Tokyo Tower 10 Best and Hidden Spots to Take a Picture

Rising 167 meters over Tokyo’s stylish Ebisu district, Yebisu Garden Place Tower is a striking skyscraper that anchors the broader Yebisu Garden Place complex—a landmark development that merges modern urban design with historical charm. Built on the former grounds of the YEBISU BEER brewery, the area seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with European-inspired plazas, cobblestone walkways, and ivy-clad façades. The tower’s sleek glass-and-steel exterior provides a refined contrast to the neo-Baroque Château Restaurant Joël Robuchon, making the site popular among both architecture enthusiasts and photographers seeking layered urban compositions.

At the heart of its photographic appeal is the free observation space on the 38th and 39th floors. From here, visitors are treated to expansive city views, including stunning sightlines of Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, and on clear days, even Mount Fuji. The eastern-facing night view is especially prized, with Tokyo Tower framed amid the glowing skyline of Minato City, offering a dynamic backdrop for twilight and nighttime photography. Thanks to the subdued ambient lighting, the viewing area remains ideal for low-light captures without the interference of glare—perfect for handheld cityscape shots or contemplative long exposures.

Beyond its panoramic vistas, Yebisu Garden Place becomes a visual spectacle during winter, when festive illuminations and the famous Baccarat chandelier transform the plaza into one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric destinations. Whether capturing the architectural contrast between the tower and the Château, or the glowing silhouette of Tokyo Tower in the distance, photographers will find a wealth of seasonal and structural elements to frame their perfect shot.

Roppongi Keyakizaka Dori 欅坂通り is a signature avenue in the heart of Roppongi Hills, known for its refined blend of urban design, luxury retail, and seasonal beauty. Stretching approximately 400 meters between Kanjo-sango Avenue and TV Asahi Dori, the street is flanked by elegant zelkova trees keyaki, 欅, designer boutiques, and public art installations. Built during the 2003 redevelopment of Roppongi 6-chome, it was envisioned as a pedestrian-friendly cultural corridor that merges nature and modern architecture in one of Tokyo’s most cosmopolitan districts.

For photographers, Keyakizaka Dori is especially renowned for its Tokyo Tower views, which are perfectly framed by the street’s gentle curve and tree-lined canopy. During the Keyakizaka Winter Illumination—held annually from early November to late December—the avenue transforms into a radiant tunnel of nearly 800,000 LED lights, glowing in shades of “Snow & Blue.” The resulting contrast between the shimmering trees and Tokyo Tower glowing in the distance creates one of Tokyo’s most photogenic winter scenes. Popular vantage points include the elevated pedestrian bridge for a symmetrical composition, and the base of the slope for a dramatic, light-filled perspective. Even outside illumination season, the avenue offers year-round appeal, with lush greenery and sleek urban lines forming a dynamic backdrop for street and architecture photography.

Zojo-ji Temple 増上寺, located in Minato Ward, Tokyo, stands as a powerful testament to Japan’s spiritual and political history. Founded in 1393 and serving as the head temple of the Jodo sect 浄土宗 in the Kanto region, Zojo-ji rose to prominence during the Edo period as the family temple of the Tokugawa shogunate. Within its grounds rest the mausoleums of six Tokugawa shoguns, including Tokugawa Hidetada and Ienobu—remnants of what was once a grand necropolis. Although parts of the temple were lost during World War II, key structures like the Sangedatsumon 三解脱門, a two-story wooden gate built in 1622, have survived, making it the oldest wooden building in Tokyo and a rare architectural relic from the early Edo era.

What makes Zojo-ji Temple especially compelling for photographers is its dramatic juxtaposition with Tokyo Tower, which rises directly behind the temple complex. This fusion of ancient and modern Tokyo creates a visually stunning contrast—the vermilion hues of the historic gate framed against the futuristic silhouette of the tower. Visitors often photograph this perspective from the temple’s main courtyard or just outside the entrance, especially during early morning or late afternoon, when soft light enhances the rich architectural textures. Tripods are allowed outdoors, making this an excellent location for serious photographers aiming to capture Tokyo’s temporal layers in a single frame.

Beyond its visual allure, Zojo-ji offers a reflective atmosphere year-round. In spring, cherry blossoms soften the temple grounds, while autumn foliage around the Jizo statue rows and main halls adds a warm, contemplative tone. The temple’s layout includes a small museum, barrier-free paths, and the towering Daibonsho 大梵鐘, a 17th-century bronze bell rung solemnly on New Year’s Eve. For those seeking a quiet yet culturally rich setting for Tokyo Tower photography, Zojo-ji Temple remains one of the capital’s most iconic and meaningful destinations.

Tucked just a few minutes’ walk from Tokyo Tower in Minato City, the so-called "Secret" Tokyo Tower Stairs Photo Spot has become one of the most iconic urban photography locations in the city. Originally dubbed “secret” due to its unmarked, inconspicuous setting—a plain stairwell beside a local fitness studio and underground parking area—the term is now used with a touch of irony, as the spot enjoys viral fame across social media. What sets this location apart is its stark, geometric framing: the stairwell’s sharp concrete lines naturally lead the viewer’s eye to the vivid red-and-white structure of Tokyo Tower, creating a bold and perfectly symmetrical composition that captivates both amateur and professional photographers.

Photographically, the location thrives on contrast. The brutalist concrete foreground sets a gritty, monochrome stage for the glowing silhouette of Tokyo Tower, particularly striking during twilight or nighttime when the tower radiates its signature orange hue. The framing works best from the lower steps, where the leading lines of the stairwell form a natural visual frame around the tower. Due to the narrow space and regular foot traffic, tripods are discouraged, making handheld setups and wide-angle lenses the preferred tools for the shot. Despite its popularity, the site retains a respectful, almost meditative atmosphere, with visitors patiently queuing for their turn to capture one of Tokyo’s most photogenic scenes.

The Tokyo Tower Stairs Photo Spot exemplifies how everyday urban design can evolve into a beloved cultural landmark through the power of perspective. Its rise from obscurity to international recognition underscores not only the visual magnetism of Tokyo Tower itself but also the way modern travelers seek out unexpected viewpoints that transform the familiar into something new. For anyone looking to photograph Tokyo Tower from a fresh and intimate angle, this now-famous stairwell remains a must-visit.

Located in Minato Ward, Shiba Park (Shiba Kōen, 芝公園) is one of Japan’s oldest public parks, established in 1873, and remains a beloved green space at the foot of Tokyo Tower. Its gently sloped lawns, ginkgo-lined paths, and seasonal flower beds create a peaceful escape in the heart of Tokyo’s urban core. What makes Shiba Park especially captivating is its integration with Zojoji Temple 増上寺, a historic site tied to the Tokugawa shogunate. The juxtaposition of the temple’s ancient architecture, natural foliage, and the iconic red-and-white Tokyo Tower rising overhead offers photographers a unique opportunity to capture Tokyo’s layered historical and modern identity in a single frame.

Seasonal changes enhance the park’s visual richness. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along walking trails and around temple grounds, setting the stage for classic hanami 花見 views with Tokyo Tower as a vibrant backdrop. In autumn, the maples around Momiji Valley ignite in crimson and gold, especially photogenic during late afternoon light. This manmade gorge—complete with a stream and waterfall—adds a scenic, contemplative touch to landscape compositions. Photographers often seek out the park’s long, tree-lined paths that act as natural leading lines toward Tokyo Tower, ideal for golden hour and dusk shots when the tower begins to glow.

Beyond its scenic charm, Shiba Park is also a community hub, hosting events like Oktoberfest and a festive Christmas Market, which bring warm lights and lively energy to the grounds. A statue of Ino Tadataka, the mapmaker who first surveyed Japan using modern methods, adds a historical and educational layer to the park’s appeal. In the evenings, softly lit pathways and the illuminated tower create a romantic ambiance perfect for night photography. Whether visiting for a quiet stroll, seasonal event, or architectural shot of Tokyo Tower framed by nature, Shiba Park delivers one of the city’s most photogenic and culturally rich settings.