Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur

Photography by: Emily Shur
Written by: Emily Shur
Design by: Locksin Chong

Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur

Tokyo

I first visited Japan in 2004. Since then, I’ve returned at least once or twice a year solely to take pictures. I had no intention of beginning any sort of project when I took that first trip, but the body of work I’ve made there has only been growing, completely organically. Since I make a living as a commercial photographer, it’s important to me that the way I take pictures there remains stress-free. I try not to censor myself or think too much when I’m shooting.

I’ve traveled fairly extensively throughout Japan and keep a running list for future trips, but Tokyo has remained a constant wealth of inspiration over the past twelve years. There are so many layers to get through to even make a dent in “knowing” the city. To friends who are planning their first trip to Japan and want suggestions, I always say: “You could spend your entire trip in Tokyo and never get bored”.

Tokyo is all things—beautiful, gritty, futuristic, traditional, urban, natural, challenging, tranquil, indulgent, weird, comforting. In a nutshell, Tokyo is all about exploring and not getting too weighed down with plans. Addresses and specific buildings are sometimes hard to find. It can be frustrating. Instead, just pick neighborhoods you want to explore and let the day take you where it takes you.

Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur

Resources

Eat:

Tsukiji Outer Market

Sushi and beer for breakfast? Yes, if you’re visiting this traditional food market.

Isetan Shinjuku

For lunch, try a common Tokyo food hall, the ‘depachika’. Found in department stores, depachikas offer dazzling choices, and the one in the basement of Isetan Shinjuku is especially good.

Higashi-Yama Tokyo

A stylish dinner destination, this restaurant specializes in seasonal Japanese cuisine. Go for the set menu.

Stay:

Claska

Located in the sought-after Meguro district, this hotel is both affordable and trendy. The clean, minimal design is a nice break from the city.

Hotel Okura

An older, more established hotel with plenty of upscale, classic dining options.

Aman Tokyo

A part of the lucrative Aman Resorts chain, this hotel is straight up luxury, from the design to the handmade chocolate welcoming you to the room.

Do:

Tokyo’s parks and gardens

Visit them all. Some of my favorites are Rikugien Garden, Yoyogi Park, Imperial Palace Gardens, and Hama Rikyu.

Shopping

For photo books, head to Daikanyama Tsutaya Books and for vintage clothes, to Koenji neighborhood. If you visit during off-peak hours, the Yodobashi Camera store in the Akihabara district will blow your mind.

Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba Island

Cross the bridge and check out the architecture on the waterfront.

Ushiku Daibutsu

This is a 120 meter tall Buddha statue you can go inside of, across the street from an outlet mall. Tokyo at its best.

Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur
Tiny Atlas Quarterly, Tokyo, Emily Shur