20 Most Instagrammable Places in Tokyo In 2024

Tokyo is one of the most photogenic cities in the world. The capital of Japan is also a place of contrasts, from contemporary observation towers to historic shrines and temples. Discover 20 cool and Instagrammable places in Tokyo with our handy guide.

The Most Instagrammable Spots in Tokyo

The capital of Japan is a large city, so you’ll need several days to see all these Tokyo photo spots. If you only have 2 or 3 days in Tokyo, then read our suggestions for the top sights that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Tapping into the flower cafe trend, Aoyama Flower Market Tea House is one of our favourite places to eat in Tokyo. Take your pick from the 3 branches at Akasaka, Kichijoji and Minami Aoyama.

The concept is living with flowers every day and you’ll feel like you are dining in a greenhouse. Aoyama Flower Market are florists first and foremost so each store has a selection of beautiful flowers and plants.

Be prepared to queue, especially at weekends. There’s no need to feel self conscious about taking photos here, everyone is doing it!

Addresses:

  • Minami-Aoyama Main Store, 5-1-2 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
  • Atre Kichijoji B1F, 1-1-24 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
  • Akasaka Biz Tower 1F, 5-3-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
Cute places in Tokyo – Aoyama Tea House

2. Gotokuji Temple

Whether you’re a fan of culture, cats or quirkiness, you shouldn’t miss a visit to Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya ward. There’s an impressive three storied pagoda as you enter.

However, Gotokuji is most famous as the place where the Japanese beckoning cat statues originated. Known as maneki-neko, the cats are considered to be lucky. There are around 10,000 fortune cat figurines to photograph!

According to legend, in the 15th century a temple cat beckoned a samurai lord inside with its right paw. Seconds later, there was a thunderstorm and the samurai was so impressed with the cat that he became a regular visitor to the temple.

These days, you will often see beckoning cats outside Japanese shops. Those with the left paw raised are inviting customers to come in, while those with the right paw raised attract money and good fortune. All the cats at Gotokuji Temple are white, a symbol of purity.

Address: Gotokuji Temple, 2 Chome-24- Gotokuji, Setagaya, Tokyo

Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya is famous as the birthplace of the maneki-neko cat figurine

3. Hamarikyu Gardens

One of the most beautiful Tokyo parks, Hamarikyu Gardens is a joy to photograph at any time of year. Spread over 25 hectares, it dates from the Edo period.

There’s a charming Japanese teahouse in the gardens, and seawater ponds which change level depending on the tides. Although the gardens are surrounded by skyscrapers, they feel very tranquil.

From mid March to the beginning of April, the gardens are particularly photogenic. Colza flowers, known as nanohana in Japanese, form a vibrant yellow carpet. In Autumn, the Fall foliage is equally impressive.

At any time of year, visitors can admire the 300 year old pine tree close to the park entrance. The gardens are open from 9 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is ¥300.

Address: Hamarikyu Gardens, 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0046

Hamarikyu Gardens - one of the best Tokyo photo spots
Tokyo Instagram spots – Hamarikyu Gardens

4. Hanazono Inari Shrine

The torii gates in Kyoto are famous worldwide, but did you know that you can visit similar ones in Tokyo? Hie Shrine and Nezu Shrine are two great examples of Tokyo culture. Hanazono Inari Shrine, pictured here, is another striking spot.

Located within Ueno Park, in Shinjuku, this Shinto shrine dates from the 17th century. It takes its name from the Hanazono family, who arranged its construction, and Inari, the deity of fertility and prosperity.

When photographing shrines, please do be aware of their cultural and religious significance to worshippers and respect peoples’ privacy. If you are in Tokyo in Spring, Hanazono Inari Shrine is surrounded by blossoms – plum from mid February and cherry from late March.

Address: Hanazono Inari Shrine,  4-59 Uenokoen, Taitō, Tokyo 110-0007

Ueno Park shrine, Tokyo, Japan
Best photography spots Tokyo

5. Harajuku

Known for its street scene and vintage clothing, Harajuku is a vibrant Tokyo neighbourhood. It’s often named as the epicentre of kawaii culture in Tokyo.

Kawaii translates loosely as cuteness, and Harajuku has it in spades. From the Kawaii Cafe to Totti Candy Factory on Takeshita Street, it’s all very photogenic.

Another popular place to photograph in Harajuku is at Sakura Tei. This is an okonomiyaki restaurant specializing in Japanese savoury pancakes. The walls inside and outside the restaurant are covered in colourful street art.

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando is a luxury shopping centre with a stylish rooftop terrace, designed by Hiroshi Nakamura. It has a mirrored entrance beloved of Instagrammers for its multiple reflections.

Address: Takeshita Street, 1 Chome Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001

Tokyu Plaza, Omotesando, Tokyo, Japan is popular with Instagrammers

6. Imperial Palace

The home of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, the Imperial Palace is located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It dates from 1888 and has beautiful gardens flanked by a moat. At nighttime, the water reflects the commercial buildings, making a great shot.

In Spring, head to Chidorigafuchi moat near Kudanshita Station to admire the sakura blossoms during the daytime or at night when they’re lit up. In Fall the gingko trees turn a striking shade of yellow. Why not hire a boat from the boating lake for a different perspective.

The Imperial Palace East Gardens are open throughout the year and are free of charge. The most photographed sight in the Imperial Palace is Nijubashi Bridge.

Although it’s known as a double bridge, there are actually two bridges – one behind each other. You can get a good shot of the bridge from Kokyo Gaien National Garden.

Address: Imperial Palace, 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111

The Imperial Palace, one of the most famous Tokyo landmarks
Most Instagrammable places in Japan

7. Kabukiza Theatre

For an interesting contrast between old and new, head to the luxurious Ginza ward. Nestled amidst the gleaming new shopping centres and office buildings of the area, you’ll find Kabuki Ginza.

The theatre was originally built in 1889 but subsequently destroyed by fire. The current building dates from 2013 and is in a baroque Japanese revivalist style.

You can’t take photos of the performances themselves but they’re well worth attending for a glimpse of traditional culture in Tokyo.

Address: Kabukiza Theatre, 4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, Chūō, Tokyo 104-0061

Kabuki Ginza Theatre in Tokyo Japan

8. Meiji Jingu Shrine

If you’re seeking tranquility in the heart of Tokyo, Meiji Jingu Shrine is the perfect destination. Although it is Tokyo’s most visited shrine, it has a very calm atmosphere.

It is located within a forest covering 70 hectares, with over 120,000 trees of 365 varieties. The Shinto shrine is dedicated to the former Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken.

The most popular photo spots in Meiji Jingu Shrine are the giant wood torii gate at the main shrine entrance and the barrels of sake wrapped in straw. The torii gate is built from a Japanese cypress tree that was over 1,500 years old.

The sake barrels are known as kazaridaru in Japanese. They were donated by Japanese sake breweries, however they do not actually contain sake.

There is a strong connection between spiritualism and sake, with barrels being offered symbolically each year to the deities at Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Address: Meiji Jingu, 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557

Instagrammable places in Tokyo - Meji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels
Beautiful places in Tokyo – Meiji Jingu Shrine

9. Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower

At 204 metres high, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower is the world’s second tallest educational facility. Designed by Paul Noritaka Tange, the tower is located in the heart of Shinjuku.

One of the most impressive Tokyo skyscrapers, it is nicknamed the Giant Cocoon. This vertical campus houses three colleges and over 10,000 students attend lectures there.

The building was designed to be as energy efficient as possible, thanks to its distinctive elliptic shape. Although members of the public aren’t allowed inside the building, you can get great shots from street level near Shinjuku Station West Exit.

Address: Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, 1 Chome-7-3 Nishishinjuku, 新宿区 Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023

Mode Gakuen Tower, Tokyo
Instagrammable spots in Tokyo

10. teamLab Borderless: Mori Building Digital Art Museum, Odaiba

One of the most Instagrammable places in Tokyo, Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless is also quite a mouthful! People sometimes refer to it simply as teamLab Borderless.

This interactive light museum has been a huge success since it opened in Odaiba in 2018. This means that there are long queues for visitors, so it’s advisable to purchase your ticket in advance and to arrive well before the 10 am opening time or from 17.00 onwards.

The museum is spread over 2 floors and 10,000 square feet, so it’s wise to allow a minimum of several hours and to eat a hearty breakfast beforehand. There’s no food available inside and you aren’t allowed back in if you leave the building. You can however buy a drink at the En Tea House, which features digital flower blossoms that spread from your teacup to your table.

Two of the most popular rooms are the Forest of Resonating Lamps and Crystal World, shown here. It’s wise to wear flat shoes as there are attractions such as the Floating Nest where you lie on a net, and several climbing areas.

We also recommend wearing white clothing to reflect the light, and trousers as there are many mirrored areas. Book your ticket in advance to be sure of gaining access on your chosen day. 

Address: teamLab Borderless, 1-3-8 Odaiba Palette Town, Aomi, Koto 135-0064, Tokyo

Team Lab Borderless Digital Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan

11. Omoide Yokocho – Memory Lane

This atmospheric alleyway is tucked away in the heart of Shinjuku. It’s popular with locals who come for the delicious yakitori, grilled chicken skewers.

The area dates from the 1940s and was once home to black market traders. These days, the cosy street is perfectly safe and has a multitude of tiny izakaya, which are Japanese taverns.

It’s less touristy than Golden Gai, a succession of drinking alleys with over 200 little bars, also in Shinjuku. Some of the best photos of Memory Lane can be taken at night when the street really comes to life. You might like to include the hanging artificial flowers for added interest.

Address: Omoide Yokocho, 1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023

Best photography spots in Tokyo
Best photography spots in Tokyo

12. Rainbow Bridge

One of the most iconic Tokyo sights, Rainbow Bridge connects the mainland with Odaiba. This suspension bridge is 798 metres long and you can walk across it via the north and south promenades in about 25 minutes. From the bridge, you have great views of the Tokyo skyline, especially from the Odaiba side.

To photograph the bridge itself, there are a few good options. It’s recommended to take photos at night when the bridge is lit up but bear in mind that the rainbow colours are generally from December to beginning of January.

The rest of the year, the lights are white and they are lit from sunset until midnight each day. Here are some good Rainbow Bridge vantage points in Odaiba:

  • Fuji TV Building Observation Deck
  • Seventh floor of Aqua City Shopping Mall
  • Odaiba Marine Park
  • Odaiba Statue of Liberty

Address: Rainbow Bridge, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0000

Rainbow Bridge - an Instaworthy spot in Tokyo, Japan
Aesthetic places in Tokyo – Rainbow Bridge

13. Sensoji Temple

The oldest temple in Tokyo, Senso-ji dates from the 7th century. This Buddhist temple is located in the bustling Asakusa ward.

We recommend heading to the Asakusa Tourist Information Centre viewing platform on 2 Chome-18-9 Kaminarimon for a panoramic view of Kaminarimon Gate. Also known as Thunder Gate, it features a gigantic hanging red lantern.

Senso-ji gets very busy, so it’s a good idea to visit at sunrise, at blue hour after dusk or at night when the temple is lit up. In terms of time of year,  plum blossom season from mid February and cherry blossom season from late March onwards are particularly photogenic.

Another great way to see Senso-ji and the Asakusa district is on a rickshaw tour with an expert local guide. You’ll see the charming neighbourhoods of Rokku, Denpoin Street, and Nishi Shitamachi as well as Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

A wide angle lens will come in handy to capture all the action. Walk along busy Nakamise Dori and you’ll see lots of stalls selling souvenirs such as stationery and Japanese fabric. The temple is a popular place in which to rent a kimono.

Address: Senso-ji, 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032

Senso-Ji Temple at blue hour - cool Instagrammable Tokyo places
Senso-Ji Temple at blue hour

14. Shibuya Crossing

If you want to capture an iconic Tokyo photograph, look no further than Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The huge flow of pedestrians seems to symbolize the buzz of the city and it’s equally impressive by day or night. It’s estimated that over half a million people use the world’s busiest crossing daily.

We don’t recommend trying to take photos while you cross the street as it’s so busy. It’s far better to shoot the crossing from a calmer vantage point such as:

  • Mag’s Park – the new Crossing View open air observation deck at Magnet by Shibuya 109 department store costs Â¥500.
  • 2nd floor of the Starbucks cafe in the Tsutaya building.
  • 11th floor Sky Lobby in the Shibuya Hikarie shopping mall.
  • 2nd floor of Shibuya Mark City shopping mall.
  • 2nd floor of the L’Occitane Cafe

Try slow shutter settings at dusk, for a ghostly effect. While you’re in the area, it’s also worth snapping the bronze statue dedicated to Hachiko, the loyal Akita dog who waited every day at Shibuya Station for his deceased owner for over 9 years, until his own death.

Address: Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Station Hachikō exit,  1 Chome-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043

Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of the most photographed places in Tokyo
Shibuya Scramble Crossing – best photography spots in Tokyo

15. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Dating from the Edo era, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a huge green space with three types of garden: English landscape, French formal and traditional Japanese. There are also several ponds which make for great reflections of the nearby Docomo Tower.

One of the most attractive things to photograph in Shinjuku Gyoen is Kyu-Goryo-Tei, the Taiwan pavilion. You can also get great shots of the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building with plum blossom in the foreground from mid February onwards.

During Springtime in Tokyo, over 1500 cherry trees blossom. If you’re visiting Tokyo in May or June, the azalea flowers make a striking display, and the Fall foliage is also not to be missed.

Address: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014

Shingoen National Park, Tokyo, Japan
Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, Tokyo, Japan

16. Themed Cafes in Tokyo

Tokyo is known for its quirky cafes and many of them are focused on a particular theme. Here are a few of the most fun Tokyo themed cafes to photograph:

  • Kawaii Monster Cafe – a technicolour cafe in Harajuku designed by the artist Sebastian Matsuda, with giant mushrooms and whacky food dishes such as poison cake. A cover charge applies.
  • Moomins – there are two Moomin themed cafes in Tokyo, the Moomin Bakery & Cafe at Tokyo Dome City and Moomin House Cafe at Oshiage near Tokyo Skytree. The Moomins are actually Scandinavian fairy tale characters but the Japanese have taken them to heart and there’s even a new Moomin Valley Park in Saitama, an hour from Tokyo. Both Tokyo cafes have Moomins dotted around and menus with Moomin inspired items.
Moomin Cafe, Tokyo, Japan
Moomin Cafe, Tokyo, Japan
  • Robot Cafe – this unique bar in Shinjuku features nightly light and dance shows for which you must book a ticket in advance.
  • Shirohige Cream Puff Factory – this cute Tokyo cafe is located on a picturesque backstreet in Setagaya. Taste delicious cream puffs shaped like Totoro, a character from the Studio Ghibli film, My Neighbor Totoro, in flavours such as chocolate and strawberry.
Totoro Cafe at Shirohige Cream Puff Factory, Setagaya
Totoro Cafe at Shirohige Cream Puff Factory, Setagaya

17. Tokyo Skytree

For panoramic views of the city, head to Tokyo Skytree in Oshiage. The tallest tower in the world, at 2,080 feet high, it offers fantastic views of Tokyo.

There are different entry fees depending on whether you wish to visit the Tembo Deck at 350 metres or also the Tembo Galleria at 450 metres, and also to purchase a Fast Ticket to skip the queues.

A good option is to book the Skip the line ticket and Panorama Restaurant dinner. This gives you priority access to the viewing platforms, reservation and lunch or dinner at SKY Restaurant 634 Musashi, including a drink.

Whichever type you choose, there are great photos to be taken by placing your camera close to the glass to avoid any reflections. Visiting at sunset is popular, as you’ll also be able to capture some fantastic night shots.

If you’re short on time, you could always photograph Tokyo Skytree without entering the building, from Sumida river or neighbouring streets. Frame it with leaves or blossoms for added impact.

Address: Tokyo Skytree, 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045

Tokyo Skytree is one of the most Instagrammable places in Tokyo

18. Tokyo Tower

The world’s tallest self-supporting steel tower stands proud at 333 metres high. Tokyo Tower opened in 1958 and is still a popular tourist attraction with great photo opportunities. Located in the Shibakoen area of Minato, the tower is painted a distinctive shade of orange.

On a clear day, visitors can see Mount Fuji in the distance. As the tower is open from 9.00-23.00, you might like to visit at sunset and blue hour. There’s a Look-Down window from which you can photograph the ground below.

Tokyo Tower can also be photographed from the outside, and it is illuminated at night. Here are a few suggestions as to where to capture it:

  • Sakurada Dori Street
  • Shiba Park
  • Tofu-ya restaurant courtyard garden, if you have made a dining reservation
  • Tokyo City View and Sky Deck at Roppongi Hills
  • Zojoji Temple
  • World Trade Center Seaside Top Observatory

Address: Tokyo Tower, 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011

Tokyo Tower, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Tower, Tokyo, Japan

19. Unicorn Gundam Statue

Fans of the Gundam science fiction series were sad when the original life-size Gundam statue in front of the DiverCity shopping centre in Odaiba, Tokyo was dismantled. Thankfully, the giant robot was replaced with an RX-0 Unicorn Gundam which is even taller, at 19.7 meters.

Better still, the Gundam transforms into Destroy Mode at regular intervals throughout the day and also lights up at night. For the best photos of this Instagrammable Tokyo landmark, include a person to show the scale of the statue. Try to time your visit with one of the robot’s transformations:

  • Daytime performance: 11:0013:0015:0017:00
  • Night time performance: 19:0019:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30

Address: Unicorn Gundam Statue, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Unicorn Gundam statue in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan
Unicorn Gundam statue in Odaiba, Tokyo

20. Yanaka

If you’d like to capture an old town atmosphere in Tokyo, Yanaka in Taito ward is the perfect area to visit. There are lots of interesting little shops along Yanaka Ginza street.

You’ll notice many cat emblems and statues, as the residents of Yanaka consider them to be lucky. There are many temples in Yanaka, including Enjuji and Tennoji.

If you’d like to photograph yourself in a traditional kimono, we recommend doing this in Yanaka rather than in Asakusa, which gets rather busy. We thoroughly enjoyed ours, arranged via Yanesen Tourist Info & Culture Center.

Address:  Yanaka Ginza, 3 Chome-13-1 Yanaka, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 110-0001

Cat Street in Yanaka - an Instagrammable spot in Tokyo
Cat Street in Yanaka – best Instagram spots in Tokyo

Final Thoughts on Cool Instagrammable Places in Tokyo

Tokyo is a city full of hidden gems waiting to be Instagrammed. From the colorful streets of Harajuku to tranquil bamboo forests, there are plenty of places to explore.

If you’re looking for some cool spots to add to your Tokyo itinerary, be sure to check out our other articles. Which of these photogenic Tokyo attractions is your favorite? Discover other must see attractions on the official Go Tokyo website.

Like these Instagrammable places in Tokyo? Pin for later or share with friends.

In association with Go Tokyo

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