Do you love filling your Instagram feed with stunning travel photos? Where can you find the best places to capture historical or modern culture, or to make your photos stand out? Consider our picks for the coolest places to get your photography right in Tokyo.
The following list includes ten of the best Instagrammable spots in Tokyo. Don’t forget to use your Japan Rail Pass for quick and easy travel.
In order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), several venues and establishments in Tokyo may change their opening days and hours. In addition, some events may be cancelled or postponed. Please check the official websites of venues and events for the latest updates and information.
Nakameguro, japan flower
Nakameguro is the perfect place to capture Tokyo in each of its seasons. In spring, pink cherry blossoms frame the river. In autumn, it’s a great place for koyo as the leaves begin to change. In winter, the trees are illuminated with twinkling lights.
Tokyo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. There’s so much to see and do here, from ancient temples and shrines to towering skyscrapers and bustling markets. But if you’re looking for a particularly Instagrammable spot in Tokyo, look no further than Nakameguro. With its trendy boutiques and cafés, charming old-world atmosphere, and lovely river setting, Nakameguro is a photographer’s dream come true. Here are just a few reasons why it’s one of the best places in Tokyo for an Instagram photo shoot.
How to get there? From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote Line clockwise to Ebisu Station. Meguro River Park and Cherry Blossom Walk are about 17 minutes’ walk from Ebisu Station.
Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s oldest districts and retains the charm that has given way to progress in other parts of the city. You’ll see traditional architecture, stylish street lamps and maybe even a human-powered rickshaw.
Sensō-ji temple, famous for its entrance decorated with an imposing lantern, is a secular temple with a five-story pagoda, splendid statues, various monuments and small shrines. If the famous lantern is the most famous element of the temple, the whole site is ideal for photography. There’s nothing like it to totally disrupt your Instagram feed. The temple also marks the entrance to a colorful and lively shopping street, where stalls of local artists and artisans and tempting food stalls line up.
To capture the lantern of the Kaminarimon (the “lightning gate”), the best thing to do is to stand in front of the Asakusa tourist information center. You will find the temple about 25 minutes east of downtown.
- Location: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
- Telephone: +81 3-3842-0181
How to get there? From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Line to Shimbashi Station and from there take the Asakusa Line to Asakusa Station.
Takeshita Street, most colored street in Tokyo
Nicknamed “the cutest street in Tokyo“, Takeshita Street is located in Harajuku. Here you will find the cute side, from kawaii clothing stores to pink pancake shops and rainbow cotton candy vendors. Pancake shops are among the most popular places for local selfies.
This famous pedestrian thoroughfare is crammed full of trendy restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect spot to capture all the hustle and bustle of Japanese city life. What’s more, with its bright colors and eclectic mix of architecture, Takeshita Street is one of the most Instagrammable spots in all of Tokyo.
How to get there? From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote line counter-clockwise to Harajuku Station. Takeshita Street is about a minute’s walk from the station.
Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree in Oshiage is one of the best places to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, with observation decks at 350 and 450 meters high.
There are several reasons why Tokyo Skytree is a great place for instagram. First, the tower is extremely photogenic and offers stunning views of the cityscape. Second, there are plenty of places to take interesting and unique photographs, such as the nearby Tembo Deck and Tembo Gallery. Finally, Tokyo Skytree is always crowded with tourists, providing a lively and bustling atmosphere that makes for great photos.
Depending on whether you want to access the lower or upper platform, you’ll pay different entrance fees, and you can even opt for fast-track tickets to avoid long lines for an additional fee. Another option is to reserve a table at the SKY restaurant, where you will receive priority access to both terraces in addition to your meal. That said, no matter which method you use, you’re sure to get a sensational photo for your Instagram feed.
- Location: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
- Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Phone: +81 570-550-634
Hamarikyu Gardens
Hamarikyu Gardens is an oasis of calm in the heart of Tokyo. The garden was once a retreat for the shogun, and today it is one of the most popular spots in the city for taking Instagram pictures. Here are eleven reasons why Hamarikyu Gardens should be at the top of your list when you’re looking for a good place to take pictures for Instagram.
The 25 hectare Hamarikyu Gardens date back to the 17th century. Fields of flowers dominate the landscape, providing a unique contrast to the surrounding business district. The gardens are designed to be flooded with a different color each season. The gardens are also a popular location for wedding photography among locals.
How to get there? From Tokyo Station, take the Keihin Tohoku / Yamanote line to Shimbashi Station. The gardens are a thirteen-minute walk from the station.
View of the city from Roppongi Hills
From the heights of the Roppongi Hills, the entire city of Tokyo will spread out before you. The view includes iconic landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji.
How to get there? From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote Line clockwise to Yurakucho Station. Walk five minutes to Hibiya Station and take the Hibiya Line to Roppongi Station. Roppongi Hills is a five-minute walk from the station.
Soho in Odaiba
Tokyo is a city full of amazing places to take Instagram pictures. Soho in Odaiba is one of the best. There are plenty of great photo opportunities here, from the interesting architecture to the beautiful views of Tokyo Bay. Plus, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy some downtime away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The 13 floors of this open-concept workspace look like a dollhouse or modern abstract art. The many colorful exterior doors make it a favorite for Instagram, especially when lit up at night.
How to get there ? Take the Keihin Tohoku / Yamanote line from Tokyo Station to Shimbashi Station. From there, take the Yurikamome Toyosu to Fune-no-kagakukan Station. Soho is a five-minute walk from the station.
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando in Harajuku
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando is one of the most instagrammable places in Tokyo. The reason for this is the unique architecture and design of the building, which makes for great pictures. Additionally, the location is perfect for tourists who want to take pictures of Harajuku and its famous Takeshita Street.
The entrance to Tokyo Plaza has many mirrors with geometric patterns attached to the walls and ceiling. You’ll see people stopping to take pictures at the top, bottom and on the escalator. The futuristic reflections make for intriguing selfies and street photography.
How to get there? From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote line to Harajuku Station. The Plaza is about a six-minute walk from Harajuku Station.
Hie Jinja Shrine
If you’re looking for a place to take Instagram-worthy pictures in Tokyo, look no further than Hie Jinja Shrine. This shrine is located in the heart of Tokyo and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. The shrine is also home to a number of festivals throughout the year, which make for perfect photo opportunities.
The myriad of red torii gates at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine is Instagram magic. But if you visit Tokyo, you can get the same photographic effect without going to Kyoto. Hie Jinja Shrine also has a path lined with torii gates. This shrine is smaller and therefore less crowded, which makes it even easier to capture great photos without strangers creeping into your shot.
How to get there? From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote Line to Shimbashi Station. Then take the Ginza Line to Tameike-Sanno Station. The shrine is about a seven-minute walk from Tameike-Sanno Station.
Akihabara
Akihabara is known as the Electric Town of Tokyo. It’s a district full of anime, manga, and video game shops, as well as electronics stores. It’s also one of the most popular places in Tokyo for taking pictures and posting them on Instagram.
Akihabara is the hub of anime and otaku culture in Tokyo. In addition to brightly lit electronics stores and anime-themed cafes, you’re likely to see fans dressed as their favorite characters.
How to get there? From Tokyo Station, take the Keihin Tohoku / Yamanote line to Akihabara Station.
Shibuya Crossroads
Shibuya Crossroads is one of the busiest intersections in Tokyo, and it’s also one of the most instagrammable places in the city. The bright lights, colorful billboards, and constantly moving people make for a fascinating and visually stimulating backdrop. Whether you’re taking photos of the people crossing the street or simply capturing the energy of the area, Shibuya Crossroads is definitely worth a visit.
Shibuya Crossroads is the ultimate photo op in Tokyo, it is the Times Square of Japan. Shibuya Crossroads is the busiest crosswalk in the world – about a million people a day – and is surrounded by Tokyo’s famous neon lights. You may not be a lone photographer, and film crews often visit the area for movies, TV shows and music videos.
How to get there? From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station, and the intersection is about a four-minute walk from Shibuya Station.
Why Tokyo is perfect city for instagram pictures
Perfect backdrops for your Instagram photos await you wherever you are
It’s easy to see why travelers to Tokyo are so excited. Around every corner, you’ll be surprised by a mix of the old and the new, the refined and the crude, the ordinary and the unusual. Look around the big intersection in Shibuya and you’ll probably get a shot that everyone will envy you. Don’t forget your cell phone charger and SIM card to share your best pictures right away!
Architecture
There is no shortage of iconic buildings that adorn the skyline in Tokyo. Among them is the 333-meter high Tokyo Tower, whose best shots can be taken from the Mori Building or the Zojo-ji Temple. Visit the elegant Nezu Museum and 21_21 Design Sight buildings with their minimalist design to pay homage to world-famous architects Kengo Kuma and Tadao Ando. It doesn’t matter how many times you take a picture of the Tokyu Plaza escalator tunnel in the fashionable Omotesando district, because its intricate mosaic of mirrors will never give you the same image twice. For those looking for a lush green backdrop, the vast Meiji-jingu Shrine Park nearby will probably do the trick.
Food
With over a hundred Michelin-starred restaurants, Tokyo is the epicurean capital of the world, where food is as much about presentation and innovation as it is about taste. However, to keep your Instagram followers’ mouths watering, you won’t necessarily need to empty your wallet. Shinjuku Golden Gai’s casual restaurants are just as photogenic as their dishes, which include classic yakitori and ramen. Don’t miss out on the amazing treats in the Harajuku district, including the huge rainbow-colored cotton candy at Totti Candy Factory.
Fashion
No Instagram guide to Tokyo can forget to mention Takeshita Street, the Mecca of kawaii culture and street fashion. Head there on weekends in the evening to take photos of cosplayers, but be sure to ask their permission to photograph them first. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and Kiyosumi Garden in Fukagawa are great for taking photos in kimono. Visit a luxury kimono rental store to stand out from the crowd, but be sure to book well in advance.
