Lee Chapman

A Photographer's Tokyo

Lee Chapman is a street photographer in Tokyo who guides his own bespoke photowalks through the city, for up to 4 people at a time. All the walks are in Tokyo, and prices are in Japanese yen. The About page says he is "Originally from Manchester in the UK" and has "spent the last 25-plus years living in Japan, and over two decades documenting the shifting landscapes of its capital." His work, he writes, "focuses on the elements of Tokyo that are quietly fading away," naming "ageing Showa-era scenery and forgotten alleyways" and "the resilient locals who inhabit them," and his photographs "have featured in major publications like the Guardian, Der Spiegel and Le Monde, along with countless books and magazines."

The tours page explains why he started guiding. "Having lived, walked and photographed in the Japanese capital for over two decades, I can honestly say I know Tokyo fairly well," he writes, adding that his interest has narrowed to "the city's older, post-war neighbourhoods and environs. Locations full of Showa era stories, lives and history." The photowalks are his way "to put this knowledge to some use." The homepage presents the wider body of work as a "20 Years of Tokyo Times Archive," with galleries such as Tokyo Streets, Tokyo Then & Now, The Elderly, Shinjuku, Showa Era Japan and The Abandoned.

Tour Options and Pricing

The tours page lists two formats, and the prices cover the whole group:

• ¥38,000 for "A three to four hour bespoke photowalk for up to four people," with "Morning or afternoon starts."
• ¥54,000 for "A full day of walking (10am to around 4-5pm) and bespoke exploration for up to four people."

A note underneath says "Prices above are the total cost, not per person. They also exclude any food, drink or travel costs."

Every walk is custom. The page says "what works for one person doesn't work nearly so well for another, so each tour will be a bespoke one," and "The customisation options are almost limitless." To give a sense of the walks, the page links to a CNN segment, an Associated Press review, a CNN article on Tokyo tours and a customer's write-up, and it points to his photographic projects as "a glimpse of what you are likely to see on a photowalk tour."

The menu also lists a Japan Winter Workshop 2027, a book and prints, custom prints, a newsletter and the Tokyo Times Photoblog.

What to Expect on a Walk

Chapman is clear that these are walks rather than classes. The page says "the walks won't be workshops as such, although storytelling through multiple images will be a key ingredient," and "tips and advice will be readily offered when wanted," with a video on his site covering his "approach, ideas and techniques." But "the emphasis will be far more on the explorative side of things," offering "a brief peek, if you will, under the thin veneer of modern Tokyo, to see the older, often grittier side of the capital."

The reviews on the page, chosen by Chapman, describe how the walks run. Andre and Ben from London say "Before we actually met we were in email conversation and Lee worked out what we were looking for from the experience," and that he "was also knowledgeable regarding the history and facts about the places we visited." Mark and Deborah, on their third walk, describe a full-day route on the west side "starting at Araiyakushi-Mae Station and taking in areas around Nakano, Ogikubo, Nishi-Ogikubo and more," covered "at a comfortable pace with a couple of breaks at the most wonderful old Tokyo establishments." They add that he took them to the spot of one of his own photographs "and took the time to show us how to set up and take the shot."

Colin and Naoko describe a walk "from Ueno through to Minowa, the 'shitamachi' area of the city," ending "among peeling posters and wobbly tables" over beer. Jessica from Washington says "Any tour guide can talk about a building you're actually looking at, but Lee is just as fascinating talking about a building that isn't there anymore," and describes him stopping to talk with locals along the way. Isaac from Geneva writes that Chapman "helped me discover a Tokyo I didn't expect," and Fred and Sophia say the walk "changed our approach to the rest of our trip." Christian and Louise, from East Sussex, who had visited Tokyo several times before, call their morning walk "a fascinating, eye-opening and quite profound experience" that "helped us take better pictures, too." Garrett from California says Chapman "has a wonderful eye" and "has been doing some absolutely amazing work in and around Tokyo for some years now," and Mark and Deborah add that "Lee's interaction with the locals adds yet another layer to the experience."

Booking and Contact

Booking is direct with Chapman. The tours page says "To ask questions, check availability and book a photowalk, please get in touch through the secure form below, or if it's short notice, I can be contacted on either WhatsApp or iMessage at +81 090 1120 6199." Dates and routes are agreed by message, and the reviews describe the route being planned around places the guests "had mentioned in emails."

What the Site Leaves Open

The site does not state a cancellation or refund policy, a deposit, or how payment is taken, and it does not say how far ahead a walk should be booked beyond offering WhatsApp and iMessage for short notice. It does not name a meeting point, since each route is planned per booking. It does not state a minimum age, list the languages the walks are guided in, or say what happens in heavy rain. It does not describe how much walking a full day involves, although one reviewer describes ending "Footsore but fulfilled," and accessibility is not addressed.

The walks suit photographers and curious visitors who want the older, quieter side of Tokyo, its shitamachi streets, Showa-era shops and the people in them, with a guide who has photographed these places for two decades. The price is set per walk for up to 4 people rather than per head, which suits friends or a family exploring together. Anyone looking for a structured photography course should note the site's own line that these "won't be workshops as such."