Grab your camera and travel to Japan! 16 recommended photo spots across Japan

• Table of Contents
• Photo spots in Tokyo
• Photo spots in Kyoto
• Photo spots in Hokkaido
• Okinawa photo spots
• Other area photo spots
• Things to note when shooting in Japan
• Capture My Japan with photos taken by professional Japanese photographers

" Capture My Japan " is a photography service for tourists visiting Japan from overseas, provided by Lovegraph Co., Ltd , one of Japan's largest on-location photography session businesses.

If you use the coupon code "MCM-15218" when applying, you can get a 5% discount and experience a professional photo shoot!

Apply for a Capture My Japan photoshoot using your 5% off coupon

Please take a look at the following article for more details about shooting with "Capture My Japan".

Photo spots in Tokyo

The Imperial Palace and its Surroundings

The Imperial Palace is the residence of their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, but it also has areas that are open to the public, such as gardens rich in nature, and is a popular tourist destination and photo spot.

There are many photo spots around the Imperial Palace, where many photographers gather to take pictures of wild birds, flowers, beautiful scenery, and stylish spots to take wedding photos.

It is within walking distance from Tokyo Station, making it an extremely accessible photo spot.

Imperial Palace

1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda ward, Tokyo

Tokyo Tower and Skytree

Tokyo Tower, which has long been a beloved symbol of Tokyo, stands 333 meters tall and was the tallest in the world when it was completed in 1958. If you take a photo on a sunny day, its red and white colors will stand out against the blue sky.

Another famous tower in Tokyo is the Skytree, which was completed in 2012. At 634m tall, it is the tallest tower in the world and the third tallest building in the world.

Both towers are great for taking photos of themselves, but you can also climb up to the observation deck and take photos of the Tokyo cityscape from above. We also recommend taking photos of the towers lit up at night.

Tokyo Tower

4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011

Tokyo Sky Tree

131-0045 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Tokyo Skytree is a radio tower located in Oshiage, Sumida Ward, Tokyo, which opened on May 22, 2012. One of Tokyo's landmarks, it is 634 meters high and is the world's tallest tower. What you can do to enjoy Japan's tallest tower in Asakusa is to take photos.

Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate

Once you pass through Kaminarimon Gate and head towards Sensoji Temple, you will come across Nakamise Shopping Street, one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. Many people enjoy shopping for souvenirs and eating Japanese sweets such as dorayaki and dango.

You can take pictures of the beautiful red Sensoji Temple from up close with a wide-angle lens, or you can take pictures of the Kaminarimon and Hozomon Gates from afar with a telephoto lens.

Seasonal scenery of Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen

Tokyo is a city lined with skyscrapers, but did you know that there are also several large parks with lush greenery in the city?

It is a place where you can experience the different seasons of Japan, with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn, and it is also a great spot for taking photos at your leisure.

Representative parks include Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen , both of which are close to the station and have excellent access. Why not bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some leisurely photography while taking photos? Both are also famous for their cherry blossoms, so we recommend visiting in the spring.

Yoyogi park

151-0052 2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

It is easily accessible from the station, and on weekends it is crowded with many people for cycling, picnics, musical instrument practice, various events, and flea markets. We also recommend spreading out the leisure sheet and relaxing in nature while looking at the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

Photo spots in Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple and its View

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is also registered as a World Heritage Site, is a historic shrine with approximately 1,200 years of history and is a famous tourist destination known to all Japanese people.

From the stage of the inner sanctuary, it is a very popular spot to take beautiful photos of the nature of Kiyomizu and the main hall. In addition, the view from the main hall overlooks the city of Kyoto, and you will surely be impressed by its beauty.

Kiyomizudera Temple

Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Higashiyama ward, Kiyomizu 1-294

Bamboo Forest Path in Arashiyama

The Bamboo Forest Path in Arashiyama, Kyoto City, is a 400m long road lined with bamboo groves on both sides and formed into a beautiful green tunnel.

It's a famous and popular tourist spot in Kyoto, so it's always crowded no matter when you visit... If you want to take photos without people in them, it's best to go early in the morning when there are fewer people.

By using a wide-angle lens, you can capture dynamic images of the bamboo forest stretching high into the sky.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Small Diameter

Sagatenryuji Suenobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 616-8385

Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji

Kinkakuji Temple is famous for its shining golden building, as the kanji character for "gold" is used in its name, and its official name is Rokuonji Temple.

If you take a photo of Kinkakuji Temple across the pond, you can get a beautiful photo with the scenery reflected in the pond.

We also recommend Ginkakuji Temple, which is often introduced together with Kinkakuji Temple. Although it contains the kanji character "gin" (silver), it is not silver in color.

Its official name is Jisho-ji Temple, and it is a place where you can experience the uniquely Japanese sensibilities of beauty such as "wabi" and "sabi."

Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji are beautiful at any time of the year, but we especially recommend visiting right after a winter snowfall, when you can see the temples' stunning white beauty.

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kita ward, Kinkakuji-cho 1

Ginkakuji (Higashiyama Jishoji Temple)

Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo ward, Ginkakuji-cho 2

Kyoto's famous cherry blossom and autumn foliage spots

Kyoto is also famous for its cherry blossoms in March and April, and for its autumn leaves in November.

Kyoto has many places where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, such as Ninna-ji Temple, Heian Shrine, Daigo-ji Temple, and Arashiyama, and the area is bustling with people who come to see the beautiful scenery.

If you visit Kyoto, try to time it to coincide with the cherry blossom or autumn foliage season so you can capture beautiful photos of the city that are quintessentially Japanese.

Photo spots in Hokkaido

The great nature of Mount Daisetsu

Daisetsuzan National Park, located in central Hokkaido, is the largest national park in Japan.

The beautiful natural scenery can be seen all year round, with alpine plants in spring and summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter.

If you want to take stunning photos of Hokkaido's majestic nature, we recommend Daisetsuzan National Park.

Daisetsuzan National Park

Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 078-1701

Winter scenery at Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, is the northernmost zoo in Japan, where temperatures can drop to minus 20 degrees in winter.

Although it is a tourist spot that can be enjoyed all year round, Asahiyama Zoo is home to many animals that originate from cold regions, such as seals and polar bears, making it a great place to visit in the winter.

In the winter you can see penguins walking around and take photos of lively animals that can only be seen in winter.

Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo

Kuranuma, Higashiasahikawa-cho, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido 078-8205

Scenery of Furano and Biei in Hokkaido

Furano city and Biei town in Hokkaido have become two of Hokkaido's most famous tourist destinations, with many photographers capturing their beautiful scenery.

There are many beautiful photo spots, such as the picturesque Shirogane Blue Pond and Shikisai-no-Oka , with its rainbow-colored flower fields.

However, most of the hills in Biei are privately owned by farmers, and entering the fields without permission is considered trespassing. Be careful not to get too caught up in taking photos and trespassing.

Shirogane Blue Pond

Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-0235

Hakodate night view

Mount Hakodate in Hakodate City can be reached by ropeway, where you can also see its world-famous night view.

You can look down on the night view of the city, which has a unique shape sandwiched between the Tsugaru Strait and Hakodate Bay, and you're sure to be captivated by the glittering scenery.

Hakodate is served by the Shinkansen and has an airport, making it very easy to access from other cities. Why not stop by when you visit Japan?

Hakodateyama Ropeway Sanroku Station

19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido 040-0054

Okinawa photo spots

View of Kouri Bridge

Kouri Ohashi Bridge is a 1,960m-long bridge that connects Kouri Island and Yagaji Island. The bridge, which spans the beautiful emerald green sea, is a popular driving course.

If you want to take a photo of the Kouri Bridge and the sea together, we recommend taking the photo from Kouri Beach.

You can also see the entire Kouri Bridge from Kouri Ocean Tower.

Kouri Bridge

〒905-0406 Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefectu...

Okinawa's traditional villages and culture

Okinawa was once called the Ryukyu Kingdom, and has a history of being a separate country from Japan. Because of this, it has a unique culture and scenery that is different from other places. Even a single private home is built in a completely different way from other parts of Japan.

At theme parks such as " Okinawa Native Village " and " Ryukyu Mura ," you can take photos of traditional Okinawan scenery. You can also experience Okinawa's unique culture, so if you visit Okinawa, be sure to stop by.

Ryukyu Mura

1130 Yamada, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture 904-0...

Other area photo spots

Views of Hakone's hot springs and Mt. Fuji

Hakone is a famous tourist destination known for its hot springs, and is also a great spot to see Mount Fuji, Japan's landmark.

It is easily accessible from Shinjuku in Tokyo with just one train ride, and is visited by many people from both inside and outside of Japan. In particular, Owakudani Station on the Hakone Ropeway is a popular spot where you can see white smoke rising from the volcano, feel the power of volcanic activity up close, and enjoy a view of Mt. Fuji.

There are many other places from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji, so why not try taking photos of the beautiful mountain from various locations?

Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station

1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, 250-0408

Owakudani Station of the Hakone Ropeway is located at an altitude of 1,044 meters, halfway between the line connecting Sounzan Station and Togendai Station. Around the station, you can enjoy the impressive view of Owakudani, where smoke rises from active volcanic activity, up close. Inside the station, there is the "Owakudani Station Shop," which sells souvenirs and original goods exclusive to Hakone. At the "Owakudani Station Restaurant" on the second floor, you can enjoy meals such as "Special Owakudani Curry" while looking out at the smoke-filled area. In addition, from the observation deck in front of the station, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi, and enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. Owakudani Station is popular with many tourists as a spot where you can experience the mystery of Hakone's nature and volcanic activity. (Photo by AC)

Scenery of Mount Aso and Yufuin in Kyushu

If you want to take pictures of spectacular natural scenery, the Kyushu area is recommended.

Among them, Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture is home to one of the world's largest calderas, and you'll find yourself unable to stop taking pictures of the magnificent scenery created by nature.

Also, Yufuin in Oita Prefecture, famous as a hot spring resort, is a place where you can encounter the idyllic scenery of old Japan. As it is located in a basin, morning fog is likely to occur from autumn to winter, creating a fantastical landscape.

Yufuin Onsen village

356-1 Yunohira, Yufuincho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture 〒879-5112

Yufuin Town in Yufu City is located in the center of Oita Prefecture. At the northeastern end of the mountain stands Mt. Yufudake, which is 1,584 meters above sea level and is known as Bungo Fuji. In the town known as a hot spring town, Yufuin and Yunohira have been designated as national hot spring resorts, boasting the second largest amount of spring water in Japan. Yufuin Onsen is located in a basin surrounded by 1,000m-class mountains with Mt. Yufu as its symbol. The rustic atmosphere and the scent of the city are a perfect match, and it is a hot spring resort that is crowded with tourists from all over the country throughout the year. Yunohira Onsen is a 10-minute drive from JR Yunohira Station. It is a hot spring area that opens along the Kagono River. The slopes of the ryokan town are paved with cobblestones, creating an atmosphere. The hot spring area has a long history, and has prospered since the Edo period as a hot spring resort specializing in gastrointestinal ailments.

Scenery of the Seto Inland Sea and Matsuyama Castle

There are also many beautiful photo spots in the Shikoku area.

The Seto Inland Sea, located between Honshu and Shikoku, is the largest inland sea in Japan and is home to numerous islands and a treasure trove of stunning scenery.

Each island has a different atmosphere, such as Naoshima , where modern art pieces are dotted across the island, Shodoshima , which is popular for its photogenic white Greek windmills, and Okunoshima , where a large number of rabbits live all over the island. It's a fun place to go island-hopping, as each island has its own unique atmosphere. Be sure to find your favorite island.

We also recommend Matsuyama Castle in Ehime. Located at the top of Mount Katsuyama in the center of Matsuyama City, Matsuyama Castle offers not only a great view of the castle itself, but also a wonderful view from the castle tower. The view from the castle tower is a must-see.

From the observation deck in Takahashi City, in the early morning hours between autumn and spring, you can see Matsuyama Castle floating in a sea of clouds. This view can only be seen when certain conditions are right, but it's definitely worth a try.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

716-0004 1 Uchisange , Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture

It is the only mountain castle in Japan with a castle tower remaining, and is one of 12 castles with surviving castle towers from the Edo period. Huge rock walls over 10 meters high tower around the mountain castle, and it still has the appearance of an "impregnable castle." Recently, it has become a popular photo spot nationwide as a "mountain castle floating in the sea of clouds," and many fans visit from early in the morning during the season when the sea of clouds can be seen. If you want to take photos of the fantastical mountain castle scenery, head to the Unkai Observatory. Try to visit at dawn between September and April, when the sea of clouds appears.

Things to note when shooting in Japan

Seasonal and weather fluctuations

Japan has four seasons, and the scenery changes dramatically with each season.

If you have an image of the scenery you want to photograph in mind, we recommend finding out what season it will be in before visiting Japan.

Also, be aware that there are times when it can be difficult to sightsee as you would like, such as the rainy season from early June to mid-July, and in Okinawa in particular, typhoons hit the area from August to September.

Manners in tourist areas

Please observe proper etiquette when sightseeing and taking photographs in tourist areas.

If you get too absorbed in taking photos, you will lose sight of what is going on around you. Be mindful of your surroundings and be considerate of others when taking photos.

The use of tripods is generally prohibited in temples and shrines, so please refrain from using them in such places.

Recently in Japan, there has been a problem with tourists trespassing on private property without permission in order to take photos. Even in tourist areas, there are people living there, so please be considerate when sightseeing and do not disturb their lives.

Basic Japanese phrases to avoid trouble

"Hello": Konnichiwa

"Thank you very much": "Thank you very much"

"I'm sorry"

"I'm sorry": Sumimasen

"Yes": Hai

"No": Iie

"Where is ⚪⚪?": ⚪⚪wa doko desuka?

"What is this?"

"How much is it?"

What to say before eating: Itadakimasu

What to say after a meal: Gochisousama

Capture My Japan with photos taken by professional Japanese photographers

There are so many photo spots in Japan that it's impossible to introduce them all here.

With over 70% of its land area covered by mountains and the second highest forest coverage in the world, Japan is surrounded by the sea and is home to a variety of magnificent and beautiful natural landscapes as well as urban landscapes such as Tokyo, making it a country with plenty to see.

I hope you all use this article as a reference and visit various places in Japan with your camera in hand.

Why not take photos of your family, partner, or friends who came to Japan with you, as well as the scenery? You can take photos at your favorite locations throughout Japan, not just in Tokyo. An English-speaking photographer will be in charge of the shoot, communicating closely with you!

The rate for "Capture My Japan" starts from 49,500 yen per hour (including 50 edited photos). Currently, you can get a 5% discount on your photography experience by entering coupon code " MCM-15218 " when applying. If you're considering requesting services from Capture My Japan, be sure to take advantage of this offer!

Official website: https://capturemy.jp/

Photographers: https://lovegraph.notion.site/Photographers-2e00aa4468c0438dafe5ce576dd39be7

Apply for a Capture My Japan photoshoot using your 5% off coupon