Japan best photography spots: an ultimate guide

Looking for Japan best photography spots? These are my favourite ones, with specific tips on each location

Japan is one of the most commonly chosen destinations for photographers all over the world. Its culture, historical heritage, futuristic look and cuisine are just some of what Japan offers to its visitors. There is no place in the world like the land of the Rising Sun for capturing unique photos. Before my one-month photography trip to Japan, I did tons of research, not only looking for spots, but also for how to get to each one. These are the 58 Japan best photography spots.

DISCLAIMER: Photography locations are not listed following beauty or worthiness criteria. Instead, they are listed depending on the area/city they belong to.

NOTE: The floating torii of Miyajima Island is not included because it was under restoration. Consider it on your itinerary if interested. Yet, this is not the only floating torii in Japan, keep reading to discover some others!

Best Tokyo photography spots

Gyoen National Park

At the heart of Shinjuku, one of the larger parks in Tokyo. Make sure to visit it with plenty of time, as the ticket is around 500 yen. Make the most out of your time there and explore the different areas and ponds.

Memory lane (piss alley)

A classical yet challenging photography spot. Full of life and tourists at night, and difficult to get a nice photo. Patience and time are the best combinations for this spot.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Tokyo has many observation decks. Only a few of them are free and have impressive views. The Tokyo metropolitan government building offers a 360 panoramic view of the city. Even on foggy days, good photos can be taken.

Panning taxis

A classical shot from Japan is the panning of one of its characteristic colourful taxis. I had this image in mind when I first got to Japan and luckily I found the perfect location for taking it. The Shinjuku area, close to Kabuchiko is an ideal spot with traffic, neon lights and plenty of photography opportunities!

Senso-Ji Temple

Japan is home to many temples, and many more will appear on this list, especially in the Kyoto section. In my opinion, Tokyo has 2 temples worth visiting, the Senso-Ji and the Meji Jingu shrine (see below). Visit the first one at sunset, and make the most of blue hour. If it is supposed to rain, it will be even better, as puddles create beautiful reflections of the pagodas and temple buildings

Skytree tower

There are two towers in Tokyo included in this list. This is the first one. The Skytree tower offers many photography opportunities, from framing it with cherry blossoms to using car light trails as leading lines. However, my favourite one is the tower reflected on the water of a nearby channel. For the exact locations visit my night Tokyo photography guide!

Meiji Jingu Shrine

The second temple worth photographing in Tokyo is the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Unlike the Senso-Ji, this one can only be visited during the day. The temple itself did not inspire me from a photographic point of view, although it is very interesting from a historical point of view. However, the enormous torii gate and the sake barrels found in the road that connects the torii with the temple make it worth visiting it.

Shinjuku

The busy streets of Shinjuku are one of the most common photography spots in Japan. Don’t miss them, and stay alert, street photography is about being quick!

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

These are probably the second-most photographed escalators in Japan. Just outside the Meiji Jingu shrine, there is the Tokyo Plaza commercial centre. The photography spot is from the escalators and towards the street. A bunch of randomly positioned mirrors create a unique composition. It is also a nice place to get some cool portraits.

Samsung Harajuku

Harajuku is one of the neighbourhoods of Tokyo where you can find rare or non-usual places. Within the Samsung Harajuku, there is one of those places. This mirrored room projects images from your own Instagram account all over the place. It can get very busy depending on the time of the day, so make sure to get your shot on the first attempt, as you only have 1 minute in the room alone.

Tokyo International forum

This is one of the buildings that you can only find in Japan. A free to access the building where any travel, architecture or portrait photographer can create some of their finest works. Take the elevator and enjoy the impressive architecture. Make sure to visit at sunset, when the warm golden hour light is reflected in all the glass components of the building.

Tokyo Tower

One of the most iconic and best Tokyo (and Japan) Photography spots. Admire it from the distance or get as close as possible. There are endless possible compositions!

Tokyu Plaza Ginza viewpoint

Shibuya is not the only famous crossing in Japan. Ginza’s view from the Tokyu Plaza Ginza rooftop garden is one of the best ones in the city. And it is free! I would recommend visiting it at night, but it is also enjoyable during the daytime, as can be seen below.

Kabukicho gate

This is one of the most famous Tokyo photography spots, and probably also in the whole country of Japan. This red gate, at the heart of Shinjuku, is worth a visit only when the sun is gone, just like the whole area.

Shibu Niwa night Tokyo viewpoint

There are many night viewpoints over the city of Tokyo for photography. However, my favourite one is the Shibu Niwa one. Located next to the Shibuya crossing, it has impressive views not only over the crossing but also over the skyline of the city. You can even see the Tokyo tower! Do not miss it!

Eitai Bridge viewpoint

One of the best views of Tokyo, but not one of the most photographed ones. Get to the centre of the bridge and capture the Tokyo skyline. If there are boats passing by, you could take one of your best photos of the trip! (unfortunately, I visited during the coronavirus pandemic, and there were no boats)

Hie Shrine (red torii gates Tokyo)

The famous Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto (see below) is one of the best photography spots in Japan. However, Tokyo also has its own set of red torii gates. They are at the Hie shrine, a not so well known temple at the heart of Tokyo. Do not miss it!

Best Mount Fuji area photography spots

Lake Kawaguchi over Mount Fuji

One of the most iconic photography spots in Japan, the view of Mount Fuji by Kawaguchi Lake. A once in a lifetime experience for any photography lover. Do check the weather forecast. Especially during warmer seasons (spring and summer), the chances of getting a clear and unobstructed view over Mount Fuji are slim.

Arayayama Shrine

One of the most unknown photo locations in Japan. A torii tunnel that, unlike Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari, you will be able to enjoy alone or surrounded only by locals. A truly authentic experience in a Japanese temple.

Chureito Pagoda

This is one of the photo spots that everyone visiting Japan has seen before. The Mount Fuji view from the Chureito Pagoda, especially during spring and autumn is an unforgettable experience. Get there early, as the viewpoint is quite small.

PRO TIP: don’t bother bringing your tripod. It is forbidden to use one, and there are people reinforcing this rule. You might be able to sneak a small one during sunrise, but not during sunset.

Oishi Park

By the shore of Lake Kawaguchi, there is a small park famous for its views over Mount Fuji. It is quite seasonal, and you will get your best photos if you visit it during spring or autumn. Nonetheless, you’ll come across it if you do the circular hike around the lake.

Boats by Mount Fuji

Another classical image of the most famous Japanese mountain is this one. The small boats lined up in front of the lake with the mount fuji behind. There are multiple locations by Kawaguchi Lake where you can take this photo, make sure not to stick to the first one you see and explore other options.

Best Japanese Alps Photography spots

Snow Monkeys

Japan is home to a very special monkey species, the so-called snow monkeys. The best place to see them is the Jogkudani Monkey Park, in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Make sure to wake up early, it is when they are more active and there are fewer people around.

The best season to photograph them is, without any doubt, winter. It is then when they really need to get close to the onsens (hot swimming pools), and you can get the best photos.

Matsumoto Black Castle

The most famous black castle in Japan is the Matsumoto castle. Moreover, it is built in a flat area, unlike most Japanese castles. If this is not enough a reason to visit it, make sure to check the photo below, with the beautiful red bridge and the castle reflected in the moat.

Best Kanazawa Photography spots

Kanazawa Kenrokuen Gardens

Rated as one of the best gardens in Japan, they are Kanazawa’s top tourist attraction. Enjoyable throughout the whole year, it really flourishes (sorry for the pun, I couldn’t resist) during spring, arguably the best season to visit any garden in Japan.

Higashi Chaya district

If you want to time travel, visit the Higashi Chaya district in Kanazawa. This old wooden district, and its main street, are a perfect place for photography, with some of the most authentic Japanese vibes you can find. It can get pretty busy, so sunrise and sunset are the best moments to visit it. Moreover, it is said to be a Geisha area, you might be lucky enough to see one.

Tzuzmi-mon Gate

If Kanazawa is on your Japan itinerary, it is impossible to miss this spot. An enormous red gate outside the Kanazawa station, welcoming tourists and other travellers. It is a quite popular spot among photographers, so be ready to wait a bit before getting the perfect photo.

Kanazawa Fish Market

Markets are always nice photography spots, and Kanawaza’s is not an exception. Being a coastal city, the Kanazawa market is buzzing. Its main attraction is fish products, but you can really find anything there. All types of food, snacks,… If you are really hungry, the second floor is almost exclusively dedicated to restaurants. Don’t leave Kanazawa without eating some local fresh fish!

Best Kyoto photography spots

Yasaka Pagoda viewpoint

Kyoto is the city of temples, and without any doubt, one of the most photographed ones is the Yasaka pagoda. Enjoy the view of the pagoda from the distance, near the Ryozen Kannon, especially during sunset, when the sun sets just next to the pagoda.

Yasaka Pagoda street

This is the classical view of the Yasaka Pagoda. The empty street at blue hour. However, the secret behind this photo is waiting for hours for the street to empty and sharing the narrow space with other photographers. I strongly recommend capturing this spot at sunrise. fewer people will be there, and the chances of getting a better photo will increase.

Koyasu Pagoda

Within the world-famous Komizu-dera temple, there is this small pagoda. It is sometimes overlooked because of the imponent main wooden pavilion, but it makes for a cute pagoda photo. You will need to pay to get into the temple and take this photo. However, if you want to visit Kyomizu-dera, this can be nice extra photography to get.

Kyomizu-dera

One of the most famous temples in Japan. Nonetheless, it was a bit disappointing. The temple grounds close before sunset, so it is impossible to get a proper sunset photo. Moreover, it is difficult to get a different composition. Yet, it is a must-visit spot. The beauty of the temple itself makes it worth it. Just be warned that unless it is spring (cherry blossom) or autumn (foilage), the final photo might not be as impressive as you expect.

Fushimi Inari

This is THE Kyoto photo spot, and one of the most well-known Japan photography spots. Endless rows of Torii gates, and a real nightmare to composite. It is easy to get a nice photo, but really difficult to get a wow photo. Don’t stop at the beginning of the route, there are more torii gates into the mountains (there is a nice route to walk). Yet, the best ones for photography are in the initial section.

To get the photo without any people in it, get up early, go there before sunrise, and enjoy the silence. Once the first buses arrive, start hiking. The upper sections are emptier, and not all tourists like climbing stairs.

Lake Biwa floating torii

This is one of the almost unknown photography locations in Japan, and in my opinion, one of the best ones. This floating torii is not easy to access. Google maps will tell you how to get there, but, in a nutshell, it requires a train and some walking next to a busy highway. Nonetheless, it is completely worth it. It was the highlight of my trip, and chances are that you will be completely alone photographing it.

Kinkaku-Ji (Golden pavilion)

Kyoto’s golden Pavillion is one of the most visited temples in the city. Yet, it is not as impressive as its name suggests. Yes, it is nice, but given that it can’t be visited, and that it is difficult to find new compositions, there are way better temples to photograph in Japan. Of course, it is a must-visit spot, but not as good for photography as I expected. Same for the Silver Pavilion, which I decided not to include on this list.

Arashiyama Bamboo forest

If Fushimi Inari is the most famous spot in Kyoto, this is the second one. This bamboo corridor is perfect for photography. However, everyone knows it. Thus, get up very early, before sunrise, and hope that not many other photographers will have the same idea. You won’t be alone, but chances are that you will get a good photo. Oh, don’t forget your wide-angle lenses. They are key for capturing the Arashiyama Bamboo forest!

Secret Arashiyama Bamboo forest

If you are looking for a different experience, this is your place. Few people know that there are two bamboo forests in the Arashiyama area. Finding the second one, though, requires a bit of research. Make sure to check my Secret Japan Photography spots guide to find out the exact location!

Best Nara photography spots

Nara Deers

The old capital city of Japan, Nara, has some very special inhabitants. Deers are everywhere, especially on the temple grounds. Be careful with them, if you buy food (there are people selling crackers for the deers), they will get close to you, and some might even bite in order to get them.

Yet, they won’t say anything about using a camera. They are quite tricky to photograph. Look at their behaviour, and try to predict their movements. Get the camera at its height for more accurate photos. I really enjoyed using wide-angle lenses, although then focusing becomes a nightmare.

Sagiike Pond

A somewhat less popular Nara photography spot. This small pond has a floating octagonal structure only accessible using a small bridge. As you can see below, it is perfect for photography, even if the weather conditions are not the best ones.

Best Osaka photography spots

Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel

Osaka’s Dotonbori area feels like a small Shinjuku. One of its weirdest attractions is the Don Quijote Ferris wheel. It can be seen from everywhere in the canal and is one of the distinctive things to photograph in Osaka.

Street photography in Osaka

The streets of Osaka were where I enjoyed the most street photography in Japan. Unlike the Shinsekai area (see below), the Dotonbori area is full of authentic spots, places perfect for photography. Get lost with your camera in hand, and don’t miss any photos!

Glico Sign

Another iconic Osaka photography spot. Again, try to visit it at night, as it is when it makes more sense to capture it. The best place to photograph the Glico sign is from the opposite riverside. It will be easy to spot, as there will be hordes of people taking the same photo. Unless you are using really wide-angle lenses, aim for a panorama, the final result will be way better. I used a 10mm and still did the panorama option.

Dotonbori Channel

This is the heart of Osaka. The channel is where things happen and in my opinion one of the best photo locations in Japan, especially for street photography. There are multiple bridges crossing it, and getting a nice photo is quite easy. Yet, be careful if you are using a tripod. Most bridges are not 100% stable, as there is a lot of people walking around. Very long exposure images might not be perfectly sharp.

Osaka castle

Osaka is a city with lots of skyscrapers. However, one of the ways to get a nice view of the city is from Osaka Castle. At its top, there is an interrupted view over the city and some of its tallest buildings. Entering the Osaka castle comes with a fee, but it is worth it, especially if you want to learn about the history of the city.

Kuromon Market

Probably my favourite market I visited in Japan. Despite the constant flow of tourists, it felt somewhat authentic, maybe because the city itself is quite hectic. Yet, it is a nice place to capture typical Japanese products and daily life scenes.

Umeda Sky building

One of the tallest buildings in the city, and without any doubt one of the weirdest ones. Besides its unique shape, two vertical towers connected at the top, to access the top area, there are two escalators that are a really nice photography spot. Not for the faint of heart though. There is a nice view of the city at the top. However, the price of the ticket is quite expensive. Getting to the escalators and riding them, though, is free.

Shinsekai

Shinjuku has some crazy neon signs, but Osaka has its own neon area, Shinsekai. This part of the city is best enjoyed at night, although not exclusively. The restaurant signs, the food, and different shops create a very different atmosphere. And while you are waiting for the perfect photo, try the typical Takoyaki. You won’t regret it!

Best Himeji photography spots

Himeji Castle viewpoint

Himeji castle is one of the best castles to photograph in Japan. Besides the typical view (see below), there is a way to get a more realistic view of the castle and to understand how massive it is. Get to the Otokoyama Haisuiike park for the view below. And be warned, the prize is the photo, the price is the steep stairs to get to the park.

Koko-en gardens

This was one of my favourite Japanese gardens. Despite visiting it just before the Sakura season, they felt really intimate, and not crowded at all. They are located just next to the Himeji Castle and compared to other gardens, the entrance fee is reasonable.

Himeji castle

The main attraction of Himeji is its castle. The best point to photograph it is from the small section where you can see the bridge connecting the Himeji Zoo and the castle area. It is a free spot, and on beautiful sunsets and spring months, there are hordes of photographers looking for the money shot. Make sure to get there early enough to secure a spot.

Best Kii Peninsula photography spots

Okunoin Cemetery

This cemetery should be in any best Japan photography spots guide. Instead, not many people mention it. While it is true that getting to Koyasan, where the Okunoin Cemetery is can be challenging, it is the only place where I experienced the real rural Japanese vibes. This enormous cemetery is best explored early or late into the day. However, make sure not to get lost, it can be quite scary at night.

Within the Okunoin cemetery, there is one of the most impressive places in Japan, the Torodo Hall, a room with thousands of lanterns perfectly aligned. However, it is forbidden to take photos there, something that I encourage you to respect.

Kongobu-Ji Temple

Koyasan is home to some of the best temples in Japan. Although the Danjo-Garan might be the most impressive one, I really enjoyed visiting and photographing the Kongobu-Ji temple. Its zen-style gardens are worth a visit, as well as their painted room walls (not allowed to photograph the paintings).

Nachi Taisha

This is one of the most famous photography spots in Japan, although one that not everyone gets to visit. It is just far away from everywhere. It takes some time by train, but the reward is an amazing and beautiful waterfall with a gorgeous pagoda in front of it. One of these images that you can’t believe they are not photoshopped until you see them.

Daimon Zaka

The Kumano Kodo is the most popular pilgrimage route in the west of Japan. This would be an easy way to understand what it means to walk the Kumano Kodo. This short section of the centenary cedar trees is perfect for taking some unique and not so usual photos of Japan.

Benten Island

I bet that is the first time you head about this island. I found out about this spot while having dinner with some locals, and I had to wake up at 4 am to capture it before my train to Nagoya left. What a fantastic view. With the right tidal planning, there should be ponds to take perfect reflections of this torii.

Futamiokitama Shrine

This is one of the spots that I have to visit again. Although I knew it was perfect for sunrise or sunset, my schedule made me visit it before the sun went down. Make sure to plan your visit accordingly. if just like this it looks nice, I can’t imagine how nice it must be with the sun setting behind the two rocks.

Best Hiroshima photography spots

Hiroshima Castle (+ grounds/garden)

Hiroshima is not known for its castle. Of course, this is a rebuilt, as not much was expending after the incident we all know about. Yet, it is a really nice area to photograph and explore. Both the castle and the grounds and gardens surrounding it are well worth a visit.

Hiroshima Memorial

This is the main spot to visit at Hiroshima, and despite being a non-pleasant place, it is a place that is important to photograph. I opted for a black and white image, despite getting a crazy beautiful sunset, as I felt it was more suited for the occasion. Be respectful, and learn more about the history of the city at the nearby museum Peace Museum.

I hope you enjoyed this list with the best Japan photography spots. If you have any questions, feel free to reach me through the contact page or send me a DM on Instagram (@aniolvisuals). You can find me there and follow my travels and adventures. For business inquiries, email at hello@aniolvisuals.com.