5 PHOTOGENIC COOL STAIRWAYS AND ESCALATORS IN TOKYO

In a city like Tokyo where the population density is one of the highest in the world, it is only logical to build the city vertically. Hence there are millions of stairs, escalators and elevators working simultaneously in sync. Combined with the fact that Tokyo is stylish and neon lit, these modes of vertical movements are designed rather stylishly. What makes pictures of these architectural elements so good is the cool leading lines they provide. The leading lines guides the viewer’s eyes into the picture and creates depth.

We particularly recommend using these stairs or escalators to take portraits of your model, partner or spouse. The pictures will surely result in some cool memories you had in Tokyo. Here are 5 cool, stylish and photogenic stairs and escalators in Tokyo. It is recommended to use a widest angle lens you have possible to make the most out of these locations. This is because having wide angle lens enables you to capture the environment and context better, hence capturing the leading lines on the stairs.

THE SPIDER WEB

This is an escalator located in a subway. The escalator itself has become a permanent art installation here. The green pipes resembling a spider web, florescent tubes installed irregularly, this art installation makes this spot worth taking a picture of. The subway itself is comparatively close to the city center. There are 2 escalators designed in this manner in this subway station, but the one located near the C2 and C3 exits is more photogenic as the escalator is longer here. The escalator near C1 exit has the same design but because the escalator is shorter it is not as photogenic.

Using a wide angle lens, and getting as close and low to the escalator is the way to shoot this. Because the area is a little dark and you cannot use a tripod having a camera with good low light capabilities is recommended.

THE TELEPORTATION

With ceiling height as high as thirty meters this spot screams grandiosity. You can make use of this enormous space and its symmetry by getting on the middle escalator out of the three and positioning yourself at the line of symmetry. A simple photo can turn into an exciting one just by making it perfectly symmetrical. This is because humans find a sort of comfort in symmetry. But, like in the picture above, purposefully including a human or an irregularity into the symmetry is also a technique used by many photographers.

This location is located in a subway station which is a little far from the city center. The above picture was taken with a 14mm lens, but having an ultra wide angle lens lower than 14mm can result in a more dynamic picture. We strongly recommend taking a wide angle lens here. Visit this place on a weekday and avoid rush hours like 7-9am and 6-8pm.

THE SHINNY NEON LIT

This location is located right in the city center. In an area famous for shopping. Although it is possible to take a picture here in the day time we strongly recommend going here at night time. This is because the lights are only turned on during the night and without the lighting here the picture is not as epic.

The escalator is encased in a glass tube that shoots down towards the first floor. Inside, mirrored surfaces reflect and repeat the florescent lights that are piped along the frame, much to the delight of Instagram.

This escalator’s unique points are not only the lights inside the escalator but also the city lights outside the escalator. Located near a junction in a busy area in Tokyo, the neon lights surrounding this escalator give it a flare to the picture.

THE GOLDEN GEM

By taking pictures that are symmetrical you can make a chaotic subject feel more orderly. In the above location, there are mirrors everywhere which makes the space seem a little chaotic. By aligning the leading line when you are composing your images and compose symmetrically, the resulting image is more balanced and orderly.

This spot is famous for Instagrammers in Japan. The hundreds of ceiling lights illuminate the space with a warm golden light. The reflections of fluorescent lights unto the glass shine green. There are mirrors on all sides of the escalator. All these effects making this space an epic spot to photograph. It is located on the 11th floor of a shopping mall in the city center.It is especially fun to take a picture with a model or a partner here. Make them stand in front of a mirror or on the escalator. Furthermore, there are hardly any people here during all hours of the day so you can take a picture without interruptions.

The sparkling clean interior coupled with hundreds of bright yellow light make this space shine like a gem. The escalators at the top floor are designed in a way that you can look down at them from above. Making it easier to create pictures with new angles.

THE WHITE LEADING LINES

Along the narrow streets that lead away from Omotesando, you will find many charming boutiques created by young artists, many of them really worth your time. These small alleys feature many places to sit back and relax over a good food or drink.

This spot is located in one of those narrow alleys in the Harajuku area and is a stairs that leads up to a shop. The leading lines and white wood like texture give this spot as reason to come back to. Because there are only limited lights during the night, it is better to take a picture in the day time. Wide angle is recommended but not necessary. It is an apt spot to take a cool portraiture with your partner.