Tokyo, the heart of Japan, is a place where various facilities, cultures, and people gather, dotted with many photogenic spots perfect for Instagram.
This time, we'll introduce 16 recommended Instagrammable photo spots in Tokyo. We'll also touch upon yukata and kimono rentals to make your Tokyo sightseeing even more enjoyable, so please read until the end.
16 Recommended Instagrammable Spots in Tokyo
Here are 16 recommended Instagrammable spots in Tokyo. We'll also provide tips for taking photos with your smartphone, so even those who aren't good at photography can find them helpful.
Tokyo's Iconic Photo Spot: Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station, known as a photo spot in Tokyo, offers various facilities and areas with the motto of providing a "place of rich culture."
The Tokyo Station building has been in operation since its opening in Taisho 3 (1914) and is a place that has long been loved by people. The impressive exterior of Tokyo Station retains the atmosphere of the Taisho era, attracting many photography enthusiasts.
You're sure to capture wonderful photos at Tokyo Station, its surrounding areas, and its adjacent facilities, which change their expressions depending on the season and time of day.
When photographing Tokyo Station, try taking a shot from a distance to capture the entire building. Shooting in a 9:16 aspect ratio and adding black bars at the top and bottom will give your photo the feel of a movie scene.
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Tokyo Station (JR Lines)
Business Hours: Varies by facility/area
Regular Holidays: Varies by facility/area
Admission Fee: Varies by facility/area
Official Website: TOKYO STATION CITY
Tokyo's Symbol: Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, known as a symbol of Tokyo, is an unmissable spot for sightseeing in Tokyo. The red tower stands out against the clear blue sky, and its nighttime illumination is also beautiful, making it a place that can be enjoyed visually regardless of the time or season.
We recommend photographing the exterior of Tokyo Tower, as well as the city from its indoor observation decks. It's a good idea to capture both.
Tokyo Tower's nighttime illumination is sometimes adjusted depending on the season and events, so checking event information in advance will help you capture the ideal photo of Tokyo Tower.
When photographing Tokyo Tower, try shooting from below, looking up, or from a distance with surrounding buildings to convey its presence and impact.
For views from the observation deck, nighttime is recommended. Capture the beautiful night view while taking in the bright Tokyo night.
Address: 4-2-8 Shiba Park, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Line)
Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Regular Holidays: None
Admission Fee: Main Deck is ¥1,200 for adults, Top Deck Tour is ¥3,000 (¥2,800 with web reservation)
Official Website: TOKYO TOWER
A Place to Enjoy Tokyo's Nature: Mount Takao
Mount Takao is a lush green mountain located in the western part of Tokyo. It is loved by many people as a place where you can enjoy the nature of the four seasons while in Tokyo.
Mount Takao has a cable car and a lift, allowing you to travel between the summit and the base without needing full hiking gear. Its popularity as a date spot and for family outings is largely due to the fact that you can enjoy the scenery without climbing the mountain trails.
When taking photos at Mount Takao, we recommend capturing the scenery from the cable car or lift. The mountain views from above, which you can't experience during a hike, are a unique enjoyment of Mount Takao. Be sure to take plenty of photos. However, be careful not to drop your smartphone when taking pictures from the lift. Using a neck strap or similar accessory will provide peace of mind.
Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: Keio Line Takaosanguchi Station
Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (until 9:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays)
Regular Holidays: None
Admission Fee: ¥950 for round trip cable car (adults), ¥470 (children)
Official Website: Mount Takao Tozan Railway
For Beautiful Night Views: Roppongi Hills
Roppongi Hills, famous for its night views, is a popular photo spot with a dazzling atmosphere that's perfect for Instagram.
Roppongi Hills, used for various occasions from business to dates, is bustling with people day and night. At night, the lights of buildings and facilities illuminate the area, giving you a sense of Tokyo's nightlife.
When taking photos at Roppongi Hills, it's important to find spots where the lights are densely packed within the frame. Try using perspective and angles to find points that make the entire screen sparkle as you walk around.
It's also recommended to photograph the entire city from the observation deck of Roppongi Hills.
Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3-minute walk from Roppongi Station (Hibiya Line)
Business Hours: Varies by facility
Regular Holidays: Varies by facility
Official Website: Roppongi Hills
Shibuya's Tallest Photo Spot: SHIBUYA SKY
SHIBUYA SKY is an observation deck located 229 meters above Shibuya, and it's one of the most popular photo spots right now. You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Shibuya, including the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
SHIBUYA SKY is made up of three distinct areas: the "transition space" from the 14th to 45th floors, the indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor, and the rooftop observation area. There's also a cafe inside, which is actually a fantastic spot for taking great photos, so don't miss it! It's a space where you can take beautiful pictures while taking a break.
When taking photos at SHIBUYA SKY, it's important to look around each area and find the spots that catch your eye. Try taking photos in various ways, such as close-ups or wide shots.
Also, simply checking the edges of your photos for unwanted objects can significantly improve their quality.
Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: Direct access from Shibuya Station
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Closed: January 1st
Admission Fee: 2,000 yen (1,800 yen if purchased online)
Official Website: SHIBUYA SKY
A Shot in an Otherworldly Space: maxell AQUA PARK SHINAGAWA
maxell AQUA PARK SHINAGAWA is an aquarium located within the Shinagawa Prince Hotel. It is known for its highly focused interior design and beautiful performances using mirrors and light.
It's packed with highlights and Instagrammable spots, including an underwater tunnel where aquatic creatures swim, a jellyfish area with a mystical space created by mirrors and light, and a dolphin show with dancing light and water.
Since you'll be shooting in dimly lit areas, try your best to capture the light effectively.
The popular jellyfish area is mirrored, so shooting it to capture the expansive space will result in photos with a mysterious atmosphere. On the other hand, be mindful of reflections when photographing the underwater tunnel or tanks. Holding your smartphone close to the glass when taking pictures will make reflections less noticeable.
If you're aiming for Instagrammable shots at the dolphin show, smartphone photography has its limitations. Since photos are likely to be blurry, it might be better to take videos.
Address: 4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: 2-minute walk from Shinagawa Station (JR Lines)
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (varies by day of the week and season)
Regular Holidays: Irregular
Admission Fee: ¥2,500 for high school students and above
Official Website: maxell AQUA PARK
A Popular Spot Also Used for Magazine Shoots: Athenee Francais
Athenee Francais is a place that offers lessons in French and English. In addition to improving conversation skills and basic studies, it also provides support for obtaining qualifications.
The exterior of Athenee Francais is a popular spot that's gaining attention for being Instagrammable. It's a popular spot used for photo shoots for women's magazines, and its entire exterior is painted a peach color. The wall has regularly spaced square openings and Roman letters scattered across it, creating a stylish art piece.
If you're traveling with friends, we recommend posing like models in front of Athenee Francais. If you shoot vertically, you can get photos that look like magazine covers.
It's also interesting to photograph the wall itself. Try shooting while being conscious of vertical and horizontal lines.
Address: 2-11 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: 7-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station (JR Lines)
Business Hours: 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM (until 7:00 PM on Saturdays)
Regular Holidays: Sundays
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: Athenee Francais
A Stylish Event Venue and Photo Spot: House of OMOTESANDO
"House of OMOTESANDO" is located in a high-end residential area of Omotesando, in a building designed by a world-renowned architect.
The interior of the building can be used as a space for exhibitions, pop-up events, event spaces, and photo shoots.
"House of OMOTESANDO" is a renovated residence built in 1987, designed by a world-renowned architect, and features a stylish space with exposed concrete.
The design, which emphasizes the harmony of light and space, provides an ideal environment for all kinds of events.
The exterior, surrounded by greenery, is a hidden gem for photography, and many people visit daily to take SNS-worthy photos.
・Address: 5-34-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Access: 7-minute walk from Omotesando Station B2 Exit, 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station B1 Exit
・Business Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM (varies by season and day of the week)
・Regular Holidays: None
・Photo Shoot Fee: ¥0 (Facility venue usage is charged. Please inquire with the facility for confirmation.)
・Official Website: https://house-of-omotesando.jp
Snap a Shot at the Green Light! Shibuya Scramble Crossing
The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is popular with international visitors as a photo spot in Tokyo. At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, many people cross quickly, allowing you to take photos that can only be captured here.
At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, it's recommended to press the shutter at the timing of the green light. If you intentionally capture people blurring as they move, you can capture the hustle and bustle and the atmosphere of the place in your photo.
By the way, Shibuya 109 is right nearby, so it's also recommended to take photos of that.
Address: 2-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 1-minute walk from Shibuya Station (all lines)
Capture the Never-Sleeping City: Shinjuku Kabukicho
In Shinjuku Kabukicho, as night falls, the lights of bars and other establishments turn on, and many people come and go. As expected of a city that never sleeps, the neon lights of Kabukicho become more vibrant as the night progresses, making it a guaranteed Instagrammable spot.
A photo taken from the front of the Kabukicho Ichibangai Arch, the symbol of Kabukicho, will be a sparkling shot that doesn't look like it was taken at night. Applying a retro filter or adjusting the saturation can further enhance the neon feel of your photos.
Address: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
A Sacred Place for Numerous Works: Ginza Nihonbashi
Ginza Nihonbashi, known as a sacred place for many works such as movies, dramas, anime, and novels, is a perfect photo spot for taking sophisticated photos. It's also recommended to take photos that recreate scenes from these works.
The Nihonbashi area is densely packed with places to enjoy shopping and public transportation, so it's a good idea to research places you're interested in beforehand or stop by places that catch your eye as you stroll.
As it's a city with a lot of information, try to focus on "whether unnecessary things are captured" when taking photos.
Address: 1-3-11 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Access: Immediately from Nihonbashi Station (Tokyo Metro)
Capture the Changing Seasons: Showa Kinen Park
Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. The paid areas are also reasonably priced, making it a popular spot accessible to everyone.
Showa Kinen Park hosts various events depending on the season. The illuminations that match the appearance of trees and flowers are spectacular and undoubtedly Instagrammable.
Even outside of event periods, you can take various photos within the vast park, so be sure to visit at least once.
When taking photos in areas with many plants, blurring flowers in the foreground can create cute photos. Similarly, for portrait photography, using tree leaves as a frame can result in higher-quality photos than usual.
Address: 3173 Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo
Access: 10-minute walk from Tachikawa Station (JR Lines)
Business Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Paid areas from 9:00 AM) (Varies by season and day of the week)
Regular Holidays: December 31 - January 1, the 4th Monday of January and the following day
Admission Fee: Free (Paid areas are ¥450 for high school students and above)
Official Website: Showa Kinen Park
Photograph a Unique Worldview: Yayoi Kusama Museum
The Yayoi Kusama Museum, where you can fully experience the worldview of the world-renowned designer Yayoi Kusama, is also a popular spot for Instagrammable photos.
Let's enhance your artistic sensibility by viewing the collection of works with their unique worldview. Why not take various photos in the areas where photography is allowed and capture a shot that immerses you in Yayoi Kusama's world?
By the way, photography is generally prohibited inside the museum. Please be sure to check for signs in the areas where photography is permitted before taking out your camera.
Address: 107 Benten-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 7-minute walk from Waseda Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Regular Holidays: Mondays - Tuesdays
Admission Fee: ¥1,100 (Advance web sales only, reservation required)
Official Website: Yayoi Kusama Museum
Immerse Yourself in the Ghibli World: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
At the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, the sacred place of Japan's proud Ghibli films, you can leisurely enjoy browsing related books, taking breaks at the cafe, shopping, and strolling.
The Ghibli Museum, which evokes Ghibli from its exterior, has elements of Ghibli works scattered throughout each area and spot, so you won't be able to stop taking pictures.
It's recommended to first take a photo with the 35mm film ticket you receive upon entry, with the Ghibli Museum in the background. After that, take cute Ghibli photos as you explore the museum.
For photos taken at the Ghibli Museum, it's recommended to process them with a slightly warmer tone. This will result in gentle photos with the warm impression characteristic of Ghibli.
Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo
Access: 15-minute walk from Mitaka Station (JR Lines)
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Regular Holidays: Tuesdays
It's recommended to take a photo with the Ghibli Museum in the background, holding the 35mm film ticket you receive at the entrance. After that, take cute Ghibli photos as you explore the museum.
It's recommended to process photos taken at the Ghibli Museum with a slightly warmer tone. This will result in gentle photos with the warm impression characteristic of Ghibli.
Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Mitaka Station
Business Hours: 10:00 - 17:30
Closed: Tuesdays
Admission Fee: Adults ¥1,000
Official Website: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
For Korean-style Cuteness! | Jiyugaoka Sweets Forest
Jiyugaoka Sweets Forest is a place overflowing with "cuteness" that rides the wave of the Korean boom. Both the exterior and interior have a lovely design based on pink and white, and many photo spots are installed.
At Jiyugaoka Sweets Forest, where you can enjoy cute food and drinks, especially sweets, let's stock up on cute Instagrammable photos while taking a break.
Jiyugaoka Sweets Forest has photo spots that allow you to take cute pictures, so even those who are not confident in their photography skills can take cute Instagrammable photos. Try taking various photos by photographing your purchased sweets, yourself, or by using the photo spots.
Address: 2F La Cour Jiyugaoka, 2-25-7 Midorigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Jiyugaoka Station on each line
Business Hours: 10:00 - 20:00
Closed: New Year's holidays
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: Jiyugaoka Sweets Forest
A Visually Appealing Space Even If You're Not a Galaxy User! | Galaxy Harajuku
Galaxy Harajuku is a black building in Harajuku. At first glance, it might seem like only Galaxy smartphone users can enter, but this is actually a popular spot where you can take Instagrammable photos, and you can enter even if you don't own a Galaxy smartphone.
With collaboration photo spots on the 6th floor and experience booths dedicated to "Oshi-katsu" (supporting your favorite idol/character) on the 4th floor, it's a place you can enjoy for a long time. The 3rd floor is a collaborative space with teamLab, featuring a dinosaur forest, and its beautiful and powerful space will surely make you want to take pictures.
For shooting on each floor, editing that utilizes the color tone of the respective space is key. Be sure to finish your photos by adjusting the colors and processing them.
Galaxy Harajuku also offers seasonal events and content, so be sure to visit.
Address: 1-8-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3-minute walk from Meiji-jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro
Business Hours: 11:00 - 20:00
Closed: None
Admission Fee: Free
Experience Fee: Free
Official Website: Galaxy Harajuku
Make Your Tokyo Sightseeing More Enjoyable with Yukata or Kimono!
Tokyo is dotted with many popular photo spots and tourist attractions, but strolling and sightseeing in yukata or kimono is also recommended.
By taking photos in yukata or kimono in Tokyo, which represents Japan's cutting edge, you can capture unique and interesting photos with a different atmosphere than usual.
Furthermore, by deliberately wearing Japanese clothing to shrines, temples, natural settings, or exhibitions utilizing cutting-edge technology, you can create photos that, while popular, are not just a copy of someone else's.
If you're going sightseeing in Tokyo, be sure to try strolling around in yukata or kimono.
Summary
In this article, we introduced 16 recommended Instagrammable spots for Tokyo sightseeing all at once. If there are any places that catch your eye, please incorporate them into your sightseeing schedule.
Also, if you want to take photos that stand out during your Tokyo sightseeing, wearing yukata or kimono is recommended. By wearing Japanese clothing to places ranging from traditional to the most modern, you can capture unique photos.
Yukata and kimono can be rented for a day, so please consider it.
