15 Most Instagrammable Spots in Tokyo: Night Views, Traditional Japan and Art
Published: 2026-10-08
These are the photogenic Tokyo places shared all over the world on social media. We've added the best times to shoot and the etiquette for taking photos without trouble.
The short answer
| What to shoot | Best spots | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo's big-city vibe | Shibuya Scramble Crossing, SHIBUYA SKY | Sunset to night |
| Traditional Japan | Senso-ji and Kaminarimon, Meiji Jingu, Nezu Shrine | Early morning or night |
| Tokyo Tower | Zojoji temple, Shiba Park | Night (lit up) |
| Neon and alleys | Omoide Yokocho, Akihabara | Night |
| Art and experiences | teamLab Planets | Your booked time slot |
Popular spots are packed in the daytime. Go early in the morning or at night for fewer people and better light.
Tokyo's big-city vibe
Shibuya Scramble CrossingThe world's most famous crossing, with crowds surging from every direction. Shoot it from a building above for the classic Tokyo shot.
SHIBUYA SKYThe rooftop deck of Shibuya Scramble Square, where you seem to float above the whole city. Sunset is especially popular.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government BuildingFree observation rooms, and after dark a projection-mapping show lights up the building's walls.
Tokyo Tower (Shiba Park)The orange-glowing tower is Tokyo's classic night view. Shiba Park is a favorite viewpoint.
Zojoji temple and Tokyo TowerA temple with the tower rising behind it: old and new Tokyo in one frame.SHIBUYA SKY needs a date-and-time ticket. Tripods and selfie sticks aren't allowed on the rooftop, and bags go in lockers. The rooftop may close in strong wind or rain.
Traditional Japan
Senso-ji at nightAt night the five-story pagoda and Hozomon gate are lit up: a dreamy contrast to the daytime crowds.
KaminarimonThe giant red lantern is Asakusa's symbol. It's packed by day, so go early or at night.
Meiji JinguA huge torii gate in a forest you'd never guess was in the city. Keep the calm atmosphere in mind.
Nezu ShrineFamous for its tunnel of vermilion torii gates, and for azaleas in spring.
GotokujiA temple lined with countless beckoning-cat figures, known abroad as the "Lucky Cat Temple".Shrines and temples are places of prayer. Don't shout or climb on buildings. Gotokuji asks visitors to buy no more than one cat figure each.
Neon and alleys
Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku)A retro alley of tiny bars with lanterns and neon straight out of old Japan.
AkihabaraThe electric town glowing with anime billboards and neon, best at night.
Tokyo Station Marunouchi buildingThe red-brick station is beautifully lit at night. Shoot the whole facade from the plaza in front.
OdaibaRainbow Bridge and the bay lights in one view.Some tiny bars in the alleys don't allow photos. Always ask before photographing inside a bar or its customers.
Art and experiences
teamLab Planets (Toyosu)Walk barefoot through water inside digital art made of light and color. Every shot looks otherworldly. Book a timed ticket.Photo etiquette
At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, don't stop in the middle of the crossing for photos. Cars move as soon as the lights change.
You can't fly drones freely in most of Tokyo. Flying over crowded areas or in parks requires permission.
- In crowded places, tripods and selfie sticks can get in other people's way.
- Be considerate when posting photos where other people's faces are clearly visible.
See how to get to each spot on our area map.
Official websites
- SHIBUYA SKY
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government observation rooms
- Tokyo Tower
- Zojoji
- Senso-ji
- Meiji Jingu
- Nezu Shrine
- Gotokuji
- Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku
- teamLab Planets
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
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