For an unparalleled 360-degree view of Tokyo and to capture its sprawling skyline stretching endlessly in every direction, head to Shibuya Sky. Sitting on top of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper, this observation deck is perfect for photographing the city's towering skyscrapers without any obstruction.

Best Time to Visit:
Head there on a cloudless late afternoon, just before sunset (see a handy list of sunset times here to plan your trip). This way you can photograph the iconic daylight cityscape of Shibuya and also the dramatic shift post-sundown as Tokyo lights up and transforms into a glittery carpet. Lucky visitors can expect to spot the majestic Mt Fuji in the distance.

Summer months see the fewest crowds but beware of the sweltering sun, as shaded spots are few. Purchasing tickets at least a month in advance is highly recommended to ensure you get the ideal slot. Once there, you're welcome to stick around and photograph until your storage card runs full. Wear outfits with darker shades for fantastic portraits in the mirrored corners of the deck.

Admission:
・Adults 2,500 yen; School Students 2,000 yen; Elementary Students 1,200 yen.

Omoide Yokocho, also known as "Memory Lane," is a small pathway sitting next to Shinjuku Station. This historic lane brimming with restaurants and izakayas, has origins in the post-war era.

Go there to photograph classic Japanese alleyway scenes of lantern-lit alleys and smoky grills. Let your nose guide your camera to the tiny eateries dotted along the street.

Omoide Yokocho's tight quarters, where customers sit elbow-to-elbow, create a perfect setting for photographing the soul of Tokyo’s street food scene. Don't forget to put your camera down and sample some seafood or yakitori before leaving.

“Omoide Yokocho/Memories Yokocho, located at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, is famous among foreign tourists. Its roots trace back to the black market of the postwar era of a controlled economy, but today, it’s a safe and peaceful place.

If you plan to eat and drink, you will likely go during the evening. But this is the busiest time, and if you are photographing, there are too many tourists to take good pictures. I suggest going between 2 and 3 PM when there are fewer people and more activity as people are bringing in food to the stores. This time allows for taking lively and authentic scenes.

Rainy days are also recommended for photography here.

The decorations change with Japan’s four seasons, so you can enjoy a unique atmosphere each time you visit. In spring, it is decorated with cherry blossoms, in summer with sunflowers, in fall with autumn leaves, and in winter with white leaves reminiscent of snow.”

Best Time to Visit:
The alleyway is open to the public for all hours. We recommend visiting between 2-3 PM on weekdays to avoid crowds. For atmospheric street scenes, plan to visit post-dusk, when the warm lighting makes for perfect photography conditions.

Admission:
Free*

(*Photography in Omoide Yokocho is permitted for personal use and/or social media. However, for commercial photography, prior application is required and fees will apply. Unauthorized commercial photographers may be charged a fee on the spot.)

The Sumida River winds its way through the center of Tokyo. At night, the river reflects the illuminated skyline and light trails, making it an excellent spot for long-exposure photography. There are several popular photo spots, including Azuma Bridge near Asakusa, for taking images of the skyline with the famous Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Building, and the Eitai Bridge, which looks over at the residential towers of Tsukishima Island, captured by photographer Rafael Kuriaki.

"This photograph, taken by me along the Sumida River in Tokyo during an evening at about 8 PM, shows a memorable contrast between the tranquillity of the water and the glow of the city. To photograph the high-rise buildings mirroring their lights onto the still river, I used my trusty Canon R6 paired with a Canon RF 24-105mm lens. The long exposure shot, set at 90 seconds, was taken using a tripod positioned on a bridge.

For those looking to snap similar light trails, head to the Sumida River between 8 and 9 PM. Find a good spot, set up your tripod, and wait for the tourist ships to start their evening routes. The movement of the ships against the backdrop of the illuminated city will create fantastic light trails."

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to photograph the beauty of the Sumida River is generally from right before sunset when you can catch the sky’s glow on the water, and between 8 and 9 PM, when the city lights are fully visible. This is also when the tourist boats begin their evening journey, presenting the perfect opportunity for light trail photos.

Admission:
Free

teamLab Borderless is a highly immersive digital art museum in Tokyo’s photogenic Azabudai Hills. Walking into this futuristic space—full of interactive installations—feels like you have entered a distant dream. With constantly shifting lights, colors, and patterns projected onto the walls, floors, and even people, teamLab manages to blur the boundaries between art and audience. The fluid nature of the countless displays teetering on a surreal otherworld makes this spot a photographer’s dream.

“I felt like I was wandering in a kaleidoscope! The scenery changes every time you look at it and there are several booths with various concepts. People of all ages can enjoy this event!”

Best Time to Visit:
Purchase your ticket for a late afternoon slot on a weekday, when the museum sees significantly fewer visitors. This timing allows more freedom to explore and photograph the installations without interruption.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. To fully photograph the displays from top to bottom, the museum encourages visitors to bring a camera with a wide-angle lens. Tripods are not allowed, so plan your shots accordingly.

Open: 9 AM - 9 PM daily
Admission: Adults: 4,200 yen; School Students: 2,800 yen; Children (ages 4-12): 1,500 yen; Children under 3: Free

Nakano Broadway opened in 1966 and was originally conceived as a luxury shopping center. But eventually, it turned into a lesser-known mecca for pop culture and otaku interests as Tokyo’s subcultures began to thrive. It's on our list thanks to its cloister of side alleyways full of merchandise, neon signs, and occasional pop-culture murals that create a setting that’s both chaotic and fascinating.

Why is it called "Broadway"? The name was chosen to evoke the glamour and modernity of New York’s famous theater district, aiming to make a similar impact at its inception.

Not many tourists venture to Nakano, and that’s what makes this hidden gem in Tokyo so special. Some of the sidestreets are lit by geometric lamps and others are lined with elusive action figures, dusty but rare comics, and vintage treasures, creating textured backdrops that could easily be mistaken for a scene straight out of an anime.

“The streets of Nakano are a lively mix of old and new, buzzing with energy and excitement. It’s packed with cool vintage anime shops, retro cafes, and local Japanese restaurants. This unique neighborhood is one of my favorites because it shows Tokyo’s vibrant spirit. So, if you’re looking for an offbeat adventure, you definitely need to check it out!”

Best Time to Visit:
If you want to take pictures like this one, Foxmask recommends going on a sunny weekday since it’s less crowded than on weekends. But if you want to enjoy Nakano like locals do, he suggests going in the evening and experiencing their izakayas around the mall.

Admission:
Free

A stunning photogenic find greets you at the north exit of Shiinmachi Station, where a traditional izakaya restaurant rises next to an equally charming, photogenic shrine.

“Near Shiinamachi Station, the Owada Bridge provides a clear, unobstructed view of a glowing izakaya below. This spot is especially nice at night when the station is quieter, and the neon lights [above] the izakaya illuminate the area. It’s an ideal vantage point for capturing the unique architecture of the restaurant building. Best of all, anyone can take this photo without breaking any laws.”

Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to photograph the izakaya is during the twilight hours, when the Tokyo sky turns blue, just after sunset. When the colors of the horizon deepen into darker shades, the glow from the restaurant and surrounding building lights begins to fill the streets.

Admission:
Free

Whether it's your first trip to Tokyo or your hundredth, visiting the nightlife hub of Kabukicho Ichiban-gai with a fully charged battery is a must. Just past Shinjuku Station’s east exit, once through the district’s iconic gate, you’ll encounter a maze of narrow streets in an area established after World War II during Shinjuku's redevelopment. Initially intended to house a kabuki theater, the area transformed into an entertainment hub, earning its well-deserved nickname as the "Sleepless Town."

“This is the most famous spot in Kabukicho and the first thing you'll see when you exit Shinjuku Station, so you can't miss it.

If it suddenly starts raining, head straight here. Kabukicho in the rain will transport you into a fictional world. Neon signs decorated with hiragana, kanji, and romaji glow against the slick streets, while salarymen holding transparent vinyl umbrellas navigate the reflections of city lights on the wet ground. This exotic scenery can only be seen here in Kabukicho. Even if it doesn't rain, make sure to visit this place after sunset. If you love photography, you'll surely enjoy it.”

Best Time to Visit:
Stroll through Kabukicho late at night, especially in the rain, and you’ll find yourself in a scene straight out of a cinematic world. Go without a plan and get lost in the alleyways.

Admission:
Free

Itching to get a shot of a faraway, off-the-grid location in Tokyo? Aogashima is calling your name.

One of Japan’s most distant and mysterious sites, Aogashima is a volcanic island in the Izu Archipelago that feels like a hidden Jurassic Park-like world. Its rare double caldera makes it a geological wonder, complete with mystical landscapes that few ever get to see.

Accessible only by a challenging boat ride or helicopter, Aogashima is perfect for photographers seeking isolation and raw, untouched nature.

“We were the so-called ‘chosen ones’ to be able to visit this magical island. We managed to fly out of this double caldera island of Tokyo just in time before the bad weather hit (we’d have been stuck on the island for a while)!

Aogashima is said to be one of the most difficult islands to visit among all the inhabited islands of Tokyo, and we confirmed it with our own experience. The very humid jungle inside the crater, together with the steamy ground of the volcano creates thick fog even with a bit of rain, resulting in poor visibility for helicopters to operate.

The surrounding sea is often impossibly rough due to strong wind all year round, so the ferries cannot run half the time. Camping inside the crater of an active volcano (and cooking with steam from the volcano) was definitely one of the most unforgettable camping experiences we’ve ever had!

We didn’t see any wild mammals on the island, but we saw many types of ferns, palm trees, wild lilies/hibiscuses, and even banyan trees and tall tree ferns inside the crater jungle, whose seeds are all believed to have been dispersed by migratory birds and typhoons.”

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Aogashima is during the late spring to early autumn when the weather is calmer, and the skies are clear, with incredible views of the island's dramatic terrain. Make sure you relish a photo walk at dawn or dusk to capture the island's caldera washed in the soft, golden light.

Tip:
Budget around 20,000-30,000 yen for a trip to Aogashima from central Tokyo if you’re taking the ferry. However, if you're aiming to capture a similar shot to the one above by Ippei & Janine, you’ll need to take a helicopter, which costs approximately 12,000 yen one way.

With this guide, you’re set to give your Instagram a bold update. From the anime-like alleys of Nakano to the distant allure of Aogashima, each spot presents a chance to snap something rarely seen.

By stepping away from the usual tourist routes and focusing on these standout destinations, you’ll not only gain a fresh perspective on Tokyo but also sharpen your photography skills. The real payoff? Your Instagram feed will light up with exceptional content that draws in your followers, sparking their curiosity and inspiring them to seek out Tokyo’s iconic locations.

Note: Some of the quotes from the photographer have been edited for clarity.