Photographer Uses Instagram to Create Visual Love Song to the Many Faces of Japan

Tori Gate Photograph by Hiro Goto

Japanese photographer Hiro Goto uses his Instagram account to share his unique perspective on the beauty of his country. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil landscape views of Mt. Fuji, the patriotic photographer uses his camera to peel back the layers of Japan.

Goto first used photography as a simple way to record his daily activities; but, after downloading Instagram, something changed. “I can share photos with people all over the world and I want to share the beauty of Japan with many people,” he tells My Modern Met. Though we're used to seeing photographs of Tokyo, neon signs ablaze, Goto peppers his account with quieter moments as well.

Temples and tori gates, as well as snow-covered homes and desolate streets, demonstrate the dichotomy of Japan. It's this balance of old and new, fast and slow, that makes the Japanese lifestyle unique.  Goto's Instagram is an exploration of Japan in its entirety, whether it's gamblers in a pachinko parlor or the traditional onsens (hot springs) of a snowy mountain town.

The photographer hopes that his images stimulate others to explore Japan on their own. “I would be happy if people would like to travel to Japan by looking at my photos.” And by showing the beauty of Japan, both in the traditional tourist areas of Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as less frequently visited cities like Nagano and Yamagata, he gives his followers plenty of reasons to book their next trip.

Photographer Hiro Goto uses his Instagram account as a visual love song to his country, Japan.

Photo of Mount Fuji by Hiro GotoHiro Goto - Tokyo PhotographyHiro Goto - Japan PhotographyHiro Goto - Tokyo PhotographyPhotos of Japan by Hiro GotoPhotos of Japan by Hiro GotoHiro Goto Mt. Fuji PhotographPhotos of Japan by Hiro GotoHiro Goto - Tokyo PhotographyHiro Goto - Japan PhotographyHiro Goto - Japan PhotographyHiro Goto - Japan PhotographyHiro Goto - Japan PhotographyPhotos of Japan by Hiro GotoPhotos of Japan by Hiro GotoPhotos of Japan by Hiro GotoPhoto of Mount Fuji by Hiro GotoHiro Goto - Tokyo PhotographyHiro Goto - Tokyo PhotograperHiro Goto - Tokyo PhotographyHiro Goto - Tokyo PhotograperHiro Goto - Tokyo Photograper

Hiro Goto: Instagram | Facebook 

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Hiro Goto.

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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