Photography Guide: Tokyo

7 essential spots + ideal timing in Japan's capital

1. Shibuya Crossing

⏰ Best time: Evening rush (6pm-8pm) maximum chaos OR night (8pm-10pm) neon lights

World's busiest crossing. Photograph from Starbucks 2nd floor (free if you buy drink ¥500) or from pedestrian overpass. Up to 3,000 people cross at once!

💡 Tip: Magnet by Shibuya 109 Rooftop (FREE) offers best elevated view of crossing

How to get there: Shibuya Station (JR/Metro) - exit Hachiko

2. Sensoji Temple (Asakusa)

⏰ Best time: 6am-7am (opens at 6am, empty + soft morning light)

Tokyo's oldest temple. Giant red Kaminarimon Gate with lantern. Nakamise shopping street leads to temple. VERY crowded after 9am. FREE entry.

💡 Perfect shot: Front of Kaminarimon Gate with lantern centered, early morning no crowds

Metro: Asakusa Station (Ginza/Asakusa lines)

3. Fushimi Inari (Kyoto)

⏰ Best time: 6am-7am (24/7 access, sunrise empty)

10,000 vermillion torii gates tunnel. Most iconic Japan photo. Hike takes 2-3 hours full loop. Lower section PACKED after 9am. FREE always.

💡 Tip: Hike 30 minutes up for fewer crowds and better light filtering through gates

From Kyoto: Train to Inari Station (5min, ¥150)

4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

⏰ Best time: 7am-8am (gets very crowded quickly)

Towering bamboo forest path. Soft green light filtering through bamboo. Short walk (10 minutes) but incredibly photogenic. FREE. In Kyoto.

💡 Avoid: Midday harsh light + massive crowds. Go at opening or late afternoon

5. Tokyo Skytree

⏰ Best time: Sunset (arrive 1 hour before) for day-to-night transition

634m tall tower. Observation decks 350m (¥2,100) and 450m (¥3,400). 360° Tokyo views. Photograph tower itself from Sumida River walk (FREE).

💡 Budget tip: Don't pay to go up - photograph tower from outside. View from Metropolitan Government Building (FREE) almost as good

6. Meiji Shrine

⏰ Best time: 8am-9am peaceful morning

Shinto shrine in forest. Giant torii gate entrance. Peaceful contrast to busy Tokyo. Often see traditional weddings on weekends. FREE entry.

💡 Tip: Walk through Yoyogi Park after (cherry blossoms in spring!)

Metro: Harajuku Station (JR) or Meiji-jingumae (Metro)

7. Mount Fuji

⏰ Best time: Early morning (6am-9am) before clouds form

Japan's iconic mountain. Best views: Lake Kawaguchi (reflection), Chureito Pagoda (¥500 entry). WARNING: Fuji visible only 50% of days - clouds common!

💡 Best seasons: Winter (Dec-Feb) clearest visibility. Summer often cloudy

From Tokyo: Bus from Shinjuku (2h, ¥2,800 round trip)

📸 General Tips for Tokyo

Crowds: Major sites packed 10am-5pm. Go early (7am) or late (after 6pm)
Manners: Don't photograph people without permission. Quiet in temples
Best season: Spring (cherry blossoms Mar-Apr) or Fall (Nov colors)
Free viewpoints: Metropolitan Government Building, Roppongi Hills plaza
IC Card: Buy Suica/Pasmo (¥2,000) - works on all trains, vending machines, stores

📺 Tokyo on Video

Visual tour of photography spots

Watch on YouTube