5 Unique Photography Spots And Public Art Works In Tokyo

Tokyo is full of fun places to visit, exciting things to try, and of course delicious foods to eat. More and more people are visiting this megacity in the hopes of taking in some of its unique cultural points.

Most art fans will know that in Shibuya Station you can find The Myth of Tomorrow, a sprawling mural by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto, but throughout the city there are plenty of public pieces of art to enjoy. There are Buddhist statues of Jizo in many areas, as well as works of street art by international and Japanese artists decorating the city too.

If you're an Instagram addict, or an aspiring photographer, then you might want to consider visiting some of these famous and not so well known spots during your visit to Tokyo.

1. The Eye of Shinjuku

From: Top 5 Stunning Public Art Installations In Tokyo

Considered the oldest work of public art in Tokyo, "The Eye of Shinjuku" was created by Japanese artist Yoshiko Miyashita in 1969 and is installed in Shinjuku Station's underground passage. This eye has seen millions of people in its lifetime, and watched the city change - that's why it's said to symbolize the memory of Shinjuku itself.

2. LOVE in Shinjuku

From:Valentine's Day In Japan - What To Do?

Made by the American artist Robert Indiana, this towering public art installation in Shinjuku has worked its way into Japanese pop culture history. According to legend, if you can pass between the ‘v’ and ‘e’ without touching the sides while thinking about your crush, your love will be returned.

3. Roppongi Area

From: Enjoy Roppongi! 6 Fun Activities You Can Do For Less Than 1000 Yen

Roppongi in general is filled with many works of public art, but one of the most well known is the giant spider at Roppongi Hills. Called "Maman", this spider is the work of French artist Louise Bourgeois, and was produced in 2002.

Nearby, you'll also find "Rose", a towering statue of a rose by Isa Genzken, which was brought to Roppongi in 2003.

4. Odaiba Statue of Liberty

From: Odaiba Travel Guide - 15 Must Do Things In Tokyo's Best Entertainment Spot!

First installed in 1998, the French Statue of Liberty (1889) was brought from the Ile des Cygnes in Paris, France to Odaiba Beach Park, and a replica of that famous work now stands in its place. This is a popular photo spot in Odaiba, the entertainment capital of Tokyo, and an ideal place to sightsee too.

Plus, Odaiba is home to the massive, internationally known Gundam statue as well.

5. Tokyo's Great Buddha

From: There Is A Great Buddha Statue in Tokyo!? Yes! At Jorenji Temple

Hidden away in a quiet residential neighborhood is Japan's third largest bronze Buddha. The Daibutsu of Jorenji Temple stands 13 meters tall from base to crown and weighs a staggering 32 tons. Given its somewhat secluded location, this temple is a great place to see if you are looking to experience the tranquility of a Buddhist temple and aren't a big fan of crowds.

Bonus - Unusual Character Statues in Asakusa!

From: The Hidden Treasures of Sensoji Temple: Eccentric Statues?!

Scattered throughout the grounds of Sensoji Temple in Asakusa you will find small statues of popular Japanese characters like Ultraman, or the spooky characters from Gegege no Kitaro as well as statues of historical figures too. Why not see if you can spot all these eclectic statues for yourself?

Whether you are looking for SNS photo spots, hoping to challenge your photography skills, or just a fan of art, Tokyo has plenty of great free public arts displays to enjoy - you might even find some works of art by your favorite artist just tucked away on a side street here!