Top 7 Tokyo Night Photography Spots

Tokyo is heaven for the night and street photography lovers. Neons, crazy lights, taxis and tall buildings. During my time in Tokyo, I had the chance to explore the city both during the daytime and nighttime, developing a love-hate relationship with the city. I don’t like Tokyo during the day. It’s busy, full of people, and not especially interesting. Excepting some famous touristy spots, I strongly recommend to spend your days in Tokyo during day trips but saving some energy, because once the sun sets, the city explodes.

No matter the weather, it is worth going out. If it’s rainy, reflections and umbrellas will be the main subject for your pictures. If it is not raining, long exposures can be quite impressives. Moreover, there are some FREE viewpoints that are accessible if it is not raining or very windy.

However, Tokyo is a massive city. If you want to know which are my top 7 spots for night photography in Tokyo, keep reading!

1. Tokyo tower

A classical Tokyo image. The Japanese imitation of the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris is a must. It is a bit separated from the major areas of the city, but using the metro is easily accessible. There are four Tokyo tower night photography spots, one of which is included in point 6.

The first one is the famous so-called “metro entrance”, that in fact is a Parking entrance. Nowadays, there is a big sign indicating that it is forbidden to take the stairs if you are not going to the parking. Luckily, I was in Japan before this happened. If you want to disobey this rule, be respectful and if someone approaches you and asks you to leave, do it. Link to the maps spot here

The second spot is from the base of the Tower. It is a very popular spot, even among local photographers, so you might have to wait a bit to get your photo. I met some locals there and showed me the perfect angle for this spot. Bring some wide-angle lenses or you will not be able to make the most out of this location (this applies for all Japan, tiny streets and huge buildings). Linke here!

If you want to know what gear you should take for your trip to Japan, visit my Japan photography trip essentials here.

The third spot is the long highway that leads towards the Tokyo tower. Walk for around 10-15 minutes, and you will see a crosswalk with some plants in the middle. This is the exact point from where my third image was taken. Be careful, although it is not in the middle of the street, cars in both directions pass by you. Click here, for the map’s location.

2. Omoide Yokocho: the Piss Alley

Almost next to Kabukicho, there is this very famous alley that everyone visits. I went there twice. The first time was during the daytime, and it was an awful experience. No locals, only tourists, and almost everything closed. It was my first contact with Tokyo, and I was very disappointed. Three weeks later, after visiting almost all the country, I went there again. After the sunset this city changes, and so does Omoide Yokocho.

It is NOT easy to take a good photo there. Setting a tripod implies blocking everyone, so handheld photography is recommended. Quite dark, with lots of strong light sources, so try to take the photo thinking about how you will process it. Take your time and don’t rush. Wait for locals to pass, observe the restaurants, and be respectful with the ones eating and working in the area. Here you have the google maps link to the entry of this spot

3. Kabukicho

This is probably the most well known Tokyo area. Located in the heart of Shinjuku, it’s heaven for the neon lovers. I did not enjoy a lot taking photos there. Maybe because it wasn’t raining when I visited the area, or just because it was too crowded. It is almost impossible to get a clean shot of the famous red gate that indicates the beginning of Kabukicho.

There are two possible shots, one from just under the red gate, and another one at the middle area of the crosswalk. Stay as close as possible to the right, and take the symmetrical photo of this beautiful door. Although I did not like a lot the street, I am very happy with the photos, so that is why this is my number 3. Exact location here.

4. Shinjuku taxis

Before visiting Japan, there were some photos I wanted to take no matter what. One was this one. A panning of a taxi in the middle of one of the busiest neighbours in the world. I tried different areas, because I wanted a crosswalk in the foreground, with leading lines towards the car, and some light on the background.

I found my spot almost next to the Kabuchiko gate, at less than 5 minutes, but you can take a similar one almost everywhere in the city. Just look for some light and a crosswalk. I promise you it won’t be difficult to find a spot.

5. Tokyo Skytree

The world’s tallest tower is in Tokyo, and by night it gets lit with beautiful and colorful lights. The tower is visible from many points, so the ones I will list here are only my favourite ones.

First of all, the well known Skytree reflection. This is my top viewing point for the Tokyo Skytreee. It is really easy to find the exact spot, but in case you can’t find it, click here. A little tip, make it the first stop, even before sunset because it gets really busy, both locals and tourists want to get the photo, and there is not enough space for everyone. It’s in the middle of the street, so only 5-7 tripods can be simultaneously there without disturbing the traffic.

My second top spot is only available for the ones travelling during early spring or cherry blossom season. Almost next to the tower, there are some cherry blossom trees, that can be used as a frame for the Skytree. Really challenging photography, but very rewarding to take. As almost everywhere in Japan, it is crowded, but at night it is a bit easier to have some time and find the perfect framing. Exactly here.

The third (and last) spot is the big highway that leads towards the tower. Japan has something amazing, elevated crosswalks, that are the ideal spot for getting long exposure shots with light trails. In this case, I tried two spots, one from the elevated position, and another from the side of the road. Not sure which is my favourite one… Both are taken from exactly here.

6. Shibu Niwa viewpoint: Shibuya Crossing

This is one of the most recent viewpoints of Tokyo. It is FREE, just beware, if it’s raining a lot, you will not be allowed to access it. Just look for Shibu Niwa in Google Maps, and follow the instructions. If you can’t find it, just click here. It will look like you are going to a restaurant, as it is the restaurant viewpoint, but it is free to visit, no one requires you to eat or drink there.

Three main photos can be taken. First, the Shibuya Crossing photo. From the corner of the terrace, the view is amazing. Even with just a smartphone, it is possible to take impressive pictures. The Shibuya Crossing is visible from other viewpoints, and even from the street level, it’s impressing to see the constant flow of people.

The second photo is from the Tokyo Tower. Yes, the Tokyo Tower is visible from this viewpoint! As one of the most photogenic buildings from Tokyo, this is a new way to depict it, an image that is no very common to see, as you can see with my photo.

Finally, it’s time for the last photo, a general view of Tokyo’s skyline. It is interesting to take it from this area because it is not an usual view. Long exposures with the roads, or just a general image featuring some of the close skyscrapers will help creating a very interesting and futuristic image.

7. Asakusa

The last spot in this Tokyo night photography guide is a whole area. Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most interesting temples, featuring a pagoda, a large avenue full of small shops, a big entry gate, and even some views of the already mentioned Tokyo Skytree.

I can’t recommend a unique spot, but if it rains, it becomes my favourite choice from this list, together with Shinjuku. If you are more interested in a classical temple area, without many cars, easy-to-walk, and with really good restaurants, this is your spot.

Once the shops are closed, the amount of people decreases, and it becomes easier to take photos. Nonetheless, it is a popular area among photographers, so expect some tripods, especially if it is wet and reflections can be taken.

Hope you enjoyed my Tokyo Night Photography spots! If you want to see more of my work in Japan or any other of my trips, visit my Instagram! If you have any question, or you want to use my photos, contact me via the contact form or aniolvisuals@gmail.com.