A city of neon lights, ancient temples and avant-garde architecture, Tokyo is truly a playground for photographers. When it comes to photography locations, you are sure to be spoilt for choice, with photo opportunities around every corner. For those of you looking to level up your Insta-game, look no further. Here is our list of the most aesthetic photo spots in Tokyo.
Shibuya Crossing
Perhaps the most famous pedestrian crossing in the world, the Shibuya Crossing is undoubtedly also among the busiest, with upwards of 2500 people crossing each time the light turns green. Undeniably a uniquely Tokyo experience, joining the scramble is certainly one of the most surreal experiences and you’ll find crowds of tourists attempting to snap the perfect picture of the crowds crossing to keep as a souvenir. Come at night when the crossing is busiest, and the surrounding buildings are lit up with flashing lights, neon billboards and countless advertisements.
Tip: While most people head to the Starbucks across the road for a birds-eye view of the iconic crossing, another quieter alternative can be found on the rooftop of the Magnet shopping centre. From here, you can enjoy a crowd-free view of people flooding the streets, flashing lights and vibrant advertisements.
teamLab Borderless
teamLab Borderless is a one-of-a-kind museum in Odaiba that takes artistic expression and creativity to a whole new level. Containing over 50 immersive artworks spanning digital and physical, audio and visual within their uniquely designed space, teamLab Borderless is not simply an art exhibition but an immersive experience. Wander through the various rooms, each one more creative than the next and be inspired and mesmerised by the spectacle of light and technology on offer. Full of stunning optical illusions, colourful lights and imaginative art scenes, it is no wonder why the museum is one of Tokyo’s most Instagrammable places!
Some of the prettiest rooms for photography include 'Wander through the Crystal World', where you'll be amongst thousands of dazzling LED lights synchronised to mimic elements of nature such as rivers and waves, as well as the 'Forest of Resonating Lamps' where you can snap a photo in an 'infinity' space illuminated by gorgeous colour-changing lamps.
Hie Shrine
Think you have to visit Kyoto for THAT Insta-famous shot of the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha? Think again. Tokyo’s very own Hie shrine has its own entrance path that has been similarly lined with these iconic red torii gates. Walk up the narrow staircase entrance leading to the shrine and you’ll find your path lined by 90 of these red torii gates, forming a tunnel of red above you. Best of all, this lesser-known shrine is never too busy, making it that much easier to capture a picture of yourself without having to worry about any unintentional photo-bombers or holding people up. While the entrance might be the main attraction here, take some time to wander around as the shrine itself is very picturesque, with a traditional Zen garden atmosphere.
Meiji-jingu Shrine
Completed in 1920, the Meiji-jingu shrine is the grandest Shinto shrine in Japan, and was built in honour of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Encompassed by lush greenery, Meiji-jingu has atmosphere in spades and is a haven of calm amidst the busy atmosphere of the city.
While the shrine is most famous for its large, majestic torii gate, the most photogenic feature here has to be the rows of sake barrels lining the walkway. Forming a beautiful backdrop, this is the perfect area to take a picture with a classic, yet uniquely Japanese background.
Senso-ji Temple
For a glimpse of Old Japan in the heart of metropolitan Tokyo, Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple is the place to be. Apart from being the oldest temple in Tokyo, Senso-ji is also one of the most colourful and aesthetic, painted as it is in a fiery red with gold accents that sparkle in the sunshine. This large area is full of picturesque locations and photogenic gems.
Besides the iconic 5-storied pagoda, walk along Nakamise Shopping Street and experience the atmosphere of a crowded Japanese market, or pose for a photo at the iconic red lantern just outside the main hall. You can also choose to rent a kimono or yukata and walk around the temple grounds garbed in traditional dress, perfect for a photo-taking session!
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
Located in Omotesando, one of the most aesthetic suburbs in all of Tokyo, it is fitting that even its shopping centre entrances are equally Instagrammable. The entrance to Tokyu Plaza has become a one-of-a-kind photo hotspot, with many making their way here for a chance to pose for the perfect mesmerising Instagram picture.
Framed with a multitude of precisely angled mirrors to create a kaleidoscopic backdrop that is absolutely hypnotising, it is no surprise that the shopping centre entrance has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Ride up the escalators for the best place to snap your shot. While you might have to wait your turn, it is absolutely worth it. All for the ‘gram, right?
Kabukicho
While this entertainment district has a rather questionable reputation as Japan’s biggest red light district, don’t write it off as it also features a lot of hidden spots and rare gems that can’t be found anywhere else in Tokyo. Perhaps one of the most iconic spots for night photography in Tokyo, Kabukicho is especially famous for its flashy neon lights, with crowded streets lit up from the pretty signs of bars, restaurants, karaoke places, and entertainment facilities. Home to many themed restaurants including the famous Robot Restaurant, Kabukicho is one stop you’ll want to add to your Insta-feed.
Omoide Yokocho
Right in the heart of Shinjuku, this chaotic and energetic series of alleyways bustling with restaurants, lights, sounds and smell is a thriving example of traditional Tokyo. The lanes offer a glimpse into a bygone era, with its post-war, Showa-era atmosphere contrasting sharply with the modernity of the surrounding Shinjuku district.
Come in the evening, when the narrow alleyways are lit up with the orange glow of lanterns and shop signages. Don’t forget to reward yourself with a yakitori snack after your photoshoot!
Akihabara
With its bright neon signs, eye-catching billboards and costumed ladies trying to attract customers into the various cafes, Akihabara is known and loved as the centre of Japanese otaku and anime culture. Known as the electronics town of Tokyo, Akihabara is full of great photo opportunities, with plenty of themed cafes and stores calling this area home and brightly-lit advertisements and images of anime and manga characters plastered all over the walls and buildings.
The main strip of Akihabara, Chuo Dori, is also converted into a pedestrianised street on Sundays from 1.00pm – 6.00pm, making it the perfect opportunity to take an epic photo on the street of the colourful buildings.
Golden Gai
Attracting both locals and tourists alike with its numerous bars and taverns crammed into its narrow alleys and tiny passageways, Golden Gai is a small area with plenty of character. Famous for its unique and alluring night scene, this dimly-lit, scruffy looking, but charming area has maintained its post-war era looks and atmosphere.
With lanes just barely wide enough for a single person to pass through, the compactness of Golden Gai makes it the perfect place to capture all the unique elements of Tokyo’s city streets in a single frame. This area is especially magical at night, when the lights go out and the lanterns and neon signages light up the antique buildings.
Nakameguro River
The Meguro River comes to life during hanami season in late March and early April when the cherry blossoms along the river turn it into an ultra-photogenic pink tunnel. With each side of the river lined with cherry trees covered in sakura that are in full bloom, this breathtaking landscape not only makes for beautiful photography, but also makes for one of the best places to experience the hanami season in Tokyo.
Pink petals scatter gently on the water, you can even take canal rides down the river. At night the river and trees are lit up with pink lanterns and you’ll find food stands selling everything from classic yakitori to seasonal sakura-flavored bubbly. You won’t want to leave your camera behind when visiting this scenic river.
