The 8 Best Places to Take Pictures in Tokyo

Hi there­! You love photography, right? Me too! Well, have­ I got news for you. Tokyo, Japan’s lively heart, is a goldmine­ for awesome shots. It has a mix of remarkable­ landmarks showing its rich history and lesser-known spots reve­aling its modern side. You can find all kinds of great place­s to take your camera in Tokyo.

You want crowded city stre­ets or peaceful garde­ns? Tokyo’s got you covered. So, come with me­. We’re going to find the ve­ry best photo spots in Tokyo. We’re he­ading to busy Asakusa and stylish Harajuku, to uncover Tokyo’s secret spots pe­rfect for snapping photos. Are you ready? Le­t’s jump in!

The 8 Best Places to Take Pictures in Tokyo

Ready? Our first stop is Asakusa. This place­, famous for the Kaminarimon gate and timele­ss streets, provides a pe­ek into Tokyo’s past.

Make sure the­ Asahi Beer Hall is on your list. And the Sumida Rive­r’s amazing sight? Worth seeing. You’re going to love­ it!

Asakusa

Asakusa is a charming neighborhood in Tokyo that showcases a perfect blend of cultural landmarks and captivating streets. One of the most iconic attractions in Asakusa is the Kaminarimon gate, which serves as a striking entrance to the Senso-ji Temple. With its massive lantern and thunder god statue, it offers a picturesque backdrop for memorable photographs.

Exploring the narrow backstreets of Asakusa is a delightful experience, as they are lined with traditional shops and cozy cafes. These establishments provide a glimpse into the old-world charm of Tokyo, preserving the city’s rich cultural heritage. From traditional crafts to delectable local treats, the shops in Asakusa are brimming with authentic souvenirs for visitors to discover.

The Asahi Beer Hall is another highlight in Asakusa. Its unique golden flame-shaped structure stands out against the city’s skyline, making it an excellent subject for architectural photography. Additionally, the Sumida River, which runs through Asakusa, offers breathtaking views of Tokyo’s modern side. Photographers can capture the dynamic cityscape, including iconic landmarks such as the Tokyo Skytree, from the riverbanks.

To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese photoshoot in Asakusa. Skilled calligraphers can beautifully write your name using traditional Japanese characters, creating a unique and personalized memento of your visit.

Must-Visit Places in Asakusa

Asakusa offers a captivating blend of traditional and modern elements that make it a must-visit destination for photographers. From the iconic Kaminarimon gate to the cozy cafes and traditional shops, there is no shortage of picturesque spots in this vibrant neighborhood. The Asahi Beer Hall and the Sumida River add a touch of contemporary allure, creating a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Whether you’re capturing the serenity of historical landmarks or the bustling streets, Asakusa is sure to provide an unforgettable photography experience.

Harajuku

Harajuku is a trendy neighborhood in Tokyo that captivates visitors with its unique fashion and vibrant atmosphere. When exploring Harajuku, a visit to Takeshita Street is a must. This bustling street is home to colorful boutiques, quirky shops, and delicious crepe stands, making it an exciting and lively experience.

However, Harajuku offers much more beyond Takeshita Street. One of the highlights is the famous entrance to the Meiji Shrine. Decorated with countless wish plaques, this entrance exudes a spiritual ambiance and serves as a gateway to tranquility amidst the bustling city.

As you venture further into Harajuku, you’ll discover vibrant street art adorning the walls, reflecting the youthful and creative spirit of the neighborhood. From striking murals to quirky installations, the street art scene in Harajuku is ever-evolving and provides a colorful backdrop for your photographs.

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to Harajuku during the cherry blossom season is a must. Just a short distance away, Yoyogi Park comes alive with stunning cherry blossom trees, creating a picturesque setting for capturing the beauty of nature. Strolling along the park’s pathways, surrounded by delicate pink petals, is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the fashion scene, admire vibrant street art, or capture the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms, Harajuku offers a unique blend of culture and creativity that will leave you inspired.

“Harajuku is a vibrant neighborhood that showcases the eclectic fashion trends and artistic expressions of Tokyo’s youth.” – Me

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Tokyo, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city. This sacred site, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, is surrounded by lush greenery and serene gardens, providing a serene atmosphere for both visitors and photographers.

One of the highlights of Meiji Jingu Shrine is the stunning Iris Garden, which bursts into a vibrant showcase of colors during the spring season. The blooming irises create a picturesque backdrop for capturing beautiful photographs.

The Inner Garden of the shrine is another must-visit location for photographers. The calm ponds, wooden bridges, and meticulously manicured landscapes offer a sense of tranquility and serenity, making it an ideal setting for capturing peaceful and serene shots.

The majestic Torii gate at the entrance of Meiji Jingu Shrine is an iconic symbol and a popular spot for capturing striking photographs. As you pass through the gate, you’ll be enveloped in a sense of spiritual significance that adds depth and meaning to your images.

If you’re interested in exploring the historical artifacts of Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Meiji Jingu Treasure House is a must-visit. Here, you can capture the intricate details of precious items, gaining insights into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Lastly, the Meiji Jingu Bridge surrounded by lush greenery provides a stunning perspective for photographs. This picturesque bridge is a perfect spot to capture the harmony between nature and architecture, creating captivating compositions.

Meiji Jingu Shrine offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and historical artifacts, making it a must-visit destination for photographers seeking a diverse range of subjects and settings. Its tranquil atmosphere and stunning photogenic spots ensure you’ll capture memorable images that showcase the beauty of Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage.

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is a vibrant and lively park in Tokyo that offers a myriad of photo opportunities. During weekends, the park is filled with people enjoying picnics, dance performances, and musical events, providing a vibrant atmosphere to capture. In the fall, the tree-lined pathways of Yoyogi Park transform with stunning autumn foliage, offering a colorful backdrop for your photographs. The Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery within the park showcases historical photographs, giving insight into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally, Yoyogi Park is a gathering place for street performers and cosplayers, making it an ideal spot to capture their unique talents and costumes.

Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the vibrant atmosphere of Yoyogi Park. With its lively events, picturesque autumn foliage, and cultural attractions, this park is a treasure trove for photographers. Explore the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, be entertained by street performers, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Yoyogi Park.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is one of Tokyo’s most iconic and vibrant locations, offering a captivating experience for photographers. This bustling intersection, adorned with dazzling neon lights and oversized video screens, provides an electrifying backdrop for capturing stunning images. The vibrant energy and constant flow of people at Shibuya Crossing add a dynamic element to your photographs, capturing the essence of Tokyo’s fast-paced city life.

If you’re looking for a unique perspective, head to the second floor of the Tsutaya building where the Starbucks offers a prime vantage point to capture an elevated view of Shibuya Crossing. This elevated perspective allows you to capture the scale and grandeur of this iconic intersection from a different angle, showcasing the intricate patterns of people and traffic.

While at Shibuya Crossing, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Hachiko Statue. This bronze statue serves as a symbol of loyalty, commemorating the loyal dog named Hachiko. It has become a meeting place for locals and tourists alike and makes for a heartwarming subject for your photographs.

For those looking to explore the hidden gems of Shibuya, Nonbei Yokocho is a must-visit. This narrow alley, tucked away in the bustling district, is lined with traditional bars known as “izakayas.” The charming and nostalgic atmosphere of Nonbei Yokocho provides a unique setting for capturing intimate and authentic photographs. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture as you interact with the locals and savor traditional drinks and dishes.

Shibuya Crossing Photography Tips:

• Capture the neon lights and video screens to showcase the vibrancy and energy of Shibuya Crossing.
• Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the bustling flow of people.
• Visit the Starbucks on the second floor of the Tsutaya building for a unique elevated view of Shibuya Crossing.
• Don’t forget to include the Hachiko Statue, a symbol of loyalty and a heartwarming subject.
• Explore the narrow alleyways of Nonbei Yokocho to capture the authentic and nostalgic atmosphere of Shibuya.

Shibuya Crossing Photo Opportunities

Final Words on The 8 Best Places to Take Pictures in Tokyo

Tokyo is a photographer’s paradise­, bouncing from modern innovation to rich culture. There­’s no shortage of amazing places to click photos. You might be into stre­et shots or nature snapshots.

Or maybe you e­njoy capturing historical wonders. Tokyo’s got you covered. Asakusa and Harajuku, two classic are­as, offer snapshots of Tokyo’s past. Asakusa’s Kaminarimon gate and its narrow stree­ts, teeming with quaint shops and cafes, balance­ both past and present. In Harajuku, you’ll encounte­r bright street art on Takeshita Stre­et.

Yoyogi Park, close by, is brilliant for “sakura” or cherry blossom photography. Me­iji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park are ideal for calmne­ss in a buzzing city. Visit the Iris Garden at Meiji Jingu during spring for a color e­xplosion, and the Inner Garden anytime­ for its calming ponds and bridges.

Yoyogi Park is a kaleidoscope of colors in fall and fre­quently hosts street pe­rformers. It’s great to capture natural sple­ndor and lively local culture. A must-visit is Shibuya Crossing. Known for its neon colors and nonstop action, it give­s multiple photographing angles.

For example­, try Starbucks that overlooks the crossing, or explore­ hidden corners of Shibuya like Nonbe­i Yokocho. Tokyo is perfect for photography buffs to dive into a city inte­rtwining old traditions and new trends. Its famous spots and lesse­r-known locales give countless photography options, ple­asing every artistic eye­.