Omoide Yokocho
Location details: North of Shinjuku Station, near the D3 exit.
Cost: free
Public place: yes
Opening times: always open (opening times of the establishments varies)
Website: https://shinjuku-omoide.com
Crowded: no
Gear: wide angle lens, standard lens
Tripod allowed: not officially, but too crowded to use it
Best time to go: before rush hours, and dark
Google Maps Plus Code: MMVX+5R Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan
Be patient; the Yokocho may have fewer visitors in just a couple of minutes.
Omoide Yokocho
@kasia_away
Omoide Yokocho is currently the most famous Yokocho in all of Japan. It's tiny and packed with tourists, including organised excursions, but it is still VERY photogenic.
Small windows and doors through which you can peek at the cooks, steam and smoke rising from the yakitori grills, a tangle of cables, and tin chimneys over the heads of passers-by, Showa period-like small neons - it is all there.
You would need to carefully choose your visiting time. Currently, I can recommend visiting just before the rush hours when people coming from work eat there (locals still love this place). However, the place is most photogenic after sunset.
Details
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observatory
Cost: free
Opening times: 9:30 am - 10 pm (last admission 9.30 pm)
Website: https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/tenbou/index.html
Crowded: depends on visiting time
Gear: standard lens, zoom lens, pocket tripod (optional), anti-reflection lens hood (optional)
Tripod allowed: no
Best time to go: blue hour, sunset
Google Maps Plus Code: MMQR+VM Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observatory
@kasia_away
The observation deck is located on the 45th Floor of the TMG No.1 Building (private elevator from 1st floor). There is an underground passage from the Shinjuku JR Station directly to the TMG complex - just follow the sign. (As of the end of 2023/early 2024 Shinjuku station is undergoing major refurbishment, so the direct passage may not be accessible).
The observation deck has broad views over Shinjuku and the East part of Greater Tokyo. On a sunny day, especially during winter, you may see distant Mt. Fuji. If you plan specifically to photograph Mt. Fuji, you need to come on days with good visibility in Tokyo, Yamanakako, and the Fujiyoshida area.
There is also a partial view over the west part of Tokyo, where SkyTree can be captured.
The space receives many visitors, so the windows may be a bit dirty from inside. The observation deck area is kept in a dim light, but some reflections are still visible on the windows, especially after sunset. You may try to use a antireflection lens hood and keep the lens as close to the window as possible. A small gorilla tripod should be acceptable on the window sill, but try to give up the space to other people as soon as you finish. Use antireflection lens hood after sunset.
Details
Tokyo International Forum
Cost: free
Opening times: 7 am –11:30 pm
Website: https://www.t-i-forum.co.jp
Crowded: no
Gear: wide angle lens, standard lens, tripod
Tripod allowed: yes
Best time to go: anytime
Google Maps Plus Code: MQG7+MG Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo International Forum
@kasia_away
The Forum is an architectural marvel often overlooked by tourists. The building hosts public events and exhibitions, but most of the time, it is empty. It is open to the public until late at night and serves as a shortcut to Yurakucho Station.
The building is an elongated metal-glass structure. The interior is a spacious atrium with a modern look. During the day, large windows provide plenty of daylight. In the evening, dimmed lights create enigmatic shadows.
To find a different viewpoint, explore the higher floors.
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Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center Observation Deck
Location details: 8th floor observation deck
Cost: free
Opening times: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/bunka_kanko/kankoinfo/info/oyakudachi/kankocenter/a-tic-gaiyo.html
Crowded: medium
Gear: standard lens, zoom lens
Tripod allowed: no
Best time to go: anytime
Google Maps Plus Code: PQ6W+7J Taito City, Tokyo, Japan
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
@kasia_away
On the 8th floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, there is an observation deck that overlooks Kaminarimon, Nakamise-dori, distant Sensoji Temple, and the Sumida River. Down on the street, traditional rickshaws can be spotted.
There is also a stunning view of the SkyTree and the famous Asahi Group Head Office Building in the shape of a pint of beer.
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Shiba Park view on Tokyo Tower
Location details: Shiba Park Alley, near the A6 exit of the Onarimon Station.
Cost: free
Opening times: always open
Crowded: no
Gear: standard lens
Tripod allowed: yes
Best time to go: night time
Google Maps Plus Code: MQ62+77 Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
Shiba Park view of the Tokyo Tower
@kasia_away
In Shiba Park, there is an alley perpendicular to the Tokyo Tower. This spot is famous on Instagram because of its captivating composition.
In the middle of the alley, there is a sign prohibiting model photography. Some public events are held on this side of the park, so before you go, check if the park is open to the public.
If you visit this location at night, when you turn back, you will see an interesting reflection of the Tokyo Tower in a nearby building.
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Zōjō-ji Temple view of Tokyo Tower
Location details: In front of Zōjō-ji Temple's great hall.
Cost: free
Opening times: always open
Crowded: no
Gear: wide angle lens, standard lens
Tripod allowed: yes
Best time to go: anytime
Google Maps Plus Code: MP4X+WQG Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
Zōjō-ji Temple view of Tokyo Tower
@kasia_away
Zōjō-ji Temple grounds is a unique setting, where the old meets the newer and the new.
You can capture the XVI-century great hall (although rebuilt in 1974), the Tokyo Tower (1958), and the brand-new Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower (2023) in one picture.
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