If there is a city that can’t be summarized on a single blog post is Tokyo. Photographing Tokyo is one of the most complex and interesting experiences I have ever had. Being the world’s largest city (or one of the largest ones, depending on how it is calculated), trying to capture its essence in a top 10 list is impossible. During my trip across Japan, I spend a considerable amount of time visiting Tokyo, around 9 days. Therefore, I think I can list some of the places that I enjoyed the most photographing. These are my top 15 Tokyo photography locations.
Before I start listing them, I also have an article about night photography in Tokyo, as I firmly believe that this is a city that has to be enjoyed and explored during night time. However, there are some spots that did not make it to the night photography guide that should be mentioned. Without any further delay, 15 Tokyo photography locations worth visiting.
1 Asakusa: Senso-ji temple
Starting a list with a whole district can seem confusing. However, I will centre my attention to a couple of specific places in Asakusa, both part of one of the most iconic temples of Tokyo, the Senso-Ji temple. To admire the Senso-ji temple from a different angle, visit the Asakusa Culture Tourist information centre. Not only the people working there will answer all your questions, but this building has a free-viewpoint over the Senso-ji temple.
Try to explore the alleys nearby the temple, there are plenty of interesting spots worth photographing. Aim for a rainy day to visit Asakusa and the Senso-ji temple, you will get the best shots with the reflections of the pagodas on the puddles. This area is quite touristy and crowded, try to wake up early or stay up until late (after 9 pm tourists disappear).
2 Secret torii gates passage
This secret torii gates passage is no longer secret, as the information about this spot is everywhere online. However, it is less crowded than the famous Fushimi Inari in Kyoto. It is also less impressive but still ranks high on the awesomeness scale. To find it look for the Hie Shrine online. It is quite well connected with the metro, and it is at a walking distance from Tokyo Castle.
Don’t focus only on the passage, but also on the temple and the area nearby, it feels like an oasis in the middle of Tokyo, and it is perfect to take a break from the endless hours of walking (you will walk a lot in Tokyo, more than you can even imagine).
3 Shibuya crossing
The world’s busiest intersection is one of those places that deserve some attention. There are plenty of guides online about the best viewpoints, and every now and then a new one opens. I did not check them all, but I can say that the Starbucks first floor is completely overrated. Instead, look for a restaurant called Shibu Niwa. It has a free terrace from where you can not only see an amazing view of the Shibuya crossing but also of the Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree.
By the Shibuya crossing, there is the statue of a dog. If you like cinema, you might recall a movie about a dog that used to wait for his owner at the train station. When he died, the dog kept waiting for him for years. The statue represents the dog, and it is very common to see people lining to take a photo with it.
4 Kabukicho
This district is very famous for its endless entertainment options. Robot shows, weird animal cafés, unique shops… Although it is very interesting from a photographic point of view, I found it not very interesting as a tourist. Maybe it is because of my way of exploring the world, or I just didn’t connect with the vibes of the area.
However, visiting this district is a must, especially for its characteristic red gate. As in most places in Tokyo, visit it during the night or at sunset, as all lights, neons and people will be there.
5 Shinjuku station
Shinjuku station is the world’s busiest railway station. Moreover, it is a very good spot for street/urban photography. The constant flow of people makes it easy to get good photos. My favourite shot of the Shinjuku station is taken from the elevated bridge that connects the two buildings of the station. Rush hour in Japan can be very stressful, but also very interesting from a photographic point of view.
6 Piss alley
I already mentioned this spot on my Tokyo night photography locations guide, and I think it is a slightly overrated place. The problem I found was that on such a narrow alley, it is very difficult to get good photos (and I visited during the COVID pandemic, with almost no tourists). However, I can’t deny that it is a fantastic spot for street photography and videography.
This was one of the first locations I visited, hours after landing in Japan. After 3 weeks around the country, back in Tokyo, I revisited the location. The difference between my photos on the first time and the second time is noticeable. I blame the jet lag and being unfamiliar with how to move and photograph in Japan. Try to be as silent and invisible as possible. The street is full of little restaurants, and not all of them like being photographed all the time. However, being discrete and polite can be very useful.
7 Skytree
My second favourite tower in Tokyo. As with most tall buildings, it is not worth going up to the viewpoints, because the important element is the tower itself. If you are looking for a good Tokyo viewpoint, consider the Tokyo metropolitan government building (mentioned below). It is free, and the views are worth it.
Again, a night photography spot with at least 3 completely different compositions. One, the tower itself, from any of the nearby avenues. The second one (and my favourite) the reflection of the tower on the channel (visit my night spots post for the exact location). Finally, during spring or autumn, the tower framed between the flowers or autumn leaves of a nearby park.
8 Ginza viewpoint
Shibuya is the world’s busiest crossing, but Ginza has something special. Especially from the Tokyu Plaza Ginza viewpoint. Another free rooftop, that although it is quite famous among the locals, tourists are just discovering it. The Fujiya building and the constant traffic create a beautiful photo. Being that high allows emphasizing how big the city is compared to the passersby.
9 Tokyo Tower
My favourite tower in Tokyo. Unlike the Skytree, its shape makes it very easy to be photographed. Again, this is a night location. Once the sun has set, the tower lights, cars, neons… Bring a tripod and use the moving cars to give a special touch to your images. For more information, check my Tokyo night photography locations post.
10 Galaxy Harajuku
I never thought that I would list a Samsung shop as one of the Tokyo photography locations. Harajuku is the fashion district of Tokyo. Some of the most amazing shops I have ever visited are there, and if you are into fashion and don’t mind spending some money, this is an ideal place to visit.
However, there is also one hidden photography spot in Harajuku. The Galaxy Harajuku store is not only a place to buy a new smartphone, but also a touristic attraction itself. Even if you don’t speak any Japanese, just get in the store and show any of the images below to the people working there. They will show you the elevators and tell you which is the floor number you are looking for. In it, there is a small room covered in glass. Before entering it, you will be prompted to give your Instagram username. Once in the room, and for one minute, you can admire a show created with your own Instagram photos. In fact, in the image below I am surrounded by photos of my own Instagram. A very interesting experience (if there’s not a huge line). Of course, 100% free.
11. Tokyo International Forum
One of the Tokyo photography locations I was looking forward to visiting the most was the Tokyo International Forum. After seeing the amazing Elia Locardi’s photographing the world series, I fell in love with this very specific spot. Its impressive architecture made me feel like I was in a spaceship. Being a free open space, it is possible to roam and find unique angles of the building.
However, the most famous view is the one with the reflection of the ceiling. It is quite easy to get this image, just be careful not to throw your camera, as it requires to let it sit on a glass railing. The closer to the glass, the better the reflection. Sunset and blue hours are the best times of the day to take this photo, as the sky can be seen through the ceiling.
12 Rainbow Bridge
This spot is for those that really want this photo because it requires taking a train, taking the photo while on the train and either walking the way back or return with the train from Odaiba. Odaiba is an artificial island with amazing night views of the city. The island is connected to Tokyo through the rainbow bridge, a very long bridge. Although it is possible to walk from the city to Odaiba, it is necessary to take the train/metro to take the photo.
Board on the front wagon, and get ready for the loop before crossing the bridge. It is then, that with a relatively long exposure it is possible to take a photo like the one below.
13 Meji Jingu Shrine
The second of the most famous Tokyo temples, together with the Senso-ji. Unlike the other one, it is recommended to visit it during the day. Not only because it is in a beautiful park, but also because it isn’t open all day long.
The Torii at the entrance is one of the simplest but most beautiful ones I saw in Japan. Not being painted red makes it different. Another interesting photo is one of the sake barrels, on the alley that connects the torii and the temple itself.
14 Tokyo Metropolitan Building
Tokyo has lots of viewpoints. Few of them are free. And this is my favourite one. Even before entering the building, it is possible to get some nice architecture/urban shots from the base of the towers. On cloudy or foggy days, the view from below is far better than the view from above, as it can be seen on the images below. Unfortunately, most days in Tokyo are foggy. Being such a large city, pollution is everywhere, and it is difficult to get clear skies. Another valid reason for visiting only free viewpoints. On the top of the towers, there is a 360 degrees view of the city, no limit of time, and a bar/coffee place.
15 Gyoen National Garden
The last Tokyo photography location is the Gyoen National Garden. As with most gardens in Japan, your experience will depend a lot on when you visit it. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons. However, one of the characteristics of Japanese gardens is that they are planned to be enjoyed throughout the whole year. Thus, consider paying a visit even if it is not during Spring or Autumn. In the case of the Gyoen National Garden, the entrance is around 500 yen.
Conclusion
Tokyo has lots of photography locations, and some of them didn’t make it to this list. If you have ever been to Tokyo, what location did I miss? If not, what is the place that you can’t wait to visit? Tell me in the comments!
If you want to follow my adventures through the world and see more photos like the ones in this guide, you can find me on Instagram as @aniolvisuals. Looking for other Japan photography guides? Find some below or at www.aniolvisuals.com/japan.
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