So you have arrived in Tokyo and have already visited the top ten spots I listed in my previous article but want to check out a couple lesser known locations to shoot. Look no further. Tokyo is a vast and diverse city, which could take a lifetime to fully explore. So I’m going to show you how to save some time, and have listed five hidden gems to explore in Japan’s largest metropolis.
Here’s where else you should go:
1. Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa has gained popularity among young Tokyoites and tourists due to its easy transport connections to central Tokyo and lower property rates. As soon as you hop off the train at Shimokitazawa station, you’ll be struck by the area’s bohemian vibe and laid-back attitude, which is in stark contrast to the bustling city centre.
Street art is also a fixture in Shimokitazawa, which is a rare find in Tokyo. The area offers up interesting scenes for portrait photography, and is one of my favorite areas for street photography in Tokyo as the colourful shops and streets offer an interesting backdrop for subjects, which differ vastly from shooting in inner Tokyo.
2. Kiyosumi-shirakawa (“Coffee town”)
The global coffee trend has certainly hit Tokyo in recent years and Tokyolites have gone the whole hog in Kiyosumi-shirakawa.
Kiyosumi-shirakawa, affectionately known as “Coffee town” in Tokyo, is off the beaten path but offers a perfect spot to unwind and detach from hectic city life. More than 15 cafes have popped up in the area since 2012 and many of them are housed inside former timber warehouses.
The area offers a completely different vibe to central Tokyo and offers up fantastic street photography opportunities. While in the area, make sure to visit Arise Coffee and have a chat with the owner Taiju Hayashi about the latest developments in town. Allpress Espresso is another of my favorites in the area and is perfect spot to whip out the laptop and edit up those photos.
3. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower
While Tokyo Sky Tree may receive all the hype and be the city’s tallest structure, I much prefer the views from the Mori Tower in Roppongi. The tower hosts an impressive art gallery and the views from the top are truly breathtaking, especially as it is the only open-air view of Tokyo’s cityscape.
4. Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is a favorite among Instagrammers in Tokyo. The entrance to the building is surrounded by dozens of interestingly-shaped mirrors, making it an interesting place to shoot in all weather conditions. The plaza also features interesting spots to photograph Tokyoites from above and also has a terrace on top which you can shoot from!
5. Odaiba
Odaiba is a popular shopping district built on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. However, the shops are not the reason I’m recommending that you visit Odaiba. The artificial island offers splendid views of Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge, and are best enjoyed during sunrise or sunset. On top of that, the impressive array of modern structures on show are perfect for anybody interested in architecture photography.
