Kaminarimon Gate
Kaminarimon Gate is the iconic outer entrance to Sensō-ji temple, instantly recognizable by its massive red lantern hanging beneath the gate's sweeping roof. The lantern itself is the main subject, and shooting straight on from the center of Nakamise-dori gives you a clean, symmetrical composition with the lantern as your focal point and the shopping street receding behind you. A wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range works well here, letting you capture the full gate structure along with the surrounding red paper lanterns and architectural details. Early morning, around sunrise, is by far your best window, as the crowds are thin and the soft light wraps evenly across the facade without harsh shadows. On overcast days you can shoot comfortably at any hour. The gate is easily accessible from Asakusa Station, just a short walk away, and the surrounding plaza gives you room to back up and frame the shot properly. (Tokyo, Japan)
