Top Ten Street Photography Locations in Tokyo
Davis Jefferson Austin
Top Ten Street Photography Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo is an incredible city, bustling with life, steeped in history, culture, and intrigue. These attributes attract tourists, and while an influx of visitors can hinder street photography in certain spots, it also highlights lesser-known areas that you might not be familiar with.
In no particular order, these are my top ten street photography locations in Tokyo for 2025.
- Ikebukuro
- Shibuya
- Ginza
- Kawaguchi
- Kanda
- Omiya
- Akabane
- Shinbashi (Shiodome)
- Akihabara
- Shinjuku
- Asakusa (BONUS LOCATION)
This beautiful city has too many great spots; this could be a top 25 list. Some of these locations are off the beaten path, while others are among the busiest, most crowded places in Tokyo.
Ikebukuro:
At the second busiest station in Tokyo, the flow of people is astonishing. The station is massive and offers ample opportunity to shoot indoors and underground all day long, with shops, cafés, long corridors, open spaces, signage, history, and gentrification side by side, and a dozen train lines that keep the vibe moving.
Stepping out of the station, the East and West sides of the tracks feature expansive department stores that extend into a maze of side streets, eateries, offices, skyscrapers, theatres, and parks teeming with opportunities.
Shibuya:
Shibuya is a hub of culture, a place of shopping and entertainment. Shibuya Crossing is always full of people, as it is such an overwhelming place. It is the greatest place to start a day of street photography, as most subjects do not have a care in the world.
The real magic happens on the side streets leading up to the crossing. The spots are teeming with life and energy that are hard to replicate. A mix of generations-old buildings next to a high-rise, ultra-modern shopping wonderland. The two worlds intertwine like the complex yet rewarding flavours of a great bottle of wine.
Ginza:
Ginza has a rich and captivating history that you can sense as you stroll through its long, narrow alleys and bustling streets. Though famous for shopping, the true essence of Ginza resides behind its modern buildings, where numerous signs dangle over streets that seem almost frozen in time. This is where the genuine spirit of Ginza comes alive and the finest street photography opportunities await.
Kawaguchi:
Kawaguchi is a small station, servicing only a few train lines. Nevertheless, it lies at the gateway to a sprawling metropolis, where the city center maintains a quaint, small-town atmosphere. Elevated pedestrian walkways link the station to nearby buildings. Below, a mix of buses, taxis, and striking high-contrast lights welcomes the many pedestrians entering and exiting the station.
In the vicinity, a grand art deco park and an extensive shopping street bring together long-established businesses alongside contemporary coffee shops and restaurants, crafting a delightful blend of the old and the new—almost as if the city has mirrored itself.
Kanda:
Kanada Station caters to salarymen by providing a convenient workspace. Surrounded by typical office buildings and restaurants, the station’s appeal for photographers lies in its old-world charm and ordinary atmosphere, set far from Tokyo. However, it is precisely this authenticity that makes it a perfect place for a rewarding and creative photography day.
Not far from the alleys of Kanda lies booktown Jimbocho, enhancing the charm of Kanda further. It’s incredibly easy to lose track of time in this delightful Tokyo enclave, as I have experienced multiple times.
Omiya:
Omiya, located in Saitama north of Tokyo, is easily recognizable as a different prefecture. However, it retains the same urban vibe as Tokyo. Omiya stands out as a hidden treasure for street photography enthusiasts. Often dubbed "little Shinjuku," it certainly lives up to that reputation. What I adore about Omiya is the contrast between the gritty, dark side of the station and the bright commercial lights on the other side. Spending an entire day exploring these streets would be a day well spent.
Akabane:
Akabane is the last stop on the line, second to last, but it is about as far north as one can go in Tokyo. Several train lines pass through here, providing decent foot traffic. There is an old-world charm just steps from the station; excellent traditional food creates a vibrant nightlife.
In the daytime, a generations-old covered shopping arcade several blocks in length, with accompanying back alleys, gives a wealth of photography opportunities.
Shinbashi (Shiodome):
Shinbashi is rich in history, whereas Shiodome embodies Tokyo’s modernity. These two areas are linked by a train station; one side is filled with alleyways and bustling salarymen representing working-class Japan, while the other features futuristic high-rises interconnected by pedestrian bridges. Here, you'll find gardens, a train line weaving through the buildings, a television station, a hotel, a theater, and striking architecture.
Akihabara:
Affectionately known as the electric town, Akihabara has evolved over recent years. The expected sights—electronic shops, arcades, and maid cafes—are still plentiful, and the characters that populate these spaces are everywhere. This alone would make for a great photo opportunity. Beyond that, the west side of Akihabara features numerous unexplored side streets, while the far east side boasts the beautiful Myoujin Shrine. This visit offers a glimpse into both the area's rich history and its contemporary trends.
Shinjuku:
In recent years, Shinjuku has transformed into a tourist hotspot. With the addition of new hotels, a major central train station, and countless restaurants, visitors are flocking here in large numbers. Yet, Shinjuku remains true to itself; the qualities that made it a fantastic location for street photography are still intact. No matter which exit you choose from the bustling station, you'll be greeted by vibrant chaos, soon accompanied by a myriad of side streets that offer abundant opportunities for capturing street photography.
Asakusa:
This location ranks prominently on the lists of must-visit destinations for numerous tourists, as well as for many Japanese citizens. The main streets experience significant crowds; however, merely steps away, one can find a covered shopping arcade, a complex of alleyways, and an extensive underground area, all of which offer excellent opportunities for a day of photography.
Conclusion:
No list is ever final, and when it comes to street photography, my list is constantly evolving. No single location can be deemed perfect; I recommend going where your project leads you and following your instincts, no matter how touristy, remote, or small a place may seem. I seek great lighting and intriguing character, or perhaps the other way around, during my street photography outings in Tokyo.
If you're looking for an experienced professional street photographer to help you explore any of these locations, I would be delighted to assist you on a private guided photo tour of Tokyo.
