Photo Studio – Portrait Photographer

1. Shibuya

¥25,000

Shibuya is my favorite area in Tokyo. I’ve lived here since 2015, when I moved to Japan. While it’s a popular tourist destination, Shibuya is a great place to live, with wonderful places to discover and photograph. With a mix of modern and traditional architecture, it’s the best area to start your Tokyo experience. We’ll be sure to capture some photos in front of iconic spots like the famous Shibuya Crossing, but as a local, I promise you beautiful discoveries that most tourists miss.

The Best Photo Spots in Shibuya

• Shibuya 109: Shibuya’s iconic fashion building, a landmark of youth trends and cutting-edge style
• Shibuya Scramble Crossing: the world-famous intersection, a symbol of Tokyo’s urban energy and pedestrian chaos
• Nonbei Yokocho: a hidden alleyway with tiny, atmospheric bars, offering a glimpse into old Tokyo
• Miyashita Park’s lively izakaya alley: a vibrant and modern take on the classic Japanese pub scene
• Shibuya’s bustling Center Gai street: the heart of Shibuya’s youth culture, with bright lights and trendy shops
• Shibuya Parco’s rooftop terrace: offering a magnificent panoramic view of Shibuya and Shinjuku skylines

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2. Harajuku

¥25,000

Harajuku is famous for its youthful energy, and as a Tokyo photographer, I love this place for the diverse scenery it offers. From the bustling Takeshita Street to the serene Togo Shrine, and from streets lined with designer streetwear shops and cute cafes to a spectacular rooftop with views of Tokyo, I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.

The Best Photo Spots in Harajuku

• Takeshita Street: this iconic street, a must-visit for its vibrant atmosphere and unique shops showcasing youth fashion and subcultures
• Togo Shrine: capture the serene beauty of this hidden gem, a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city with traditional architecture and tranquil gardens
• Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku: featuring a mesmerizing kaleidoscope entrance, a modern architectural marvel
• Harakado (Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Rooftop): the rooftop terrace provides breathtaking views of Tokyo’s skyline and iconic landmarks
• Harajuku’s Backstreets: explore the charming alleys and discover hidden streetwear shops and independent boutiques

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3. Shinjuku

¥25,000

Shinjuku at night is arguably the busiest place in Tokyo. It offers a dazzling array of entertainment options, from lively izakayas (traditional Japanese pubs perfect for socializing) and high-end restaurants to bars, nightclubs, and adult entertainment venues. This vibrant activity is concentrated in Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s entertainment district. Just next to Kabukicho is Golden Gai, an atmospheric area with tiny bars packed into narrow alleys. These two distinct areas are nestled between two traditional Japanese locations where we will begin and end our photo tour. We’ll start at Omoide Yokocho, a nostalgic alleyway filled with small eateries, and finish on a peaceful note at Hanazono Shrine.

The Best Photo Spots in Shinjuku

• Omoide Yokocho: a famous alley with a unique Japanese atmosphere, reminiscent of post-war Tokyo with tiny eateries and yakitori stalls
• Ichibangai Arch: marking the entrance to Kabukicho, a symbol of Shinjuku’s entertainment district
• Kabukicho’s vibrant nightlife streets: a dazzling display of neon lights, bustling with activity after dark
• The Godzilla Head: a towering icon of Japanese pop culture, perched atop the Shinjuku Toho Building
• Golden Gai: the famous district with its tiny streets and intimate bars, each with its own unique character
• Hanazono Shrine: a peaceful oasis amidst the urban chaos, offering a serene escape with traditional shrine buildings

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4. Meiji Jingu Shrine

¥30,000

Two of the most popular shrines in Tokyo are Meiji Jingu and Sensō-ji. However, as I believe visiting a shrine should be a peaceful experience, I prefer Meiji Jingu. The shrine is surrounded by a forest and is located right next to Harajuku Station, so it is very easy to get to and significantly less crowded than Sensō-ji Shrine in Asakusa.

The Best Photo Spots in Meiji Jingu Shrine

• The imposing tori gate: standing at the entrance to the shrine’s tranquil forest, marking the transition to a sacred space
• The colorful display of sake and wine barrels: offerings from devotees, creating a vibrant and unique visual
• The serene main hall and courtyard: the heart of the shrine, with traditional architecture and a peaceful atmosphere
• The lush forest: surrounding the shrine, offering a peaceful escape from the city with towering trees and serene pathways
• The open meadow: framing the city skyline in the background, a unique juxtaposition of nature and urbanity

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5. Shimokitazawa

¥30,000

While Shibuya and Shinjuku buzz with bright lights and a fast pace, Shimokitazama offers a different kind of Tokyo experience. This laid-back neighborhood, affectionately called “Shimokita,” is a haven for independent shops and cozy cafes. Its narrow streets are lined with vintage clothing stores and bookstores, giving it a distinctly bohemian vibe. If you’re looking for a unique and less intense Tokyo experience, Shimokitazama is the place to be.

The Best Photo Spots in Shimokitazawa

• The charming streets: filled with hidden alleyways and unique shops, offering a bohemian vibe and independent spirit
• Restaurants and shops with unique charm: quirky facades, vintage signs, and stylish interiors, showcasing the area’s artistic flair
• The many thrift stores: overflowing with vintage clothing and one-of-a-kind finds, a treasure trove for fashion enthusiasts

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6. Daikanyama

¥30,000

Daikanyama is a posh and trendy area in Shibuya Ward, just one station away from Shibuya. Approximately 30 minutes will be spent at Kyu Asakura House, a preserved historical residence with a stunning Japanese garden, perfect for capturing portraits with traditional Japanese architecture as a background. The second half of the tour will focus on discovering hidden gems and charming streets in this fashionable district.

The Best Photo Spots in Daikanyama

• Kyu Asakura House: a beautifully preserved historical house and traditional Japanese garden offering a tranquil escape from the city and a glimpse into the past
• Daikanyama’s Chic Streets: lined with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cafes, showcasing a sophisticated and stylish atmosphere
• Daikanyama T-site: an iconic bookstore complex, a haven for book lovers and design enthusiasts with its distinctive architecture
• Log Road Daikanyama: a pedestrianized walkway, built on the former Toyoko Line railway tracks, offering a unique blend of nature and urban design

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7. Todoroki Valley

¥35,000

Todoroky Vally is a green oasis in the middle of a residential area in Setagaya Ward. The valley offers diverse scenery, including trees, a river, a Japanese garden and a bamboo grove, and in addition, there is a cute temple. Todoroki Valley is particularly impressive because it’s so unexpected, a hidden gem just 20 minutes from Shibuya. I discovered this place myself just a couple of years ago. Truly Japanese, truly beautiful.

The Best Photo Spots in Todoroki Valley

• The Yazawa River: flowing through the valley, creating a tranquil and scenic landscape
• Todoroki Fudoson Temple: a historic temple nestled within the natural beauty of the valley
• The Japanese Garden: offering serene and picturesque scenes with traditional landscaping and water features
• The Bamboo Grove: a unique natural setting with towering bamboo stalks creating a sense of tranquility

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