A First-Timer’s Guide: 10 Easy-to-Find Tokyo Photo Spots
Planning a photo tour of Tokyo? We’ve compiled our 10 favorite spots to get that perfect shot. For each location, you’ll find a link to our in-depth guide with maps and tips.
So grab your camera! And start thinking of your hashtags because here are my top 10 Tokyo photo spots, in random order. I hope you enjoy the list.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has the best free observatory in Tokyo. The views are stunning, especially at night. From the 45th floor, you’ll even be able to see Mount Fuji on a fine day. [Click here for our guide to photographing from its observation deck]
Andaz Bar
Located in the Andaz Toranomon Hills, this bar has a superb view. Can you imagine sitting high above Tokyo and photographing the city skyline? Of course, you’ll be having a drink while doing it! [See our photos taken from its lounge here]
Saint Mary’s Cathedral
Kengo Tange designed Saint Mary’s and completed it in 1964. Even in 2022, the building looks modern with its graceful lines and stainless steel construction. Architectural photography lovers still love it. [Click here to see its photos in black and white]
Hama Rikyu Gardens
This is arguably the most beautiful park in Tokyo. Hama Rikyu Garden is filled with history and has something for every season. The nearby Shiodome skyscrapers are the perfect backdrop. [Click here for our complete guide to photographing it]
Rainbow Bridge
A walk on a Rainbow Bridge is a great way to spend an afternoon. While doing that, you get great photos of the Tokyo skyline. Alternatively, take pictures of it! [Click here for our complete guide to photographing it]
Aoyama Cemetery
Aoyama Cemetery is the best place for cherry blossoms in Tokyo. It is quiet, and in spring, the trees are crazily beautiful. When they are in full bloom, they even cover the road that runs through the middle of the grounds. [Click here for our complete guide to photographing it]
Sensoji temple
When you think about Tokyo, what do you imagine? For many people, it is temples or shrines. Sensoji in Asakusa is probably the best. It has gigantic red lanterns, historical temples, a pagoda, and rickshaws. You’ll also find the city’s biggest festival there, too! For some, it is quintessential Japan. [Click here for our complete photography guide]
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is probably the most well-known symbol of the city. Tokyoites have had a love affair with it since it was built. There are many spots to photograph it. You couldn’t go home without at least one picture of this iconic structure. [Click here for our guide to photographing it]
Eitai Bridge
Another bridge on this list? This one is special because you can photograph the Yakatabune dinner boats as they cruise down the Sumida River to Tokyo Bay at night. Take a tripod and a cable release, and you can capture some amazing light trail photos. [Click here for our complete guide to photographing the boats]
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
Harajuku is the home of kawaii. Its many cafes, restaurants, and boutiques attract Instagrammers. Tokyu Plaza’s entrance draws them too. The mirrors covering the ceiling and walls turn it into a kaleidoscope. Neither Instagrammers nor photographers can ignore it. This is one of Tokyo’s most popular photo spots. [Click here for our guide to photographing it]
Conclusion
Tokyo is colorful, complex, and unconventional. It’s very photogenic and Instagrammable. From modern architecture to cultural attractions, the city offers much to photographers. Pictures from this city give social media a lot to go crazy over.
The best thing is that you don’t need the latest and greatest camera to capture amazing pictures. Well, a tripod will help in some cases. For the most part, all you need to do is walk outside or sit at a bar and start shooting. You’ll find something that takes your fancy.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5 these days. The project will take more than one lifetime to complete.
