Top Photo Spots Guide in Tokyo, Shinjuku! Maps of Best Instagrammable Streets
Shinjuku is Tokyo's premier entertainment district. As the administrative center of Tokyo, it features some of Japan's tallest buildings, forming an impressive skyline.
While Shinjuku is known for its modern buildings, it's also famous for retaining a retro atmosphere dating back to the 1940s post-war era, creating a perfect blend of retro and modern elements. Additionally, there are spots where you can experience nature, such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
As one of Tokyo's most photogenic areas, Shinjuku features numerous photo spots perfect for 2024 visitors. As someone who loves Shinjuku deeply, I'll introduce you to recommended photo spots that maximize Shinjuku's charm.
5 Photo Spots in Shinjuku Where Retro Meets Modern - Perfect for Instagram 2024!
Omoide Yokocho
"Omoide Yokocho" is an izakaya (Japanese pub) district located at JR Shinjuku Station's West Exit. Established in the 1940s post-war period, it now houses about 80 establishments.
While Omoide Yokocho is perfect for bar hopping, it's also a fantastic photo spot. The alley exudes a nostalgic atmosphere of old Japan, perfect for capturing retro-style photos. It's especially recommended at night when red Japanese-style lanterns illuminate the streets, making you feel like you've stepped into a historical Japanese drama.
Since the alleys are narrow, please be mindful of other pedestrians when taking photos. Enjoy your photography while respecting the rules, and don't forget to experience some bar hopping too!
<Basic Information>
• Address: 1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Opening Hours: Varies by establishment
• Closed: Varies by establishment
• Phone: Varies by establishment
• Official Website: https://shinjuku-omoide.com/
Shinjuku Gyoen
Source: Official website
Shinjuku Gyoen is a lush park spanning 5.3 hectares in the heart of Shinjuku. This vast park is beloved by locals and tourists alike as a place of relaxation and is one of Shinjuku's most popular photo spots in 2024.
My particularly recommended spots are "Tamamoike Pond" and the "Japanese Garden," which embody traditional Japanese aesthetics. The "Kyuu Goryou Tei," a Chinese-style building within the Japanese garden, is one of the park's highlights. Photos taken from inside the building featuring both the structure and the garden capture a unique Oriental atmosphere blending Chinese and Japanese elements.
With cafes serving Japanese sweets and various dining options, Shinjuku Gyoen is perfect for a full day of enjoyment.
<Basic Information>
• Address: 11 Naito-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Opening Hours:
Oct 1 - Mar 14: 9:00-16:30
Mar 15 - Jun 30 & Aug 21 - Sep 30: 9:00-18:00
Jul 1 - Aug 20: 9:00-19:00
• Closed: Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday), Dec 29 - Jan 3
• Phone: 03-3341-1461
• Official Website: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/
Beautiful Photo Opportunities During Autumn Leaves and Cherry Blossom Seasons!
Source: Official website
Shinjuku Gyoen is famous as one of the best photo spots in Tokyo for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. During March and April, about 1,300 cherry trees bloom throughout the garden. Spring offers numerous photo opportunities with various flowers including azaleas and narcissus blooming alongside the cherry blossoms.
The autumn foliage season in November and December is also popular among photographers visiting Shinjuku photo spots 2024. The red maple leaves (momiji) and golden ginkgo trees create stunning photo compositions. Don't miss the breathtaking view of autumn leaves reflected in the Japanese garden pond, creating beautiful contrasts.
Golden Gai
Golden Gai is a unique drinking district featuring over 280 bars and izakayas housed in traditional Japanese tenement houses (nagaya). These nagaya are distinctively Japanese buildings where multiple establishments share one long structure. Dating back to the 1940s post-war era, Golden Gai maintains its retro atmosphere and historical charm.
This area offers one of the most authentic Shinjuku photo spots 2024 with its deep local atmosphere. It has become increasingly popular among foreign tourists for bar hopping. The narrow alleyways lined with colorful signboards create a distinctive ambiance unique to Golden Gai. At night, the illuminated signs create an even more emotional atmosphere.
The close proximity of establishments in Golden Gai creates an intimate atmosphere between customers and shop owners. When taking photos of the shops, please remember to ask for permission from the store owners.
<Basic Information>
・Address: 1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Business Hours: Varies by establishment
・Closed Days: Varies by establishment
・Phone: Varies by establishment
・Official Website: http://goldengai.jp/
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is an administrative complex consisting of the Main Building No.1, Main Building No.2, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Building. The sheer size of this architectural complex is impressive, with Main Building No.1 standing at 243 meters, making it the tallest building in Shinjuku and a popular landmark among Shinjuku photo spots 2024.
At night, Main Building No.1 features a projection mapping show. The show runs every 30 minutes from 18:00 to 21:30 and is free to watch. The colorful light show projected onto this massive building creates stunning photo opportunities that are not to be missed!
Spectacular Views from the Free Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck!
Source: Tokyo City Official
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers a free observation deck on its 45th floor. The unobstructed view of Tokyo from 202 meters high is breathtaking. Looking northeast, you can see the Tokyo Skytree, and on clear days, Mount Fuji is visible to the west. The nighttime views are equally stunning, making it one of the best Shinjuku photo spots 2024 for capturing dramatic skyline shots.
The observation deck features a piano that anyone can play, plus souvenir shops and a café where you can enjoy shopping and dining while taking in the views.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:30-22:00 (Observation Deck)
- Closed: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, December 29-31, January 2-3
- Phone: 03-5320-7890
- Official Website: https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is Tokyo's premier entertainment district. While especially lively at night with its numerous izakayas, clubs, and bars, Kabukicho also offers unique photo spots that are perfect for your 2024 Shinjuku photography adventure.
A recommended photo spot is the view of Kabukicho through the Kabukicho Ichibangai entrance arch. The arch is a symbol of Kabukicho and makes for impactful photographs. Recently, the Godzilla head on the Shinjuku Toho Building has become popular among tourists. The building opposite the Toho Building featuring the "I love Kabukicho" sign is a trendy spot among young people for capturing cool street snap photos.
Spectacular Views from JAM17 DINING at the New Kabukicho Tower - A New Symbol of the District!
Source: Official website
For viewing Shinjuku from Kabukicho, JAM17 DINING on the 17th floor of Kabukicho Tower is highly recommended. Opened in 2023, this 48-story building stands 225 meters tall and has become a new symbol of Kabukicho. The tower houses hotels, restaurants, a clubhouse, and cinemas, attracting both young people and tourists with its entertainment offerings.
JAM17 DINING is an Italian restaurant serving pasta and other Western dishes. The stylish interior offers expansive views of Shinjuku, with particularly romantic nighttime vistas. The beautifully presented dishes make for photogenic shots of both the food and the scenery.
Window seats are in high demand, so reservations are recommended for those wanting to enjoy the Kabukicho views.
<Basic Information>
JAM17 DINING
- Address: 17F, 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:30-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-6233-8217
- Official Website: https://www.hotelgroove.jp/jam17/
3 Recommended Spots for Capturing Photos of Chaos Where Retro and Modern Merge
Ryu no Miyako Food Street
Source: Official website
One of the must-visit Shinjuku photo spots in 2024, "Ryu no Miyako Food Street" is one of the largest food halls in Shinjuku. The alley features 17 stores offering various cuisines from meat to seafood dishes.
The interior, themed after Asian streetscapes from Japan and Taiwan, makes you feel like you're walking through an Asian street market. The neon lights glowing in blue and pink create a cyberpunk atmosphere that feels like stepping into a movie scene. Ryu no Miyako Food Street is thoroughly photogenic, offering a chaotic space with a futuristic vibe.
On weekends, live DJ performances are held, so come join the excitement!
<Basic Information>
- Address: Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Shinjuku 3-chome 36-12
- Business Hours: Varies by store
- Closed: None
- Phone: Varies by store
- Official Website: https://ryunomiyako.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinjyuku_ryunomiyako/
KABUKI hall
Source: Official website
Another trending Shinjuku photo spot for 2024, "KABUKI hall" is a food hall located on the second floor of Kabukicho Tower, the new symbol of Kabukicho. The interior is designed to resemble an Ennichi (Japanese traditional festival), filling the venue with a festive atmosphere.
The stores are divided into eight local areas representing different regions of Japan, allowing you to experience flavors from across the country. Every corner features colorful neon lights creating photogenic spaces. My favorite is the hanging goldfish in the "Chugoku Shikoku Shokusai" area. The cute goldfish are incredibly soothing.
Don't forget to try the oysters from Hiroshima, famous for its oyster production!
<Basic Information>
- Address: Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Kabukicho 1-29-1 2F
- Business Hours: Varies by store
- Closed: None
- Phone: Varies by store
- Official Website: https://kabukihall.com/
Shinjuku SANAGI
Source: PR TIMES
Completing our Shinjuku photo spots 2024 guide, "Shinjuku SANAGI" is a new-concept food hall located under the elevated tracks. The colorful lanterns hanging from the ceiling create an impressive sight, evoking the atmosphere of an Asian night market.
While the center area is immersed in an Asian atmosphere, there are actually six differently themed rooms, ranging from stylish tatami rooms to avant-garde table seating areas. You can experience different ambiances depending on where you sit.
The menu focuses on Asian cuisine, including traditional Japanese dishes like oden and sushi, as well as dim sum and noodle dishes. Both the space and the colorfully presented dishes offer photogenic experiences.
<Basic Information>
- Address: Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Shinjuku 3-35-6
- Business Hours: 11:00-23:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-5357-7074
- Official Website: https://sanagi.tokyo/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanagi.shinjuku/
[For Free] Two Recommended Observation Decks with Panoramic Tokyo Night Views
Shinjuku Nomura Building Observation Lobby
Source: Yahoo! Maps
The observation lobby on the 50th floor of the Shinjuku Nomura Building offers breathtaking views of Tokyo's nightscape. From 200 meters high, Shinjuku's night view sparkles like a starry sky, making it one of the most stunning Shinjuku photo spots 2024 has to offer. Located on the building's west side, the observation deck provides spectacular views of the sunset disappearing behind the skyscrapers. The calm atmosphere makes it perfect for dates. On clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji.
The 49th and 50th floors house nine restaurants. Each restaurant serves alcohol and maintains a romantic atmosphere, making them popular date spots. Since the restaurants also offer magnificent views, why not enjoy dinner after taking photos at the observation lobby?
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-26-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00-23:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3348-1662
- Official Website: https://snb-portal.com/nomura-shop/
Shinjuku Marui Main Building Rooftop Garden Q-court
Source: Yahoo! News
The Shinjuku Marui Main Building's Rooftop Garden Q-court is a rooftop garden designed as an English garden. Despite being in the heart of the city, it offers a surprisingly peaceful environment rich in nature. The garden features beautiful flowers and lawn areas, with roses blooming magnificently in May and October. At night, the garden is illuminated, transforming into a romantic space and offering unique Shinjuku photo spots 2024 visitors shouldn't miss.
The garden is divided into five themed areas, each offering different photo opportunities. My recommended spot is the "Early Spring Garden." This area features a central fountain with views of the DoCoMo Tower, Tokyo's fourth-tallest building, in the background. The combination of nature and skyscrapers creates unique photo opportunities you won't find anywhere else. Being located on a department store rooftop makes it convenient to visit while shopping.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 3-30-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00-19:00 (April-September)
11:00-18:00 (October-March)
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3354-0101
- Official Website: https://www.0101.co.jp/003/?from=01_pc_st003_top_head-logo
Want to Discover the Best Photo Spots Only Locals Know? Join a Tour with a Local Guide!
If you're looking to discover the ultimate Shinjuku photo spots 2024 that only locals know about, we recommend joining a tour guided by a local photographer. The tour begins at a "cyberpunk-themed bar" where you can capture photos that feel like they're straight out of a movie scene, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Next, you'll visit "local shrines" and explore popular areas covered in this article, including "Kabukicho" and "Golden Gai," while discovering hidden photo spots known only to locals. For the final destination, you can choose between either "Shibuya Crossing" or "Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory."
After the tour, the photographer will send you 20 carefully selected photos in digital format. The pictures taken with a DSLR camera capture an immersive quality that smartphone cameras simply can't match. Having professional photos taken of yourself is a special bonus that comes with joining the tour. Come enjoy a photography adventure with a local photographer!
Tour Details:
- Meeting point: Lion Statue at Shinjuku Station East Exit (Shinjuku eki Higashiguchi Lion zou)
- Tour area: Shinjuku and Shibuya
- Start time: 17:30