wasn’t game enough to walk in to a parlour full of people so this is what they look like at midday on Tuesday (Golden Gai, Shibuya). I was in and out pretty quickly!

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Japan Images: Harajuku Lollipop Girl

zonjineko — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 02:10:07 +0000

I love the contrast in this shot with the bright blue in the background and her pink and ginger hair and costume. The little figurine hanging from her nail is awesome too – what a great look.

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Japan Images: Harajuku Pierced

zonjineko — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 09:47:21 +0000

If you’ve been through my photo gallery here at zonjineko.com before, then you’ll know this area of Tokyo is one of my favourite spots to photograph.

There is no area quite like this in the world and you never know what you’re going to see from one weekend to the next.

This girl was wandering around the area outside of Harajuku Station – the hair and makeup plus the amazing piercings really made for a great image.

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Japan Images: Home On A Stroller

zonjineko — Tue, 31 May 2011 05:01:03 +0000

I thought this was a great image as it says so much about the Japanese people and their attention to detail in all facets of life.

The owner of the stroller was clearly homeless but he took pride it the little that he had in his life.

I wonder what the bike lock gets used for – lock the stroller to a pole?

BTW the image was taken along the river side in Asakusa, Tokyo.

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Japan Images: Harajuku Gothic Maid

zonjineko — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:11:55 +0000

Another shot from my Harajuku gallery but this time a little darker than most. The overcast day also helped to add an eerie atmosphere to this image – one of my favourites.

Enjoy ^_^

UPDATE: Here’s the full length image for download for those who are interested

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Japan Images: Ueno Seafood

zonjineko — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 04:52:47 +0000

Ueno is situated in Tokyo’s inner north and is probably best known for the massive Ueno Station, which is a major hub for many of Tokyo’s train lines and the stunning Ueno Park and Zoo.

Another one of Ueno’s attractions is the Ameyoko (アメ横), a shopping street full of stalls selling everything from fresh meat and vegetables through to shoes, jeans and shirts. The shops stretch along the JR Yamanote line tracks from Ueno to Okachimachi station (next stop Akihabara!).

This image was taken of a temporary stall setup along the middle of the street. The vendors were selling mainly seaweed and other dried seafood goods stacked on foam plates including these spectacularly coloured dried shrimp.

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