Best Tokyo Photography Opportunities: A Guide

Published on 1 August 2023 8 min read

Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo Tower
Senso-ji Temple
Odaiba Statue of Liberty
Ginza Shopping District
Tokyo Skytree
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Meiji Shrine
teamLab Borderless
Tsukiji Fish Market

Are you a photography buff looking for the top photographer opportunities in Tokyo? Whether you're a professional photographer or someone who loves capturing moments, Tokyo, with its mesmerizing mix of modern and traditional sights, is the perfect city to focus your lens on. This guide will take you through some of the most photogenic spots in Tokyo, ensuring you don't miss any opportunities to snap that perfect shot.

Shibuya Crossing

Known as the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, Shibuya Crossing is a top photographer opportunity in Tokyo. It's not just a place to cross the street—it's an experience. When the lights turn red at this giant intersection, it's as if the sea parted, allowing a wave of humanity to flood across. Here’s what you need to know to get the best shots:

Capture the Chaos: For a photo that truly signifies Shibuya Crossing, try to capture the chaos of the crowd. Aim for the moment when the lights change, and the intersection is filled with people from every corner.
High Angle Shot: For a bird's eye view of the crossing, find a spot in one of the overlooking buildings. This perspective gives you a chance to capture the patterns and movement of the crowd below.
Night Photography: Shibuya Crossing takes on a whole new personality at night. The glowing neon lights and billboards offer a vibrant backdrop for your shots.

Remember, the beauty of photographing Shibuya Crossing lies in its unpredictability. It's about capturing the hustle and bustle, the organized chaos, and the unique energy of Tokyo. Always keep your camera ready—you never know when the perfect shot will present itself!

Tokyo Tower

Standing tall at 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is an iconic symbol of the city. Its red and white lattice structure offers a stunning contrast against the Tokyo skyline, making it one of the top photographer opportunities in Tokyo. Here are some tips to help you capture the tower in all its glory:

Daylight Splendor: Don't miss the opportunity to photograph Tokyo Tower during the day. Its bright color stands out against the blue sky, creating a striking image.
Twilight Magic: As the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle, Tokyo Tower transforms into a beacon of light. This is an ideal time to capture a dramatic silhouette of the tower against the evening sky.
Close-up Shots: While capturing the tower from a distance is great, don't forget to take close-up shots too. The intricate details of the tower's steel framework can make for some fascinating compositions.

Whether you're photographing it from the ground looking up, or capturing its panoramic views of the city from its observation deck, Tokyo Tower is sure to add a dash of charm to your Tokyo photography collection. So, have you charged your camera batteries yet?

Senso-ji Temple

If you're on the hunt for top photographer opportunities in Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple should be on your bucket list. As Tokyo's oldest and most significant temple, Senso-ji offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that makes for some dramatic photos.

Historical Elegance: With its large, red lanterns and intricate details, the temple itself is a photographer's dream. Try capturing the elegance of the main hall and the five-story pagoda, both of which are stunning examples of Japanese architecture.
Vibrant Nakamise Shopping Street: The approach to the temple, known as Nakamise Shopping Street, is lined with colorful stalls selling traditional snacks and souvenirs. This bustling scene, with its vibrant colors and energetic crowds, offers a lively contrast to the serene beauty of the temple.
Festive Spirit: If you're lucky enough to visit Senso-ji during one of its many festivals, make sure to capture the atmosphere. The riot of colors, traditional performances, and festive crowds can make for some truly memorable shots.

From the grandeur of the temple to the vibrancy of the shopping street, Senso-ji offers a variety of photo opportunities. So, ready to experience and capture the cultural heart of Tokyo?

Odaiba Statue of Liberty

Yes, you read that right—Tokyo has its own Statue of Liberty! It's a smaller version of the iconic New York statue, and it's one of the top photographer opportunities in Tokyo. It's not just about the statue itself, but the unique context that makes this spot a gem for photographers.

Iconic Juxtaposition: The Odaiba Statue of Liberty against the backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo's skyline creates a unique mix of cultures in one frame. It's a visual feast that you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Sunset Glory: For an even more breathtaking photo, aim to be there at sunset. The setting sun colors the sky with warm hues, creating a beautiful contrast with the cool steel of the statue and bridge. It's a sight to behold, and a moment worth capturing.
Night-time Brilliance: After sunset, the area lights up, literally. The Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo skyline twinkle with lights, making for a dazzling sight. The reflections on the water add an extra layer of magic to your photos.

So, whether it's day or night, the Odaiba Statue of Liberty offers a unique blend of Tokyo's cityscape, a global icon, and stunning natural beauty. Are you ready to capture this one-of-a-kind view?

Ginza Shopping District

When we talk about the top photographer opportunities in Tokyo, we can't skip over the Ginza Shopping District. This upscale area is a must-visit, not just for shopping, but also for its photogenic appeal. Here's what you can expect:

Architectural Wonder: Ginza is known for its modern architecture. Buildings with glass facades, unique shapes, and innovative designs dominate the landscape. It's a playground for photographers who love capturing the beauty of man-made structures.
Street Life: The hustle and bustle of Ginza, with its high-end stores and fashionable locals, make for a vibrant street life. It's a great place to practice your street photography skills and capture the energy of Tokyo.
Neon Lights: Once the sun sets, Ginza transforms into a neon wonderland. The store signs and billboards light up the streets, creating a spectacle that's both visually exciting and quintessentially Tokyo.

Regardless of your photography style or preference, Ginza offers a blend of urban charm and modern elegance. It's a place where Tokyo's heart beats loudly, making it a fantastic location to document the city's life and style. Ready to frame Ginza in your lens?

Tokyo Skytree

Next up on our list of top photographer opportunities in Tokyo is the Tokyo Skytree. Standing tall at 634 meters, it's not only Japan's tallest structure but also a fantastic subject for your camera. Here's why:

Unrivaled Views: The observation decks at 350m and 450m offer panoramic views of Tokyo. From this vantage point, you can capture the cityscape in all its glory. Remember your wide-angle lens!
Structural Beauty: The Skytree isn't just tall — it's beautiful, too. With its sleek design and spiral, glass-covered structure, it's an architectural marvel worth capturing from various angles.
Nighttime Charm: As day turns to night, the Skytree lights up, offering a mesmerizing spectacle. Known as the 'Town Light Edo Lilac' and 'Town Light Iki Sky Blue' illuminations, these light shows provide a stunning and colorful backdrop for your night photography.

Whether you're shooting from the base, from its observation decks, or from a distance, the Skytree offers a multitude of photography opportunities. Are you ready to aim high and get some striking shots of this iconic Tokyo landmark?

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

When you think of Tokyo, sprawling skyscrapers and bustling city life might first come to mind. But did you know that Tokyo is also home to serene, lush green spaces? One of the top photographer opportunities in Tokyo lies in the heart of the city — the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

A Feast for the Eyes: With its vast lawns, tranquil ponds, and an array of flowering trees, this garden is a visual treat. You can capture the contrast between the serene greenery and the distant skyscrapers in the same frame.
Seasonal Splendor: The garden changes dramatically with the seasons. From delicate cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant red maple leaves in autumn, each season offers a fresh palette for your photos.
Architectural Delights: The garden also houses several structures, such as the traditional Japanese teahouse and the French Formal Garden, offering diverse backdrops for your photos.

So, are you ready to switch up the urban pace and immerse yourself in nature's beauty at the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden? It's a breath of fresh air for any photographer in Tokyo.

Meiji Shrine

Do you want to capture a slice of Tokyo's rich history and culture? Then make your way to the Meiji Shrine, one of the top photographer opportunities in Tokyo. Located in Shibuya, this Shinto shrine is a testament to the city's vibrant past and spiritual heritage.

Symbol of Serenity: Surrounded by a dense forest, the Meiji Shrine is a picture of tranquility. Its rustic torii gates and sweeping gravel paths offer plenty of unique compositions for your photos.
Cultural Capture: The shrine grounds often host traditional weddings and religious ceremonies. With respectful distance, these occasions present opportunities to photograph the rich tapestry of Japanese culture.
Treasures of Nature: The shrine is also home to the Inner Garden, featuring a beautiful pond filled with koi fish and a well-tended iris garden. These natural elements add a touch of charm to your photography.

Remember, when you visit the Meiji Shrine, you're not just exploring a destination; you're stepping into a world steeped in tradition and spiritual reverence. Be sure to respect the sanctity of the space as you capture its beauty and essence through your lens.

teamLab Borderless

Are you eager for a photography opportunity that merges art, science, and technology? The teamLab Borderless in Tokyo is your answer. This digital art museum breaks the boundaries of traditional art spaces, making it one of the top photographer opportunities in Tokyo. Here's what you can look forward to.

Digital Wonderland: The museum is a maze of rooms filled with interactive digital art installations. From a room full of changing colors to a space filled with floating lanterns, each room offers a unique and dreamlike backdrop for your photos.
Interactive Art: Not just a visual spectacle, the artwork in teamLab Borderless interacts with its audience. You can photograph people as they become part of the art, creating images that are dynamic and captivating.
Play of Lights: The museum's use of lights and projections can challenge your photography skills. By playing around with your camera settings, you can capture stunning images that showcase the interplay of light and shadow.

Remember, patience is key at teamLab Borderless. The art installations change over time, so waiting for that perfect moment can result in a photo that's truly one-of-a-kind. So, are you ready to take your photography to a whole new, borderless level?

Tsukiji Fish Market

How about a colorful and bustling place that offers a slice of local life? The Tsukiji Fish Market is a paradise for photographers. With its lively atmosphere and a plethora of subjects, it truly stands as one of the top photographer opportunities in Tokyo.

Buzzing Activity: The market is a hive of activity from dawn till dusk. Fishermen, vendors, chefs, and tourists all merge in an intricate dance of commerce. You'll find a host of subjects to capture, from the swift skill of a sushi chef to the focused face of a fisherman.
Vibrant Colors: Tsukiji is a riot of colors. From the fresh catch of the day to the array of fruits and vegetables on display, your camera will love the vibrant hues.
Street Scenes: The narrow lanes around the market offer a peek into Tokyo's past. Old buildings, traditional shops, and street food stalls make for captivating photos.

Keep in mind, the Tsukiji Fish Market is a busy place. You need to be respectful and mindful not to obstruct the work of the locals. With a bit of patience and politeness, you can walk away with some amazing shots that capture the heart of Tokyo's culinary scene. Are you ready to dive into this ocean of photographic opportunities?

If you enjoyed exploring the best photography opportunities in Tokyo and want to learn more about photography as a career, check out the workshop 'Navigating A Career in Event Photography' by lolilaboureau. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and advice on how to make the most of your photography skills in the event industry.