Tokyo is a city that feels like it’s living in the year 3026 while simultaneously holding onto secrets from the 1600s. It is, quite literally, a photographer’s playground. Whether you are hunting for neon-drenched alleys, serene shrines, or futuristic digital art, Tokyo delivers in a way that few other cities can.
As part of our 30-day series on the most iconic places to visit around the world, I’m diving deep into the heart of Japan. If you’re looking for the best photography locations to make your feed pop, you’ve come to the right place. Grab your camera, charge your portable batteries, and let’s get into the most instagrammable places in this electric metropolis.
Before you head out, make sure you have the right activities lined up. You can book the best Tokyo tours and experiences right here to ensure you don't miss a single shot.
1. teamLab Borderless (and Planets)
If you haven't seen teamLab on your feed, have you even been on Instagram? This is arguably the most famous of all instagrammable places in Tokyo. It’s a massive, immersive digital art museum where the art moves from room to room, interacting with the viewers.
The "Forest of Lamps" and the "Crystal World" are the big hitters here. The lights reflect off floor-to-ceiling mirrors, creating an infinite world of color. It’s a dream for creative photography, but it can be tricky. My biggest piece of advice? Wear solid colors so you don't get lost in the patterns, and check out some essential photography gear like a fast prime lens to handle the low light.
2. Shibuya Crossing
You can’t visit Tokyo without experiencing the "Scramble." It is the busiest intersection in the world, and witnessing 3,000 people cross the street at once is a rite of passage. For the best shot, head up to the Mag’s Park rooftop or the Starbucks overlooking the crossing.
To get that sense of motion, use a slow shutter speed to blur the crowd while the buildings stay sharp. For more tips on mastering long exposures and street scenes, you can always check out my deeper dives over at Shut Your Aperture.
3. Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
For a taste of "Old Tokyo," Senso-ji is unmatched. The Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its massive red lantern is one of the most iconic best photography locations in the country.
The trick here is timing. If you show up at midday, you’ll be fighting thousands of tourists for a clean shot. I recommend arriving at sunrise. The soft morning light hitting the red wood of the temple is breathtaking, and you’ll actually have space to breathe. While you’re there, wander through Nakamise-dori for some street food shots: just remember it’s considered rude to walk and eat in Japan!
4. Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
Harajuku is the heart of Japanese youth culture and "Kawaii" (cute) fashion. Takeshita Street is a sensory overload of rainbow grilled cheese, giant cotton candy, and wild outfits. It’s the perfect place to practice your portrait photography.
If you’re looking for something a bit more refined, the entrance to the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku features a kaleidoscopic mirror entrance that makes for an incredible architectural selfie. It’s one of those spots that looks complicated but is actually quite easy to shoot if you have the right angle.
5. Meiji Jingu Shrine
Just a stone’s throw from the madness of Harajuku is the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine. Surrounded by a massive forest in the middle of the city, the towering wooden torii gates are a sight to behold.
The wall of sake barrels (kazaridaru) is a fan-favorite for Instagram. The colorful labels against the wooden frames provide a great geometric backdrop. If you’re lucky, you might even witness a traditional Shinto wedding procession. For those who love printing their work, these serene shots look amazing as high-end prints: you can see how I style my own fine art photography here.
6. Tokyo Tower & Azabudai Hills
While the Tokyo Skytree is taller, Tokyo Tower has that classic "Eiffel Tower but orange" vibe that looks incredible at night. For the best view of the tower, head to the new Azabudai Hills observation deck. It offers a panoramic view of the skyline that will make your followers think you’re a pro.
If you want the "stairway to heaven" shot of the tower, look for the underground parking garage stairs nearby. It’s a bit of a "hidden" spot that’s become a viral sensation. Just be prepared to wait in a small line of other photographers.
7. Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
Often affectionately (or not so affectionately) called "Piss Alley," this narrow lane in Shinjuku is filled with tiny yakitori stalls and glowing lanterns. It’s moody, it’s gritty, and it’s perfectly Tokyo.
This is the place to practice your night-time street photography. The steam from the grills caught in the glow of the neon signs creates an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. For more street photography inspiration, take a look at some of my recent travel stories on my blog.
8. Hie Shrine
Everyone knows the red gates of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, but did you know Tokyo has its own version? Hie Shrine features a stunning staircase lined with bright red torii gates. It’s much quieter than its Kyoto counterpart, meaning you can actually get a photo without twenty other people in the frame. It’s a reassuringly calm spot in the middle of the Akasaka business district.
9. Akihabara Electric Town
Akihabara is where the "Neon Tokyo" dreams come true. Between the massive Sega arcades (now GiGO), the anime billboards, and the multi-story electronics shops, there is a photo opportunity on every corner.
Blue hour is the best time to shoot here. When the sky turns a deep indigo and the neon lights start to pop, the colors are absolutely electric. If you're worried about your camera's performance in these conditions, take a look at our camera reviews for 2024 to see which gear handles high ISO the best.
10. Shinjuku Gyoen National Park
Finally, if you need a break from the concrete, Shinjuku Gyoen is your sanctuary. It’s one of the best instagrammable places for nature lovers, especially during Cherry Blossom (Sakura) season or in the Autumn when the maples turn fiery red.
The park features a Japanese traditional garden, a formal French garden, and an English landscape garden. It’s a massive space where you can find some peace and quiet to compose your shots.
Travel Photography Tips for Tokyo
Tokyo is a breeze to navigate, but photography here requires a little bit of etiquette and strategy. Here are a few travel photography tips to keep in mind:
- Respect "No Photo" Signs: Some shrines and specific shops in Harajuku or Akihabara strictly forbid photography. Always look for signs first.
- The Power of the Tripod: Most observation decks and busy streets won't allow full-sized tripods. Consider a small GorillaPod or just practice your handheld steady-shot techniques.
- Pocket Wi-Fi is King: You’ll need it for Google Maps and for uploading those bangers to the 'gram in real-time.
- Lenses: A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is great for the tight alleys and massive architecture, but a 35mm or 50mm prime is best for capturing the "vibe" of the people.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo can feel overwhelming, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a city that rewards the curious. Don’t be afraid to get lost in the side streets: sometimes the best instagrammable places aren't on a list at all; they're the ones you stumble upon while looking for a vending machine.
If you’re planning your trip and want to make sure you have the best experience possible, don't forget to check out these highly-rated Tokyo activities. Whether it's a guided photo tour or a go-kart ride through the streets, having a plan makes the whole trip more reassuring and fun.
Ready to level up your photography game before you go? Check out our educational photography guides to sharpen your skills so you're ready when you land in Narita.
Happy shooting, and I can't wait to see your Tokyo shots!
