Tokyo is one of those cities where there’s always something worth photographing.
You have neon streets, quiet neighborhoods, temples, trains, narrow alleys, and huge buildings.
Then there’s Tokyo Tower, which seems to pop up between buildings when you least expect it.
Some spots are famous for a reason. Shibuya Crossing is an obvious one. But some of the best photo spots in Tokyo are easy to miss.
Although I researched these places before my trip, I didn’t have enough time to visit them all.
I still wanted to share all the best photo spots in Tokyo I found, so maybe you can try to find them all on your trip!
Here are 28 of the best photo spots in Tokyo, from major landmarks to quieter places around the city.
👉 If you’re still planning your first visit, start with my complete Tokyo travel guide. It covers the basics you’ll need for getting around, planning your days, and making the most of your time in the city.
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Godzilla Head in Kabukicho
Walk through Kabukicho and you’ll eventually see Godzilla looking down from above Hotel Gracery Shinjuku.
Don’t stand directly under it for your photo. Walk farther down the street instead.
From there, you can fit Godzilla into the shot along with the surrounding buildings and signs. It gives the photo much more context.
Best for: Fun Tokyo photos
Best time: Evening or night
Kabukicho at Night
While you’re in the area, spend some time walking around Kabukicho.
At night, this is the bright, busy Tokyo you see in movies. There are huge signs, video screens, restaurants, taxis, and people everywhere.
You don’t need to find one exact photo spot. Just walk around and watch what’s happening.
A passing taxi, someone with an umbrella, or a cyclist can make the shot more interesting.
👉 If you plan to spend more time here, check out my complete guide to spending a night in Kabukicho. It covers what to see, where to go, and what to expect after dark.
Best for: Neon and street photography
Best time: Night
Shinjuku’s Giant 3D Cat
Near Shinjuku Station, you’ll find the giant 3D cat on the Cross Shinjuku Vision screen.
The screen curves around the corner of the building, which makes the cat look like it’s actually sitting inside.
The display changes throughout the day, so you may need to wait a bit for the cat to show up.
It’s also one of the easiest best photo spots in Tokyo to add while you’re already exploring Shinjuku.
Best for: Fun Tokyo photos
Best time: Day or evening
Nogata Station Train Crossing
Near Nogata Station, there’s a long residential street that leads to a railway crossing.
Wait for a train to pass and you’ll get a classic Tokyo street scene.
You have the narrow road, utility poles, crossing gates, and a train cutting right across the street.
It’s a simple shot, but a good one. I think this is one of the best photo spots in Tokyo if you want something visitors often overlook.
Best for: Trains and street photography
Best time: Morning
Photo tip: Stand farther down the street instead of right next to the tracks. The road will naturally lead your eye toward the train.
Astro Boy Mural at Takadanobaba Station
📍 Astro Boy Mural Takadanobaba
There’s a large Astro Boy mural near Takadanobaba Station.
The mural is worth a photo, but the light is what can make this spot really interesting.
At the right time of day, you’ll see strong patches of light and shadow.
Find a good angle and wait for someone to walk through the bright section.
It can turn a basic shot of the mural into a much better street photo.
Best for: Street photography and anime fans
Photo tip: Don’t just shoot the mural straight on. Set up your frame and wait for someone to walk through it.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
📍 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Shinjuku
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is one of the best free viewpoints in Tokyo.
The observation decks are about 200 meters above the city and give you wide views across Shinjuku and the Tokyo skyline.
On a clear day, you may even be able to see Mount Fuji in the distance.
It’s one of the best photo spots in Tokyo if you want skyline photos without paying for an observation deck like Shibuya Sky.
Try to visit on a clear day when visibility is better.
Best for: Tokyo skyline, skyscrapers, and city photography
Best time: Late afternoon to sunset
Nishi-Shinjuku Pedestrian Bridges
The western side of Shinjuku is a good place to photograph the city’s skyscrapers.
Several pedestrian bridges overlook the roads and traffic below. They give you a clear view toward the tall buildings around Nishi-Shinjuku.
If you’re looking for secret photography spots Tokyo has beyond the usual landmarks, this area is worth exploring.
Best for: City photography
Best time: Blue hour
Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho, also known as Memory Lane, is one of the best places for night photography in Shinjuku.
The alleys are tiny and packed with izakayas. Lanterns and signs hang overhead, and there’s usually plenty happening around the restaurants.
Go in the evening when the lights are on. That’s when the alley really comes to life.
If you’re looking for one of the best photo spots in Tokyo at night, Omoide Yokocho is hard to beat.
Best for: Night and street photography
Best time: Evening
Photo tip: These are working restaurants. Give people space and don’t block the entrances while taking photos.
Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street
Senso-ji is one of the best photo spots in Tokyo, especially if you want traditional architecture, street scenes, and food photos in one place.
One of my favorite shots is from beneath the giant red lantern at Kaminarimon Gate.
Point your camera up to capture the details underneath the lantern with parts of the gate around it.
It’s a different view from the classic photo everyone takes from the front.
Then walk down Nakamise Shopping Street toward the temple.
The small stands are great for food photography.
You’ll find colorful Japanese sweets, rice crackers, snacks, and other treats that look great in close-up shots.
Just bring some patience. Senso-ji and Nakamise get very crowded, and getting the photo you want can take time.
Find your angle and wait for a gap instead of rushing the shot.
For me, it’s also one of the most varied best photo spots in Tokyo because you can photograph the temple, lanterns, crowds, traditional shops, and food without leaving the area.
Best for: Temples, street photography, food, and architectural details
Best time: Early morning for fewer crowds; daytime for food stalls
Photo tip: Use a wide-angle lens or your phone’s wide camera when shooting from underneath the giant lantern.
Asakusa Observation Viewpoint
Most people photograph Senso-ji from street level, but there’s also a great view from above.
Across from the temple area, you’ll find an observation space overlooking Asakusa.
From here, you can see Nakamise-dori leading toward Senso-ji with the rest of Tokyo behind it.
It’s a good spot if you want old and modern Tokyo in the same photo.
Best for: Asakusa views
Best time: Late afternoon
Asahi Beer Hall & Tokyo Skytree Skyline
For a great skyline shot in Asakusa, head across the Sumida River and photograph the Asahi Beer Hall from the opposite side.
From here, you can fit the Asahi buildings and Tokyo Skytree into the same frame, with the Sumida River in front.
It’s one of the best photo spots in Tokyo for capturing some of Asakusa’s most recognizable modern landmarks in one shot.
Try to include the river in your composition.
It adds more depth and can give you nice reflections when the water is calm.
Best for: Tokyo Skytree, skyline, architecture, and river views
Best time: Late afternoon, sunset, or blue hour
Photo tip: Step back from the riverbank and try a wider shot so you can include the buildings, Skytree, and water in the same frame.
Hijiri Bridge
Can’t believe I missed this one!
If you’re searching for good photography spots Tokyo has plenty for train lovers, but Hijiri Bridge is one of the most interesting.
Several railway lines pass through this part of Ochanomizu.
If you get the timing right, you can catch more than one train in the same frame.
You might have to wait a while, but that’s part of getting the shot.
Fans of Suzume may recognize the area too.
Best for: Train photography
Best time: Day
Photo tip: Give yourself some time here. The shot gets much better when several trains line up.
SunnyHills at Minami-Aoyama
Aoyama has some unusual modern architecture, and SunnyHills is a good example.
The building gives you plenty of lines and shapes to work with.
You can photograph the architecture on its own, but I’d also wait for someone to walk through the frame.
A person can add some scale and works especially well for silhouette shots.
If architecture is your thing, SunnyHills deserves a place among the best photo spots in Tokyo.
Best for: Architecture and street photography
Best time: Afternoon
teamLab Borderless & teamLab Planets
For something completely different, add teamLab Borderless or teamLab Planets to your list.
Both are immersive digital art museums filled with light, color, mirrors, and large-scale installations.
The exhibits give you plenty of creative backgrounds for photos, and many rooms look completely different as the lights and projections change.
👉 Book teamLab Borderless here if you want to explore different rooms and find unusual compositions.
👉 Book teamLab Planets here for a physical and immersive experience, with areas where you walk through water, mirrored spaces, and large digital installations.
👉 I visited teamLab Borderless myself, and there’s a lot more to know before you go. My teamLab Borderless review covers what the experience is really like, what to expect inside, and my tips for visiting.
Either one can easily make your list of the best photo spots in Tokyo if you want something different from temples, streets, and skyline views.
Best for: Creative portraits, digital art, reflections, and colorful photos
Best time: Any time of day
Photo tip: Wear simple or neutral-colored clothes. They tend to stand out better against the colorful projections and darker rooms.
Meiji Jingu Sake & Wine Barrel Display
Meiji Jingu is one of the best photo spots in Tokyo if you want something more traditional.
On the walk toward the shrine, you’ll pass a large outdoor display of sake barrels stacked in neat rows.
These barrels were donated to the shrine by sake producers from across Japan, and the different labels and designs make a great background for photos.
Across from them, you’ll also find rows of French wine barrels.
The contrast is interesting and gives you another photo opportunity before you even reach the main shrine.
Try standing farther back to capture the full wall of barrels, then move closer for shots of the Japanese writing and artwork on each one.
Best for: Japanese culture, portraits, patterns, and colorful details
Best time: Morning
Tokyo Tower from Akabanebashi
If you want good photos of Tokyo Tower, don’t just head straight to the tower itself.
Start around Akabanebashi Station and walk toward it.
As you go, Tokyo Tower appears above roads, behind trees, and between buildings.
The view changes every few blocks, so take your time.
Walking around the neighborhood is part of finding the best shots.
If Tokyo Tower is high on your list, I’d include Akabanebashi among the best photo spots in Tokyo.
👉 You don’t need to go inside Tokyo Tower to get these photos, but if you want the view from above, you can book Tokyo Tower tickets here.
Best for: Tokyo Tower
Best time: Late afternoon to night
Photo tip: Give yourself at least an hour to explore the streets around the tower.
The National Art Center, Tokyo
You don’t need to see an exhibition to visit The National Art Center.
The building alone is worth photographing.
Inside, there’s a huge curved glass wall and a lot of open space.
Head upstairs and look around for clean lines, shapes, and different angles.
Try putting a person in the frame too. It helps show just how big the space is.
Best for: Architecture
Best time: Day
Fureai Pedestrian Bridge
This is another good place to photograph Sky Tree.
From the bridge, you can see the tower at the end of the road.
The street leads your eye straight toward it.
It doesn’t get the same attention as the Tokyo best photo spots around Shibuya and Shinjuku, which is part of what makes it worth finding.
It’s less famous than many of the best photo spots in Tokyo, which makes it a good choice if you want a different view of Sky Tree.
Best for: Sky Tree
Best time: Blue hour
Tokyo Skytree Reflection Shot
Tokyo Skytree is so tall that fitting the whole thing into one photo can be tricky.
One way to make the shot more interesting is to include its reflection.
Of all the photography spots Tokyo offers around Skytree, this is a fun one if you want something different from the usual tower shot.
Another option is to walk right up to the base of Tokyo Skytree and take your photo from below.
Point your camera straight up to capture the tower rising above you.
It’s an easy way to get a dramatic shot, and you don’t need to buy a ticket or go up the tower to do it.
👉 Want to see Tokyo from the top too? You can book Tokyo Skytree observation deck tickets before your visit.
Best for: Reflections, city views, and Skytree from below
Best time: Morning or blue hour
Photo tip: A wide lens helps here, especially if you want to fit most of Skytree into the frame while standing near the base.
Hie Shrine Torii Gates
Hie Shrine is one of the best photo spots in Tokyo for torii gate photos, and you don’t have to leave central Tokyo to visit it.
The highlight for photos is the long staircase lined with bright red torii gates.
The gates form a tunnel as you walk up the steps, giving you a similar style of photo to Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, but on a much smaller scale.
Try shooting from the bottom of the stairs to capture the repeating gates going uphill.
You can also walk partway up and photograph through the gates for a tighter shot.
It’s usually quieter than Tokyo’s most famous temples and shrines, but you’ll still need some patience if you want a photo without other people in the frame.
Best for: Torii gates, portraits, traditional Japan, and symmetry
Best time: Early morning
Photo tip: Stand near the bottom of the staircase and use the repeating torii gates to frame your subject and draw the eye up the steps.
Shibuya Station Through the Glass
There are plenty of ways to photograph Shibuya Crossing, and you don’t have to stay at street level.
One option is to shoot through the large windows around Shibuya Station.
You’ll probably get some reflections in the glass, but that’s fine. Use them as part of the photo for a different look.
For a higher view, you can also book a ticket to Shibuya Sky.
👉 If you want to visit, I recommend booking your Shibuya Sky ticket in advance, especially around sunset when time slots can fill up.
It’s one of the best-known viewpoints in the area and gives you a wide view over Shibuya and the city.
My favorite, though, is MAGNET by SHIBUYA109.
You can get a great view of the crossing from above, but the fun part is the overhead camera.
It takes your photo from a bird’s-eye view with Shibuya Crossing in the background. It’s a really cool photo to have from your trip.
👉 If you want to try it yourself, you can book MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 here and get that incredible bird’s-eye shot with Shibuya Crossing behind you.
If you’re searching for photography spots Tokyo has around Shibuya, these three options give you very different views of the same famous crossing.
Best for: Shibuya Crossing, city views, and bird’s-eye photos
Best time: Blue hour or night
Best for: City and abstract photography
Best time: Blue hour or night
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
You’ve probably seen Shibuya Crossing in thousands of photos.
Take the photo anyway.
But don’t only shoot it from above. Go down to street level and walk into the crossing.
When the light changes, hundreds of people start moving in every direction.
You don’t have much time to get your shot, which is part of what makes it fun.
When it comes to the best photo spots in Tokyo, few places are as recognizable as Shibuya Crossing.
👉 There’s a lot more to Shibuya than the crossing. If you’re spending a few hours in the neighborhood, my guide to the best things to do in Shibuya has more places worth adding to your day.
Best for: Classic Tokyo photos
Best time: Evening
Photo tip: Don’t try to avoid the crowds. They’re what makes the photo work.
Hachiko Statue
📍 Shibuya
You can’t make a list of the best photo spots in Tokyo without including Hachiko.
The famous Hachiko statue sits just outside Shibuya Station, only a few steps from Shibuya Crossing. It’s an easy photo to add while you’re already exploring the area.
The statue honors Hachiko, the Akita dog remembered for waiting at Shibuya Station for his owner every day, even after his owner had died. Today, it’s one of Tokyo’s most recognizable meeting spots.
Getting a photo can take some patience. There’s often a line of people waiting for their turn, and the area around the statue stays busy throughout the day.
Shibuya Photo Shoot With a Professional Photographer
📍 Shibuya
If you want great photos of yourself in Tokyo, consider booking a professional photographer in Shibuya.
Instead of trying to set up a tripod or asking strangers to take your photo, you can walk around Shibuya with someone who already knows the best angles.
You can get shots at Shibuya Crossing, under the neon signs, along the side streets, and around some of the quieter corners nearby.
Booking a professional photographer is also a fun way to experience some of the best photo spots in Tokyo.
A local photographer can also help with posing and timing, which matters at Shibuya Crossing.
You only have a short window before the lights change and traffic starts moving again.
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, portraits, and Shibuya Crossing
Best time: Blue hour or night
Photo tip: Book a session that starts shortly before sunset. You’ll have a chance to get daylight photos, blue hour shots, and Shibuya’s neon lights during the same session.
Gachapon Shops on Takeshita Street
Harajuku has some of the best photo spots in Tokyo if you want something colorful and a little different. Takeshita Street has several large gachapon shops packed with rows of capsule toy machines.
I visited CAPSULE LAB. It has machines on both the first floor and basement, so you can get photos surrounded by rows of gachapon before picking a few to try yourself.
The walls of colorful machines make a fun background for portraits and close-up shots.
Best for: Colorful photos, Japanese pop culture, and fun portraits
Best time: Morning or early afternoon
Photo tip: Try shooting straight down a row of gachapon machines to create a colorful repeating pattern. Then get a close-up holding the capsule you picked.
Yebisu Garden Place
Yebisu Garden Place is one of the best photo spots in Tokyo to visit at the end of a day of photography.
From the observation areas, you get a wide view across Tokyo.
On a clear day, you can see Tokyo Tower surrounded by the city.
Try to arrive before sunset. You’ll get the daytime view first, then blue hour, and finally Tokyo lit up at night.
Best for: Tokyo skyline and Tokyo Tower
Best time: Sunset to blue hour
Check the weather before you go. A clear day makes a big difference here.
Nakameguro (Spring/Fall)
Nakameguro is worth visiting any time of year, but spring is when it really stands out.
Cherry trees line both sides of the Meguro River.
When they’re in bloom, the branches stretch over the water and almost meet in the middle.
It’s one of the classic cherry blossom shots in Tokyo and easily one of the best photo spots in Tokyo if you’re visiting during sakura season.
If you’re not visiting during spring, I’d still stop by. The river, bridges, cafés, and quieter streets are nice to photograph year-round.
Best for: Cherry blossoms and street photography
Best time: Spring
What I Used to Take My Tokyo Photos
You don’t need a professional camera to photograph Tokyo. For this trip, I kept my setup simple and used two main devices.
Most of my photos were taken with my iPhone 17 Pro Max. I liked having it ready in my pocket for quick street shots, food photos, and places where I didn’t want to carry extra gear.
I also used the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo, especially when I wanted smooth video while walking around Tokyo. It’s small, easy to carry, and doesn’t take up much room in a day bag.
How to Take Better Photos in Tokyo
You don’t need a famous landmark in every photo.
In fact, some of the secret photography spots Tokyo visitors find are simply places they notice while walking from one attraction to another.
It might be a train passing through a quiet neighborhood, someone walking through a patch of sunlight, or Tokyo Tower appearing between two buildings.
Here are a few things I look for.
👉 If you’d rather explore with someone who knows the city, you can also join a Tokyo photography tour to find more street scenes and photo locations.
Use Streets to Frame Your Shot
Tokyo has plenty of long, straight streets.
Use them to lead your eye toward the main subject. This works especially well with Tokyo Tower, trains, and tall buildings.
Look for Light and Shadow
Bright sunlight isn’t always bad for photos.
Tall buildings create sharp areas of light and shadow. Find a good frame, then wait for someone to walk into the light.
Sometimes that’s all you need.
Keep Shooting After Sunset
Don’t put your camera away when the sun goes down.
Shibuya and Shinjuku are especially good at night.
Blue hour is another great time to shoot. The sky still has some color, but the signs and buildings are already lighting up.
A Wide Lens Helps
A wide lens comes in handy in Tokyo.
It makes it easier to photograph tall buildings, Tokyo Skytree, interiors, and reflections.
But you don’t need expensive camera gear. A good phone is enough for most travel photos.
Wait for the Shot
This may be the most useful tip.
When you find a good spot, don’t take one photo and leave.
Give it a few minutes.
A train might pass. Someone with an umbrella might walk into the frame. A cyclist could come by. The light might change.
Sometimes waiting is what gets you the photo.
Photography is only one part of planning a trip to Japan.
👉 I’ve also put together 50 travel tips for Japan based on things I learned from my own trip, including transportation, hotels, etiquette, packing, and a few things I wish I’d known sooner.
Which Tokyo Photo Spots Should You Visit First?
If this is your first trip and you can’t visit all the spots, I’d start with:
- Shibuya Crossing for the classic Tokyo shot
- Omoide Yokocho for night photos
- Akabanebashi for Tokyo Tower
- Hijiri Bridge for trains
- Asakusa for old Tokyo
- Nakameguro for cherry blossoms
- The National Art Center for architecture
- Yebisu Garden Place for skyline views
That gives you a good mix without trying to cover the whole city in one trip.
👉 Trying to fit these places into your schedule? My 3–5 day Tokyo itinerary shows you how I would organize a first trip without wasting time going back and forth across the city.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to visit every place on a list of the best photo spots in Tokyo to come home with great photos.
The famous places are worth seeing. Get the Shibuya Crossing shot. Walk around Shinjuku at night. Find your favorite view of Tokyo Tower.
But don’t spend the whole trip moving from one saved pin to the next.
Walk down side streets. Look into alleys. Cross pedestrian bridges. Explore the streets around each station.
Some of your best photos in Tokyo may come from places you never planned to photograph.
👉 Heading to Kyoto after Tokyo? I also put together a guide to the best photo spots in Kyoto, including temples, traditional streets, viewpoints, and some of my favorite places for photos around the city.
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