The Most Photogenic Spots in Tokyo
by Laura Studarus
A few places to get lost in Japan’s dazzling capital city.
Tokyo regularly tops tourists’ must-visit lists—and for good reason! With more than 35 million inhabitants, Japan’s capital is a city of extremes. So, matter what first brought Tokyo to your attention—be it cosplay culture, onsen life, or their galaxy of Michelin-starred restaurants—you’ll find it.
All this big city living also makes for intense photo ops. Tokyo’s densely packed buildings, peaceful parks, and colorful mascots all look equally good through the lens of professional DSLR, iPhone, or even Instax Super 8. So, pack your camera, lace up your walking shoes, embrace your inner sense of kawaii, and get shooting.
While no list of locations is exhaustive, here’s a few of our favorite photo spots around Tokyo.
teamLab Planets
The world is full of selfie pits, but there’s only one teamLab Planets, where if you steal a snap or 10, no one will bat an eyelash. Originally opened in 2017, teamLab’s newest show, Planets marries science and technology to create surreal, interactive digital worlds. And because each of the artworks on display is influenced by the time of day, number of visitors, and even the time of year, whether it’s eerie koi, floating flowers, or even the universe rendered in crystal, you’ll never see the same museum twice.
Templo Goutokuji
Tokyo is home to an array of shrines and temples, each of which believers visit to pray to a specific god for a specific cause. But few are as eye-caching as Templo Goutokuji, home of the ‘waving cat.’ Legend has it that it was established by a monk, whose cat answered his prayers to bring his budding temple prosperity, by waving in rich travelers. Today you can share in the luck by buying one of the temple’s waving cats, known in Japanese as maneki-neko. Take it home, and once your wish has come true, thank it by returning it to the temple to be retired with 2,000 of its closest friends.
Shibuya Crossing
Sure, it may be chaotic, but it is fun to rub elbows with fellow tourists. (Just watch out for cars!) Take a few laps or find your zen by getting above the fray. Try the nearby Starbucks for just-above ground views, Or, go birds-eye at the nearby Shibuya Sky. Speaking of which…
Any Viewing Platform
…you can’t go wrong with any viewing platform. Tokyo is a densely packed city. While that thought may occur to you on the trains during rush hour, you can’t quite wrap your head around how impressive the urban sprawl truly is until you see it from the air. Tokyo has a viewing platform in nearly every neighborhood, so there are many opportunities for birds-eye explorations. But for a truly iconic image, head to the Mori Arts Building/ Roppongi Hills just before sunset to watch the Tokyo Tower slowly illuminate.
Arcades
Japan participates in claw games like it's a sport, which means there’s rarely an establishment where you can’t grab your way to some impressive stuffed animals, dolls, and candy for only ¥100 a turn. If you’re a beginner—or simply don’t want to bet the rent on that super Hello Kitty doll—stick to the machines closest to the door, which generally have a higher rate or return.
Akihabara
You’re unlikely to find a single neighborhood in Tokyo that isn’t eye-popping. But when people claim Tokyo feels like a video game, it’s Akihabara that they’re talking about. Walk down the brightly-colored main drag, where costumed-tourists whipping through the roads on go-carts, kids flock to game shops, and manga parlors double down on the weird and wonderful. During the spring and summer months, the main drag is closed on Sunday afternoons—so make a day out of it, grab a taiyaki or mini cheesecake from a nearby vender and go for a stroll.
Hotel Gracery
Want to say you that photographed a celebrity? Every hour between 8am‑8pm, Godzilla huffs puffs, and attempts to blow down Hotel Gracery. The light and smoke show is fun to watch if you’re that particular flavor of geek (guilty), but it’s even more fun to photograph. They also offer Godzilla‑themed rooms featuring embellished kaiju‑friendly features, so add a stay to your bucket list.
Sakura Season
A time of year so stunning, it deserves its own entry. Once the blossoms open, everything feels like it’s been dusted a delightful shade of millennial pink. Start with the big locations Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Meguro River (pictured above). But don’t be afraid to branch out—there’s hardly a neighborhood, street, or corner where your quest won’t be rewarded. Bonus: Many restaurants, cafes, and stores will have special sakura-related products. So, prepared to experience this stunning time of year with all your senses.