If I had to choose one iconic Christmas scene in Japan, it would definitely be Roppongi Keyakizaka Street. Since I happened to be in Tokyo around Christmas this time, I had to go see it. After eating at the nearby Shake Shack, I slowly walked over with the crowd. The entire street was packed, and everyone had the same goal: squeezing onto that iconic pedestrian bridge to photograph the beautiful view of Tokyo Tower framed by sparkling lights. I waited quietly in the crowd and timed my shot from the bridge. Just as the traffic passed and the taillights lit up, I captured a Tokyo night view that I really love.
A lot of people stand in the middle of the road to take photos when the crosswalk light turns green, to the point that Japanese police have to be there to maintain order. But rather than lining up just because everyone else is, I actually prefer the process of avoiding the crowds a little and looking for a unique angle. Those moments of waiting intently and pressing the shutter are the most unforgettable scenes from a trip.
