Essential Tokyo Photography Spots for a Short Visit
So you booked a ticket to Tokyo. You’ve got a bag packed with, let’s be honest, way too much camera gear, and you’re wondering how to get some great images that stand out from the rest.
The best way to stand out in photography, in general, is to figure out what speaks to you. For me personally, I enjoy walking for hours and documenting the movement and day-to-day life of people. In Japan, I’ve noticed over my last few trips that I tend to focus on the isolation of the country and the feeling of loneliness. Morbid, I know. But with that said, I feel some of my best images have come from that focus when walking around. I’m not saying you need to have a full-blown plan or singular idea when you walk out the door, but I do think that over the trip, it’s important to be respectful of what you seem to be gravitating toward and let that flow.
Japan, in general, is very cinematic. I heard someone call it that before, and honestly, it’s so true. Everywhere you turn is another beautiful image. The hardest part is knowing that basically everything has already been photographed, but let’s talk about a few of my favorite areas in Tokyo.
Shibuya
Shibuya is a special kind of chaos, but it’s also somewhere you could get some of your best street photography. Between the tourists, the crossing, and the hip-looking “Shibuya Kids,” you’re going to find something interesting to photograph here. For me personally, I wish I’d spent more time here, and on my next trip in 2025, I plan on dedicating a lot of time to this area.
Shinjuku
When it comes to Shinjuku, I feel I have a much better handle on this part of the city. I’ve stayed in this area multiple times on different trips, and I’m always finding something new. You can explore the area around the busiest train station in the world, Shinjuku Station, find some quiet in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, or visit what I think is a better spot for street photography than Shibuya: Kabukicho, the red-light district. (See the photo at the start of the blog.)
Japan isn’t necessarily a dangerous country, but definitely keep your wits about you in this area. There are a lot of tourists who seem to think Tokyo is an adult Disneyland where they can get away with anything. That said, if you’re in Tokyo for nighttime photography with a mix of dystopian, gritty vibes, this is the spot for sure.
Other Areas in Tokyo to Check Out
Meguro
I loved this little part of the city. I found it mainly because I was going to the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum. We also got a cute cup of coffee in this area. This isn’t a spot I see a lot of people talk about, but it’s a very cool area to check out. If you’re in Japan during the summer like I was, head to the photography museum to beat the heat.
Gōtokuji Temple
Do you like cats? Do you like temples? How about cute little neighborhoods? Well, Gotokuji is the place for you. Not far from the center of Tokyo, this little area around the Gotokuji Temple has some of the cutest houses I’ve seen in the city. It’s a nice change of pace from the urban hustle, and like everything in Tokyo, it’s very easy to get to.
Tokyo is truly one of the wonders of this world. It’s my favorite city by far. It has amazing charm but also a hidden side that can feel isolating for a foreigner. As long as you find that flow state and enjoy all the walking you’ll be doing, I think you’ll come away with some images you can look back on in 20 years and be proud of.
In my next post about Japan, I’ll be discussing photographing Kyoto, a place very dear to my heart and where I’ve spent the most time while traveling in Japan. If you found this blog helpful or simply enjoyed the quick read, consider picking up my digital photo book, Images From (Vol 2): Japan, available in the store and if you have any questions please reach out.