Tokyo is Japan’s bustling capital city. It has a beautifully chaotic vibe with exciting sights and sounds around every corner. If you’re travelling to Japan, odds are you’ll be spending some time here.
While you’re visiting, you’re going to want to check out the places with the best Tokyo aesthetic. They’ll be a treat for your eyes and your Instagram followers.
From shrines to street art, this city is loaded with photogenic spots. However, a few do stand out from the rest. Grab your camera and get your hashtags ready, here are the most Instagrammable places in Tokyo!
Contents
One of my favourite rooms at the Teamlab Borderless in Tokyo
Most beautiful places in Tokyo: landmarks & famous spots
Meiji Jingu and Sake Jars
Meiji Shrine is an iconic Shinto shrine encompassed by a lush forest. It’s an important landmark in Tokyo due to its dedication to the beloved Emperor Meiji Jingu.
The shrine is famous for its large, majestic torii gate made of Cyprus. The area retains a peaceful ambience and is one of the few places in Tokyo where you can be at one with nature and your surroundings.
It’s a nice break from the busy atmosphere of the city centres.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbviVOSAA7n/
As you approach the shrine, you’ll also see rows of large sake barrels lining the walkway. The barrels are donated every year from sake brewers all over Japan.
This is a really neat area to take an Instagram pic with a classic, yet unique, Japanese background.
Click here to see the exact location.
A sake barrel wall in Kamakura – similar to the one you will find at the Meiji Shrine
Sensoji Temple and Pagoda
The Sensoji Temple and Pagoda are located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. This large area houses one massive temple, surrounded by other, smaller temples, and a five-story pagoda.
Statues and other monuments are also spread throughout the grounds. There are all sorts of neat areas for snapping Instagram shots.
However, keep note that this area is usually very busy, so you can expect to find lots of other tourists when you visit.
The temple is in itself quite large and architecturally beautiful. It’s painted in a fiery red with gold accents that sparkle in the sunshine.
Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo
Leading up to the temple is Nakamise Shopping Street, which is filled with market stalls. After closing time, when the shops close their shutters, colourfully painted murals are revealed.
The paintings depict various Japanese-themed artwork. If you arrive at this area early enough in the morning, you’ll also be able to snap some awesome Instagram shots before they open up for the day.
Click here to see the location.
The road of cute shops leading up to Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo
Hie Shrine
The Hie Shrine is another one of Tokyo’s beautiful Shinto shrines. Although it’s located in a metropolitan area of the city, it’s surrounded by tall trees and greenery. It’s very picturesque, and very traditionally Japanese.
However, what makes this shrine unique, and very Instagramable, is one of the shrines entrances.
There is a narrow stairway entrance that’s lined with 90 bright red torii gates. They form something similar to an above-ground tunnel.
Walk up the staircase and capture a photo of yourself standing next to dozens of these bright red structures. You won’t be able to capture this many torii gates in one picture anywhere else in the city.
It resembles the torii path of Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto, but without the big crowds you would find there.
Click here to see the location.
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Nezu Shrine
Nezu Shrine is one of the oldest places of worship in Tokyo. It was established in 1705 and is one of the city’s best-hidden spots. It’s generally less busy than other Shinto shrines in the city.
The entire complex is one with nature. The shrine is surrounded by elegantly landscaped gardens, making it one of the most beautiful places in Tokyo to capture serene and atmospheric Instagram photos.
There are also scenic paths around the property with torii gates.
Click here for the location.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Zp7NvgR0G/
Teamlab Borderless
Team Lab Borderless is a one-of-a-kind museum that takes artistic expression and creativity to a whole other level. From the floor to the ceiling, each room is full of stunning optical illusions and digital art pieces.
You’ll be mesmerized by the lights and sights of these eclectic and imaginative art scenes. The entire museum is very Instagram friendly. Make sure to arrive early, as this attraction can get crowded during the day.
For this museum’s exact location, click here.
Click here to get your ticket for TeamLab Borderless
The lantern room at Teamlab Borderless in Tokyo
Tokyo hot spots for Insta Fame
The streets of Tokyo are the best place to capture the raw beauty of day-to-day life. Here are the most Instagram worthy streets, alleyways, and interceptions.
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Ameyoko shopping street is a high energy open-air market. A constant flow of tourists is standard and keeps this area practically busy all hours of the day. It consists of two long strips of main roads with little alleys that stem off.
You’ll find a wide variety of items sold, from clothing to souvenirs to fresh fruit. There are also lots of local restaurants.
If you want to snap an Instagram picture of Tokyo’s classic, chaotic street bazaar scene, this is the best place to do so.
Click here to see the location.
Exploring Ameyoko in Tokyo
Takeshita Street
Takeshita Street is located in Harajuku, an iconic area in Tokyo known for its colourful street art and youthful vibe. This authentically Japanese street that is very tourist-friendly and, of course, photo-friendly.
There are lots of unique stores selling everything from gaming and anime merchandise to goth and punk fashion items. At the restaurants, you’ll find plenty of Instagrammable Japanese food and dessert treats.
It’s also a great place to experience Tokyo’s modern pop culture. It’s not uncommon to see people dressed in full anime costumes walking the street.
For a cool photo opportunity, head to the entrance of the street directly opposite Harajuku Station. There’s a large, modern torii gate with a digital board that displays videos of pedestrians standing in front of it.
Click here to see this street’s exact location.
Click here to book a walking tour of Harajuku
Takeshita street in Harajuku
Shibuya Crossing Intersection
The Shibuya Crossing, also referred to as the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, is a very popular crossing street in Tokyo.
When the signal for pedestrians to cross goes green, vehicles stop in all directions and a flood of pedestrians crosses the entire intersection.
It’s unmistakably one of the busiest (if not the busiest) crossings in the world. It’s been featured in several famous films, including “Lost in Translation” and “The Fast and the Furious”.
After you check this out from the street view, there are a few cool spots where you can see this famous crossing from above. Starbucks across the road and the rooftop of the Magnet shopping centre are two great options.
This is definitely one of the best spots in Tokyo to capture a shot of the bustling city vibe.
Click here to see the exact location.
Shibuya crossing seen from the top floor of Starbucks in Tokyo
Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley)
Omoide Yokocho, or “Piss Alley”, is a narrow lane made up of small restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s a small slice of Japanese back alley culture. For such a small space, there’s a lot going on. It’s chaotic in the best way possible.
The lanes look like they’re from a bygone era, and contrasted sharply from the modernity of the surrounding Shinjuku District. Omoide Yokocho actually has a second nickname, “Memory Lane”.
This is a reference to the fact that the alley has changed very little over time. The heavenly smell of street food and brightly lit lanterns will draw you in.
This is a great place to capture some old-timey Tokyo Instagram shots, as well as some tasty Japanese food!
Click here to see the exact location.
Omoide Yokocho, known as “piss alley”, at night in Shinjuku
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku Golden Gai is a small area in Tokyo with a lot of character. It has a unique and alluring nightlife scene. Small bars are clustered together and weave through narrow alleys and passageways.
The lanes are only wide enough for a single person to pass-through. Because of this compact size, it’s the perfect place to take some pics of Tokyo’s city streets.
You’ll easily be able to capture all the unique elements in one frame. At night, when the lights go out, and the lanterns and neon signs turn on, this area is especially magical.
To see the location, click here.
The streets and bars of Golden Gai in Shinjuku at night
The most Instagram-Worthy hotels in Tokyo
Tokyo has lots of high-rise buildings that offer spectacular views, but that’s not all they offer. Check out these Instagram worthy hotels for an all-around visually pleasing experience.
Sense at Mandarin Oriental
Sense at Mandarin Oriental is a hotel restaurant that is a treat for all of your senses. It’s located on the 37th floor, with large windows that provide for unobscured viewing.
The food at this Michelin starred restaurant is presented like artwork. Enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine while treating your eyes to some of the best views of Tokyo.
The interior is decorated with expressive, pink decor and lotus motifs. Your Instagram feed will be full of many different forms of traditional Tokyo aesthetics.
Needless to say, the rooms at the Mandarin Oriental have stunning Instagram-worthy views too!
Click here to see the hotel’s location.
Check out the latest prices and availability at the Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo here!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7a5FWcB_dq/
Park Hotel Tokyo
The Park Hotel in Tokyo is a one-of-a-kind accommodation. It sits above the Shiodome Media Tower and occupies the 26th to 34th floors.
The views are absolutely breathtaking and easily viewable from the large windows found in every room of the hotel. Some of the rooms are designed to showcase Japanese aesthetics, with large murals and creative decor.
The restaurants, whiskey bar, and lobby are also adorned with large Japanese murals. From the hotel lobby, you can see views of the Tokyo Tower. On a clear day, you can see straight to Mt Fuji.
The hotel also hosts art exhibits at their 25th floor Art Lounge. You’ll get lots of artsy Instagrams at this opulent accommodation.
For the exact location of the hotel, click here.
Click here to book your stay at Park Hotel Tokyo!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0S5jKVAbxr/
Instagram pics of Tokyo’s coolest shops
Lots of shops and storefronts in the city are creatively detailed and decorated. Here are some hip places in Tokyo to capture some modern photos.
Angel Crepes
Angel crepes in Harajuku is the place to go for tasty and beautifully presented crepes. This small shop has an extremely photogenic shopfront, with large pink hearts and neon-coloured writing displays.
There are also dozens of fake crepe displays that show exactly what the finished product will look like when it’s fresh. Snap a pic in front of rows of crepes decorated with berries, chocolate, ice cream, and other tasty toppings.
For the exact location, click here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByaQf77CDCB/
Tokyu Plaza (Glass Archway Entrance)
The entrance to the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku Shopping Center is a fun place to snap a unique Tokyo pic.
A puzzle of mirrors greets guests and frames the escalators that take you inside. It produces a unique collage of reflections. The picture you’ll get will mimic the inside of a kaleidoscope.
Make sure to also head inside the building and make your way to the rooftop terrace. You can capture some epic photos of Tokyo from above.
Click here to see the exact location.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBo63HHBQxQ/
Akihabara
Akihabara is an area of Tokyo famous for its vintage video games and manga shops. It’s one of the more modern Tokyo hot spots for Instagram shots. There are two stores specifically worth checking out.
The Super Potato store specializes in retro video games from the 80s and 90s. The front of the store has large images of Pac-Man and a few members of the Ghost Gang on it.
Exploring Akihabara in Tokyo
Step inside and take a trip down nostalgia lane. You’ll find three floors packed with vintage video-game related items, from old gaming consoles to character toys.
The third floor is a dedicated arcade space where you can play over a dozen 80’s and 90’s era arcade games.
Mandarake Complex is a second-hand collectables store. It houses retro gaming items, and anime and manga related merchandise. There are eight floors packed full of different toys and collectable sets.
To see the exact location of Akihabara, click here.
The top floor of Super Potato where you can play with vintage videogames
Exploring Akihabara in Tokyo
Conclusion of the best Tokyo Instagram hot spots
Tokyo is colourful, complex, and anything but conventional. It’s a very Instagrammable city and is sure to give your feed and your followers’ plenty of pictures to marvel over.
From modern sites to cultural attractions and breathtaking landscapes, Tokyo has a treasure trove of photo opportunities.
You don’t have to have the latest and greatest camera to capture pictures that will generate likes either.
With a city as attractive and artistic as Tokyo, at the bare minimum, all you need is your phone and this guide to create the ultimate Instagram feed.
Looking for more Japan travel tips? Check out these guides:
- Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
- Day trip to Miyajima
- Kamakura day-trip itinerary
- How to spend one day in Nara
- Everything you need to know about Himeji Castle
- The most beautiful places in Japan
Looking for more Instagram city photo guides? Check out these posts:
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