As a photographer in Tokyo, I am always delighted when I am given the opportunity to tramp through the city I am fortunate enough to call home. Recently, the New York Times asked me to turn my lenses on a Tokyo itinerary showcasing highlights that can be explored in a short amount of time. As I photographed the most recent version of 36 Hours in Tokyo, Japan I was able to reflect on why, specifically, I choose to make my home in the Japanese capital.

Tokyo is a city that crackles with energy and innovation, where the ancient and the modern coexist in a way that is both captivating and inspiring. From its ancient temples and shrines to its cutting-edge technology and futuristic architecture, Tokyo is a city of contrasts that constantly challenges our perceptions of what a city can be.

One of the things that sets Tokyo apart is its deep respect for tradition and history. Throughout the city, one can find ancient temples and shrines that have stood for centuries and traditional festivals that date back generations. Yet, Tokyo's reverence for the past does not impede its embrace of the future. Instead, it serves as a foundation upon which the city builds its ever-evolving cultural landscape.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Tokyo's food culture. The city is a gastronomical paradise that has something to offer every palate, from the most traditional of Japanese cuisine to the most innovative fusion dishes. Tokyo is renowned for its sushi, ramen, and yakitori, but it is the way in which these traditional dishes are reimagined and transformed that makes Tokyo's culinary scene so vibrant and dynamic.

Beyond its culinary delights, Tokyo is a city that is both remarkably safe and clean. The streets are immaculate, and the public transportation system is among the most efficient and extensive in the world. The people of Tokyo are courteous and polite, and the city has a sense of order and tranquility that is unparalleled in cities of its size.

Yet, for all its order and tradition, Tokyo is a city that is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. It is a place where the most cutting-edge technology and the most ancient of traditions coexist in perfect harmony. From its bullet trains and robots to its towering skyscrapers and awe-inspiring architecture, Tokyo is a city that never fails to inspire and amaze.

But perhaps what makes Tokyo truly special is the sense of community and belonging that permeates throughout the city. Despite being a metropolis of over 13 million people, Tokyo is a city where one can still find moments of serenity and connection. Whether it's exploring a quiet alleyway, wandering through a peaceful garden, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in a local cafe, Tokyo has a way of making even the most solitary of travelers feel at home.

In the end, Tokyo is a city that defies easy categorization. It is a city of contrasts, where tradition and innovation, order and chaos, and tranquility and energy coexist in perfect balance. For those who are willing to explore its many hidden corners and nuances, Tokyo is a city that offers endless opportunities for inspiration, wonder, and discovery.

Scroll on for outtakes shot on assignment for The New York Times’ 36 Hours In Tokyo, Japan written by Motoko Rich.

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