A shrine with a mysterious atmosphere tucked away in the mountains of Yamanashi. This shrine that rests 1000m above sea level is said to be closely associated with with the Takeda clan, a famous historical samurai clan in the Heian period, and the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. There are multiple torii gates here, and after passing the first one you will need to climb 575 steps surrounded by a cedar forest, until you reach the top of the mountain where the shrine sits on a cliff. The torii gates and tall trees create a fantastic atmosphere for photography. These pictures were taken in March so theres some snow that has not melted yet. During the summers the steps are more clearly visible. These stone steps midst the cedar trees create a mystic ambience which is why the location has been used for filming of TV dramas. At the top of the stone steps is a secluded shrine and a stage attached to the shrine where Shinto music and dances are performed during events. Half way climbing up the steps there is a small path that leads you to this view of the Mount Fuji. Name of Location : Himuro Shrine Name in Japanese : 氷室神社 Directions : Theres a car parking at the bottom of the steps. The climb up the steps takes around 20mins and although the stone steps are uneven it is not a hard climb. You can also take the road up by car and get off closer to the shrine if you do not want to climb the steps. For additional details visit here. Open hours: Open 24 hours. Website : https://www.yamanashi-jinjacho.or.jp/intro/search/detail/4129 Other reference websites : https://fujikawa-kanko.jp/shiki/himuro.html Google Maps : Help us improve. Report a problem with this spot.

Next to the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum is this temple that has a astounding history of 1400 years. The grand scale of the temple is definitely worth visiting if you are in the area. Zenkoji Temple has a history of approximately 1,400 years since its foundation, it is known to be one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Zenkoji Temple is a temple for the common people that welcomes all, regardless of religious affiliation, and is visited by many worshippers from Japan and abroad. If you're looking to take pictures that encapsulate the traditional side of Japan this is a great spot. The temple is huge with many photogenic angles. There are small shops and restaurants next to the temple too. Name of Location : Zenkoji Temple Name in Japanese : 善光寺 Directions : Paid parking areas are provided by the temple near the area. If you are going by public transport, the temple is 30 mins walking distance from Nagano Station. You can also take a bus from Nagano Station at bus stop no.1. For details visit here. Open hours: Open 24 hours. Website : https://www.zenkoji.jp/en/ Other reference websites : https://www.travelyesplease.com/travel-blog-zenkoji-temple-nagano/ Google Maps : Help us improve. Report a problem with this spot.

This museum is located in Joyama Park adjacent to Zenkoji Temple. The concept of the building is "landscape museum" where the building creates a landscape that is in harmony with the townscape in front of the Zenkoji temple gate and the nature of Shinshu. The museum welcomes visitors as an open museum, like a park, where anyone can feel free to visit, with plenty of free zones to enter. It also houses the Higashiyama Kaii Museum, which stores and exhibits over 970 works by Japanese painter Kaii Higashiyama. A short walk from Nagano’s famous Zenko-ji Temple, the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum has been the city’s preeminent museum since it opened in 1996. Renovated through 2020, the museum was formerly called the ‘Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum’ and reopened in 2021 as the ‘Nagano Prefectural Art Museum’. The building is composed of several spaces intertwining each other which creates many geometric shapes that can be very photogenic. The museum has an underlying theme of ‘man and nature’ – in reference the beautiful landscapes of Nagano – and include exhibitions of paintings, sculpture, photography, video and animation. Name of Location : Nagano Prefectural Art Museum Name in Japanese : 長野県立美術館 Directions : Located inside the Joyama Park in Nagano city and right next to Zenkoji. There are no parking provided by the museum so you will need to park away from the museum and walk. Several buses run around this area if you are using public transport. You can check details see here. Admission ticket for the museum depends on the exhibition being displayed but usually is around 700 to 1500 yen. Open hours: 09:00 - 17:00 (Closed every Wednesday and end of year holidays) Website : https://nagano.art.museum/ Other reference websites : https://www.tokyoartbeat.com/en/venues/-/BE3BE400 Google Maps : Help us improve. Report a problem with this spot.

On the Nakasendo, one of the five highways of the Edo period, is this spot or town called Magomejuku which is the 43rd of the 96 post towns on this historic Nakasendo highway from Edo to Kyoto. These post towns provided shelter and food for government officials, business men and travels of that era. Today these towns are well preserved and their historical ambience have made them a popular tourist destination. Magomejuku is especially beautiful during sunsets as shown in the pictures. The sun sets almost parallel to the street, its rays hitting the slanted roofs of the houses makes this a great spot to take pictures. The stone-paved hill and historical buildings are definitely worth seeing if you are in the area. Souvenir shops and old-fashioned cafes line both sides of the slope, and visitors can enjoy the nostalgic townscape while eating and shopping. You can also enjoy gourmet food at Magomejuku. Freshly baked rice crackers and oyaki are available, and gohei-mochi rice cakes are also recommended! Each store has its own unique taste, so why not compare them? During the summer seasons, soft ice cream flavored with chestnut kinton (sweetened chestnuts) is also popular. Apart from the main street, there are several shops, restaurants and historical buildings that enable you to take great pictures. One such picture is below casting a silhouette against the sunset sky. Name of Location : Magomejuku Name in Japanese : 馬籠宿 Directions : Located almost half way between Tokyo and Osaka this town can be accessed from both cities via buses and trains. For detailed routes see here. Alternatively, you can drive there. Free parking is available. Website : https://kiso-magome.com/ Other reference websites : https://www.meitetsu.co.jp/exp-nagoya/eng/1270206_8916.html Google Maps : Help us improve. Report a problem with this spot.

This is probably one of the best view spots to take a picture of Mt. Fuji but it comes at a cost. To get this view of Mt. Fuji you will need to hike for 4 to 5 hours, stay the night at a temple and come down the mountain the next morning. Mt. Shichimen, renowned as a sacred site for the Lotus Sutra, is part of the Japanese Southern Alps. Its elevation of 1,982 meters makes it a revered destination for mountain worshipers, and is celebrated for its natural beauty. At the top of the mountain, near the temple you will find this view of Mount Fuji. To start off the hike you will need to head to the South Alps on the West side of Mt. Fuji. You will be hiking up Shichimen-zan a historical pilgrimage climb and spend a night at a temple that has been around since the 1300's. The temple offers accommodations for hikers but you need to remember this is not a hotel and most of the guests who stay at the temple are there for pilgrimage. At 1,740 meters altitude, Keishinin temple offers a stunning eastward view of Mt. Fuji. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, visitors can witness the mesmerizing natural spectacle of Diamond Fuji. As the sun rises directly behind Mt. Fuji, its peak gleams like a diamond when sunlight kisses its summit. Name of Location : Shinchimen-zan Keishin-in Name in Japanese : 七面山　敬慎院 Directions : The hike is 4 to 5 hours long and although it is considered intermediate level you should take due precaution and equip for more than a casual hike. Water, snack, warm clothes and solid shoes are really helpful. You can stay the night at the temple for around 7000 yen. The rooms, dinner and breakfast, bathing and toilet facilities are all very basic at the temple. You will need to reserve your spot at the temple beforehand. Website : https://www.kuonji.jp/shichimenzan/ Other reference websites : https://hayakawakankou.jp/english/archives/spot/shichimensan/ https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/english/staff-journal/2021_shichimenzan.html Google Maps : Help us improve. Report a problem with this spot.

Opened in 1936 and currently run by the JR company, this railway station is jokingly known as Japan's number one "mole" station due to the fact that passengers must make a 10 minute descent down a tunnel that consists of 486 steps in order to reach the platform. The station is visibly old and shows signs of wear and tear. The tunnels and stairs are dimly lit and taking a picture here might be hard. But the ambience is unique, almost similarly to a Japanese horror film set or an abandoned building. Surprisingly this station is still functional and you can go to Tokyo from here. Just remember there are only a couple of trains that run through here in a day. It is an unmanned station meaning there are no ticketing machines or staffs working here. You can enter the station freely and even get on the train (pay for the fare at the station you get off). This station has been mentioned in "100 Stations in Kanto" (関東の駅百選), and is somewhat famous amongst Japanese. If you visit on a weekend there should be a group or two here sightseeing. The station has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing train enthusiasts and sightseers from the nearby Minakami Onsen area. Name of Location : Doai Station Name in Japanese : 土合駅 Directions : If you're going by car there are several free parking spots in front of the station. 2 stations away from Minakami Station if you are going by train. Open hours : 08:00 to 21:00 Website : https://www.jreast-timetable.jp/timetable/list1035.html Other reference websites : https://soranews24.com/2023/10/04/doai-station-the-deepest-station-in-japan-is-also-one-of-the-scariest-like-a-video-game-dungeon/ Google Maps : Help us improve. Report a problem with this spot.

This is a tunnel that sits on the edge of a gorge and was renovated into a semi open-air museum. Its a unique attraction offering many opportunities for photo ops. The tunnel itself is about 750m long and the walk is cool and invigorating. Along the way the tunnel opens up to many picturesque vistas of the river and the gorge. Kiyotsukyo Gorge, known as one of Japan's three great gorges along with Kurobe Gorge and Osugi Gorge, has huge rock walls that cut across the river to create a V-shaped gorge that is a national treasure, and is designated as a national scenic beauty and natural monument. The magnificent columnar jointed rock surface and dynamic scenery of the Kiyotsu River are amazing and leave a deep impression on visitors. Furthermore, at the 2018 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the tunnel was renovated as an artwork by the Chinese architectural group Ma Yansong/MAD Architects, and in addition to significant renewal of the tunnel interior, entrance facilities were also installed. Using the "five elements" of nature (wood, earth, metal, fire, and water), the architectural space and artistic atmosphere were created to transform this historic tunnel. The entrance facility also features a footbath, merchandise sales, and a café. The most famous view spot is at the end of the tunnel shown above where you can take silhouettes of people against the picturesque back drop of the gorge. It can get quite crowded during the day so we recommend going there early morning if you want to avoid the crowd. Name of Location : Kiyotsu Gorge Name in Japanese : 清津峡 Directions : If you're coming by car there are several parking spots for free. If you are coming by train, you will need to get to Echigo Yuzawa Station (越後湯沢駅) on the JR line and take a bus from there. Open hours : Everyday from 09:00〜16:00 (Entrance fee is 1000yen) If you are visiting during the peak season (end of April to beginning of May) you will need to reserve a ticket. Otherwise you can buy the ticket at the entrance. Website : https://nakasato-kiyotsu.com/ Other reference websites : https://www.tokamachishikankou.jp/spot/kiyotsukyo/#:~:text=%E3%81%8D%E3%82%88%E3%81%A4%E3%81%8D%E3%82%87%E3%81%86%EF%BC%8F%E3%81%A8%E3%82%93,%E3%81%84%E3%81%A8%E6%B8%85%E6%B4%A5%E5%B3%A1%EF%BC%8FTunnel%20of%20Light Google Maps : Help us improve. Report a problem with this spot.

Juxtaposing the Tokyo Tower and the New National Stadium along with the cityscape of Tokyo, gives the building and the picture a context. You will need a telephoto lens to cover the distance between this location and the stadium. We recommend going to this spot during the day or during sunset like above pictures. On a clear day, you can see the Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree from this location. This location is not only good to take a picture of the stadium but is also a good spot for cityscape pictures. Not to mention it is a romantic space with rooftop greenery and place to sit. From this spot, the Tokyo Tower is visible as well as the New National Stadium for the 2020 Olympics. Having two iconic buildings in one frame. If you have a zoom lens, preferably a 70-200mm, you can take pictures of the details the new Olympics stadium’s architecture has to offer. Name of Location : Takashimaya Shinjuku Name in Japanese : 新宿高島屋 Directions : On the southern side of Shinjuku Station. The rooftop garden and various restaurants are on the 12th and the 13th floor. Open hours : Everyday from 10:00〜19:00 (Rooftop closes at 19:00 during summers and 18:00 during winters) Website : https://harumari.tokyo/spot/19298/ Other reference websites : None Google Maps : Help us improve. Report a problem with this spot.

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.

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 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.

This shot was captured from a pedestrian bridge. To take this photo, you'll require a telephoto or mid-range zoom lens. It beautifully showcases the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku. What adds intrigue to the composition are the pedestrians on the lower level, the bustling traffic of cars, the green train tracks, and the brilliantly illuminated buildings in the background. Together, these elements provide an authentic depiction of the vibrant Shinjuku district. Name of Location : Shinjuku Pedestrian Bridge Name in Japanese : 新宿 歩道橋 Directions : Located on the northern side of Shinjuku Station. Use Exits A17, A18 or D3 for nearest access. Walking distance from station. Visiting notes : - UPDATE : Shinjuku Station is currently under construction and this spot is inaccessible until the construction ends. Website : None Other reference websites : None Google Maps : Help us improve. Report a problem with this spot.

Shinjuku is probably the most vibrant district in Tokyo. It is a commercial/administrative center and a major economic hub for Tokyo and in turn for Japan. The Shinjuku Station is one of the largest stations in the world, it connects with the circular train line called the Yamanote Line so you are bound to change trains here at least once during your stay in Tokyo. With so many things to do here it’s easy to see why the majority of tourists add this place as one of their itineraries of Tokyo. But theres more to nightlife and shopping in Shinjuku. By far the most interesting place for night photography in Tokyo is Shinjuku. Coming here your fingers will probably be glued to your shutter, ready to snap at all the neon lights Shinjuku has to offer. Here are some of the spots worth taking pictures in the Shinjuku District. GODZILLA ROAD Near Kabukicho there is a street named after the sculpture of Godzilla head at the end of the street. Remember to check the Godzilla head on the left top of the hotel name Hotel Gracery. You can go up to the hotel and visit the Godzilla Cafe to take a closer look at the Godzilla head. With all the people hustling the night, standing on the road might seem a little too chaotic. Through out the day whether it be day or night, this road is usually cramped with people. The best spot to get a picture here is from a slight birds eye view where you can get a wider shot of the street. There is a special and not-so-well known spot where you can get a bird’s eye view of this street. Pro tip: Every night at around 8-9pm the eyes of the Godzilla light up red so if you want that extra oomph we recommend taking a picture after it lights up. CHINESE NOODLE RESTAURANT There’s a Chinese noodle restaurant between Golden Gai and Korea Town in Shinjuku. They make the noodle from scratch whenever a customer orders a dish with noodles. The making of the noodle can be seen from the outside through the huge winder display. Stand opposite the road with a zoom lens ready and wait for a customer to order some noodles! The red Chinese lanterns combined with the expressions of the chef making the noodles makes this spot worth going to. You can also ask to take a picture from the inside. The owners are nice and will gladly comply for photographing this guy. Order some Chinese here as a way of saying thanks! Below is a picture taken from the inside of the restaurant. This restaurant is weirdly photogenic both from the outside and from the inside. And the food equally good. THE SALARYMAN GOING HOME This one is one of our favorite spots to take a picture in Tokyo. A spot definitely instagram worthy and a spot where you are guaranteed to go home with satisfaction. 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 moody ambience. The blue neon light and the yellow ground surface indicators add a color contrast making this an amazing picture. The birds-eye view of an entrance/exit to a subway is not easy to find so this spot is definitely worth it. 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 SHINJUKU ALLEY 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. THE TRIANGLE This location is an atrium inside a building. The building is located within walking distance from the Shinjuku station and was recently renovated in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Because the inside is slightly dark and you cannot use a tripod you will have to crank up your ISO for this shot. The design resembles a spider web making this look up very cool. Another famous spot for locals but not so known for tourists. OVER THE BRIGDE NIGHT The spot is taken over a pedestrian bridge. You will need a telephoto or mid-range zoom lens. The neon lit Shinjuku is on display. What makes it interesting is the pedestrians at the bottom of the picture, the cars running and the green train track with the bright buildings at the back, all which depict an accurate image of Shinjuku. Standing on the same pedestrian bridge you and looking at the other side you get the view below (right bottom picture). This view is also famous and can be seen on a lot of Instagram accounts. For the bottom right picture you will need an ultra wide angle lens. This is a photogenic spot in Shinjuku where you can capture the train and the road together with Tokyo’s metallic building in the background. Post modern and futuristic tower at the crossing (shown on right image). THE METROPOLITAN The lighting on this building changes from time to time. It is one of the most famous government building in Shinjuku. The place is usually busy with people during the daytime but is deserted at night. The picture was taken from the courtyard of the building which is open to the public even at night, long after the building itself is closed. There are several sculptures in this courtyard. Taking a picture with the sculpture in the composition can result in a unique picture like above, separating you from other photographers. The courtyard where the picture was taken is decorated with flowers and statues. You can try to include them into your pictures to make it more unique. Desaturating the excess of colors and exaggerating the reds creates this contrasty clean shot above. THE SHINJUKU LOOK UP Shinjuku has a lot of tall buildings in Japanese standards. This spot allows you to take a picture with four of them in one frame. The buildings are close enough to each other for this look up. Taking a long exposure can result in a nice fine art architectural photo. On the same spot, you can also take pictures like below. Theres a body of water near one of the buildings entrance which reflects the silouhettes of people walking by. The rhythmic shape of pillars add to the picture’s intrigue. The reflections capture the silhouettes of people walking past these buildings. A photographic spot where you can capture stories. GOLDEN STREET These alleys are too tight for even a small car to pass through, and they are home to nearly two hundred small bars – more than you'd find in most cities around the world. The buildings have a somewhat rundown appearance, and the alleys are dimly lit. Its not only a great spot to take street photographs but to enjoy a drink too.