Before arriving, you already know that Tokyo is one of the world’s most Instagrammable places. Indeed, it wasn’t that long ago that Tokyo was ranked Instagram’s number one destination. While you may know what attractions are the most popular amongst Instagrammers, there may be some that you’re not familiar with. In this case, you might find this list of Tokyo’s most Instagrammable spots handy. In addition, you can get helpful tips on how to get that one-of-a-kind photo that will place you above the rest.
So, without further delay, here are some of Tokyo’s most Instagrammable places for 2024.
Most Instagrammable Places in Tokyo, Japan
Akihaibara Electric Town
Even if you’re unfamiliar with Japanese pop culture, such as manga or anime, Akihabara is a must-see for photographers. Located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo, Akihabara is among the top places to see a stunning array of neon lights. Yet, while Akihabara Electric Town certainly stands out, other spots are great for Instagram photos. For example, you’ll find all sorts of video game stores, anime, and manga. As for maid cafes, not all ladies dressed as maids like their photos taken, even on the street. However, some maid cafes will allow you to take maid photos if you pay an extra fee. In all, you will find all sorts of Instagrammable places to take your best selfie or appealing photo.
Ginza
For some reason, the Ginza district doesn’t always appear on lists of Instagram spots in Tokyo. Moreover, there is an enormous amount of neon, and its crosswalk is almost as famous as Shibuya’s. On top of that, there are many photo opportunities, including renowned department stores and Michelin Star restaurants. That’s not to mention the famous Kabuki theater and the iconic clocktower above Wako.
More Ginza Ideas for Instagram
Even if you know where to go in Ginza for Instagram photography, here are a few more ideas. Just a short walk from Ginza Scramble Crossing is the Sony Store and the Instagrammable Art Aquarium Museum. Lastly, the must-see Tsukiji Outer Market is about .7 miles from Ginza Scramble Crossing. With the Tsukiji Station even closer, the world-famous Outer Market is an excellent spot for street food and sightseeing.
Related: World Class Omakase at Sushi by Scratch Healdsburg
Gotokuji Temple
Among the most Instagrammable places in Tokyo, Gotokuji might be the most unfamiliar. Yet, you only need to see a photo of its most distinctive features to realize its popularity. That would be the most than 1,000 cat figurines that represent success and good fortune. Furthermore, Gotokuji is the birthplace of the familiar Maneki-neko, the beckoning cat. Indeed, the beckoning cat, with its raised paw, is known worldwide as a very popular gift. Yet what may surprise you most is that these cats date back to the early 17th century. Open daily, Gotokuji is a must-see spot in Tokyo, especially for cat lovers.
Related: Family-Friendly Attractions in Tokyo
Harajuku
Widely known as one of Tokyo’s most fashionable spots, Harajuku is the city’s center of “kawaii” culture. That is to say that Harajuku is a vibrant shopping district that emphasizes kawaii or cute fashion styles. Therefore, not only will you see many stores with kawaii clothing or accessories, but you’ll also see young people dressed in colorful outfits. While Takeshita Street is a prime spot for Instagrammers with places like Santa Monica Crepes, there are other places to visit. This includes Cat Street (Kyu Shibuya-gawa) and Alice (in Wonderland) on Wednesday. Yet another recommendation for you is to see the glass kaleidoscope-like entrance at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando.
Kabukicho
Shinjuku is the most prominent of the three most popular places in Tokyo to see neon lights. This is especially true of the Kabukicho entertainment district, whose towering buildings resemble a canyon of glittering lights. The best time to see Kabukicho is when the lights go on sometime after 5 p.m. However, the lights stay on through the night, although the subway trains shut down shortly after midnight. In addition to the neon colors, other great spots for photography are Golden Gai, the 3D cat, and the Godzilla head at Hotel Gracery.
Other Instagram-Friendly Places in Shinjuku
In addition to Golden Gai Yokocho, another fascinating spot for your Instagram memories is Omoiede Yokocho. Closer to Shinjuku Station, yet on the west side, this alleyway, also known as Memory Lane, has many photo opportunities. However, it would be best if you were respectful of others when you take your photos. Yet another Instagrammable spot is Gyoen National Garden, which is particularly beautiful during the blossom season.
Related: Top Attractions in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward
Meiji Jingu Shrine
One of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines is Meiji Jingu, in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo. Located within a 175-acre forest, it honors Emperor Meiji, the ruler of Japan from 1867 to 1912. Built-in 1920, this enormous park has many Instagram-worthy attractions. First is the Meiji Shrine, rebuilt in 1958 in a traditional style known as nakare-zukuri. On the other hand, the most popular photos are taken elsewhere in the park, including Kazaridaru, featuring an extensive collection of empty sake barrels. Yet another must-see attraction is Ootorii, the shrine’s main tori gate and the largest of its kind in Japan.
Nezu Shrine
One of the most popular Instagram photos of Japan is of the many red-orange torii gates in Kyoto. However, if you can’t make it to Kyoto, there is a lesser-known spot in Tokyo to visit. While it may not be over 10,000 torii gates like Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nezu Shrine has enough for an excellent photo. In fact, within the grounds of Nezu is Otome-Inari Shrine, with 200 torii gates in the familiar vermillion color. As much as it’s a worthwhile visit, Nezu Shrine is about a mile walk roundtrip from Nezu Station.
A Closer Spot to See Torii Gates
Yet another excellent spot to impress your Instagram friends is Hie Jinja Shrine. Located southwest of the Imperial Palace, this shrine is in the city’s heart and closer to a transit station. Although there are 90 torii gates here compared to Nezu, you might appreciate the shorter walk and the convenient access to public transportation in detail. It’s a brief walk from either Tameike-sanno or Kokkai-gijidomae stations.
Sensō-ji Temple
Dating to the 7th century, Sensō-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It’s also Japan’s most visited temple, drawing an estimated 20 million visitors annually. While the temple has been rebuilt several times over its lengthy history, its current buildings are extremely Instagram-friendly. Among these features are the five-story pagoda and the ancient gate known as Kanimarimon. That’s not to mention the traditional shopping street Nakamise-dori for food, gifts, and photography.
(credit: Carl Rosa)
Shibuya Crossing
As the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, Shibuya Crossing is always among Tokyo’s best spots for Instagrammers. After all, can you imagine the photo opportunities with thousands of people scrambling across every two minutes? One of the best spots for photos is the recently reopened Starbucks, across from Shibuya Station. Of course, there are many other great places to take pictures of Shibuya Crossing or Shibuya Crossing Scramble. For instance, Shibuya Sky, Magnet by Shibuya 109, and Shibuya Station Bridge to Mark City all attract many Instagrammers.
Other Instagram Recommendations in Shibuya
Nearly as famous in Shibuya amongst Instagrammers is Shibuya Sky. An open-air observation deck standing 751 feet high gives you a 360-degree view of the city. However, the most popular spots for pictures are one section called Sky Edge and the familiar glass escalator. Taking photos on the glass escalator is the most popular spot at Shibuya Sky. While you have many other places in Shibuya for photography, you must visit historic Nonbei Yokocho (Drunkards Alley). Last but not least is the famous statue of Hachiko, known as the most loyal dog in Japan. You can find him just past the Hachiko exit at Shibuya Station.
TeamLab Planets
Located on Odaiba (Instagrammable), teamLab Planets is a dazzling immersive art museum. Like other immersive experiences, like Immersive van Goh and Meow Wolf, teamLab has seven unique displays of its own. Among these multi-sensory displays you can interact with are the Water Surface Infinity, Balloon Room, and Floating Flower Garden. If you go, you can take as many photos and videos as possible. However, photo accessory items like selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed.
Tokyo Skytree
Standing over 2,080 feet, Tokyo Skytree is the world’s tallest freestanding tower and most certainly Instagrammable. Like Tokyo Tower, Skytree has two observation decks, which allow you numerous photo opportunities of the cityscape. Moreover, on a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Fuji, over 60 miles away. As for taking photos of Skytree elsewhere, you have many places to consider. This includes Jukken Bridge, Sakura Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and Sumida Park.
Tokyo Tower
Like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Tokyo Tower is an iconic symbol of the world’s largest city. Moreover, you will have panoramic views from the tower’s two observation decks. In other words, you will have plenty of Instagram-worthy moments on the tower, whether a post, a reel or live. On the other hand, other spots allow you to take great photos of Tokyo Tower. For instance, Zōjō-ji temple and the Instagrammable Tokyo Skytree allow you impressive vantage points.
The Most Popular Spot for Instagrammers at Tokyo Tower
What appears to be today’s most Instagrammable spot for photos of Tokyo Tower is a staircase leading to the tower’s underground garage. Unfortunately, due to its popularity amongst Instagrammers, you will likely have to wait in line before taking that perfect picture. Your best photo might be more original since many people are imitating this exact pose on the staircase. That is, a secret spot for photography that you can create yourself.
Ueno Park
Although Tokyo’s breathtaking 2024 blossom season has passed, Ueno Park is still a favorite amongst Instagrammers. Ueno, the cultural hub of Tokyo, is the most popular park in Tokyo, drawing over 10 million visitors annually. It’s also among the city’s largest, covering 133 acres with attractions like the Ueno Zoo and Museum of Nature and Science. As for Instagram ideas, the Bentendo temple is noteworthy, as are the Tosho-Gu shrine and the Tokyo National Museum. Lastly, no Instagram day trip to Ueno would be complete without seeing the torii gates at Hanzano Inari shrine.
Yanaka
During your Tokyo visit, there may be times when you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the great city. If that’s the case, consider adding Yanaka as a quiet yet Instagram-friendly destination. Put differently, this is one of Tokyo’s most traditional shitamachi areas, also known as old Tokyo. Upon leaving the transit station, walk through the Ginza shopping street and visit family-owned stores. As for other Instagram photo ideas, visit Tennōji Temple with its large Buddha and Yanaka Cemetery.
Yayoi Kusama Museum
Of all the many museums in Tokyo, Yayoi Kusama Museum might be the most Instagrammable of all. Featuring the works of one of Japan’s most famous contemporary artists, the museum has many highlights. This includes an infinity room and the polka dot artwork for which she is most famous. Please note that you must make reservations online as no tickets are available at the door. In addition, you must walk about .5 miles from the closest station to reach the museum. However, your walk will be worth the trouble if you’re a fan of this living legend.
Bonus Tokyo Disneyland
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Tokyo Disneyland Resort is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Tokyo. After all, it is one of the world’s largest Disneyland theme parks and among the most visited. However, despite its name, Tokyo Disneyland isn’t in Tokyo; it is about 20 miles away in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture. Nevertheless, if you go, you’ll have many Instagram-worthy opportunities. Even though you may already know top attractions like Cinderella Castle and Haunted Mansion, there are many more. Among your favorites are It’s a Small World, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Of course, Tokyo Disney Sea has many more attractions, like Indiana Jones Adventure.
Related: How to Use the Tokyo Subway
About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
