Capture the Essence of Tokyo: Unveiling the Best Photography Spots in the City (updated 2023)

Best places to photograph around Tokyo, Japan

The best places to photograph Tokyo, Japan vary throughout the city, different vantage points and the main attractions to visit and capture just at the right moment. Tokyo is exciting, bizarre and filled with so many unusual and colorful places to visit with districts that are traditional and then juxtaposed with cutting edge architecture and design, unexpected venues and somewhat familiar scenes (including 7-11 stores in almost every corner) that you will come across while visiting Tokyo. Capturing something unique is definitely challenging in Tokyo and finding the best places to photograph Tokyo is fun but difficult in this large metropolitan jungle because of the sheer size and number of fascinating areas to explore in the city.

It can be difficult to visit the many districts and lifestyles that bring out the best of photography opportunities in this dynamic city without extensive planning and spending quite some time in the city. There are many photogenic attractions, food venues,  people watching spots and unusual areas in the city to keep you busy and wandering through the different areas in the city. Fortunately, I will highlight some of my favorite things to do in Tokyo and scenic places for you to explore and have your camera ready to shoot because you will definitely find some amazing photo opportunities to capture while checking out the best things to do in Tokyo.

Weather and best time to visit Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a unique atmosphere and various activities for visitors. Here’s a general overview of the weather and the best times to visit Tokyo:

Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Tokyo due to the mild temperatures and the famous cherry blossoms (sakura). The cherry blossoms usually bloom in late March to early April, creating a stunning pink and white landscape throughout the city. This period attracts many tourists, so be prepared for larger crowds. The temperatures range from around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), making it pleasant for outdoor activities.

Summer (June to August): Summer in Tokyo is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). July and August are the wettest months, experiencing occasional heavy rain and the possibility of typhoons. While the humidity and rain can be challenging, this season offers vibrant festivals and events, such as fireworks displays and traditional festivals like Tanabata. Just be sure to stay hydrated and carry an umbrella.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another great time to visit Tokyo. The weather becomes cooler and more comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The fall foliage is a highlight during this season, especially in November. Parks and gardens, such as Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park, showcase beautiful shades of red and gold leaves. Crowds are generally smaller compared to spring.

Winter (December to February): Tokyo’s winter is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). While snow is rare in the city, you can find it in the surrounding areas and even take day trips for a winter wonderland experience. December is festive, with illuminations and holiday decorations throughout the city. January and February are quieter months for tourism, which can be a good time to explore indoor attractions and enjoy winter-themed events.

In summary, the best times to visit Tokyo are during the spring (late March to early April) for cherry blossoms and the fall (October to November) for autumn foliage. However, each season has its own charm and attractions, so your choice may depend on your preferences for weather, events, and crowd levels.

How to get around Tokyo’s massive metropolis

Tokyo, a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture and captivating sights, offers various efficient modes of transportation to navigate its sprawling streets. The city’s well-connected and extensive public transportation system is undoubtedly the best way to get around. The Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks provide extensive coverage throughout the city, allowing travelers to reach their destinations quickly and conveniently. Additionally, the JR (Japan Railways) lines offer efficient train services, including the iconic Yamanote Line, which loops around the city center, connecting major districts. From the Metro system, it is easy enough to walk around to the many attractions noted in this photo guide.

Another popular mode of transport is the bus network, which offers an opportunity to explore the city at a more leisurely pace. For shorter distances, cycling is a fantastic option, as Tokyo features numerous cycling paths and bike-sharing services. Lastly, taxis are readily available, particularly for late-night or specific destination requirements. With a combination of these transportation options, visitors can effortlessly navigate Tokyo and immerse themselves in its captivating atmosphere.

Here’s where to photograph Tokyo, Japan

Following is a quick guide of some of my favorite places to capture the best photos of Tokyo, locations you should visit and what to do in Tokyo while experiencing unique places in this vibrant and colorful city.

Tokyo’s Asakusa and Senso-Ji

Probably the most popular tourist attraction in your Tokyo sightseeing visit is the Asakusa district and touring Senso-Ji, a iconic temple and main landmark in the area. Asakusa used to be the pleasure den of ancient Tokyo, but now it is visited for the many temples, shopping galleries and dining spots around the neighborhood. One of the most aesthetic places to experience in Tokyo, is the Buddhist temple of Senso-Ji. This traditional temple in Tokyo and grounds is one of the best place to photograph Tokyo and some of the traditional costumes, iconic imagery and details of temple lifestyle and architecture.

Tip – To get a better understanding of the what you are seeing, it’s good to sign up for a Tokyo tour guide at the entrance of Senso-Ji. Also, while your visiting the temple grounds, explore some of the surrounding neighborhood around the temple –  you’ll find some colorful local landmarks, quiet areas to explore and many interesting photo opportunities.

Senso Ji – the ancient Buddhist temple

Entering the temple area of Senso-Ji

Photo tip – On your Tokyo tour, it’s best to visit the temple grounds and the main temple early in the morning or later in the afternoon into sunset to avoid the big crowds and also to get the best light to photograph while visiting the area.

Ueno

The Ueno district of Tokyo is a perfect spot to explore for the many cultural attractions you can easily find in the area including: the zoo, a very colorful outdoor market, history and national museums and the entrance of the Imperial Palace demon gate. Outside of these venues there are many small intimate neighborhoods that are worth exploring because these areas have remained intact with their distinct small town appeal within Tokyo’s huge metropolis even prior to the World War two bombings to the entire city. This includes the neighborhood areas of Nippori, Yanaka Ginza and Yanaka cemetery.

 Tip – visit the everyday places in Ueno outside of the popular tourist attractions. This is the best opportunity to capture the everyday situation like markets, curio shops, eateries and even the local museums in the area.

Exploring the large outdoor markets next to Ueno station

Imperial palace and East gardens in central Tokyo

You can visit and tour the interior of the Imperial palace if you register in advance for a tour reservation (check the details and requirements here) from 10am to 1:30 pm on week days. If you cannot make a reservation, it’s just as nice to walk around the grounds, East gardens and the  ruins of the old Meiji palace with scenic views of different parts of downtown Tokyo. The gardens surrounding the palace are fun to wander and take a nice break from all the walking and busy crowds touring the immediate area.

A beautiful tiled building from the royal palace ruins

A Panoramic view of Tokyo and Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park

One of the largest parks in central Tokyo, Yoyogi park is a large park that buffers two of Tokyo’s most colorful districts and one of my favorite Tokyo spots to breath and relax in a world of green. The park is an urban oasis with forest areas, fountains, lakes and the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo called the Meiji Shrine where major Shinto festivals and traditional weddings are held. The area was also used for the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 with the athletic village and national gymnasium. Today the park is a gathering place for biking, walking the nature trails and then juxtaposed with subculture groups, Harajuku and Cos players along with a slew of photo opportunities for street performers, martial artists and Japanese rock performance groups.

A quiet area of Yoyogi park in Tokyo

Meiji Shrine

Tokyo’s largest Shinto Shrine, the Meiji Shrine is located right in the middle of Yoyogi Park is one of the best places to visit to see and capture a Shinto procession, special ceremony or a traditional Shinto wedding in full Japanese Kimono gear and other traditional garments. Walk around the fascinating grounds and open areas surrounding the temple and you will be able to capture some magic moments of the people, costumes, priests and celebrations that occur here regularly. Most of the temple area is open outside of the individual buildings which can be viewed from open partition doors to the inner courtyards and assembly halls.

Tip – there are always events and processions that are happening around the Meiji Shrine, just be patient and wait for those moments, but don’t get in the way of the actual activity that is happening, just be spontaneous and go with the flow.

A large wishing tree at Meiji Shrine

 

Harajuku district of Tokyo

Filled with fashion forward shops, street art and performances everywhere is Harajuku,  this is definitely one of the cool places in Tokyo to see all the young from all over Tokyo come in costume to play, shop or just hang out. Cos play and Anime are always popular and a photo opportunity around the area fronting Harajuku Station and the entrance of Yoyogi park. This area is filled with  many young Harakuju girls, Cos play and other street performers assemble in the general area play acting, performing or even  shopping in the area. This entire area is a fantastic starting point to photograph the fun and strange mixtures of Cos Play, costumes and impromptu performances (weekends are the best times to see more crowds dressed up and performing dances or other fun routines for the public). Close to Harajuku station is Takashita dori, a popular pedestrian street filled with trendy boutiques, street vendors and other retailers catering to the young Harajuku set and fashion types looking for cheap or used clothing and accessories. This area is a great spot to find interesting gatherings or impromptu performances of anime or locals in costume.

Photo tip – for the best Tokyo pictures of Anime, Cos Play and outrageous dress stay close to the front of the Harajuku station, the entrance of Yoyogi park and the shopping alleyway of Takeshita street in Harajuku. You’ll find a lot of dressed up characters and performers wanting to be captured and photographed here.

Tokyo’s Omotesando district

This is Tokyo’s posh neighborhood with high end boutique stores, galleries and international designers are housed in glamorous and designed forward buildings. You can easily capture some beautiful architecture, street scenes, people and eclectic mixing of traditional and contemporary lifestyle in the area by just walking around the streets and taking in the cool vibe and street life in the neighborhood.

Tip – go to this area for the best Tokyo pictures of unusual and modern architecture, fashion forward design and eclectic street scenes in general. Also, reflections and interesting angles work best in representing the cool architecture and design influences here.

 Fashion forward architecture and designs at Omotesando

Shinjuku Goen

Another oasis of green and gardens in urban Tokyo, Shinjuku Goen is on the edge of busy Shinjuku and a spit of quiet and green in this urban jungle. Expect to see and capture wonderful images of beautiful nature, Japanese bonsai and gardens with framed views to the urban areas and skyline surrounding the park.

Tip – walk around to find those wonderful spots and moments in the garden here especially the water views, reflections, wildlife and people being a part of nature.

Quiet contemplation at Shinjuku Goen

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo

This is the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and Shibuya is pure madness at its best and a fantastic spot to photograph during the daytime and late into the night. With over one million crossing this spot, there are unlimited possibilities to capture the people, neon, architecture and urban jungle of Shibuya crossing and the walking promenades around Center Gai close by.

Photo tip – to capture the craziness of Shibuya crossing and photographing Tokyo – shoot from above, at night time when all the neon lights are bright and using slower shutter speed to show action.

Kabukicho

Considered the red light district of Tokyo in Shinjuku, while visiting Kabukicho, you’ll see a combination of barkers, street performers and shady characters amidst the neon plastered promenades and gritty street life in this area of Shinjuku. One of the most popular areas include the Golden Gai which hosts a tiny in the wall bars filled with shady characters. Check a few of these out and you will definitely come out with some fantastic captures of Kabukicho.

Center Gai

The area around Shibuya that is mostly pedestrian zone and filled with neon lit businesses, tacky tourist shops, varied eateries and Japanese subculture. This is a great spot to capture the urban jungle, neon lights of the pedestrian area and interesting locals that tend to hang out regularly in this busy area.

Tip – this is another perfect spot to capture the neon, lights and pedestrians and you can use a variety of techniques, shutter speed and angles to make this a very interesting spot to photograph.

Tokyo’s Aoyama Cemetery

Tokyo’s oldest cemetery called Aoyama Cemetery is located in a dense business district with upscale housing. This hidden gem has so much photogenic potential and not visited by many tourists coming to Tokyo, so put it on your travel must visit to find some wonderful photo opportunities of the city. There are old traditional parts of the cemetery to explore along with a large foreign section of foreigners that helped to modernize Japan’s entry into the world market.

Central Tokyo Station

The historic Tokyo Central train station located in downtown Tokyo is practically a city on its own with expansive retail shops, restaurants and other sundry shops that caters to the millions that pass through this huge railway station. The areas surrounding the station are filled with huge and fascinating buildings and stunning architecture worth walking through and exploring the urban areas around Central station.

The outdoor plaza at Tokyo Central Station

Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings at Shinjuku

One of the top things to do in Tokyo is to visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings. This free visit allows you to take an elevator ride up to the observation area and check out the amazing views from above on both towers of the each building. Located in the Shinjuku district close to Shinjuku station, both towers are free and open to the public to visit the upper observation areas with panoramic views of the entire city. This is by far one of the best place to photograph all of Tokyo from above and see all the major landmarks around the city.

From the towers, you can practically see every major monument and attraction in central Tokyo. There is also a café at the observation area so it is nice to take a break and enjoy a drink or meal with those magnificent views.

General tip –  The area around the Metropolitan Government buildings have spectacular contemporary architecture to explore and walk through the district.  Also if you are there around lunch, there are plenty of restaurants that offer the typical business lunch meal specials which are a fantastic deal for eating in Tokyo at affordable prices.

Quiet streets of Yanaka Ginza and cemetery

This area of Tokyo is one of the few neighborhoods that have maintained their small village appeal within the large metropolis of the city.  Due in part to surviving as a small neighborhood after the bombings during World War II, the area around Yanaka maintains this shitamachi  (old town atmosphere). The general ambience of the area is definitely more quiet with an air of rustic charm and traditional nostalgia with small community walking neighborhoods and pedestrian only streets, open markets and little mom and pop shops catering to a mostly local crowd.

A large part of Yanaka Ginza is dominated by the large cemetery with elaborate gardens, the grave of the last Shogun of Japan and Sakura-dori Street, a tree-lined street of mature cherry trees and beautiful statuary with cute knitted red caps.  I have no idea about the significance of the red color hat but I’m really curious to find out. (If anyone knows, please do tell me below in the comments)

Far away from all the tourist attractions and crowds this area feels like old Tokyo, in fact it is one of the oldest remaining in the city. I consider this one of the best spots to photograph Tokyo on a quieter side and find unique scenes to capture walking around the neighborhood, shopping district, temple grounds and cemetery.

Tip: look for the main temple called Tennoji Temple which has a large bronze Buddha to the left entrance of the temple, it’s perfect in its location and worth visiting when you are at the cemetery.

Roppongi hills district in Tokyo

The Roppongi hills district is practically a city within a city in Tokyo featuring a series of business and public complexes that also epitomize Tokyo’s IT and financial sector. This area of Tokyo where the uber trendy and posh meet for dining, shopping, gallery hopping, museum gathering and a busy nightclub scene. Contemporary art and displays are shown at the Mori art center with stunning views of the entire Tokyo skyline below. Other worthwhile places to visit include the Mori building, Tokyo City View, Asahi headquarters and the Roppongi Hills shopping center. For visitors, the views and museum scene are worth checking out and later shopping, dining and night clubbing becoming the norm.

Walking through the stunning Mori Art Museum

 Nogi Shrine in Tokyo

The Nogi Shrine is a shrine complex that was established in the Meiji period where the general and his wife killed themselves to honor the Meiji emperor’s death. The rebuilt shrine in 1945 is a series of gardens, portals and gates and the shrine itself. A popular spot for weddings, the shrine is more intimate but very picturesque and worth a visit and not as busy as the other popular shrines and temples of the Meiji Shrine and Senso-Ji.

Tips and suggestion on how to photograph and capture the essence of Tokyo

Photographing Tokyo, Japan presents a multitude of exciting opportunities to capture the city’s fusion of tradition and modernity. Here are some tips to enrich your photography experience:

Explore Landmarks of Distinction: Tokyo boasts an abundance of renowned landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, and the futuristic architecture of Odaiba. These landmarks provide exquisite subjects for photography and are essential for any photographer to capture.

Embrace the Art of Street Photography: Tokyo’s vibrant streets offer a captivating tapestry of scenes. Capture the liveliness of Shibuya, the vibrant fashion of Harajuku, or the tranquility found in traditional neighborhoods like Yanaka. Respect people’s privacy and seek candid moments that reflect the city’s energy.

Uncover Serene Gardens: Tokyo houses beautiful gardens and parks that offer a peaceful respite from the urban hustle. Explore locations such as Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, or the Meiji Shrine gardens to capture the natural beauty thriving within the city.

Pursue the Enchantment of Neon Nights: Tokyo’s electrifying nightlife is a visual spectacle, particularly in areas like Shinjuku, Ginza, or Akihabara. Capture the mesmerizing neon signs, vibrant colors, and the dynamic atmosphere that comes alive after sundown.

Preserve the Delicate Beauty of Cherry Blossoms: If you visit during spring, don’t miss the chance to capture the ethereal allure of cherry blossoms. Parks like Chidorigafuchi, Ueno Park, and Meguro River are renowned for their breathtaking displays, offering fantastic photo opportunities.

Experiment with Perspectives: Tokyo’s skyline presents remarkable vantage points for panoramic shots. Visit observation decks such as Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for sweeping cityscapes. Play with different angles and perspectives to add depth and dimension to your photographs.

Engage in Festivals: Tokyo hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, celebrating Japanese culture and traditions. Festivals like the Sumida River Fireworks Festival or the Sanja Matsuri exhibit vibrant colors, elaborate costumes, and lively parades, providing captivating subjects for your photographs.

Respect Local Customs: When photographing people, it is crucial to honor their privacy and seek permission when necessary. Certain areas, including temples or specific neighborhoods, may have photography restrictions, so be mindful of signage and adhere to local customs.

As you navigate the city, respect the privacy of the locals, seek permission when needed, and adhere to any photography restrictions in certain areas. By embracing the delicate balance of old and new, you can capture the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines Tokyo.

Remember, the key to capturing Tokyo’s essence lies in embracing its distinctive amalgamation of old and new, seeking out hidden gems, and allowing your creativity to guide you.

Where to stay in Tokyo

The metropolitan area of Tokyo is so vast, it feels like you are traveling to many cities just in this huge area. It’s not so easy to find one central place, but its good to find a location that is close to a train station and better in one of the major train hubs. Here are some suggestions below:

Central Tokyo train station is a good location for transit to many areas around the capital and various attractions in the area. Check out these hotel listing top reviews and prices here for more details about staying in Central Tokyo.

Shinjuku area is another central area of Tokyo with easy access to metro and train lines along with close by attractions in the area. Check out these hotel listing top reviews and prices here for more details about staying in the Shinjuku district.

Shibuya district in the western side of Tokyo is a popular area for dining, shopping, clubs and other entertainment venue. This is also a major hub for metro and regional train lines with easy access to the rest of the city. Check out these hotel listing top reviews and prices here for more details about staying in the Shibuya district.

Ueno district is on the way to the airport but still in the city metro area with easy access to all major lines and metro services along with some of the cool places to visit nearby including Asakusa, Yanaka and the Imperial palace and gardens. Check out these hotel listing top reviews and prices here for more details about staying in the Ueno district.

Final thoughts on best photo spots in Tokyo

Tokyo is a treasure trove of picturesque locations that offer endless possibilities for photographers. Remember, these are just a few highlights among the countless photo spots Tokyo has to offer. Don’t be afraid to explore and discover hidden gems of your own, as the city is brimming with visual delights waiting to be captured.

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If you are exploring Japan, check out these other Japan attractions and places to visit

Any hidden gems or places we missed

Conclusion to best places to photograph Tokyo, Japan

Visiting and photographing Tokyo, Japan is an unforgettable experience that combines the allure of a modern metropolis with a deep-rooted traditional heritage. The city’s iconic landmarks, vibrant streets, serene gardens, neon-lit nights, cherry blossoms, unique perspectives, lively festivals, and rich customs provide endless opportunities for photographers to capture the essence of this captivating destination.

By exploring Tokyo’s diverse neighborhoods and immersing yourself in its dynamic atmosphere, you can unveil hidden gems and discover moments that encapsulate the city’s vibrant energy. Whether you’re drawn to the juxtaposition of ancient temples against futuristic skyscrapers or the kaleidoscope of colors found in bustling markets, Tokyo offers a wealth of photographic inspiration.

I hope that this has inspired you for exploring some of these wonderful attractions and landmarks around Tokyo, Japan. Have you been to some of these places or know some other interesting places to explore and photograph? Please do share them in the comments section below. Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on Best places to photograph Tokyo Japan, hopefully some of these places will inspire you to visit when you come to the city. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post.

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