Travel

Tokyo - October’s Golden Charm

Tokyo in late October is a city brimming with contrasts, where traditional serenity meets the hum of urban life. With my camera in hand, I explored its many faces, capturing the fleeting beauty of autumn in a city that never ceases to surprise.

Late October brought us back to Tokyo, a city that continues to intrigue and inspire, no matter how many times you visit. This time, armed with a film camera, we decided to capture its quieter, more understated moments - the kind that often get lost in the city’s endless energy.

Film has a way of slowing things down, making you savour the imperfections, and Tokyo’s layers of history, design, and nature felt like the perfect subjects for this medium.

Our journey began in Nakameguro, a neighbourhood we’ve grown to appreciate for its balance of style and calm. The Meguro River, still lined with green and a few early signs of autumn, offered a peaceful backdrop to explore. Coverchord Nakameguro and the nonnative shop drew us in with their minimalist aesthetic and thoughtful designs, while The Workers coffee/bar became an ideal spot for a break by the river. Of course, no trip to Nakameguro is complete without coffee, and SWITCH COFFEE TOKYO delivered its signature perfection. By the end of the day, a steaming bowl of ramen at MURATA reminded us why this neighbourhood has such a special place in our hearts - unpretentious, warm, and undeniably Tokyo.

Quiet reflections along the Meguro River in Tokyo, where the stillness of the water contrasts with the city’s ever-present hum.

The next morning, we traded Nakameguro’s streets for the expansive calm of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Even after multiple visits to Tokyo, this park never loses its charm. The leaves were just beginning to turn, hinting at the season ahead, and the interplay of light, shadows, and reflections felt made for film photography. Wandering the paths that weave through Japanese and European garden styles, we found ourselves slowing down, the city’s buzz reduced to a distant hum.

In Jiyugaoka, Meguro City, we stumbled upon new favourites. Popeye Camera, a haven for film enthusiasts, felt like a place where time itself had slowed down. Rows of vintage cameras and shelves of rare film stock reminded us why we fell in love with analogue photography in the first place.

At Kuhonbutsu Joshin-ji Temple, the peaceful atmosphere was enriched by an unexpectedly lively activity - local residents gathering the fruits of the ginkgo trees that dot the temple grounds. Known for their unique, pungent aroma, these small yellow fruits are a seasonal treat in Japan, often used in traditional dishes like chawanmushi or skewered and grilled. Watching this quiet yet purposeful gathering, I couldn’t help but appreciate how even the simplest acts connect people to nature and tradition in such a tangible way. Fun fact: ginkgo trees are often called "living fossils" as they’ve existed virtually unchanged for over 200 million years, making them some of the most resilient trees in the world.

Even in familiar places, Tokyo manages to surprise. The Imperial Palace gardens, framed by the city’s modern skyline, felt particularly poignant this time. The ancient stone walls seemed to hold onto their stories, whispering them to anyone willing to stop and listen. Ginza, on the other hand, was its usual blend of sleek and futuristic, but this visit felt more about soaking in the district’s energy than chasing specific spots. The grain of the film softened Ginza’s sharp edges, adding warmth to its modernity.

We closed this leg of the trip with a day in Yokohama. Its waterfront and the Red Brick Warehouse offered something different - an industrial charm that contrasts with Tokyo’s sharp lines. As we wandered the promenade, camera in hand, we appreciated the way Yokohama stands slightly apart from Tokyo, both geographically and atmospherically.

Back home, as the negatives developed, Tokyo emerged again - this time in soft tones, subtle imperfections, and frames that felt more like memories than photographs. It wasn’t about capturing the city in its entirety but about noticing the quieter moments, the spaces between the big impressions. Tokyo isn’t a city you see for the first time and move on from; it’s a city you keep coming back to, peeling back new layers with each visit.