Let's take a trip to Japan with a camera! 16 recommended photo spots across Japan
This service includes sponsored advertisements.
Japan has a variety of photo spots throughout the four seasons. In this article, we will introduce photo spots you should visit in Japan.
Latest update :
-
Table of Contents
- Photography spots in Tokyo
- Photo spots in Kyoto
- Photo spots in Hokkaido
- Photo spots in Okinawa
- Photo spots in other areas
- Points to note when photographing in Japan
- lastly
" Capture My Japan " is a photography service for tourists visiting Japan from overseas by Lovegraph Co., Ltd, which operates one of Japan's largest on- location photography session businesses.
If you use the coupon code "MCM-15218" when applying, you can get 5% off and experience professional photography!
Please read the article below to learn more about shooting with "Capture My Japan."
Photography spots in Tokyo
Imperial Palace and surrounding area
The Imperial Palace is the residence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, but it also has areas that are open to the general public, such as gardens rich in nature, and is a popular tourist destination for photo opportunities.
There are many photo spots around the Imperial Palace, and it is a place where many people gather, including those who take pictures of wild birds, flowers, beautiful scenery, and weddings at stylish spots.
It is an easily accessible photo spot that can be reached on foot from Tokyo Station.
Tokyo Tower and Sky Tree
Tokyo Tower photo by gina
Tokyo Tower, which has long been a symbol of Tokyo, is 333 meters high and was the world's tallest tower when it was completed in 1958. If you take the photo on a sunny day, the red and white colors will stand out against the blue sky.
Sky Tree photo by Haru Momooka
Another famous tower in Tokyo is the Sky Tree, which was completed in 2012. At 634m in height, it is the world's tallest tower and the third tallest building in the world.
While it's great to take photos of both towers themselves, it's also a good idea to climb up to the observation deck and take photos of the Tokyo skyline from above. We also recommend taking a photo of it lit up at night.
Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon
photo by yutapic
Once you pass through Kaminarimon and head toward Sensoji Temple, you will find Nakamise Shopping Street, one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. Many people enjoy buying souvenirs and eating Japanese sweets such as dorayaki and dango.
You can take pictures of Sensoji Temple in its beautiful red color from close up with a wide-angle lens, or you can capture Kaminarimon and Hozomon gates from a distance with a telephoto lens. Please be sure to take lots of photos.
Seasonal scenery of Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Photo by Miho Okuma
The city of Tokyo is lined with skyscrapers, but did you know that there are several large parks full of greenery?
It is a place where you can experience the seasons of Japan, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn, and is also a photo spot where you can take photos at your leisure.
Representative parks include Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, both of which are easily accessible from the station. Why not bring a lunch box and enjoy a picnic while relaxing and taking photos? Both are famous as cherry blossom viewing spots, so we recommend visiting in spring.
Photo spots in Kyoto
Kiyomizu Temple and its outlook
Kiyomizu-dera, which is also registered as a World Heritage Site, is a historic shrine with a history of about 1,200 years, and is a famous tourist destination that every Japanese person knows.
It is very popular as a spot where you can take beautiful pictures of the nature of Shimizu and the main hall from the stage of Okunoin. Additionally, the view from the main hall offers a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto, and you are sure to be moved by its beauty.
Arashiyama bamboo forest path
photo by Keiko Kawanami
The Bamboo Forest Path in Arashiyama, Kyoto City is about 400m long with bamboo groves on both sides and a beautiful green tunnel.
It's a famous and popular tourist destination in Kyoto, so it's always crowded no matter what time you visit. If you want to take photos that don't include people, it's best to go early in the morning when there are fewer people.
If you shoot with a wide-angle lens, you can take dynamic shots of bamboo forests that stretch high into the sky.
Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji
photo by HiroSEA
Kinkaku-ji is famous for its golden building, as the kanji ``kin'' (金) is used in its name, and its official name is Rokuon-ji.
If you take a photo of Kinkaku from across the pond, you can take a wonderful photo with the scenery reflected in the pond.
We also recommend Ginkakuji, which is often introduced as a set with Kinkakuji. Although the kanji for "silver" is used, it does not mean silver.
Its official name is Jishoji Temple, and it is a place where you can feel the beauty of the unique Japanese sensibilities of ``wabi'' and ``sabi.''
Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji are beautiful at any time of the year, but it is especially recommended to visit right after the winter snow has fallen, as you can see the beautiful temples covered in white snow.
Famous spots for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves in Kyoto
Kyoto is also famous for its cherry blossoms from March to April and for its autumn leaves in November.
There are many places in Kyoto where cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are beautiful, such as Ninnaji Temple, Heian Shrine, Daigoji Temple, and Arashiyama, and many people flock to see the beautiful scenery.
If you visit Kyoto during the cherry blossom season or the autumn leaves season, you will be able to take pictures of the beautiful, Japanese-style Kyoto.
Photo spots in Hokkaido
Great nature of Daisetsuzan
Daisetsuzan National Park, located in central Hokkaido, is Japan's largest national park.
The beautiful nature is on display all year round, with alpine plants in spring and summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter.
If you want to take pictures of Hokkaido's majestic nature, Daisetsuzan National Park is recommended.
Winter scenery at Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, is the northernmost zoo in Japan, where temperatures can drop to -20 degrees Celsius in winter.
Asahiyama Zoo is a tourist spot that can be enjoyed all year round, but it's a place you'll definitely want to visit in winter, as it's home to many animals from cold regions, such as seals and polar bears.
Only in winter, you can see penguins walking, and you can take photos of the animals that are so lively in winter.
Scenery of Furano and Biei in Hokkaido
Shirogane Blue Pond photo by hipo
Furano City and Biei Town in Hokkaido have become one of Hokkaido's leading tourist destinations, with many photographers taking pictures of their beautiful scenery.
There are many beautiful photo spots, such as the picturesque Shirogane Blue Pond and Shikisai no Oka, which has a beautiful rainbow-colored flower field.
However, most of Biei's hills are privately owned by farmers, and entering the fields without permission is trespassing. Don't get too excited about taking photos and be careful not to intrude.
Hakodate night view
Photo by pixta
You can visit Mt. Hakodate in Hakodate City by ropeway and see the world-famous night view.
You can look down on the night view of the uniquely shaped city sandwiched between the Tsugaru Strait and Hakodate Bay, and you are sure to fall in love with the dazzling scenery.
Hakodate City is connected to the Shinkansen and has an airport, making it very convenient to access from other cities. Why not stop by when you visit Japan?
Photo spots in Okinawa
View of Kouri Ohashi Bridge
Kouri Ohashi Bridge is a 1,960m long bridge that connects Kouri Island and Yagaji Island. The bridge that spans the beautiful emerald green sea is a popular driving course.
If you want to take a photo of Kouri Ohashi Bridge and the ocean together, we recommend taking the photo from Kouri Beach.
You can also see the entire Kouri Ohashi Bridge from Kouri Ocean Tower.
Traditional villages and culture of Okinawa
photo by Yuri
Okinawa was once called the "Ryukyu Kingdom" and has a history of being a country different from Japan. Because of this, it is characterized by its unique culture and scenery that are different from other places. Even just a single private house can be seen to be completely different from other places in Japan.
At theme parks such as ``Okinawa Local Village'' and ``Ryukyu Mura,'' you can take photos of Okinawa's traditional scenery. You can also experience Okinawa's unique culture, so be sure to stop by when you visit Okinawa.
Photo spots in other areas
Views of Hakone's hot springs and Mt. Fuji
photo by nakaharu
Hakone is a tourist destination famous for its hot springs, and is also a spot where you can see Mt. Fuji, a landmark of Japan.
It is easily accessible from Shinjuku in Tokyo by just one train, and many people visit from both inside and outside of Japan. In particular, Owakudani Station on the Hakone Ropeway is filled with white smoke, and you can still feel the power of volcanic activity up close, and it is also a popular place to view Mt. Fuji.
There are many other places where you can see Mt. Fuji beautifully, so why not try taking pictures of Mt. Fuji from various places?
Scenery of Mt. Aso and Yufuin in Kyushu
If you want to take pictures of spectacular natural scenery, we recommend the Kyushu area.
photo by kenji-higuchi
Among them, Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture is home to one of the world's largest calderas, and you will be unable to stop pressing the shutter as you take in the magnificent scenery created by Mother Nature.
Yufuin photo by konnoriko
Yufuin in Oita Prefecture is also famous for its hot springs, and is a place where you can experience the idyllic scenery of Japan. Because it is located in a basin, morning fog is likely to occur from autumn to winter, creating a magical scenery.
Scenery of the Seto Inland Sea and Matsuyama Castle
There are many beautiful photo spots in the Shikoku area as well.
Islands in the Seto Inland Sea photo by usami
The Seto Inland Sea, located between Honshu and Shikoku, is the largest inland sea in Japan. There are many islands there, and it is also a treasure trove of spectacular scenery.
Please find your favorite island.
photo by usami
Matsuyama Castle in Ehime is also recommended. Matsuyama Castle is located on the top of Katsuyama Mountain in the center of Matsuyama City, and the view from there is spectacular, as well as the castle itself. The view looking down from the castle tower is a must-see.
From the observation deck in Takahashi City, you can sometimes see Matsuyama Castle floating in a sea of clouds in the early morning from autumn to spring. It's a view that can only be seen under the right conditions, but why not give it a try?
Points to note when photographing in Japan
Changes due to season and weather
There are four seasons in Japan, and the scenery changes dramatically in each season.
If you have an image of the scenery you want to photograph in advance, we recommend that you find out which season it is in before visiting Japan.
Also, be aware that there are times when it is difficult to go sightseeing as you would like, such as the rainy season from early June to mid-July, and typhoons hitting Okinawa directly from August to September. .
Manners at tourist spots
Please observe good manners when sightseeing and taking photos at tourist spots.
When you get absorbed in taking photos, you lose sight of your surroundings. Please be aware of your surroundings and compromise when taking photos.
Most temples and shrines prohibit the use of tripods, so avoid using them in those places.
Additionally, in recent years in Japan, there has been a problem of tourists trespassing on private property without permission in order to take photos. Even if it is a tourist destination, there are people who live there, so please be sure to do your sightseeing in moderation so as not to disturb their lives.
Basic Japanese phrases to avoid trouble
"Hello": Konnichiwa
"Thank you": Arigatou gozaimasu
"I'm sorry": Gomennasai
"Excuse me": Sumimasen
"Yes": Hai
"No": Iie
"Where is ⚪︎⚪︎?": ⚪︎⚪︎wa doko desuka?
“What is this?”: Korewa Nandesuka?
“How much is it?”: Ikura desuka?
Words to say before eating: Itadakimasu
Words to say after a meal: Gochisousama
lastly
Japan has so many photo spots that we can't introduce them here.
Over 70% of Japan's land is mountainous, boasting the second-highest forest rate in the world, and is surrounded by the ocean. Japan has a wide variety of magnificent and beautiful natural scenery, but on the other hand, it has many urban landscapes like Tokyo. It is a country with many attractions.
Please use this article as a reference and visit various places in Japan with your camera.
Wouldn't you like to not only take pictures of the scenery, but also take pictures of your family, lovers, and friends who traveled to Japan with you? You can shoot at any location of your choice, not only in Tokyo but all over Japan. A photographer who can speak English will be in charge of shooting while communicating closely with you!
"Capture My Japan" prices start from 49,500 yen per hour (including 50 edited photos). Currently, if you enter the coupon code " MCM-15218 " when applying, you can enjoy a 5% discount on your photoshoot experience. If you are considering requesting Capture My Japan, please make use of it!
Official website: https://capturemy.jp/
Affiliated photographer: https://lovegraph.notion.site/Photographers-2e00aa4468c0438dafe5ce576dd39be7
Written by
Tokyo
"Capture My Japan " is a photography service for tourists visiting Japan from overseas by Lovegraph Co., Ltd, which operates one of Japan's largest on- location photography session businesses. Would you like to capture yourself along with the beautiful scenery of Japan with a professional photographer? You can experience shooting at your favorite travel destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Capture My Japan's photographers have bases all over the country and can handle shooting in a wide range of areas. We have photographers who have passed a strict screening process, so you can leave your shooting to us with confidence! Japanese photographers who have a good understanding of each region will take care of your needs. Why not leave your memories of your trip to Japan together in a wonderful way?
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
Special Features
More
