Tokyo is one of the most photogenic cities in the world. The capital of Japan is also a place of contrasts, from contemporary observation towers to historic shrines and temples. Discover 15 cool and Instagrammable places in Tokyo with our handy guide.
The Most Instagrammable Spots in Tokyo
The capital of Japan is a large city, so you’ll need several days to see all these Tokyo photo spots. If you only have 2 or 3 days in Tokyo, then read our suggestions for the top sights that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
Tapping into the flower cafe trend, Aoyama Flower Market Tea House is one of our favourite places to eat in Tokyo. Take your pick from the 3 branches at Akasaka, Kichijoji and Minami Aoyama.
The concept is living with flowers every day and you’ll feel like you are dining in a greenhouse. Aoyama Flower Market are florists first and foremost so each store has a selection of beautiful flowers and plants.
Be prepared to queue, especially at weekends. There’s no need to feel self conscious about taking photos here, everyone is doing it!
Addresses:
- Minami-Aoyama Main Store, 5-1-2 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Atre Kichijoji B1F, 1-1-24 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
- Akasaka Biz Tower 1F, 5-3-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
2. Gotokuji Temple
Whether you’re a fan of culture, cats or quirkiness, you shouldn’t miss a visit to Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya ward. There’s an impressive three storied pagoda as you enter.
However, Gotokuji is most famous as the place where the Japanese beckoning cat statues originated. Known as maneki-neko, the cats are considered to be lucky. There are around 10,000 fortune cat figurines to photograph!
According to legend, in the 15th century a temple cat beckoned a samurai lord inside with its right paw. Seconds later, there was a thunderstorm and the samurai was so impressed with the cat that he became a regular visitor to the temple.
These days, you will often see beckoning cats outside Japanese shops. Those with the left paw raised are inviting customers to come in, while those with the right paw raised attract money and good fortune. All the cats at Gotokuji Temple are white, a symbol of purity.
Address: Gotokuji Temple, 2 Chome-24-７ Gotokuji, Setagaya, Tokyo
3. Hamarikyu Gardens
One of the most beautiful Tokyo parks, Hamarikyu Gardens is a joy to photograph at any time of year. Spread over 25 hectares, it dates from the Edo period.
There’s a charming Japanese teahouse in the gardens, and seawater ponds which change level depending on the tides. Although the gardens are surrounded by skyscrapers, they feel very tranquil.
From mid March to the beginning of April, the gardens are particularly photogenic. Colza flowers, known as nanohana in Japanese, form a vibrant yellow carpet. In Autumn, the Fall foliage is equally impressive.
At any time of year, visitors can admire the 300 year old pine tree close to the park entrance. The gardens are open from 9 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is ¥300.
Address: Hamarikyu Gardens, 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0046
4. Hanazono Inari Shrine
The torii gates in Kyoto are famous worldwide, but did you know that you can visit similar ones in Tokyo? Hie Shrine and Nezu Shrine are two great examples of Tokyo culture. Hanazono Inari Shrine, pictured here, is another striking spot.
Located within Ueno Park, in Shinjuku, this Shinto shrine dates from the 17th century. It takes its name from the Hanazono family, who arranged its construction, and Inari, the deity of fertility and prosperity.
When photographing shrines, please do be aware of their cultural and religious significance to worshippers and respect peoples’ privacy. If you are in Tokyo in Spring, Hanazono Inari Shrine is surrounded by blossoms – plum from mid February and cherry from late March.
Address: Hanazono Inari Shrine, 4-59 Uenokoen, Taitō, Tokyo 110-0007
5. Harajuku
Known for its street scene and vintage clothing, Harajuku is a vibrant Tokyo neighbourhood. It’s often named as the epicentre of kawaii culture in Tokyo.
Kawaii translates loosely as cuteness, and Harajuku has it in spades. From the Kawaii Cafe to Totti Candy Factory on Takeshita Street, it’s all very photogenic.
Another popular place to photograph in Harajuku is at Sakura Tei. This is an okonomiyaki restaurant specializing in Japanese savoury pancakes. The walls inside and outside the restaurant are covered in colourful street art.
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando is a luxury shopping centre with a stylish rooftop terrace, designed by Hiroshi Nakamura. It has a mirrored entrance beloved of Instagrammers for its multiple reflections.
Address: Takeshita Street, 1 Chome Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
6. Imperial Palace
The home of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, the Imperial Palace is located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It dates from 1888 and has beautiful gardens flanked by a moat. At nighttime, the water reflects the commercial buildings, making a great shot.
In Spring, head to Chidorigafuchi moat near Kudanshita Station to admire the sakura blossoms during the daytime or at night when they’re lit up. In Fall the gingko trees turn a striking shade of yellow. Why not hire a boat from the boating lake for a different perspective.
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are open throughout the year and are free of charge. The most photographed sight in the Imperial Palace is Nijubashi Bridge.
Although it’s known as a double bridge, there are actually two bridges – one behind each other. You can get a good shot of the bridge from Kokyo Gaien National Garden.
Address: Imperial Palace, 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111
7. Kabukiza Theatre
For an interesting contrast between old and new, head to the luxurious Ginza ward. Nestled amidst the gleaming new shopping centres and office buildings of the area, you’ll find Kabuki Ginza.
The theatre was originally built in 1889 but subsequently destroyed by fire. The current building dates from 2013 and is in a baroque Japanese revivalist style.
You can’t take photos of the performances themselves but they’re well worth attending for a glimpse of traditional culture in Tokyo.
Address: Kabukiza Theatre, 4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, Chūō, Tokyo 104-0061
8. Meiji Jingu Shrine
If you’re seeking tranquility in the heart of Tokyo, Meiji Jingu Shrine is the perfect destination. Although it is Tokyo’s most visited shrine, it has a very calm atmosphere.
It is located within a forest covering 70 hectares, with over 120,000 trees of 365 varieties. The Shinto shrine is dedicated to the former Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken.
The most popular photo spots in Meiji Jingu Shrine are the giant wood torii gate at the main shrine entrance and the barrels of sake wrapped in straw. The torii gate is built from a Japanese cypress tree that was over 1,500 years old.
The sake barrels are known as kazaridaru in Japanese. They were donated by Japanese sake breweries, however they do not actually contain sake.
There is a strong connection between spiritualism and sake, with barrels being offered symbolically each year to the deities at Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Address: Meiji Jingu, 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557
9. Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
At 204 metres high, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower is the world’s second tallest educational facility. Designed by Paul Noritaka Tange, the tower is located in the heart of Shinjuku.
One of the most impressive Tokyo skyscrapers, it is nicknamed the Giant Cocoon. This vertical campus houses three colleges and over 10,000 students attend lectures there.
The building was designed to be as energy efficient as possible, thanks to its distinctive elliptic shape. Although members of the public aren’t allowed inside the building, you can get great shots from street level near Shinjuku Station West Exit.
Address: Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, 1 Chome-7-3 Nishishinjuku, 新宿区 Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
10. teamLab Borderless: Mori Building Digital Art Museum, Odaiba
One of the most Instagrammable places in Tokyo, Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless is also quite a mouthful! People sometimes refer to it simply as teamLab Borderless.
This interactive light museum has been a huge success since it opened in Odaiba in 2018. This means that there are long queues for visitors, so it’s advisable to purchase your ticket in advance and to arrive well before the 10 am opening time or from 17.00 onwards.
The museum is spread over 2 floors and 10,000 square feet, so it’s wise to allow a minimum of several hours and to eat a hearty breakfast beforehand. There’s no food available inside and you aren’t allowed back in if you leave the building. You can however buy a drink at the En Tea House, which features digital flower blossoms that spread from your teacup to your table.
Two of the most popular rooms are the Forest of Resonating Lamps and Crystal World, shown here. It’s wise to wear flat shoes as there are attractions such as the Floating Nest where you lie on a net, and several climbing areas.
We also recommend wearing white clothing to reflect the light, and trousers as there are many mirrored areas. Book your ticket in advance to be sure of gaining access on your chosen day.
Address: teamLab Borderless, 1-3-8 Odaiba Palette Town, Aomi, Koto 135-0064, Tokyo
11. Omoide Yokocho – Memory Lane
This atmospheric alleyway is tucked away in the heart of Shinjuku. It’s popular with locals who come for the delicious yakitori, grilled chicken skewers.
The area dates from the 1940s and was once home to black market traders. These days, the cosy street is perfectly safe and has a multitude of tiny izakaya, which are Japanese taverns.
It’s less touristy than Golden Gai, a succession of drinking alleys with over 200 little bars, also in Shinjuku. Some of the best photos of Memory Lane can be taken at night when the street really comes to life. You might like to include the hanging artificial flowers for added interest.
Address: Omoide Yokocho, 1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
12. Rainbow Bridge
One of the most iconic Tokyo sights, Rainbow Bridge connects the mainland with Odaiba. This suspension bridge is 798 metres long and you can walk across it via the north and south promenades in about 25 minutes. From the bridge, you have great views of the Tokyo skyline, especially from the Odaiba side.
To photograph the bridge itself, there are a few good options. It’s recommended to take photos at night when the bridge is lit up but bear in mind that the rainbow colours are generally from December to beginning of January.
The rest of the year, the lights are white and they are lit from sunset until midnight each day. Here are some good Rainbow Bridge vantage points in Odaiba:
- Fuji TV Building Observation Deck
- Seventh floor of Aqua City Shopping Mall
- Odaiba Marine Park
- Odaiba Statue of Liberty
Address: Rainbow Bridge, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0000
13. Sensoji Temple
The oldest temple in Tokyo, Senso-ji dates from the 7th century. This Buddhist temple is located in the bustling Asakusa ward.
We recommend heading to the Asakusa Tourist Information Centre viewing platform on 2 Chome-18-9 Kaminarimon for a panoramic view of Kaminarimon Gate. Also known as Thunder Gate, it features a gigantic hanging red lantern.
Senso-ji gets very busy, so it’s a good idea to visit at sunrise, at blue hour after dusk or at night when the temple is lit up. In terms of time of year, plum blossom season from mid February and cherry blossom season from late March onwards are particularly photogenic.
Another great way to see Senso-ji and the Asakusa district is on a rickshaw tour with an expert local guide. You’ll see the charming neighbourhoods of Rokku, Denpoin Street, and Nishi Shitamachi as well as Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.
A wide angle lens will come in handy to capture all the action. Walk along busy Nakamise Dori and you’ll see lots of stalls selling souvenirs such as stationery and Japanese fabric. The temple is a popular place in which to rent a kimono.
Address: Senso-ji, 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
14. Shibuya Crossing
If you want to capture an iconic Tokyo photograph, look no further than Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The huge flow of pedestrians seems to symbolize the buzz of the city and it’s equally impressive by day or night. It’s estimated that over half a million people use the world’s busiest crossing daily.
We don’t recommend trying to take photos while you cross the street as it’s so busy. It’s far better to shoot the crossing from a calmer vantage point such as:
- Mag’s Park – the new Crossing View open air observation deck at Magnet by Shibuya 109 department store costs ¥500.
- 2nd floor of the Starbucks cafe in the Tsutaya building.
- 11th floor Sky Lobby in the Shibuya Hikarie shopping mall.
- 2nd floor of Shibuya Mark City shopping mall.
- 2nd floor of the L’Occitane Cafe
Try slow shutter settings at dusk, for a ghostly effect. While you’re in the area, it’s also worth snapping the bronze statue dedicated to Hachiko, the loyal Akita dog who waited every day at Shibuya Station for his deceased owner for over 9 years, until his own death.
Address: Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Station Hachikō exit, 1 Chome-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043
15. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Dating from the Edo era, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a huge green space with three types of garden: English landscape, French formal and traditional Japanese. There are also several ponds which make for great reflections of the nearby Docomo Tower.
One of the most attractive things to photograph in Shinjuku Gyoen is Kyu-Goryo-Tei, the Taiwan pavilion. You can also get great shots of the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building with plum blossom in the foreground from mid February onwards.
During Springtime in Tokyo, over 1500 cherry trees blossom. If you’re visiting Tokyo in May or June, the azalea flowers make a striking display, and the Fall foliage is also not to be missed.
Address: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014
