Tokyo Photography | 10 of the Best Instagram Spots in Japan's Capital

Tokyo is a photographer’s delight. An enchanting blend of old and new, there are opportunities around every corner and narrow alleyway to capture one of the many faces of this dynamic city. These are just some of the Tokyo photography locations you cannot miss when you visit this vibrant city, whether you are building your Japan photo portfolio or looking for the city’s best Instagram spots.

Skye Gilkeson

Skye stepping out from the crowd at Sensoji Temple Tokyo. | © Skye Gilkeson

A Quick Tokyo Photography Guide

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This Tokyo Photography guide will give you a quick snapshot of what you can capture around the city with your own curated Tokyo photo tour. Tokyo is so diverse when it comes to subject matter to photograph; from ancient temples to street portraits, futuristic architecture and weird and wonderfully colourful meals. For a more detailed Tokyo itinerary, read or guide on How to Spend 4 days in Tokyo.

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Nakamise shopping street is a feast for those with a love of street and food photography. | © Skye Gilkeson

Sensoji Temple

Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji Temple has to be one of the best Instagram spots in Tokyo, albeit one of the busiest tourist attractions in the city. Set the alarm and make your way to this ancient site early to beat the crowds. Walk through the Thunder gate and walk the Nakamise Dori; a hive of activity, colour and craft where souvenirs and the thick smell of street food snacks pour out of the stalls.

Outside the temple you’ll find visitors bathing in the smoke from the jokoro said to boost their health, before entering the temple itself. Once you have visited the temple, take the time to follow your curiosity to the alleyways and backstreets behind the main courtyard and temple, these hidden corners offer some more unique angles on a very over-photographed site. The same extends beyond the temple ground the rest of Asakusa, a quaint area that has much more to offer than the temple itself.

Even if you aren’t a keep photographer Sensoji Temple should be part of your Tokyo itinerary.

A busy food vendor in the Nakamise shopping street. | © Skye Gilkeson

Nakamise Shopping Street

Nakamise Dori itself is the perfect street and food photography location. Buy a snack from the vendors, snap some shots of the people as they shop or buy a souvenir and use it as a prop in the middle of the buzz of people. There is so much to see and photograph here. I propped myself to one side and just observed through the lens at what was happening beyond the wave of people filling the middle of the street.

Related: How to Spend 4 Days in Tokyo

Chidorigafuchi cherry blossoms in full bloom | via pixabay

Chidorigafuchi Moat

If you are fortunate enough to visit the city during the sakura or cherry blossom season in Tokyo, you will be able to take advantage of one of the most incredible Tokyo photoshoot backdrops. The season is very short, beginning around the last week of March.

There are several parks and riverbanks that offer some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo. However, the Chidorigafuchi moat is a popular central spot either from the park or from a boat on the water, shooting back to shore.

If you are planning a Tokyo itinerary around the cherry blossom season, you will need to book everything from your hotel to tours well in advance.

Peeking through the trees to the skyscrapers outside the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Tokyo. | © Skye Gilkeson

The Imperial Palace Gardens

The juxtaposition of old and new both outside and inside the Imperial Palace walls is a photographer’s dream. Any Tokyo photo gallery should feature photos from around the beautiful East Gardens. If architecture or landscape photography sets your soul on fire, you’ll love walking around the gardens, past the ruins and set up on the grass to shoot back towards the skyline. Pack some lunch and enjoy a picnic while you are there.

Related: Where to Eat in Hakuba

Tokyo Skytree Tower

Tokyo Skytree Tower offers panoramic views across the expansive city and is well worth a visit. The 350-metre high Tembo Deck wraps around the tower with information boards and an app to help you get oriented.

There are photo opportunities out of every window and also through the glass flooring. The observation deck opens at 8am and closes at 22.00, so you can choose to capture the day time sprawl or the light show in the evening.

Ginza

Wandering the streets of Ginza is a feast for any photographer with an interest in architecture or history. Catch the train to Tokyo Station in neighbouring Marunouchi; the building makes for the perfect first frame itself. The iconic structuree was first built in 1914 and has since been damaged by earthquakes and lovingly restored. Walk back through Ginza as you snap away while stopping at other must-see buildings in the area. A few include the Kabukiza Theatre, the Okuno building and the Wako building (with its stunning clock). Tokyu Plaza rooftop and the Ginza 6 rooftops are the places to get some shots from above or the wider area.