The 8 Best Places To Take Pictures in Tokyo is an unmatched backdrop for photographers, offering a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition that creates endless photographic opportunities. Shibuya Crossing’s famous pedestrian gathering place beneath neon signs and towering skyscrapers should not be missed when photographing Tokyo; be sure to capture this iconic image.
Asakusa’s historic district offers an intriguing glimpse of Tokyo’s past through its Senso-ji Temple and charming Nakamise-dori shopping street. Odaiba offers futuristic architectural delights such as its Rainbow Bridge and teamLab Borderless digital art museum to provide endless visual stimulation.
Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Shrine grounds offer respite from Tokyo’s hustle and bustle with stunning natural beauty awaiting to be captured through your lens. No matter your taste in photography, Tokyo guarantees an amazing picture-perfect experience for photographers of any kind!
Why Tokyo is Best Place To Take Pictures?
Here are some key reasons why Tokyo is one of the top spots to take pictures:
Tradition and Modernity: Tokyo offers an eye-catching contrast of ancient temples, historic districts and futuristic skyscrapers that will add an intriguing dimension to your photographs.
Vibrant Street Life: Tokyo offers many opportunities for street photography with its vibrant streets, lively markets, and iconic spots such as Shibuya Crossing.
Tokyo is an architectural photographer’s delight, from sleek modern buildings to intricate historic structures, each one providing something different and captivating for their camera lens.
Cultural Festivals: The city boasts many colorful and culturally significant festivals, such as cherry blossom season. These festivities make an excellent backdrop for your photos!
Urban Planning: Tokyo’s careful urban planning ensures clean streets and well-kept public spaces that make for visually stunning photographic backdrops.
Night Photography: At nightfall, cities become alive with neon signs and beautifully illuminated landmarks that provide perfect conditions for night photography.
Tokyo boasts breathtaking natural beauty that is celebrated through lush green spaces and gardens such as Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Shrine, where visitors can capture its serenity.
Attention to Detail: Japan’s focus on design and aesthetics can be seen everywhere – from its carefully planned gardens to carefully designed public spaces.
Tokyo’s diverse neighborhoods and communities present opportunities to capture its rich tapestry of cultures and traditions within its boundaries.
Cleanliness and Orderliness: Tokyo stands out as an incredible photography destination because of its cleanliness, orderliness and friendly and well-dressed residents – qualities which contribute to its overall attractiveness as a city.
Here is List of Best Places To Take Pictures in Tokyo
- Asakusa
- Sensoji Temple
- Gyoen Park
- Harajuku
- Shibuya
- Meiji Shrine
- Kagurazaka
- Shinjuku
The 8 Best Places To Take Pictures in Tokyo
1. Asakusa
Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s premier sightseeing spots. While Asakusa may evoke memories of old Tokyo, it also offers modern marvels.
Visit the banks of the Sumida River for an unforgettable view of modern Tokyo and an ideal backdrop for photos. Here, you can admire landmarks such as Tokyo Skytree (Japan’s tallest structure) and Asahi Headquarters Building designed by Philippe Starck with its golden flame on top; or stop at Azuma-Bashi Bridge and marvel at its vibrant red colour – one of the best spots for admiring this view is from here too!
Hanayashiki Amusement Park boasts vintage allure that provides photo opps. One of Japan’s oldest amusement parks, this vintage amusement park features over twenty rides for visitors of all ages; classics such as rollercoasters, carousels and haunted houses make this attraction worth experiencing!
Nearby you will find one of Tokyo’s finest places for souvenir shopping: Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its impressive red lantern. Following that path will lead you into Nakamise Dori – Japan’s oldest shopping street where an array of stalls offer everything from traditional artifacts and accessories to delicious street food – such as delicious fried mochi.
2. Sensoji Temple (The 8 Best Places to Take Pictures in Tokyo)
Nakamise Dori, with over 1,000 years of history behind it, leads you directly to Asakusa’s main attraction – Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and makes for a wonderful photo op with its impressive Main Hall and colorful flower-patterned kimonos adorning many women!
Once at the temple grounds, you’ll quickly detect the scent from its large incense burners; Buddhists believe the smoke has healing powers. Just outside the main hall there’s also an impressive five-storied pagoda which stands among only a few others still standing in Tokyo; one of many excellent photo opps at this complex.
It can become quite bustling during the daytime, but becomes much quieter at night when everything is beautifully illuminated.
3. Gyoen Park
Gyoen Park in Shinjuku is Tokyo’s largest green area and was originally intended as an Imperial family garden. Since the late 1940s, however, Gyoen has been open to the public – becoming particularly popular every spring with visitors from all over the globe. Why?
People flock here each spring to witness one of Japan’s most breathtaking spectacles: cherry blossoms. Gyoen Park is one of the best spots in Tokyo to take pictures and experience what the Japanese refer to as “sakura season”.
No matter the season, Yoyogi Park remains beautiful throughout. Boasting lush lawns, charming walking paths, ponds and three different landscapes – Japanese (obviously), French and English; as well as being home to one of only few authentic Chinese-style buildings found anywhere in Japan: Taiwan Pavilion provides the perfect photo-op!
This urban paradise also boasts a restaurant, art gallery and greenhouse full of tropical flowers for photo opps at every turn and peace and serenity within this haven of nature. Don’t be fooled into thinking this tranquil haven lies right in one of the largest cities on Earth; enjoy your stay!
4. Harajuku (The 8 Best Places to Take Pictures in Tokyo)
Harajuku District in Tokyo should not be missed during any visit to Japan, even if you don’t enjoy anime or “kawaii” culture. Just steps from Harajuku Station, Takeshita Street offers unique stores selling everything from gothic clothing and cosplay costumes to vibrant neon fashion – you won’t believe your eyes!
From gothic clothing and cosplay costumes to hyper colourful neon fashion trends; everything here is outrageous but in an exciting way and the stylish youth walking the streets add another element.
Harajuku street food can make any Instagram feed look extravagant – from rainbow-colored grilled cheese sandwiches and giant cotton candy flowers, to animal-shaped ice creams.
Why don’t you try taking on an eccentric and daring style when visiting Harajuku? You’ll fit right in!
Harajuku offers a wealth of experiences for any visitor – be they discreet or relaxing. Shopping can be found at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando with its mirror-coated, kaleidoscopic escalator being an Instagram-worthy spot; Yoyogi Park also makes Harajuku an attractive option.
5. Shibuya
Shibuya, located in Tokyo’s bustling capital, is beloved among Japan’s hip and fashionable crowds and boasts an eclectic atmosphere full of fashion and fun.
Shibuya Crossing, known for its intense crowds yet organization, has become the epitome of Tokyo’s vibrancy and one of Japan’s premier spots for street photography. Witness how people cross quickly without collision (unless perhaps tourists taking selfies!).
Shibuya Crossing is one of the few places we recommend you visit during rush hour – between 6 pm and 9 pm – as this will allow for maximum crowd viewing experience.
For an alternative viewpoint, Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya’s 2nd floor offers an ideal vantage point for watching the hustle and bustle unfold below, or climb to Hikarie Building 11th floor where there is a free observatory deck with high windows for an equally unique vantage point.
Shibuya is an ideal place to sit at hipster cafes, shop in trendy boutiques and explore Tokyo’s lively independent arts scene. This area encapsulates Tokyo in all of its glory – you can’t help but be reminded just why this capital city is such an amazing city!
6. Meiji Shrine (The 8 Best Places to Take Pictures in Tokyo)
Meiji Jingu (or Meiji Shrine as locals refer to it) was completed in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken who had both passed away shortly before its completion. Although destroyed during World War II, its complex was quickly rebuilt shortly thereafter.
Today, Meiji Shrine stands as one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks and an oasis of peace near bustling Harajuku.
One of the shrine’s stunning Torii gates will welcome you, signifying the transition between earthly and spiritual realms. This quintessential piece of Japanese architecture makes a perfect photo op, while around it exists a lush forest made up of hundreds of thousands of beautiful trees.
As you approach the intricate main hall, you’ll notice an array of vibrantly coloured sake barrels decorated with Japanese characters. According to Japanese tradition, sake has an intimate link with spirituality; its barrels serve as offerings to gods.
Japanese Shinto architecture can be seen everywhere from its main hall to the secondary shrines, making for breathtaking displays of beauty. If you’re lucky, you might even witness one of its ceremonies!
For stunning pictures, take a visit to the Inner Garden, known for its exquisite iris flowers. In June, when in full bloom, this garden offers stunning hues of blues, purples and whites that create breathtaking images.
7. Kagurazaka
Kagurazaka, located close to Shinjuku, is an up-and-coming neighbourhood famous for its high-end French restaurants, chic boutiques and art galleries – often referred to as Little Paris.
Elegant and graceful are key components of this place, Kagurazaka being one of the main destinations to witness world-renowned geishas. Their heritage can still be found amongst its cobblestone streets filled with traditional kimono stores, ryotei restaurants (which only accept guests through referral) and even a geisha agency; even today you can spot these alluring and graceful women walking between meetings in these alleyways.
Find Kakurenbo Yokocho and Hyogo Yokocho alleys, both exquisitely photogenic. Among their black lacquered walls that once housed samurai houses are fancy restaurants and cafes reminiscent of Japan’s historic Edo period. Not only are these narrow streets great places for photography but their atmosphere offers a glimpse of Japanese history as you discover hidden spots such as these two alleyways.
Explore Kagurazaka’s long history at Zenkokuji Temple from 16th-century Japan on its main street – its orange gate and delightful Japanese lanterns will surely grab your attention and make for great photo opps!
8. Shinjuku (The 8 Best Places to Take Pictures in Tokyo)
Shinjuku is an exciting commercial and entertainment district with a vibrant mixture of shops, cafes and restaurants that line Shinjuku Station – Japan’s busiest railway station. Here you’ll find the best of what this mega city has to offer!
Go to the 45th floor of Tokyo’s tallest building, Metropolitan Government Office. Admission is free and it offers spectacular 360-degree photos of Tokyo from above. Although waiting lines may be long at first, don’t worry as only so many people are permitted onto the observation deck at once so you’ll have ample room to take pictures.
Omoide Yokocho is an expansive network of alleyways once known for its seedier drinking dens. Nowadays it still exudes an artistic bohemianism; with numerous small izakayas and eye-catching bars featuring paper lamps and wood fronts.
Shinjuku is home to Kabukicho, Tokyo’s largest red-light district and an ideal street photography spot with its eye-catching neon lights at night. A photographer may want to explore Golden Gai nearby – an alley filled with hundreds of eateries and unique bars offering drinks at competitive prices, perfect for sampling the underground culture in Tokyo! Kanpai!
Why Tokyo is Famous?
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is well known for multiple reasons.
Tokyo is home to numerous iconic cultural landmarks, including Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine and Tokyo Skytree – each drawing millions of tourists each year.
Modern Technology: Tokyo is an epicenter for innovation. Renowned for its advanced gadgets and robotics as well as research and development initiatives across a range of fields, it boasts one of the world’s greatest technological ecosystems.
Fashion and Shopping: Tokyo is well-known for its fashion and shopping districts such as Harajuku and Shibuya, which set global fashion trends with high-end boutiques as well as trendy street wear.
Cuisine: Tokyo is widely recognized for its culinary scene, offering traditional Japanese fare such as sushi, ramen and tempura as well as international fare like Italian pasta dishes and pizza. Tokyo holds more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city worldwide.
Arts and Entertainment: Tokyo boasts an enthralling arts and entertainment scene with world-class theaters, museums and galleries showcasing everything from anime and manga culture to its vibrant pop culture scene.
Tokyo’s efficient public transportation network, including its iconic subway system, is well known for its punctuality and convenience.
Cherry Blossom Season in Tokyo: Tokyo is world renowned for its breathtaking cherry blossoms, which attract visitors from all around the globe every spring. Parks and gardens such as Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen blossom into magnificent displays during this beautiful time.
Safety and Cleanliness: Tokyo is well known as one of the safest and cleanest metropolitan areas worldwide, drawing praise for its low crime rate and well-kept public spaces. Visitors often comment on this fact when visiting.
Cultural Festivals: Throughout the year, Tokyo hosts numerous cultural festivals that honor Japanese traditions, arts, and history.
Tokyo is renowned as a global economic powerhouse, home to numerous multinational corporations and financial institutions that contribute to its prominence as an economic center.
World-Class Infrastructure: The city boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, featuring skyscrapers, stunning bridges, and carefully planned public spaces.
Olympic and Sports Events: Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympic Games twice: in 1964 and 2021 – drawing attention to both its sporting facilities and passion for athleticism.
Tokyo is well known around the world due to a variety of factors that contribute to its global recognition, making it an essential travel destination.
Tokyo is Heart Of World Beautiful Destination?
Tokyo is undeniably captivating and mesmerizing; however, whether or not it should be considered the “heart” of all world destinations is subjective and depends on personal taste. Tokyo holds great appeal for many travelers with its mix of tradition and modernity, rich culture, stunning architecture, culinary treats and vibrant street life; however there are numerous mesmerizing destinations all across the world with their own distinctive charms and attractions that rival Tokyo in beauty and appeal.
Tokyo may or may not be considered the center of world destinations, but it certainly stands as an influential global metropolis and is an appealing tourist destination. Each individual would define it differently and determine their own “heart”, depending on personal interests and expectations for travel experiences.
The 8 Best Places to Take Pictures in Tokyo Conclusion
What are the best places to take pictures in Tokyo?
The top places for photography in Tokyo include Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple), Odaiba, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, Harajuku, and Ueno Park.
What’s so special about Shibuya Crossing for photography?
Shibuya Crossing is famous for its dramatic urban landscape. It’s the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world and offers fantastic shots of people in motion against the backdrop of towering buildings and neon lights.
Can I take photos inside Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa?
Yes, you can take photos of the temple’s exterior, its iconic Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon), and the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street. However, photography is usually not allowed inside the temple’s main hall.
Are there any entry fees for these photography locations?
Some places like Meiji Shrine and Shinjuku Gyoen have small entry fees. However, many of the locations mentioned are open and free to explore.
What’s unique about Odaiba for photography?
Odaiba’s futuristic architecture, featuring the Rainbow Bridge and the teamLab Borderless digital art museum, provides an excellent opportunity for capturing contemporary and artistic shots.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo for photography?
Cherry blossom season in spring and autumn for colorful foliage are popular times. However, Tokyo offers photographic opportunities year-round, with its ever-changing cityscape.
Are tripods allowed in these photography locations?
Tripod policies vary by location. Some places allow tripods for personal use, while others may have restrictions. It’s advisable to check the specific rules of each place before your visit.
