Japan is said to be the melodious mixture of ancient tradition and cut-edged modernity. The heart of this blended beauty is said to be Tokyo, a place white is breathtaking. A place where the actual Japanese culture is most clearly showcased. It is said that Japan was primarily an isolated place, and at that time it nurtured a culture and a rhythm of its own. This finally resulted in a society of people who were used to deep-rooted cultures and traditions.
This included the serene vibes of their tea ceremonies as well as the colorful celebrations of their seasonal festivals. Tokyo is also known for its neon-lit streets and huge towering skyscrapers which act as an example of Japan’s persuaded innovations. Even amidst the cut-throat modernization, the city is beautifully structured in the old-fashioned way. In this way, Tokyo creates a balance in the environment that combines respect, harmony, and a deep understanding of aesthetics, all together. Also, visitors come to Tokyo, especially for this aesthetic and fascination exploration. In this blog, we will focus on the 8 best places to take pictures in Tokyo. Scroll down to learn more!
The 8 Best Places to Take Pictures in Tokyo
1) Tokyo Tower
If you are interested in taking your picture in front of a popular Tokyo landmark, then nothing can top the Tokyo Tower. The communication and observation center, also known as the Tokyo Tower is situated in the center of the Minato City in Tokyo and it is very similar to the Eiffel Tower of Paris. If we talk about the description of the Tokyo Tower, then it is white and red in color standing three meters tall. So, if you are interested in taking a picture in front of an outstanding landmark with the vivid city of Tokyo in the background, then the Tokyo Tower should be your first choice. The Tokyo Tower is one of the 8 best places to take pictures in Tokyo.
Best Time to Visit
If we discuss the best time to visit the Tokyo Tower to take pictures, it should probably be at night. At night, the city of Tokyo is vividly lit with neon and bright lights that contrast greatly with the pitch-black sky. Professional photographers may also choose various colors during the day to correspond to different occasions.
Most Scenic Views
If you want to click the best picture of the Tokyo Towers you can try to click it from these positions:
- On the terrace of the Fuji TV building
- Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills
- Any spot on Sakuradadori Street
Expert Recommendations
According to our research, the Tokyo Tower serves as a symbol of Tokyo’s rebirth after World War II. The view of Tokyo from the topmost floor of the tower is gorgeous and it is a must-see in Tokyo. During the sunsets, the colors over the city make it look picturesque!
2) Harajuku
If you are an anime fan or you like cosplay, Harajuku is exactly the best picture-clicking spot for you. In Harajuku, you can click pictures of crazy Tokyo fashion trends, crazy and incredible styles, and impossible costumes. You can also click pictures of some of the most exclusive shops and suburban areas known as the “backstreets.” These places are locally known as ‘Ura-Hara,’ which means ‘Behind Harajuku.’ If you are interested in clicking Instagram-worthy pictures, you can find these unique food stalls in these backstreets. They sell various animal-shaped ice creams and crazy-big cotton candy as well.
Best Time to Visit
According to our sources, Harajuku has two main rush hours that include:
- 7.30 am to 9.30 am
- 5.30 am to 7.30 am
In these rush hours, this famous photography spot in Tokyo is the most crowded.
Most Scenic Views
If you take a stroll from the entrance of Takeshita Street to the Harajuku Station, you can click a ton of cheerful and vivid pictures out in the lively place. You can also go to the Tokyo Plaza Omotesando, which is a shopping center. Here, the trees are incorporated into the structure’s design in such a way that it filters the light and make the building a suitable spot for photography. On the sixth floor of the building, there is also a Starbucks where you can sit and enjoy yourself a cup of coffee (or maybe post it!) Tokyo Plaza is known as the “World’s Anime Capital,” a place where you can click futuristic photographs.
Expert Recommendations
Japanese people can be regarded as shy and reserved, but do not hesitate to approach them to click a picture of yours. They are equally friendly and hospitable. In Harajuku, teenagers, and the younger generation dress to be noticed, so you can become a fashion icon there. You can even approach the local people to click a picture of theirs, and most of them will not hesitate. Most of the people can speak English, so you would not have a lot of problems regarding that.
3) Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge is a representation of the cheerfulness of the city. The supporting towers of the Rainbow Bridge are painted white in color, but they are lit up at night as rainbow colors. You can walk over the bridge and there you will find an observation deck to take photographs of Odaiba beachfront, Tokyo Sky Tree, and the beautiful ferries.
Best Time to Visit
During dusk or later in the evening, it is the best time to visit the Rainbow Bridge so that you can get to experience the lights at full fledge. At these times, the place is supposed to be crowded, but trust me, in this way, you get to click the actual scenario of this “Bursting with Life” place.
Most Scenic Views
The Northern side offers more scenic views as compared to the other sides. Here, you can take phenomenal panorama shots. You can try clicking pictures near the Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal because there you will find large passenger ships.
Expert Recommendations
It is officially banned to use a tripod on the Rainbow Bridge, but you can use a monopod to click pictures instead. So, make sure to pack it before you leave for Tokyo, Japan.
4) Odaiba Island
In Tokyo Bay, there is an artificial district, and Odaiba is one of the shopping districts. If you want to take a perfect shot of Tokyo’s skyline and the beautiful Rainbow Bridge, this is just the right spot for you. During the morning and the evening, you can take some of the best photographs of Tokyo’s skyline from this place.
Best Time to Visit
This place is best known for its sunset photographs. You might also be able to see fireworks if you visit this place any Saturday in December (Except 31st December) that happens for five minutes straight.
Most Scenic Views
You can take some of the best pictures of the Odaiba Islands from:
- The ferry that will take you to the Odaiba Island
- From the Rainbow Bridge
Expert Recommendations
If you do not want to take the ferry to the island, you can book a cab and then drive over the Rainbow Bridge that connects Odaiba to central Tokyo. You are not allowed to stop any vehicle on the bridge to take a picture, but if you are sitting in the passenger’s seat, then you can click pictures of the city.
5) Senso Ji Temple
There are at least four thousand temples and shrines in Tokyo, but Senso Ji stands to be the most popular one. It was built almost 1300 years and it is regarded as the oldest temple of Tokyo, of the Buddhist culture. Along with being one of the most important cultural monuments in the history of time, the Senso Ji temple serves as one of the 8 best places to take pictures in Tokyo. The main hall is the most scenic and pretty where you can click ample pictures. Along with that, you can capture the simplicity of the marketplace as well, which is home to traditional Japanese lanterns and rickshaws.
Best Time to Visit
If you want to visit the temple, you can go during any time of the day (as it is open 24 hours a day). If you want to visit the main hall of the temple to click charming pictures, you must visit the temple during the day. And if you are interested in clicking pictures of immense crowds visiting the temple, early mornings are the best times. If you come to the temple during dusk, try to visit the Treasure House Gate and the Thunder Gate because they look the best during sunsets!
Most Scenic Views
The main hall of the temple has a balcony, and if you click pictures from there, you can capture the scenic Thunder Gate during the sunrise. It looks immensely beautiful and mesmerizing! This view can indulge your concentration for a period of one hour straight.
Expert Recommendations
If you are visiting Tokyo for the first time, we highly recommend you to visit the Senso ji temple as it is a place where you can feel the atmosphere of the Edo period. It is also regarded as a “Tourist Trap” and it is a hub of Japanese Buddhist architecture and traditional Japanese culture.
6) Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho is said to be Tokyo’s smallest and most remarkable alley. Also known as the “Memory Lane,” this alley will bring to your knowledge insights into the old Tokyo. Tokyo had traditional shops with lantern-lit roads. You can take extremely photogenic pictures of the well-known bars and izakayas, which are famous for their old traditional looks. Yes! You heard it right. You can spot paper lamps and wooden fronts in these izakayas and bars. Here, in Omoide Yokocho, you can enjoy traditional food and drinks, along with clicking good pictures.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Omoide Yokocho is during the early evenings. You will also be able to grab a bite because by late evening, this place can get crowded and you may have to stand in queue to get your favorite snack. You can take your time to think about your picture composition while it gets dark. Once it’s darker, these paper lanterns will get lit up and you will get a magical contrasting view.
Most Scenic Views
Well, to be honest, any spot in Omoide Yokocho during the evening is a treat to the camera lens. Just keep in mind to be quick, because this alley can get crowded easily and you might not be able to click a lot of pictures.
Expert Recommendations
Half of the population of Omoide Yokocho is local, and the other half consists of tourists. If you ask politely for their consent, they may allow you to click their pictures. The local people would be most hospitable if you were familiar with their local language.
7) Golden Gai
Golden Gai is very close to Omoide Yochoko. Golden Gai is a tiny district and it is made up of six alleys and they are some of the 8 best places to take pictures in Tokyo. These tiny twisting streets consist of Tokyo’s drinking dens, famously known as ‘Izakaya.’ Some Izakayas are so small that they can accommodate only two to three people. Golden Gai is located right in the heart of the modern skyscrapers. Golden Gai is a hub of the rich history of Tokyo with surrounding futuristic neon lights.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Golden Gai is during the Golden Hour of the day, that is during the sunset and after that, when the alleys come to life. The night will guarantee some of the best pictures that you will ever click in your lifetime.
Most Scenic Views
You will get numerous opportunities to click some pictures of the picturesque Tokyo city in the Golden Gai area. You can grab a bite while enjoying the area of Golden Gai. The pictures that you will click here will be one of a kind.
Expert Recommendations
You may sometimes encounter men in black, known as the “Salary Men” in the streets of Golden Gai. You will probably see them in black suits and ushering pedestrians into the bars and other shadier places. Beware of these situations, if they might occur to you. You can also take their permission before clicking a picture of them, for a polite approach.
8) Tokyo Dome
If you are interested in watching a baseball match, do not forget to visit the Tokyo Dome. The Tokyo Dome hosts events such as sports that include popular Japanese baseball games. If you visit the Tokyo Dome during one of these grand events, you can encounter the super-enthusiastic and cheerful Japanese crowds. In addition to the sports events, you can also take pictures of the scenic and beautiful surrounding gardens.
Best Time to Visit
The Japanese baseball games are hosted during February and March and the professional plays are from March to October, during these times you can visit the Tokyo Dome. You can check out the Tokyo Dome’s website () for the match dates.
Most Scenic Views
Try to take a seat that is aligned to the center of the field because that will give you the best view of the stadium, as it is one of the 8 best places to take pictures in Tokyo.
Expert Recommendations
If you take our recommendations, the upper rows of the Tokyo Dome will offer you better panoramic pictures. If you are a fan of amusement parks, then Tokyo Dome City is a great spot for you. The roller coaster and Ferris wheel are brilliant and amazing!
Key Ideas to Take the Best Pictures while in Tokyo
We have already dealt with the 8 best places to take pictures in Tokyo, now let us guide you on clicking picturesque photographs of the scenic locations in Tokyo. Here we have a few key ideas to take the best pictures while in Tokyo:
- You must figure out the minimum shutter speed of your camera, you are most comfortable with. You can use these reference points:
| General street shootings of people | 1/100s |
| Cars and vehicles passing | 1/200s to 1/500s |
| Scene from up high/ wide angle and/ or with not much movement | 1/20s |
2. If you are using anything slower than f2 to f2.8 then you will not get good quality photographs. Use the fastest lens and the best gear that you have access to.
3. Use a lens hood to lessen flare from brighter lights. Try not to use wider angles.
4. Focus your camera manually if required. If you are using a mirrorless camera, switch on the focus peaking feature as it will help you to focus.
5. You must figure out the maximum ISO that you are comfortable with and then adjust it in your settings.
Conclusive Insights
After traveling over hundreds of kilometers, you will reach the pulsating and overwhelming Tokyo. And everywhere you look you will see either a kaleidoscope of hues or a whirlwind of happenings. You must visit these 8 best places to take pictures in Tokyo to click the quintessential photographs of the mesmerizing city. We hope we could have helped you regarding the 8 best places to take pictures in Tokyo.
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