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Learn More Welcome to Lenstokyo, your ultimate guide to Japan that puts photography first. From the bustling cities of Tokyo and Osaka to the serene countryside of Kyoto and Nara, we cater to all types of travellers. Our photo-centric approach ensures that you capture the beauty of Japan in the best possible way. WELCOME TO LENSTOKYO Add Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Featured Article Title Add Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Featured Article Title Add Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Featured Article Title Add Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Featured Article Title A Photo-First Guide to Japan We believe that the best way to travel is through photography. Photography enables you to see places in detail. It allows you to slow down and immerse yourself into your surrounding. It motivates and inspires the inner adventurous spirit to walk in pursuit of the frame you’ve drawn in your head. Craft-fully merging that frame with the surroundings creates an image that is unique and specific to the location you’ve visited. A creative treasure through travel. The pursuit, the waiting, the anticipation and even the failing of capturing that frame teaches you a lot about the location you are in. These organic and authentic moments stay with you ages after the trip as memories you can revisit. Your Hub for Planning your Dream Japan Trip We curate photography and travel spots all around Japan so you dont have to. Learn more Signup for premium membership for exclusive spots Because your pictures should be as EPIC as your trip Sharing the most photogenic travel spots, hotels and experiences in Japan Travel, photography and experiences all focused on providing the most photogenic memories for your trip. spots 0 Introducing each spots in a blog format, compiling and grouping the spots both exclusive and public. articles 0 One interactive map with advanced filtering system so you can find the spots you really want to visit. map 1 LensTokyo is a photo-centric travel guide catered to those planning to visit Tokyo and/or Japan. By compiling all the photogenic spots in Japan we have created a shortcut for travelers who have limited time in the country. We distinguish ourselves from the hundreds of other travel guides by focusing on photogenic spots that are impossible to find elsewhere on the internet. Our aim is to inspire and help coming travelers with photographic ideas in Japan and information on locations to make the most of your trip. Photo-centric travel guide for Japan Interactive Map List of Spots Browse some of our articles Compiling the best of Japan Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Architecture Get ready to be amazed by Japan's stunning architecture. With Lenstokyo, you will discover iconic buildings such as Tokyo Tower and Sensoji Temple, as well as lesser-known spots that only the locals know. View More Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Street Discover dynamic scenes and vibrant moments from the bustling streets of Japan, perfect for showcasing the country's lively atmosphere. View More Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. Night Explore stunning nighttime photography that captures the vibrant energy of city lights, serene moonlit landscapes, and the enchanting atmosphere of Japan's nightlife. View More We are on a mission to create the most comprehensive compilation of photogenic spots in Japan Plan your trip to Japan with us This is the space to introduce the business and what it has to offer. Define the qualities and values that make it unique. Minimize Land Use This is the space to introduce the business and what it has to offer. Define the qualities and values that make it unique. Conserve Water This is the space to introduce the business and what it has to offer. Define the qualities and values that make it unique. Reduce GHGE This is the space to introduce the business and what it has to offer. Define the qualities and values that make it unique. Save Lives Join our premium membership

List of All Spots See all the spots you will be getting access to once you are a member. Below are all the spot's that you will get access to once you are a member. Check out our extensive collection and decide if our membership is worth it for your upcoming travels. Below is a table detailing number of spots in our collection for each prefecture in Japan. Become a Member Load more

Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Other Articles → TOKYO TOWER 10 BEST AND HIDDEN SPOTS TO TAKE A PICTURE TOKYO TOWER 10 BEST AND HIDDEN SPOTS TO TAKE A PICTURE Capture Tokyo Tower from its best angles with our guide to the top 10 photography spots. Whether it's day or night, these locations offer stunning views that will make your photos stand out. 00000 RELATED ARTICLES Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. GET THE LOCATIONS OF ABOVE SPOTS Discover amazing photo spots in Japan. LensTokyo gives you all the information you will need to capture incredible pictures while in Japan. Become a member and browse all above spots and 100+ more unique locations. Get the location details Check all spots you'll have access to here All Spots LensTokyo is your go-to travel guide for discovering unique travel spots in Japan, including both well-known locations and hidden gems. Check out the spots we recommend above and get ready for an unforgettable photo adventure in Japan. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM This 333m tall tower, known as the Tokyo Tower, is probably the most famous landmark in Tokyo and should be at the top of your list of destinations. Built in 1958 it acted as a symbol for post-war Japan’s revival. It not only offers a perfect panoramic view of the largest city in the world but also many facilities and shops inside to enjoy with your partner, friends or family. The tower was painted orange and white to meets aviation safety regulations. Hence, the orange tower when laid against the black city scape is at an acute contrast during the night. Even though Tokyo Tower has not gained the romantic allure of Paris’s Eiffel Tower or The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, Tokyo Tower historically was a great step towards development in post-war Japan and served as the nation’s unifying desire to rise to the top. Showered with decades of admiration from both locals and tourists, Tokyo Tower is now not only a telecommunications/broadcasting tower but an icon of the city. Here are some secret spots in Tokyo to take pictures of the iconic tower that it is today. Pro Tip: The local urban legend says watching the tower’s lights turn off exactly at midnight brings good lucks to couples. So it might be worth going there at midnight! THE ONE IN YEBISU One factor that makes the Tokyo Tower stand out against the myriad of buildings is the color. This particular shade of orange is called ‘‘international orange’’ and was painted to abide by aviation laws. The tower glows bright orange amidst the dark buildings surrounding it. It is repainted every five years by 4200 workers and by hand! This observation deck is perfect for taking a picture of the Tokyo Tower from a distance. The observation deck is located on the 38th and 39th floor along with some restaurants. The observation room itself is small but the good thing for photographers is that you can use a tripod here. You can see the Tokyo Tower at a distance for mounting your camera with a telephoto lens and a tripod would give you the perfect shot. THROUGH THE BUILDINGS It is important to note that the lights used during the daily light up at night is different for summers and winters. During summers the Tokyo Tower lights up using a cool tone white light while during winters the tower lights up using warm tone orange lights. As you can see from the scale of the Tokyo Tower in this picture, the spot is very close to the tower itself. There are many spots like this where the tower sticks out through two buildings, but this location is the best out of all the spots because the tower sticks out enough so you can see more than half of the top. The tree at the foreground adds depth to the picture too. The glowing orange tower peaking out between two buildings. You will need to set up your tripod or Gorillapod on the walking path. THE WHITE CHRISTMAS Please note that the white illuminations on the trees are only available during Christmas season. So if you happen to visit Tokyo during the end of December the white lights will be there to create a stark contrast with the blueish foreground and orange tower. The picture is shot from a pedestrian bridge located not too far from the tower. It is a famous spot for the locals enthusiasts to take a picture during Christmas seasons. Hence, there is usually a young crowd of people taking pictures with their smartphones for Instagram. Using a tripod is difficult at times due to the crowd but you can use a Gorillapod. The illumination on the trees make it look as if it snowed. The blue hue at the bottom of the picture contrasts starkly with the orange of Tokyo Tower. THE CLASSIC TOKYO TOWER SPOT This retro alley contrasts very well to the neon lit and futuristic Shinjuku on the main road. This narrow alley shows you a glimpse of the past and should be one of the top to-visit places in your itinerary. There are tiny bars, cheap ramen joints and casual Japanese food diners where many Japanese grab a drink or snack before heading home. It portraits the old and nostalgic times of Japan. Smoke coming out of barbecue grills from tiny restaurants, old architecture and cosy narrow street give out a very traditional vibe. In the recent years this alley has become a touristy spot, hence you might see more tourists than locals here. The colors are vibrant and the street very happening, all this points combined make this a great spot to take pictures. In a way, showcasing the essence of Japanese street culture. This picture was taken on a raining day, but the color of the umbrella balances the red of Tokyo Tower. Together, the reds and the green make up this picture. Having a model for this location gives it a nice touch. Take a picture of your partner or sibling here. THE LIGHT TRAILS ISLAND This spot is our personal favorite. It is taken on a pedestrian island in between two roads. The island is very narrow, barely enough for one person. You will have to fold down the tripod to a small footprint to set up a tripod here. GorillaPod and table tripods will work too. The location itself is at a distance from the Tokyo Tower. You will have to take a number of shots to have the perfect light trails in your picture. Some compositing may be required. Wait for the perfect vehicle to pass through, usually a bus or a truck suits the best to capture a picture like above. THE STRAIGHT LINE This spot is also a well-known spot for the locals. The leading lines of the path direct you directly towards the tower. Because the sunset towards the tower from this location it is a perfect spot to take the tower with the sunset. Because it is photogenic as it is, any time of the day would produce a beautiful image. During the night the street lamps light up creating an orange light space which is equally as beautiful as the sunset picture. This park is located somewhat near the Tokyo Tower and is a great spot to take a break and take in this view of the Tokyo Tower with surrounding greenery. The spacious photogenic park is especially beautiful during spring when hundred of cherry blossom bloom. THE ISLAND This picture was taken on a pedestrian island right in the middle of a junction. Because it is an island there is not a lot of space, but using a tripod is possible as long as you don’t block the path of other pedestrians. Using a small tripod or a GorillaPod to limit the space you occupy is recommended. The above picture was taken with a wide angle lens so it might seem that the Tokyo Tower is afar, but when you are physically at this spot the Tokyo Tower loom over you. Capture the Tokyo Tower along with the light trails from the cars. THE OLD AND THE NEW This temple was built in the year 1393, it was commissioned by the Tokugawa clan almost 600 years before the Tokyo Tower was built. And yet you could argue it is as, if not more, beautiful than the Tokyo Tower. Although it was partially reconstructed in the 1970s, this temple has withstood numerous historic earthquakes and bombings and still stands tall to this day. Inside the temple, there are several halls, including the Hondo (the main hall), which provide stunning traditional sights. We can’t recommend this temple enough for people who like the aesthetics of old Japan. This spot is unique because it highlights the old with the new, giving a context to the picture with Japanese history. Although the Tokyo Tower might not be ‘new’ but compared to the temple it is. This spot and hence the picture, display fragments of the Edo Period and Post-war Japan. Outside the temple there is one road that leads up to the Tokyo Tower. This spot is also good if you like the leading lines and perspective in your pictures. This specific path in the temple is one of the secret photography spots this area has to offer. Because people pass by this path a lot you will have to be quick with your camera. THE LIGHT TRAILS ISLAND This spot is our personal favorite. It is taken on a pedestrian island in between two roads. The island is very narrow, barely enough for one person. You will have to fold down the tripod to a small footprint to set up a tripod here. GorillaPod and table tripods will work too. The location itself is at a distance from the Tokyo Tower. You will have to take a number of shots to have the perfect light trails in your picture. Some compositing may be required. Wait for the perfect vehicle to pass through, usually a bus or a truck suits the best to capture a picture like above. FROM THE RESTAURANT This location is inside a restaurant not too far from the Tokyo Tower. The restaurant is cheap and the food is good so we recommend visiting here not only for the picture but to take a break and enjoy some food. But please note that you cannot set up a tripod inside the restaurant so it is probably better to go here during the day time when you wont need a tripod. There are not a lot of spots where the Tokyo Tower can be viewed from this height, making this spot a one and only. The view from this restaurant of the Tokyo Tower is not too high nor too low. If you manage to sit in the corner of the restaurant next to the big windows you will get the best view. THE TOWER REFLECTION As mentioned in this article’s intro, the Tokyo Tower creates a stark contrast with the surrounding cityscape especially at night. While the cityscape is black and grey, Tokyo Tower is bright and orange. And positioned in the heart of the city in close proximity to other buildings, this makes Tokyo Tower a good subject to shoot with its surrounding context. One of the spots is the above location. During the night the tower reflections onto the shinny surfaces of one of its neighboring buildings. It is a unique picture and spot that not a lot of people know about. Have you ever seen a reflection of a tower so unique? The Tokyo Tower looks like a fire inside this black building. Because the buildings don’t move, this reflection is unlike the reflection cast by the sun’s light. Hence you will always see the Tokyo Tower’s reflection here every night.

Browse Showcasing the vibrant tapestry of Japan through our blog-style articles. We've meticulously curated content that brings together photogenic spots, creating thematic clusters that resonate with your interests. Articles 8 PHOTOGENIC SPIRAL STAIRCASES IN TOKYO Ascend Tokyo's architectural wonders with spiral stairways. Capture their mesmerizing designs and unique perspectives for captivating urban photography. 194183 Add THE PHOTOGENIC SPOT FOR GINKGO TREES Embrace the beauty of Tokyo's gingko trees. Capture the vibrant colors of autumn or the serene ambiance of spring in these picturesque spots. 88207 Add PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY IN TOKYOS HIDDEN CRYSTAL ROOM Uncover Tokyo's hidden gem. Capture its ethereal beauty and intricate details, adding a touch of magic to your photography journey. 66109 Add COOL ATRIUMS IN TOKYO AND WHERE TO PHOTOGRAPH THEM Discover Tokyo's atriums, hidden havens for unique photography. Capture the interplay of light and architecture, creating mesmerizing compositions in these urban sanctuaries. 90973 Add THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE OBSERVATION DECK IN TOKYO Capture Tokyo's skyline from an Instagrammable observation deck. Elevate your photography with stunning views and iconic landmarks, perfect for sharing memorable moments. 119128 Add 5 PHOTOGENIC COOL STAIRWAYS AND ESCALATORS IN TOKYO Ascend to Tokyo's architectural wonders with cool stairways and escalators. Discover unique angles and sleek designs perfect for striking urban photography. 206554 Add 5 NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN GINZA Explore Ginza's nocturnal charm through your lens. Capture the district's dazzling lights, vibrant nightlife, and elegant architecture for stunning nighttime photographs. 281870 Add 5 FREE ROOFTOPS FOR CITYSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY IN TOKYO Ascend to Tokyo's free rooftops for breathtaking cityscapes. Capture the skyline's grandeur and dynamic energy from these elevated vantage points. 146873 Add 3 PHOTOGENIC WALLS IN ASAKUSA AREA Discover Asakusa's photogenic walls, rich with history and charm. Capture the traditional architecture, intricate details, and vibrant colors that adorn this cultural hub of Tokyo. 126523 Add 3 PHOTOGENIC WALLS IN HARAJUKU AREA Explore Harajuku's photogenic walls, perfect for vibrant and unique shots. Capture the colorful murals, street art, and eclectic designs that make this Tokyo district a visual feast. 47048 Add EPIC CROSSINGS IN TOKYO AND WHERE TO PHOTOGRAPH THEM Tokyo's epic pedestrian crossings are perfect for capturing the city's vibrant pulse. Snap dynamic photos of bustling crowds and iconic intersections that showcase the energy of urban life. 77153 Add 5 SPOTS FOR CAPTURING EPIC LIGHT TRAILS IN TOKYO Capture the dynamic energy of Tokyo's light trails. Discover the best spots to photograph vibrant streaks of light, showcasing the city's bustling nightlife and fast-paced movement. 148544 Add Load more

Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Other Articles → HIDDEN SHINJUKU PHOTO SPOT THE DARK MOODY SUBWAY EXIT HIDDEN SHINJUKU PHOTO SPOT THE DARK MOODY SUBWAY EXIT Dive into Tokyo's underground for a glimpse of moody subway exits. Embrace the mysterious atmosphere and capture dramatic compositions in the city's hidden corners. 00000 RELATED ARTICLES Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. GET THE LOCATIONS OF ABOVE SPOTS Discover amazing photo spots in Japan. LensTokyo gives you all the information you will need to capture incredible pictures while in Japan. Become a member and browse all above spots and 100+ more unique locations. Get the location details Check all spots you'll have access to here All Spots LensTokyo is your go-to travel guide for discovering unique travel spots in Japan, including both well-known locations and hidden gems. Check out the spots we recommend above and get ready for an unforgettable photo adventure in Japan. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM Shinjuku is one of the busiest downtowns in Tokyo. The east exit is famous for entertainment and night life while the west exit has a lot of high-rise and office buildings. Registered as a Guinness World Record this station is the worlds busiest transport hub with over 3.64 million people passing through here a day. There are about 63 entrance/exits for Shinjuku station and the above entrance is one of them. It is a unique spot kept hidden by many photographers and instagrammers. Shinjuku is one of the busiest downtowns in Tokyo. The east exit is famous for entertainment and night life while the west exit has a lot of high-rise and office buildings. Registered as a Guinness World Record this station is the worlds busiest transport hub with over 3.64 million people passing through here a day. There are about 63 entrance/exits for Shinjuku station and the above entrance is one of them. It is a unique spot kept hidden by many photographers and instagrammers. What is unique about this location is that it can be shot at a birds-eye view. The incandescent light from the entrance/exit of the subway casts a long looming shadow of the person at the opening. Darkening the other parts of the picture in post-processing it creates an interesting ambience. The blue neon light and the yellow ground surface indicators add a color contrast making this an amazing picture. What a lot of people miss standing in this spot to take a picture of the salaryman is to take a look over your left side. Where theres a building with a courtyard that has multiple levels. Below are the pictures you can shoot standing in the same spot as above. Two birds with one stone! Pictures like these have a mood and a story to it. Something that a lot of street photographers look for in images. A man going back home after a long day at work. Imagining stories of how the person spent his day is the interesting part of this location. The location you stand when taking the picture becomes the angle you take your subject. Which dictates what and how you portrait your subject.

Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Other Articles → 4 PERFECT SPOTS TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE BULLET TRAIN IN TOKYO 4 PERFECT SPOTS TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE BULLET TRAIN IN TOKYO Experience the thrill of speed with Tokyo's bullet trains. Snap breathtaking shots as these high-speed marvels rush by, capturing the essence of motion and modernity. 00000 RELATED ARTICLES Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. GET THE LOCATIONS OF ABOVE SPOTS Discover amazing photo spots in Japan. LensTokyo gives you all the information you will need to capture incredible pictures while in Japan. Become a member and browse all above spots and 100+ more unique locations. Get the location details Check all spots you'll have access to here All Spots LensTokyo is your go-to travel guide for discovering unique travel spots in Japan, including both well-known locations and hidden gems. Check out the spots we recommend above and get ready for an unforgettable photo adventure in Japan. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM Bullet trains or ‘‘Shinkansen’’ in Japanese is one of the most iconic symbols of modern Japan. They were first made operational in 1964 during the start of the economic boom. Even to this day people, especially children, idolize Shinkansen as a symbol of modernization, technological development and speed. It is one of the safest means of transportation and proudly holds that title. Taking a picture of the bullet train while it is on stop, in big stations like Tokyo station or Shinagawa station, is easy. Just wait for the bullet train to halt at the beginning of the platform and take a picture. But taking a picture while the train is in action might come as a little bit more difficult. You will need a vantage point, clear of obstacles. And in a bustling city like Tokyo that vantage point does not come by easy. So, here are 4 spots for you to take a picture of the iconic Shinkansen. WHERE SHIKANSENS SLEEP AT NIGHT As the title suggests, this is where the bullet trains are run for maintenance and rest during the night. At least 5 or 6 bullet trains are in line like above picture at any given time of the day. But, we strongly recommend visiting this spot in the morning before 9am. There are more number of trains lined up in the morning, as they start to depart as the day progresses. You are not allowed to go inside the parking for trains, hence you will have to shoot the picture from a distance and through a fence. Using a mid-range lens is recommended. Both the above and below pictures were shot at f4 on a mid-range lens. On the picture above you can see vignetting occurring on the corners due to the fence.Due to the nature of the location and the subject, a dramatic looking picture will do justice. So try going here on a rainy or cloudy day like below picture. Lined up like soldiers off to battle, the bullet trains are ready to depart. This picture was taken on an early morning while it was slightly raining. Hence the picture is misty and foggy. EYE LEVEL AND UP CLOSE WITH SHINKANSEN This spot is famous for a lot of Japanese photographers who love the Shinkansen. It’s a perfect spot to practice your panning motion blur pictures. This technique is especially useful to give the picture a sense of motion. It lets you freeze the subject while blurring the background like above picture. This spot is on the 3rd floor of a building near a big terminal station. Which means you are on eye level with the bullet train and the number of trains that pass by is large in number. You will not have to wait long for a bullet train to pass by. Hold your camera in position and stand by.The above picture was taken with a 14mm lens and the below picture was taken with a mid-range lens. To take a picture like above, you will have to quickly move your camera in the direction the train is moving. Keeping the train in focus, but letting the background fade and blur. Make sure you are focused on the tip of the train or at least somewhere near it. This method of shooting is one of the best ways to learn photography and will give you a sense of accomplishment. FROM UP ABOVE This spot is also located near a big busy terminal station. The picture is taken by standing on the bridge while the trains run below it. This location is also called the ‘‘Mini Shinkansen Museum’’ by Japanese Shinkansen geeks as you get a chance to see a lot of trains run by. Because it is not a busy bridge you can easily use your tripod here. The above picture is a composite of several pictures creating a busy railroad with unique Shinkansen designs. It took an hour to shoot all the picture for above one image. AT HIGH SPEED There are some parts in Tokyo where the road’s altitude increases to the level of the railway the Shinkansen runs. Areas like this make it possible to have the Shinkansen at eye level. The the above picture is taken from a pedestrian bridge in one of these areas where the road’s altitude is higher. You will need a telephoto lens to take a picture like above. But the unique point of this spot is that because it is not near a big terminal station, the speed of the Shinkansen is faster than the other locations introduced in this article. It might be harder to keep the bullet train in focus due to its speed but it will make the background more blurry. Give it a few trys to perfect your shot.

Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Other Articles → 7 MORE PHOTOGENIC SPIRAL STAIRCASES IN TOKYO 7 MORE PHOTOGENIC SPIRAL STAIRCASES IN TOKYO Discover Tokyo's most photogenic spiral staircases with our guide to the best spots. From sleek modern designs to historic twists, find the perfect locations to capture these architectural marvels. 00000 RELATED ARTICLES Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. GET THE LOCATIONS OF ABOVE SPOTS Discover amazing photo spots in Japan. LensTokyo gives you all the information you will need to capture incredible pictures while in Japan. Become a member and browse all above spots and 100+ more unique locations. Get the location details Check all spots you'll have access to here All Spots LensTokyo is your go-to travel guide for discovering unique travel spots in Japan, including both well-known locations and hidden gems. Check out the spots we recommend above and get ready for an unforgettable photo adventure in Japan. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM Spiral staircases are not just a delight to the eyes but a very photogenic subject to take pictures of as mentioned in the previous article. By their very structural nature, they are full of features which make up an intriguing picture, such as leading line, rhythm and geometry. Lines, patterns and geometry are compositional elements that have long been used by photographers and artists alike to enhance an image’s visual experience. Staircases and especially spiral stairs have these compositional elements in abundance, which makes them a great subject to take pictures of. Photographing these stairs are largely about applying tried-and-true composition techniques to an often-overlooked subject. By doing so, it will enable you to find some hidden gems where most people wouldn't even think of looking. In the previous article we covered 8 Photogenic Spiral Staircases in Tokyo so be sure to check that one out too! THE EYE This location is located near the big station and the stairs itself is very small so its most likely that you will pass by it without noticing. The staircase is shaped like an eye and because the outline of each stairs is a zigzag it makes the location even more cooler. It is one of those stairs that is located in a busy area but hardly anybody uses. Because it is located partially outside, the lighting changes dramatically depending on the time of day you shoot this. Above picture was taken at night white the bottom pictures were taken during the day. The picture taken during the night is our favorite because the orange light in the middle looks similar to a pupil inside an eye. Make sure you know what style of picture you are going for before planning what time of the day you will visit this spot. Named after it's shape, The Eye is an ovular staircase that is scarcely used. Depending on the time of day, the lighting here changes drastically so choose wisely when to visit this spot. This image was taken minutes before sunset. You can see the image has a strong blue hue to it. THE RENAISSANCE STAIRS Because the building that houses this spiral stairs has about 15 floors everyone who comes to this building usually uses the elevator rather than the stairs. It’s a shame because this is exactly where the real architectural and photographic gem of the building lie. The floor of the stairs are illuminated by diffused white light while the surrounding is dark and metallic. Usually when photographing spiral stairs one of the problems photographers encounter is the lack of lighting in these spaces. But because the stairs themselves are installed with indirect lighting this spot is a must for every photographer visiting Tokyo to try out. There are renaissance-like murals on the walls, combined with the white lighting, they give this space a distinct ambience. A very famous and popular spot for many instagrammers especially in Tokyo. The staircase is solemnly used because there is an elevator in the building. Making this a great location to take pictures. Another epic spot in the downtown area of Tokyo. The floor is lit up by lights and the walls display an unique art. THE PURPLE CUBE This spiral stairs is located inside a buddhist temple. The building is not designed in a traditional sense of a temple. The building was design by a famous Japanese architect and was constructed using white concrete. The building was designed to be a step towards modern temple designs. This spiral stairs is hardly ever used but is extremely photogenic. The purple and white boxy shapes continue downwards perpetually, the colors almost casts you into a hypnotic state. You will have to register your name before you enter the temple but it is free for the public. The stairs is located behind a door near the reception and anybody is allowed to come here and take pictures. Another very famous spot for instagrammers living in Japan and visiting Japan. The purple carpet gives this spot a certain luxury vibe. The staircase is located in a religious building but is solemnly used. Access here is free and definitely worth it if you are in the vicinity. This spot is famous amongst Japanese instagrammers. THE COLORFUL SHELL This stairs is located inside a building that was built in the 1970s. And is one of the oldest buildings in the area.The unique tear-drop shape of the stairs and the vibrant colors, especially the teal color on the walls, make this a very photogenic spot to take pictures. The tear-drop shape also creates an eerie illusion through perspective. It is also a great place to take pictures of your model here. The stairs look drastically different looking up the stairs and looking down. Looking from below the staircase forms a very unique shape. Somewhat resembling a tear drop. The green wall on the side and the ovular staircase makes this location and this picture a delight to look at. THE WHITE MUSEUM This spiral staircase is built inside a museum. The museum is a part of an art university located in the city center. Because it is museum, depending on the exhibition entering this space will require you to buy a ticket. Sometimes the exhibition is free so its worth checking before you go. Located in an artsy school, the campus has several buildings that are designed in detail. Amongst those design elements was this staircase. THE HOTEL GEM This spot is located inside a hotel but don’t worry you are allowed access to take pictures here very easily. The stairs are located right in front of the entrance. You are allowed to take a picture here but are prohibited to go above the 3rd floor. If you feel uncomfortable simply ask the guard at the entrance for the directions of the spiral stairs he will guide you with typical Japanese kindness. The staircase is located inside a luxury hotel. This picture was taken at the hotel past sunset. Hence there is not a lot of light. TOKYO’S CENTER SPIRAL These two spots shown in the top and below pictures are located inside the Tokyo Station. Both are images require a wide angle lens to capture the space. And both entail the unique architecture that Tokyo Station has to offer. The above spiral stairs is located inside a museum so you will need a ticket for the exhibition to enter this space. There are two highlights of the gallery in Tokyo Station, one is the spiral stairs shown in the above picture, and the other is the 100 years old bricks used in the second floor exhibition space. Here you can enjoy the architectural attractions the building has to offer with exhibitions of various themes. Like many buildings in Tokyo the station was severely destroyed during World War II. The original ceiling was damaged but reconstructed later with using the same design. As seen in the above picture, there are 8 eagles at the top and below that in circular green backgrounds are the animal reliefs at 8 locations. The keystone at the top of the arches are inspired by 15th century military commander’s helmet. All these design elements and ornaments combined make this ceiling a great look up. One of the older and famous buildings in Tokyo. The Tokyo station is a three-storied magnificent Renaissance architecture with 3 large (like the above) domes in the north, south and center.

Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Other Articles → 5 NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN GINZA 5 NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN GINZA Explore Ginza's nocturnal charm through your lens. Capture the district's dazzling lights, vibrant nightlife, and elegant architecture for stunning nighttime photographs. 00000 RELATED ARTICLES Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. GET THE LOCATIONS OF ABOVE SPOTS Discover amazing photo spots in Japan. LensTokyo gives you all the information you will need to capture incredible pictures while in Japan. Become a member and browse all above spots and 100+ more unique locations. Get the location details Check all spots you'll have access to here All Spots LensTokyo is your go-to travel guide for discovering unique travel spots in Japan, including both well-known locations and hidden gems. Check out the spots we recommend above and get ready for an unforgettable photo adventure in Japan. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM Ginza is the commercial capital of Tokyo and in turn of Japan. It is one of the most glamorous shopping districts in Japan, where almost all leading brand names in fashion and cosmetics has a presence. A small plot of land here is worth several million yen making this district one of the most expensive real estate in the world. Every day during from 12:00 to 17:00 (until 18:00 from April through September), the main boulevard called the Chuo Dori is closed off to vehicular traffic and becomes a haven for pedestrians. This makes the area a great spot for street photography. Because the area is known for its high end retail stores you will see many fashion and class conscious Japanese here who are interesting subjects for street photography. And along with high end retail stores, there are a bunch of delicious foods available in the vicinity to recharge your depleted energy before heading back out to shoot again. In this article we will cover some photographic spots for Ginza. THE SHIP There are countless unique buildings by famous architects from all over the world in Ginza, but this building is perhaps the most photogenic of them all. Designed by an architect based in New York, this building takes form of a ship or a fish. The concave ceiling and the rib like structure lets in ample light. The enormous atrium which is the main architectural show piece in this building makes this location a great photo spot. Within the premises there are many public spaces and the building also acts as a path between two busy roads which makes the in-flow of people dynamic and the space more lively. The pictures below were taken on the top floor looking towards the atrium. The apertures on the sides and the metal frames of the building make this image a geometrical delight. The lighting changes dramatically depending on the time of day you visit here. The below two pictures were taken after sunset and during the day respectively. The patterns of the shadows cast by the beams change drastically by the time of day. You can spend hours here and not take the same picture twice. One of the most photographed spots in Tokyo. The geometrical structure attracts a lot of tourists interested in architecture and photography both. THE UPMARKET CROSSING This is one of the most well-known junctions in Ginza area. On this junction you can see several roads, railways and highways intertwining with each other. The vantage you get from this location is breathtaking. You can take a long exposure with the light trails by cars making the picture look dynamic and adding some movement in the picture. The location is located on a rooftop garden of a shopping mall. Tripods are allowed and usually the rooftop is deserted making taking pictures very easy. It is also possible to photography this place during the day time. We recommend going there just before sunset when the sun is at a lower angle creating this strip of sunlight, as see in below picture, that runs across the crossing. The lighting throughout the day changes here. Adjust your exposure to the beam of sunlight and let the shadows fall into darkness. The crossing is usually busy with crowds of people passing in all directions. At night, the light trails created by passing cars is worth capturing. THE GINZA RED AND WHITE One the best ways to capture light trails is to position your camera in a way so that all the light trails go in one direction. This captivates the viewers eyes and guides the viewer into the frame. Like the above picture, the lights emitted by the cars are guiding the viewer’s eye towards the center of the picture. This picture was taken on a pedestrian bridge in slightly away from the main Ginza area. Because the pedestrian bridge is wide it is easy to set up your tripod without hindering the path for other people. Both a wide angle and a telephoto lens work great here. It is a great place to capture the hustle bustle and the speed that the city offers. A nice vantage point where you have the buildings lined up in perspective and are able to get the shot from right in the middle of a busy road. Use a telephoto (70-200mm) lens to get the shiny details of the city and of this under-pass. Tokyo at it’s best. 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 YAKITORI TUNNEL This small tunnel under the train tracks houses a couple of really good yakitori restaurants. It is a short tunnel but the worn out retro posters on the walls give it a nostalgic feel of the 70s and 80s Japan. The tunnel becomes smokey at night when the yakitori restaurants start barbecuing the meat. The barbecue smoke filled in the tunnel creates a mystical space. It is an amazing spot to take pictures especially of people’s silhouettes and blurred out lights through the smoke. Although, at this particular time of night, there was not a lot of smoke coming out of the restaurants, this spot is famous for the BBQ smoke flowing out of the shops. Making this a smokey mysterious picture.

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Other Articles → TOKYO SKYTREE 10 BEST AND SECRET SPOTS TO TAKE A PICTURE TOKYO SKYTREE 10 BEST AND SECRET SPOTS TO TAKE A PICTURE Discover Tokyo Skytree from various angles. 10 unique angles of the Skytree to satisfy your curiosity and capture the perfect shot of this iconic landmark. 00000 RELATED ARTICLES Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. GET THE LOCATIONS OF ABOVE SPOTS Discover amazing photo spots in Japan. LensTokyo gives you all the information you will need to capture incredible pictures while in Japan. Become a member and browse all above spots and 100+ more unique locations. Get the location details Check all spots you'll have access to here All Spots LensTokyo is your go-to travel guide for discovering unique travel spots in Japan, including both well-known locations and hidden gems. Check out the spots we recommend above and get ready for an unforgettable photo adventure in Japan. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM Tokyo Skytree was built in 2012 and is the second tallest structure after Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It is not considered a ‘‘building’’ because a percentage of the Skytree is not inhabitable, hence is not included in the list of ‘‘tallest buildings in the world’’. It was designed to be a broadcasting and telecommunications ‘‘tower’’. The Skytree is the centerpiece of an urban development called Tokyo Skytree Town, other attractions in this development are a shopping center, an aquarium and a planetarium. The Skytree is located in a comparatively suburban area and hence it stands out drastically in height when viewed together with its surrounding. At its base, the structure takes the shape of an equilateral triangle but as the tower tapers, the cross section gradually becomes circular, a shape that helps for wind loading. During the night it is illuminated by thousands of LEDs creating a spectacle to see. Here are some secret and well-known spots to take a picture of this magnificent tower. Pro Tip: We know how important color is for Instagrammers to build a consistent profile feed. When taking pictures of the Skytree one thing that will come in handy is the lighting schedule so you know what color it’ll light up on a specific day. Here you can check the schedule for the next three days so be sure to check the schedule before venturing out! THE COMPARISON SPOT We have named this spot the comparison spot because this spot allows you to see just how much the Skytree stands out compared to its surrounding. Hence, not just solely having the Skytree as the point of interest you can contextualize and compare the Skytree with its surrounding from this spot. As seen in the picture above, most of the buildings that surround the Skytree are less than 15 floors in height. The Skytree’s height is visually enhanced when put against the other buildings. The location is on top of a shopping mall. The rooftop of the shopping mall closes at 7pm everyday so make sure you arrive in time. This is probably the best spot to take a picture of the Skytree in its entirety. Tripods are allowed which makes it very easy to get an awesome shot. From this vantage point, it is clear just how much the Tokyo Skytree is bigger than its surrounding. The roof top where we took this picture has an unobstructed view of the Skytree from a close proximity. THE ARTISTIC ONE If you are looking for a unique way to take a picture of the Skytree, this spot is for you. Stand out against the hundreds of pictures of the tower. The picture is taken from inside a building not too far from the Skytree. The triangular opening of the building compliment the shape of the Skytree, pulling your focus to the outside and to the tower. You should have a telephoto lens or a mid-range lens for this picture. Tripods cannot be used inside this building. The reflections of the tower on the right via a mirror and the geometrical shapes in the picture make this an artistic way to take a picture of the Skytree. You will have to lower your camera below the waists to get the tower’s tip into the picture. We took this picture on a day with clear blue sky. THE SPEARS This location is also popular on Instagram. The location is located very close to the Skytree and can be accessed by foot. During the night, the poles in the foreground light up from below. During the day, the poles have the same color as the Skytree. An interesting location where the compositions of poles against the Skytree are countless. During the day the pole shines white like the Skytree. It is fun moving your camera to compose the poles and the tower as you like. During the night, the poles are lit up from below by a flood light. The colors change everyday according to the colors of the Skytree. THE SUNFLOWER SPOT This shot is taken from a pedestrian island right in the middle of a junction. The unique point about this location is not only does this spot has a good vantage of the Skytree but there are sunflowers on this island. Like seen in the below picture, having the sunflowers in the foreground can add a unique aspect in your pictures. Please note that the sunflowers are not there during the winters, but including some light trails into your picture rather than the sunflowers would work nice too. During the summers this spot has a bed of sunflowers. The unobstructed view of the Skytree from this spot would make you spend a couple of minutes taking pictures here. THE NUMBER ONE We have named this location number one because it is one of the only two streets where the Skytree is visible till its base from afar. The number two location is next on this list. The difference of the two streets is that number one is on the north side of Skytree while the number two is on the south side. Above picture was taken mid-way on this street. And the below pictures were taken at the end of the street. The number one street has a lot of electrical wiring giving it a chaotic look apt for the streets of Tokyo. The Skytree at the end covers the frame, perfectly depicting the scale and presence it shares in this area. The chaotic electrical wiring you see a lot in dense Asian cities are in Tokyo too. What’s different is the huge Skytree in the background. The color palette of Tokyo is infused in this picture. The below picture was taken half an hour before sunset. THE NUMBER TWO The number two location is on the south side of the Skytree. Compared to number one the location has less electrical wires blocking the view of the Skytree. The buildings are slightly taller and the road wider. The Skytree does not align perfectly with the street but if you go further down the street the difference is so minute that its not noticeable. Below picture was taken mid-way on the street while the below picture was take at the very end of the street. The numbers 30 on the road makes the above picture more dynamic and adds flavor to the picture. This spot is also great during sunsets as the sun sets in the direction the camera is facing. There is a stairs that goes up at the end of this street which if you climb can give you a better view of the street and the Skytree. Down the same road as the previous pictures, at the end of road you get a straight line view of the Skytree. At the end of the road there is a stairs that elevates you a few meters higher where the vantage is even better. The speed limit 30 stands out in this picture. Including the 30 makes this spot even more photogenic. The narrow roads around the Skytree are usually one way. OVER THE RIVER This is technically two different spots but because the two spots are very close by, we have summed them up into one spot. There are basically two different bridges that run over this river. The above picture was taken on the bridge that is closer to the Skytree while the below two pictures were taken on the bridge one road down. Both bridges run over the same river. This spot is famous for photographers and instagrammers, so whenever you go, especially before sunset, there are bound to be more photographers with set up tripods waiting for the perfect lighting. For this reason we recommended going here well before the sunset to get the best position. Taken during sunset on a day with clear blue sky. Because this is a popular spot, there are always people with tripods stationed at the best spot during sunset. Taken at the same time as the picture on the left but with different exposure. The above picture was exposed for the sky, creating a silhouette of the skyline. ON THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE This spot is a well hidden secret in Tokyo. While many locals might know the spot on the bridge mentioned earlier on the list, they do not know this spot. The shot was taken from a pedestrian bridge. Although the base of the Skytree might be blocked from this location, the location has a wider view of the environment so you can include some light trails of cars passing by. Capturing the reflection of the Skytree on the river is beautiful too. And because there are more greenery it ends up being a more vibrant picture. The river acts as a leading line towards the Skytree. The colors cast at this spot during sunset is mesmerizing. During a clear sky the colors cast at this spot are very beautiful. The purple sunset sky, the green and the blue from the streets lights create a great ambience for the perfect picture. THE SKYTREE LOOK UP This spot is very close to the Skytree hence you will be looking up to the Skytree when taking a picture. It is a nice spot if you want to take close up detailed shots of the Skytree. The location is on a rooftop of low height building. It is a very romantic space with no crowd. There are places to sit and relax too as shown in the picture below. The rooftop closes at 8pm so make sure to get there in time before it closes. Tripods are allowed. THE SPOT WITH THE BRIDGE This is a perfect spot of long exposure night photography with the Skytree. With the Skytree at a distant, the serenity of the water and spaced out buildings, it almost does not look like Tokyo. It shows Tokyo in a different perspective, proving just how vast and diverse the cityscape of this metropolitan city is. There are boats that pass through this area and under the bridge. A lot of creativity with the light trails can be experimented here. The shot was taken on another bridge but there is also a park next to it. Few different compositions of the Skytree is possible here and tripods are allowed. As the park where this picture was taken is located in the corner of two rivers, it has a great vantage point where you see the spread river in front and the Skytree in the background. One river flows to the left and the other to the right of this picture.

Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Other Articles → 5 EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN OMOTESANDO AND HARAJUKU 5 EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN OMOTESANDO AND HARAJUKU Discover vibrant photography spots near Harajuku. Capture the area's colorful street art, trendy fashion, and unique culture for lively and unforgettable shots. 00000 RELATED ARTICLES Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 6 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. GET THE LOCATIONS OF ABOVE SPOTS Discover amazing photo spots in Japan. LensTokyo gives you all the information you will need to capture incredible pictures while in Japan. Become a member and browse all above spots and 100+ more unique locations. Get the location details Check all spots you'll have access to here All Spots LensTokyo is your go-to travel guide for discovering unique travel spots in Japan, including both well-known locations and hidden gems. Check out the spots we recommend above and get ready for an unforgettable photo adventure in Japan. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM Harajuku and Omotesando is known as the one of the most stylish and hip places areas in Tokyo. It is unlikely that you will miss this place in your Tokyo itinerary when you visit here. Also known as the champs-élysées of Tokyo, this area houses many international brands and shops. So naturally this area also houses a lot of unique architecture and photography spots. While Omotesando caters towards the haute couture end of the spectrum, the Harajuku area caters more towards the youth fashion. Harajuku is known as ‘the capital of Japanese pop culture’ where stylish and trendy streets are cramped with fashionable boutiques and restaurant. Once away from the main road you enter a luxurious residential area that is popular for expats living in Tokyo. In this article we will introduce you to some of the most iconic and secret photography spots around this area. We will focus on spots where you can take portraits and pictures of your partner or friends while in Harajuku and Omotesando. Wide angle lens are recommended to capture the surrounding environment as much as possible but not necessary. THE GALAXY The escalator itself is short but the mirrors on the sides and the single lighting in the space makes it look very futuristic and cool. Although the escalator is small the mirrors on the top and sides make the space look more bigger. The pitch black space combined with the upward direction of the escalator make you feel like you’re venturing into space. The white florescent lights pushing you into outer space. This is a very fun and photogenic spot you definitely should visit if you have the time! It is also a spot that is used by many local Japanese Instagrammers and photographers. This is definitely one of the most fun spots in Harajuku, not to mention the most photogenic. The building has interactive displays and games on every floor of this multistory building. Two of these displays are the most photogenic and an experience you will not get else where. Position your model, partner or friend to stand in the middle of the room or up the escalator and take pictures of them! This spot is highly recommended if you are a person who likes pictures to post on instagram. It is a spot that is used by many Japanese Instagrammers and photographers. Taking the camera inside is allowed but because you only have one minute inside the room we do not recommend taking a tripod inside. The interactive displays and games are all for free. THE APARTMENT MODERNA This is a super unique building near Omotesando. You can access it from Harajuku area or Omotesando area, but the Omotesando station is comparatively closer. It was built over 30 years ago but the design seems as if it was built recently. It is used as an apartment building. You are allowed access to the courtyard which is located in front of and before the main entrance. There is a table or a pedestal inside the courtyard. Position your model on the pedestal, either stood up or sitting down, and take a picture by pointing your camera upwards with the building in the background. Like all other spaces in Japan, this space is smaller than you might imagine, so having a wide angle lens to essential to make the most out of this location. The night we took this image, the sky was cloudy. Having a wide angle lens helps in this spot as the courtyard is quite small. Taking the picture from below makes not only the model but the building look taller than it actually is. THE BROKEN REFLECTIONS Omotesando features many cutting edge buildings designed by renowned architects from around the world. There are tens and maybe hundreds of architectural gems in this area. One of those cutting edge buildings is this building shown in the picture. The most famous spot in the Harajuku area is this entrance to a shopping mall. Hence, whatever time you go it is most likely to be crowded. Except in the mornings right after the shopping mall opens at 11am. The only problem is that in the mornings the light is not as contrasty and pleasant compared to night. So if you value less people in your frame you should go in the morning, otherwise taking the picture at night is preferable. Because its a famous spot and there will likely be tourists already taking a picture here, you might have to wait for the perfect shot. The chaotic background here is an image of Tokyo as a whole. Where everything seems chaotic but in a orderly manner. An epic spot to take portraits. Fragmented glass scattered on the ceiling. The glasses and angled in such a way that it reflects indirect light from outside towards the insides of the building. THE NEON RABBIT Harajuku is a place for youngsters and a place for fashion. Much like Soho in New York. There are a number of local apparels brands in this area with cute store fronts. Away from the main road, walking in the twisting alleys of Harajuku you will find many intriguing shops around you. One of those shops is this one. It is unique and stands out because of its pink neon light. Unlike other big cities of the world, Japan does not have a lot of this type of neon signs displayed in front of its shops. Making it difficult to take a picture like the one above. Remember to take your sunglasses with you for this shot! Having the neon lights reflect onto the sunglasses making a cool night shot, remember to focus your camera on the glasses. 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 of your partner.