Tokyo Photography Guide 2024:10 Best Photo Places inTokyo (incl. Map)
Tokyo, Japan's capital city, is not only a hub of modern culture and cutting-edge technology but also a region rich in history and traditional culture. Tokyo offers numerous photo spots that capture the essence of Japan, particularly during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, attracting many tourists seeking to capture beautiful photographs.
The city also boasts many locations perfect for urban photography, with especially popular spots like Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Sky offering breathtaking aerial views. As a photography enthusiast, I've carefully selected 10 recommended Tokyo Photo Spots from various perspectives.
If you are visiting Tokyo, you should also visit Omoide Yokocho, which is known not only as a drinking district but also as a representative of Tokyo's retro streetscape.
You can also visit Magical Trip's ‘Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku’, where you can soak up the uniquely Japanese atmosphere.
Yasuhiro
Why is Tokyo Overflowing with Perfect Photo Spots?
Tokyo is brimming with exceptional photo opportunities because each district presents its own unique character. For instance, Shinjuku Gyoen and Yoyogi Park offer rich greenery, seasonal flowers, and Japanese gardens, creating an oasis-like atmosphere within the city.
In contrast, areas like Marunouchi and Roppongi feature clusters of skyscrapers that create magical scenes when the sun reflects off the buildings during sunset, transforming into brilliant illuminated landscapes at night.
Furthermore, areas like Asakusa and Yanaka maintain their traditional shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere with retro streetscapes. Tokyo's abundance of captivating photo spots stems from its unique blend of nature, technology, and tradition.
10 Must-Visit Tokyo Photo Spots Selected by a Photography Enthusiast
Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple, with approximately 1,400 years of history, is Tokyo's oldest temple and serves as the symbol of the famous tourist destination, Asakusa.
The temple's main highlight is the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). The gate features a massive lantern hanging in its center, measuring 3.9 meters in height and 3.3 meters in width, and is consistently crowded with photographers.
The best times to photograph Kaminarimon are during the night and early morning. At night, the illumination creates a romantic atmosphere throughout the area. In the morning, fewer crowds mean unobstructed photo opportunities.
For impressive shots, try photographing from a low angle right in front of the lantern. At night, capturing the entire gate in your frame will result in mystical, atmospheric photographs.
This spot is highly recommended for visitors wanting to capture iconic images that symbolize Japan.
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM (From 6:00 AM during April-September)
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3842-0181
Official Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/
Tokyo Tower (From Roppongi Sky Deck)
Source: Official website
For the best view of Tokyo's iconic landmark, the Tokyo Tower, head to the Sky Deck observation platform at Roppongi Hills. Located 270 meters above sea level, this spectacular viewing point offers a 360-degree panoramic view, making it one of the most impressive Tokyo photo spots.
The ideal times for photographing Tokyo Tower from the Sky Deck are during sunset and at night. During sunset, the orange sky creates a stunning contrast with the red Tokyo Tower, while at night, the illuminated tower against the surrounding city lights creates a magical atmosphere. For the best composition, try capturing the tower with the surrounding skyscrapers to emphasize its beauty.
This spot is highly recommended for anyone interested in experiencing Tokyo's representative night views.
Address: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower Rooftop, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Last entry 21:30)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 03-6406-6652
Official Website: https://tcv.roppongihills.com/jp/
TOKYO TOWER
ROPPONGI SKY DECK
Yokocho (Traditional Alleyways)
Yokocho are narrow alleyways with a retro atmosphere, densely packed with small eateries. These popular Tokyo photo spots, especially in tourist areas and entertainment districts, offer authentic local food culture experiences.
The unique characteristic of Yokocho is the opportunity for social interaction. The intimate spacing between establishments naturally encourages conversation with other patrons.
These welcoming spaces attract both young locals and tourists alike. Here are two particularly photogenic Yokocho spots:
Yurakucho Railroad Track Side
Along the Yurakucho railroad tracks, you'll find Yurakucho Sanchoku Yokocho, open 24 hours for your convenience.
This Yokocho features 11 establishments serving various cuisines, from meat to fish and shellfish. The atmosphere is cheerful and casual, with laughter echoing throughout the alley.
For photography, nighttime is ideal when lanterns and neon lights illuminate the alley. The ambiance resembles scenes from the famous Ghibli film "Spirited Away." Capture the entire alley from the entrance using a wide-angle lens to convey the vibrant atmosphere.
Yurakucho Sanchoku Yokocho is perfect for those wanting to experience Japan's lively izakaya culture.
Address: 2-1-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: Varies by establishment
Official Website: https://www.hamakura-style.com/works/yurakuchosanchokuyokocho/
Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho is a retro-style alley located at Shinjuku Station's West Exit. With over 70 unique restaurants and eateries, visitors can enjoy meals at reasonable prices.
The walls between establishments are separated by just a single board, creating intimate seating arrangements where customers from different restaurants can sometimes engage in conversation. At Omoide Yokocho, you'll often see locals interacting with international tourists.
For photography, it's recommended to visit after dark. The narrow, dim alleyways are illuminated by lanterns and store signage, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Including the concrete walkway in your frame will enhance the contrast between the lanterns and shop lighting.
Omoide Yokocho is perfect for those seeking to experience a retro atmosphere.
Address: 1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Varies by establishment
Closed: Varies by establishment
Phone: Varies by establishment
Official Website: https://shinjuku-omoide.com/
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is a vast green space in the urban area of Shibuya, Tokyo, perfect for picnics and cycling.
The park is famous for its seasonal changes, particularly its autumn foliage. It features approximately 900 zelkova trees, 200 ginkgo trees, and 200 maple trees. These trees change colors at different times during autumn, creating a gradient of red, yellow, and green. Visitors can enjoy the view while having meals at the park benches.
For autumn photography, the fountain area is highly recommended. While fall colors can be seen throughout the park, the reflection of red leaves in the fountain pool creates particularly stunning views. Positioning the central fountain spray in the middle of your frame will result in a well-balanced photograph.
Yoyogi Park is ideal for those wanting to experience Japan's distinct seasonal changes.
Address: 2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3469-6081
Official Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/yoyogi/index.html
Takeshita Street
Takeshita Street is a 350-meter-long street running from JR Harajuku Station toward Meiji Street, featuring approximately 130 shops selling fashion items, accessories, and sweets.
Within the Harajuku area, Takeshita Street is notable for its concentration of Japan's "Kawaii" culture. The street is filled with colorful and pop-style sweets, fashion items, and photo spots that embody "Kawaii" culture.
For the best photos of Takeshita Street, shoot from the entrance near Harajuku Station's Takeshita Exit. Including the balloon art-decorated signage will add vibrancy to your photos. Try raising your camera above the crowd to avoid disturbing others. Shooting from a higher angle captures more of the street's depth, conveying its lively atmosphere.
Takeshita Street is recommended for those interested in experiencing unique Japanese culture.
Address: 1-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Phone: 03-3403-2525 (Takeshita Street Shopping Association)
Official Website: https://www.takeshita-street.com/
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a vast garden that spans across the urban areas of Shinjuku and Shibuya in Tokyo. It's known as a place where visitors can relax away from the city's hustle and bustle.
The cherry blossoms that bloom in spring are a particular highlight of Shinjuku Gyoen. Multiple varieties are planted, with early-blooming cherry blossoms starting in January, followed by the classic Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms reaching their peak in late March. The extended viewing period is one of its most attractive features.
For spring visitors, we recommend taking photos of the cherry blossoms with the DoCoMo Tower in the background. In Shinjuku Gyoen's plaza, there's a spot where you can capture the DoCoMo Tower peeking through the cherry blossom branches. The combination of pink cherry blossoms and the white DoCoMo Tower enhances the beauty of the blossoms, so be sure to try capturing this shot.
For those wanting to see many cherry blossoms at once in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen is highly recommended.
Address: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10/1-3/14 9:00AM-4:00PM • 3/15-6/30 & 8/21-9/30 9:00AM-5:30PM • 7/1-8/20 9:00AM-6:30PM
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-3350-0151
Official Website: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is Tokyo's most visited spiritual power spot. With its abundant nature that seems impossible to find in the city center, it's often called an "urban oasis."
At Meiji Shrine, from mid to late November each year, visitors can enjoy the ginkgo tree-lined avenue that stretches about 300m from the Aoyama entrance to the Outer Garden Central Plaza's circular path. The Ginkgo Festival is also held during this time, featuring food stalls that create a lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in autumn.
When photographing the ginkgo trees, we recommend shooting from a low angle rather than eye level. This technique creates a beautiful contrast between the yellow ginkgo leaves covering the sky and the blue sky peeking through the gaps.
Meiji Shrine is perfect for those who want to experience the fusion of nature and historical architecture.
Address: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Opens at sunrise, closes at sunset
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3379-5511
Official Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
The Shibuya Scramble Crossing, located in front of Shibuya Station, is a world-famous intersection. It's called "the world's busiest crossing" as over 1,000 people cross during a single green light.
The Scramble Crossing is particularly spectacular at night. After dark, the intersection is illuminated by neon lights from surrounding buildings, creating a unique spectacle.
The best spot to photograph the Scramble Crossing is from MAGNET by SHIBUYA, a commercial facility right in front of the intersection. The facility's rooftop observation deck is known as the prime location for overlooking the crossing. Using a wide-angle lens will help capture the crossing's neon atmosphere in your photos.
This is a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy a 360-degree view of the urban landscape.
Address: 1-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Rooftop View at Tokyu Plaza Ginza
Tokyu Plaza Ginza is a large commercial facility featuring fashion retailers and restaurants. It has two observation areas - the KIRIKO LOUNGE on the 6th floor and the KIRIKO TERRACE on the 11th floor rooftop, both offering free admission.
The highlight is the view of Ginza from KIRIKO TERRACE. This rooftop observation deck has no roof covering and offers a panoramic night view spanning over 180 degrees. Of the two distinct spaces, you can enjoy the night view from the "GREEN SIDE," which features a nature theme.
For photography, it's recommended to use a wide-angle lens, which can create a miniature-like effect of the cars and people below. Additionally, using a slower shutter speed can capture the flow and movement of people and objects, creating dynamic photographs.
This spot is perfect for those who want to enjoy Tokyo's night view in a sophisticated, stylish setting.
Address: Tokyu Plaza RF, 5-2-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 1-9F 11:00-21:00 • B2F 11:00-23:00 • B1F 11:00-21:00 • 10-11F 11:00-23:00
Closed: January 1st and one irregular day per year
Phone: 03-3571-0109
Official Website: https://ginza.tokyu-plaza.com/
Recommended: "Tokyo by Night Photography Tour" with a Professional Photographer
The Tokyo by Night Photography Tour is an experience where you can explore Tokyo's photo spots with a dedicated photographer. The tour begins at a bar where you can enjoy a drink while discussing your photography preferences and desired locations with the photographer, creating a customized tour experience.
The tour is divided into two parts: The first part involves visiting and photographing Tokyo's hidden gems, with the guide providing information about each location along with photography services. The second part focuses on capturing Tokyo's panoramic night views from either the Shibuya Scramble Crossing or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck. Photos taken during the tour will be sent to you within a few days.
This tour is perfect for those who want to preserve their travel memories with beautiful photographs or solo travelers who want professional photos taken. The guides are friendly and accommodating to participants' requests, ensuring an enjoyable experience.
Meeting point: Lion statue at Shinjuku Station East Exit
Tour areas: Shinjuku, Shibuya
Start time: 17:30
Click here for more details: https://www.magical-trip.com/product/9f0a5d04-fa70-4a25-82e5-36eca32ec5d5
