Tokyo Photo Tours

1. Shibuya

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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3. Shinjuku

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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5. Shimokitazawa

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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7. Asakusa

I like to visit Asakusa in the evening because there are far fewer people than during the day. The night scenery of the Sensoji Temple is really beautiful and peaceful with nice lighting. Around the temple, there’s plenty to see and photograph to capture a unique Japanese mood. It can be in the numerous shopping streets, nice little restaurants and bars, or just in an alley lit up by a lantern.

The Best Photo Spots in Asakusa

• Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate): symbol of Asakusa, the Kaminarimon’s grandeur can be captured head-on or at an angle that includes the bustling Nakamise-dori Street behind it, preferably in the early morning or late evening to avoid crowds
• Nakamise-dori Street: the charm of Nakamise-dori street comes from its colorful shops and traditional crafts with details such as lanterns, food stalls, and lucky charms
• Hozomon Gate: often overlooked, the Hozomon Gate boasts impressive details and a massive pair of straw sandals
• Sensoji Temple: from the majestic five-storied pagoda to the grand main hall, immerse yourself in the ethereal atmosphere created by the smoke of the giant incense burner
• Shopping streets and hidden alleys: modern shopping streets and older ones with traditional architecture, open-air or covered, and hidden alleys with charming lanterns are waiting to be discovered around the temple

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