The 11 Best Places for Photos in Tokyo

I’m an amateur photographer and this was my first trip to Tokyo. I couldn’t wait to take pictures of everything in this exciting city. There’s endless cool stuff to photograph, from modern skyscrapers to old shrines. I did a ton of research and got tips from friends to make the perfect plan for a week in Tokyo, focusing on the most Instagrammable spots.

The puropse of this article is that, I’ll share the 10 best places I found for taking photos in Tokyo. I’ll tell you exactly how to get to each one using Tokyo’s huge transit system. For each spot, I’ll talk about the area and famous landmarks, show you specific things to take photos of and suggest other cool things to do nearby. With these tips, you’ll come home with an incredible Tokyo photo album bursting with awesome shots. Grab your camera and let’s dive in!

Getting Around Tokyo

Tokyo’s public transit can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry – it’s actually super easy to zip around the city. The Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway are efficient, always on time and can get you close to pretty much any major spot. Google Maps is great for finding the best route, whether you’re taking the train, bus or walking.

I suggest getting a Suica or Pasmo card to pay for transit. Just put money on it and tap when you enter and leave stations. Way simpler than messing with ticket prices each time! If you plan to do a ton of exploring, a transit pass is also a smart idea.

Now, let’s get out there and shoot some photos! Here are my picks for Tokyo’s most photography-friendly locales, in no particular order:

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

• Getting there: 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR lines
• Surrounding area: Shinjuku is Tokyo’s busy business and entertainment hub
• Activities: Stop to paint en plein air, have a quiet picnic lunch, rent a rowboat for the ponds, take guided garden tours
• Famous for: Prime cherry blossom viewing, home to over 20,000 trees and 500 cherry varieties

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is an oasis of tranquility in bustling Tokyo. Spanning 144 acres, it contains three distinct styles of gardens – French formal, English landscape and traditional Japanese. As a beloved cherry blossom viewing spot with over 500 varieties of trees, Shinjuku Gyoen is both a locals’ secret hideaway and popular tourist draw. Photographers flock here to capture the Taiwanese-style pavilion’s reflection in the garden’s placid lakes. But just beyond the soaring skyscrapers surrounding the grounds, Shinjuku Gyoen provides a whimsical, flower-filled escape from Tokyo’s chaotic pace. Lose yourself for hours ambling along tree-lined trails before heading back out into the urban energy.

Don’t miss capturing photos of:

• The Taiwan Pavilion surrounded by water and stone pathways
• Cherry blossoms and maples displaying seasonal colors
• Whimsical sculptures tucked along trails

After getting landscape shots, head up to the Shinjuku skyscraper district to photograph the unique architecture. Grab a coffee at one of the cafes overlooking the bustling Shinjuku Station for an energizing lift.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

• Getting there: Short walk from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote line
• Surrounding area: Youthful Takeshita Street shopping district
• Activities: Write an ema prayer plaque, watch a traditional wedding procession, purify yourself at the ritual water basin
• Famous for: The huge torii gate made from 1500-year-old cypress, SITE OF EMPEROR MEIJI AND EMPRESS SHŌKEN’S 1920 FUNERAL

Meiji Jingu Shrine stands as an embodiment of Japan’s history amidst the youth culture hub of Harajuku. Giant wooden torii gates mark the serene forested grounds, walked by Shinto wedding processions and tourists alike. From Meiji Shrine’s beginnings commemorating Emperor Meiji in 1920 to it’s destruction and renewal after WWII, locals consistently come to show respect at the main wooden temple. Visitors today can photograph ema prayer plaques displaying hopes and dreams, sample crunchy soy-glazed fortune cookies and sense the power of community reverence at this spiritual heart of Tokyo laced in green tranquility amongst urban towers.

Don’t miss photos of:

• Soaring wooden temple entrance gates
• Brightly colored ema prayer plaques hanging from racks
• Worshippers incongruously dressed in Lolita fashion

After respectfully taking photos at Meiji Jingu, walk over to jam-packed Takeshita Street. Here you can photograph the distinctive Japanese youth styles like lolita and decora. Stop at purikura photo sticker booths tucked into arcades to pose creatively with colorful props. Those sticker photos make quirky souvenirs.

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street

• Getting there: 5 minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line
• Surrounding Area: Asakusa old town with traditional shops and restaurants
• Activities: Attend one of the daily rituals, splurge on local treats like senbei crackers
• Famous for: The huge hōzōmon gate, centuries-old temple, Nakamise has been a shopping street for over 300 years

Senso-ji Temple in busy Asakusa is super popular. It has a huge gate at the entrance with giant lanterns that welcomes everyone. The temple is for Kannon Bodhisattva, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and happiness. Inside, past the main hall, you can see locals purifying themselves with incense or dancers posing for photos.

Then check out Nakamise street next to the temple. It’s a mix of old and new shops selling everything from traditional cotton yukata kimonos to modern anime stuff, plus snacks that have been around for hundreds of years. Get a shot of people in colorful outfits with Senso-ji’s pagoda in the background. Don’t forget to try some sweet red bean mochi yourself and just take in all the crazy sights and sounds that make Asakusa’s historic spots so unique, with spiritual stuff and busy shops all in one place.

Great photo subjects include:

• Giant incense burner releasing smoke for purification rituals
• Worshippers clapping and bowing
• Local women dressed in ornate rental kimonos

Before leaving, walk down Nakamise Shopping Street with it’s colorful traditional treats like senbei rice crackers and kanzashi hair ornaments. It’s a lens candy overload! Stop at a teahouse to sample matcha and traditional wagashi sweets while taking a photo break.

Tokyo National Museum & Ueno Park

• Getting There: Short walk Ueno Station on JR Yamanote line and Ginza metro line
• Surrounding Area: Sprawling museum complex and park in Ueno district
• Activities: Rowboats and street performances in Ueno Park, weekly temple markets selling antiques in park
• Famous for: Museum has over 110,000 artworks & artifacts including 90 National Treasures, Ueno Park has over 1,000 cherry trees

A repository of Japan’s long creative history, Tokyo National Museum holds over 110,000 precious artifacts like samurai armor and ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Visitors flock to see the museum’s grand architecture and exhibits spanning ancient to modern eras before exploring sprawling, culture-rich Ueno Park next door. Stroll along Shinobazu Pond photographing couples boating under cherry blossoms, street performers captivating crowds and locals bonding over homemade bento lunches on sunny lawns. With temples like centuries-old Kan’ei-ji dotting Ueno’s grounds, this area promises both hallmark works of Japanese art alongside glimpses into Tokyoites’ everyday lives.

Key museum sights to photograph:

• Temple guardian statue at entrance
• Detailed samurai armor and weaponry
• Intricate folding screens paintings

After touring the museum, head over to Ueno Park. Here you’ll want to photograph locals boating on Shinobazu Pond, having picnics under cherry blossom trees and feeding treats to eager sparrows. Make sure to grab some street food like taiyaki fish cakes for perfect park photo ops.

Tokyo Skytree

• Getting There: Direct access from Tokyo Skytree Station on the Toei Asakusa Subway Line
• Surrounding Area: Shopping and entertainment complex with aquarium and planetarium
• Activities: Visit the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Galleria/Tembo Deck spaces, do some shopping in adjoining Solamachi complex
• Famous For: TALLEST TOWER IN JAPAN, iconic ‘Skytree Blue’ lighting pattern at night

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest thing in Japan and the second tallest tower in the world. It’s 634 meters high and has a cool blue-and-white pattern that twists all the way up. The Skytree sends out digital TV and radio signals from the top part. Visitors can go up to two observation decks, one at 450 meters and one at 350 meters. You can look down through glass floors and see Tokyo spreading out as far as you can see. Try to spot Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Dome and the Skytree’s own complicated steel frame.

At night, the top of the Skytree glows a soft blue color. This special “Iki” lighting is based on traditional Japanese indigo dyeing. The Skytree is an awesome piece of modern engineering that also includes some Japanese cultural touches. It’s a new addition to Tokyo’s famous landmark buildings.

Must-take photos include:

• 360 degree views of metropolitan Tokyo
• Iconic sites like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Dome
• Looking past your feet through glass floor panels

Back on solid ground, get exterior shots of the futuristic Skytree structure and stop in the adjoining Solamachi complex. This dazzling mall centered around the tower has a giant planetarium, open-air shopping plazas and an aquarium for even more photography backdrops.

Yanaka Neighborhood & Cemetery

• Getting There: 10 minute walk north from Nippori Station on JR Yamanote line
• Surrounding Area: Yanaka old neighborhood near Ueno Park
• Activities: Weave through side alleys while getting lost, visit studios of local craftspeople
• Famous for: Retaining shitamachi traditional Tokyo atmosphere, designated as one of Japan’s Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District’

Tranquil Yanaka neighborhoodcontains winding alleys and vintage wooden houses echoing old Tokyo atmospheric appeal amongst modern towers. Yanaka Cemetery interweaves history with Japanese traditions as locals pay respects to past generations. Stroll mossy headstones under swaying cherry trees as incense smoke guides your path and cats nap between lavish grave offerings. Nearby Yanaka Ginza street reveals dozens of small galleries, craft shops and nostalgic street snacks peddled from tiny storefronts in Yanaka’s heritage district officially designated for architectural preservation. Spending hours amidst Yanaka’s community spirit and creativity lingering since Edo era days promises memorable glimpses into traditional sides of Tokyo vanishing amidst today’s rapid redevelopment.

Photograph:

• Temples’ ornate metalwork and stone carvings
• Misty grounds lined with cherry trees
• Neighborhood cats blending into the scenery

After the peaceful interlude, grab some street food and check out small galleries and craft stores along Yanaka Ginza shopping lane. The area’s welcoming vintage atmosphere always makes for fantastic photos.

Odaiba Seaside Park & Rainbow Bridge

• Getting There: Yurikamome elevated train from Shimbashi Station, takes 15 minutes
• Surrounding Area: Odaiba artificial island full of shopping malls and attractions
• Activities: Try the seaside onsen with bay views, play vintage arcade games at Tokyo Joypolis
• Famous for: Setting of climatic battle scene in anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, bridge known for it’s special rainbow lighting schemes

Crossing Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge’s elegant white cables stretch towards Odaiba, an artificial island exemplifying Japan’s futuristic visions. In contrast, Odaiba Seaside Park offers grassy respite with flowering trees greeting locals flying kites under Rainbow Bridge’s multi-hued night lighting. Photograph Tokyo’s glittering skyline from the park’s breezy piers. Nearby, foster your inner child riding virtual reality attractions at lively Tokyo Joypolis indoor amusement park. Or peer through giant viewing windows as schools of fish hypnotically swirl at the sensational aquarium. Odaiba entices visitors with imaginative attractions and joyous, breezy waterfront vibes amidst an urban island devoted to anticipating tomorrow’s possibilities today.

Photos not to miss:

• Multi-hued Rainbow Bridge spanning over the bay
• Glittering skyscrapers including Tokyo Tower
• Locals fishing along piers and rocky edges

Later, visit the diverse malls and attractions nearby. Stand-outs include the giant replica Gundam mech, futuristic National Museum of Emerging Science and the relaxing Oedo-Onsen hot spring spa.

Shibuya Crossing & Center-Gai

• Getting There: Right outside Shibuya Station on multiple metro and rail lines
• Surrounding Area: Youth fashion and culture hub
• Activities: See the Shibuya scramble crossing from iconic vantage points like Shibuya Sky, shop trendy boutiques lining Center-Gai
• Famous for: BUSIEST INTERSECTION IN THE WORLD with 3,000 people crossing at a time, the loyal dog statue Hachiko with an emotional backstory

Shibuya’s iconic Scramble Crossing floods with 3,000 pedestrians simultaneously when traffic lights shift in the world’s busiest intersection. Capture the choreographed waves of people crisscrossing Shibuya’s multi-lane drags from overhead passageways. Then plunge into Center-Gai lined end-to-end with young fashion boutiques beckoning trendsetters. Pause for photos beneath loyal dog Hachikō’s statue before sampling conveyor belt sushi and witnessing teenagers rushing to neon-glowing tower music venues. Shibuya’s nonstop energy pulses as businesspeople unwind at tiny golden hour bars while polite chaos unfolds on streets below, creating quintessential Tokyo memories.

Iconic images:

• Rivers of people crisscrossing each other on crosswalks
• Giant video billboards and signs lighting up buildings

Steps away, Center-Gai shopping street showcases the latest Japanese youth fashion. Get street style shots of creatively dressed teenagers and trendy boutiques. Don’t miss the iconic Hachikō statue, always surrounded by youth and named after Japan’s legendary faithful dog. Grab some conveyor belt sushi nearby to refuel for more urban exploring.

Ginza’s Nighttime Neon Streets

• Getting There: Ginza Station on Hibiya and Marunouchi Metro Lines
• Surrounding Area: Glitzy shopping area with luxury boutiques
• Activities: Go window shopping at the high-fashion boutiques, drink in swanky champagne bars
• Famous for: Iconic Wako department store clock tower, Sony Building known for imaginative interactive displays

As the sun sets over prestigious Ginza in Tokyo’s Chūō district, another side of this exclusive shopping area glows to life. High fashion houses like Chanel and Cartier glitter with blinding logos stretching entire building heights to entice deep-pocketed shoppers inside. Traffic slashes red and white streaks down main drags lined with glowing vending machines dispensing hot drinks for weary office workers. Friends fresh from karaoke bars snap selfies with technicolor signs blazing behind them. By night, Ginza’s refined daytime luxury morphs into a pulsating spectacle flooding senses with artificial rainbow hues beckoning visitors into a distinctly Tokyo after-dark adventuring.

Standout photos:

• Yourself dwarfed by towering brand name signs
• Light trails from speeding cars on main drags
• Groups of friends and coworkers heading to izakaya pubs

Stop at a standing bar for some quick bites and sake before capping off your night. Just be careful not to get too carried away before the last train!

Futuristic Cityscapes from Mori Tower

• Getting There: Roppongi Station on the Hibiya and Oedo Subway Lines, connected to Mori Tower
• Surrounding Area: Roppongi nightlife district
• Activities: Experience virtual reality and special exhibits at Tokyo City View observatory
• Famous for: Iconic tower featured in Hollywood movies like Inception and Godzilla, 360-degree panoramic views of the cityscape

Here’s a paraphrased version that stays straightforward and easy to understand:

From the outdoor Sky Deck on top of Mori Tower, 1,000 feet up, you can see skyscrapers going on forever. It really shows how huge Tokyo is. You can spot blinking signs on top of faraway buildings and pick out famous stuff like Tokyo Tower.

When the sun sets, watch the clouds turn pink behind all the concrete buildings and see tiny trains going over Rainbow Bridge to the suburbs that never end. At night, Mori Tower has cool purple lights that make it look kind of dreamlike. It’s peaceful up there, but down below Roppongi is full of busy izakaya pubs. The view from way up on Mori Tower shows how Tokyo has both quiet moments and crazy neon-lit nights in the world’s biggest city and you can take it all in from your high-up spot.

Must-photograph vistas:

• Skyscrapers glittering against inky skies
• Tokyo Tower glowing red atop other buildings
• Diminutive trains crossing Rainbow Bridge

After staring down at Tokyo’s immense scale from Mori Tower, I suggest finishing your night mingling with locals at one of Roppongi’s open mic nights or lively izakaya pubs. Chat up some fellow creative spirits about their own favorite city views and photo hotspots to uncover even more unique Tokyo experiences.

Mastering Tokyo Photography

I hope this guide helps you intuitively navigate Tokyo’s photographic playgrounds like a pro. By balancing must-see sites with quiet neighborhood moments, you’re sure to come home with stunning images showcasing Tokyo’s distinctive appeal. Don’t be afraid to stray from my well-trodden path either if adventure calls you! Part of Tokyo’s magic is stumbling upon your own perfect photo backdrop around the next corner.

Wherever you explore in Tokyo with your camera, take a moment to sit and people watch as locals live their everyday lives. Capture intimate scenes that reveal the culture beyond the tourist sites. At the elegant tranquility of Shinjuku Gyoen or amid Shibuya’s controlled chaos, remember to put your camera down now and then to truly soak up the unique spirit of Tokyo!

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