Discover Tokyo through the lens of a professional photographer. Create lasting memories with stunning photos of your Japan adventure.
Your English-Speaking Tokyo Photographer & Guide
I’m JG, a French English-speaking portrait photographer and JG Studio’s owner. I have lived in Tokyo since 2015.
I offer private photoshoots and tours in Tokyo’s best locations.
Make your Tokyo visit unforgettable with a personal photographer in Japan!
Personalized Tokyo Photo Experiences
Discover Tokyo’s Best Photo Locations
- Iconic areas: Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Akihabara, vibrant day and night street photography opportunities
- Traditional Japan: Meiji Jingu Shrine, or the magnificent night view of Sensoji Temple and the lanterns illuminating the streets of Asakusa
- Trendy neighborhoods: Shimokitazawa and Daikanyama, perfect for authentic street style and urban lifestyle shots
- Nature and history escapes: the stunning Todoroki Valley, and the historic city of Kamakura
Beyond these featured locations, I’m available to photograph in other fascinating Tokyo neighborhoods like Nakameguro (known for cherry blossoms), Ginza (luxury shopping district and dazzling night lights), Roppongi (modern architecture and nightlife), Kichijoji (charming local atmosphere), or Yanaka (traditional townscape).
I can accompany you to nearby attractions like historic Kawagoe with its Edo-period architecture, the seaside views of Yokohama, or the majestic Mount Fuji area including Hakone and its hot springs.
For photography sessions further afield in Japan, I’m available to travel.
What Makes These Photo Tours Special
- Private sessions available day or night
- Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and friends (up to 4 people)
- Relaxed pace for authentic moments and street life captures
- The best photo spots at each location, including hidden street corners and local hideaways
- Local photographer’s perspective since 2015
- Professional edited photos delivered within 7 days
- Standard photo format 2:3, or Instagram format 4:5
Contact me via email or Instagram DM for inquiries and custom packages.
Photo Tour Pricing
60-Minute Photo Experience (¥30,000)
15 professionally edited photos at your choice of:
90-Minute Nature Experience (¥45,000)
20 professionally edited photos at:
120-Minute Historical Journey (¥60,000)
25 professionally edited photos at:
Optional Photography Services
Customize your photo experience with:
- Complete RAW photo files: ¥10,000
- Express 48-hour editing: ¥10,000 (standard: 7 days)
- Custom location photography: price varies by location
Create Your Perfect Photo Journey
Many locations can be combined for an extended photo session. I’ll handle all the navigation and transportation logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your photo experience. All transportation time between locations and train fares are included at no extra charge.
Popular Location Combinations
- Shibuya + Harajuku (15-minute walk or 5-minute train)
- Shibuya + Daikanyama (15-minute walk or 5-minute train)
- Shibuya + Shimokitazawa (10-minute train)
- Harajuku + Meiji Jingu Shrine (5-minute walk)
- Akihabara + Asakusa (10-minute train)
Create your own custom combination for a unique Tokyo photography experience!
My 10 Best Locations for Photography Tours in Tokyo
1. Shibuya
¥30,000
60 minutes
15 edited photos
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
Dogenzaka Option
30 additional minutes
5 additional photos
Additional fee: ¥15,000
Dogenzaka, a district in Shibuya, is known for its narrow streets, lively atmosphere, and delicious food. Though not often visited by tourists, it offers a unique charm with its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and love hotels, each boasting original designs.
2. Harajuku
¥30,000
60 minutes
15 edited photos
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
3. Shinjuku
¥30,000
60 minutes
15 edited photos
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
4. Akihabara
¥30,000
60 minutes
15 edited photos
5. Meiji Jingu Shrine
¥30,000
60 minutes
15 edited photos
Two of the most popular destinations in Tokyo are Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sensoji Temple. However, I prefer visiting Meiji Jingu during the daytime, as I find the experience more peaceful. The shrine is surrounded by a serene forest and conveniently located next to Harajuku Station, making it easily accessible and far less crowded than Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. I recommend visiting Sensoji at night to avoid the crowds.
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
6. Asakusa
¥30,000
60 minutes
15 edited photos
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
7. Daikanyama
¥30,000
60 minutes
15 edited photos
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
8. Shimokitazawa
¥30,000
60 minutes
15 edited photos
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
9. Todoroki Valley
¥45,000
90 minutes
20 edited photos
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
Todoroki Valley is temporarily closed due to safety concerns regarding potential tree falls. It is expected to reopen in 2025.
10. Kamakura
¥60,000
120 minutes
25 edited photos
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