Dynamic Junctions in Tokyo and Where to Photograph Them
Tokyo has a network of roads that are very complicated and almost impossible to comprehend fully. This is not only true for tourists visiting Tokyo but also for some locals. Especially the metropolitan expressway inside the city that is made to run over the normal traffic, built on stilts and compromising of sharp turns, on-ramps, off-ramps, and multi-lane merges, are a structural marvel and a great subject to photograph. The intersection and junctions are where multiple of these expressways and road meet. Below are some spots where these expressways or roads intertwine for a dynamic picture.
roppongi split road
This is a junction where the expressway runs on the top while several normal roads run at the bottom and a couple of pedestrian bridges connects each sides of the road. The picture was taken standing on the pedestrian bridge which makes the expressway that spilts into two almost at eye level. You can capture the light trails of the cars at the bottom with the two expressways at the top for a dynamic picture. Make sure to take a wide angle lens and a tripod.
view reference spot images from Instagram
Tokyo has an inter-city express way that elevates the traffic from the roads below. The splitting of these express ways can become an interesting subject to shoot.
The hydra
We named this spot the Hydra after the dragon with multiple heads in Greek mythology. With so many cars and people congested into a small space, Tokyo has a system of chaotic highways that twist and twine with each other. This is one of the spots that can result in a dynamic image. It is a junction that intersects several roads coming into the city. The junction itself is within the city center so it has an easy access. Apart from the curving concrete lines, there are many lights in various colors under and around the roads which makes this picture so dynamic. Be careful when standing up your tripod because there is not a lot of space on the pedestrian footpath. It will be easier to use a Gorillapod or any other smaller tripods you can attach to the railing.
view reference spot images from Instagram
This epic junction is best to see with your own eyes rather than reading about it. Try counting the number of lights placed in this junction.
Mounting your Gorillapod onto the rails of the pedestrian path, tilt the camera upwards from the ground for a more dynamic shot.
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