What's In My Minimal Travel Photography Kit (Tokyo Edition)

12 May

After travelling extensively last year, I’ve refined my gear setup down to the essentials — just what I need to stay lightweight, creative, and efficient while on the road. Whether I'm out shooting street scenes in Tokyo or capturing quiet moments during solo travel, this minimal setup gives me everything I need without the bulk.

Here’s what’s currently in my everyday travel photography bag:

The Bag: Moment Rugged Sling

This sling bag from Moment has become my go-to for short trips and day shoots. It was generously gifted to me (no sponsorship) and has honestly become one of my favourite options when I want to pack light.

What I love:

Compact yet roomy – I’ve even managed to fit a Sony A7 IV with a 24-70mm G Master lens in it, though I usually carry something smaller.
Superior strap quality – The adjustable strap feels more robust than the URTH sling I used in Korea.
Well-organised compartments – I can keep documents, money, batteries, and even a mini tripod separated with ease.

Fujifilm X100VI – The Heart of the Kit

The star of the show is the Fujifilm X100VI, and honestly, this little powerhouse hasn’t left my side since I got it.

Specs:

40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor – Massive resolution in a compact body.
X-Processor 5 – Speedy performance and excellent power efficiency.
Built-in 23mm f/2 lens (35mm full-frame equivalent) – Sharp, fast, and versatile for street, travel, and lifestyle work.
In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS) – 6 stops of stabilisation for handheld video and low-light shooting.
4K/60p & 6.2K/30p video recording – Incredible video capabilities for such a small camera.
Classic Fuji film simulations & custom recipes – Perfect for straight-out-of-camera JPEG shooters.

Extras I’ve added:

SmallRig thumb grip – Makes handling more comfortable.
Haoge Lens hood – Adds protection and cuts flare.
Moment CineBloom 49mm (10%) diffusion filter – Adds a soft glow to highlights, giving images a dreamy, cinematic quality. I also carry a 20% version for more pronounced effect.
Forest green strap – A simple, affordable touch from Amazon.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – Pocket-Sized Video Beast

Tucked away in a separate pocket of the bag is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, my compact go-to for casual video shooting or vlogging moments when I don’t want to draw attention.

Specs:

1-inch CMOS sensor – Significantly better dynamic range and low-light performance than its predecessors.
4K/120fps video – Stunning slow-motion capture for a camera this small.
3-axis gimbal stabilisation – Smooth, steady footage on the move.
Rotatable 2-inch touchscreen – Makes framing and controls intuitive.
D-Log M & 10-bit colour – Pro-level colour grading flexibility in post.

Its tiny size means it slides effortlessly into the side compartment, keeping it safe from bumps and knocks — especially important given its delicate gimbal mechanism.

Power: Llano Battery Charging Case

The Llano battery charger is a lifesaver for travel. It charges three NP-W126S batteries simultaneously — the standard battery type for the X100VI.

Highlights:

Fast USB-C charging
Battery level indicators
Holds extra SD cards

I usually carry three batteries and a couple of SD cards in this all-in-one solution. It's compact, efficient, and exactly what you want on the road.

Essentials & Extras

Sunscreen – Don’t forget it. You're outside all day. Protect your skin.
JOBY Mini tripod – Great for trains, cafés, or impromptu video watching sessions.
AirPods, hand sanitiser, leads – The everyday bits that keep everything smooth and hygienic.

Final Thoughts

Right now, this setup works perfectly for how I shoot. I’ve been leaving the Sony A7 IV in the locker most days — not because it’s not a great camera, but because the X100VI and Osmo Pocket 3 handle 90% of what I need with less fuss.

If you’re thinking of upgrading your gear or feel like you need a whole new setup, maybe you don’t. Sometimes, it’s not about adding — it’s about subtracting. The more I’ve simplified my kit, the more I’ve focused on the actual photography and storytelling.

So get out there. Keep it light. And don’t forget your sunscreen.