Tokyo Portraiture Location Guide
Comprised of 23 different wards or mini-cities, Tokyo, Japan is the largest metropolitan area in the world. Within the sprawling behemoth there are a multitude of stunning locations for all types of portrait sessions. It doesn't matter if you are a family searching for a photographer to document your trip to Tokyo or a couple hoping for iconic pre-wedding photos, the location choices in the Japanese capital are seemingly endless.
When you book a portrait session with Tabo Photography you can rest easy knowing that we will pair your vision for your individual, couples, personal branding, or family photography session with the perfect location. I will be happy to offer my professional advice regarding location specifics and will be able to suggest a number of secret spots that even Tokyo locals rarely frequent.
Below you will find some of the best portrait locations in Tokyo's natural, urban, and traditional environments. Be sure to contact me today to discuss additional locations that may suits your interests, collaborate on a session that incorporates a variety of environments, or to reserve your session date.
When you book a portrait session with Tabo Photography you can rest easy knowing that we will pair your vision for your individual, couples, personal branding, or family photography session with the perfect location. I will be happy to offer my professional advice regarding location specifics and will be able to suggest a number of secret spots that even Tokyo locals rarely frequent.
Below you will find some of the best portrait locations in Tokyo's natural, urban, and traditional environments. Be sure to contact me today to discuss additional locations that may suits your interests, collaborate on a session that incorporates a variety of environments, or to reserve your session date.
Natural Portrait Locations In Tokyo
Tokyo is often thought of as a endless concrete jungle. But nothing could be further from the truth. There is no shortage of green space throughout the 23 wards. From bamboo forests to private parks, sakura groves to tranquil lakes on the outskirts of the city, Tokyo has ample space for portrait sessions in natural environments. Some of my favorite locations to for portrait sessions in natural environments are:
- Koishikawa Gardens - Koishikawa Korakuen is perhaps Tokyo's most stunning example of an idyllic Japanese garden. Built during the early Edo period, the private garden in the Iidaibashi district is not only a wonderful portrait location, but also offers clients the chance to meander through one of the most well kept and serene spaces the capital has to offer.
- Mount Mitake - For those wanting to elevate their heart rate and experience an active lifestyle session, Mount Mitake is the perfect choice. Towards the western end of the Chuo Line, Mount Mitake offers both high and low intensity trails, views of nearby Tokyo, cool temperatures, and plenty of portrait possibilities.
- Shinjuku Gyoen - One Tokyo's largest and most popular parks, Shinjuku Gyoen is perfectly positioned for those who want to incorporate a variety of locations into their session. Just a short walk from the world's busiest train station, the lawns and walking paths of Shinjuku Gyoen offer a tranquil escape from the urban bustle surrounding it.
- Jindai Botanical Garden - Located in Chofu, Jindai Botanical Garden is a sprawling, 105 acre garden on the outskirts of Tokyo. Though outside of the city center, Jindai serves as Tokyo's main botanical garden with one of Japan's largest rose gardens, plum and cherry groves, and immaculately maintained lawns.
- Nogawa Park - With a short train ride to western Tokyo lays Nogawa Park. With over 8,000 trees (with an impressive amount of sakura, maple, and ginkgo), the expansive space meanders along the Nogawa River and is truly beautiful in any season. For clients wanting to capture spring flare or blazing autumn colors, Nogawa Park is an excellent choice.
- Mount Hakone - A short walk away from Shin-Okubo (Tokyo's Korea Town) lays Mt. Hakone. This small hill and surrounding park are rarely crowded despite being one of the most lush garden areas in the metropolis. With seasonal flowers and close proximity to urban bustle, Mount Hakone is an excellent choice for extended portrait sessions.
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Urban Portrait Locations In Tokyo
From bustling, neon-soaked streets to tiny alleyways filled with cultural quirks, Tokyo was seemingly made for urban portrait sessions. For many clients, these charms make the Tokyo experience and will be what they remember from their time in Japan. It is my pleasure to not only photograph your session in an urban location, but to share local knowledge with clients who are ready to hit the city streets. Some of my favorite locations for urban portrait sessions in urban environments are:
- Kichijoji - While not quite yet on tourist radar, Kichijoji is one of trendiest neighborhoods in Tokyo. From boutiques nestled close to the station to a stroll through Inokashira Park, Kichijoji has something to offer everyone. When it comes to portraits, Kichijoji offers clients an upbeat, vibrant experience that will yield an eclectic mix of images.
- Nakano - Just outside of the throbbing city center, Nakano is the quintessential Tokyo neighborhood. Close to all major hubs, Nakano is the where clichés stop and Tokyo really begins. The district gives clients the chance to see well-rounded, local view of the Japanese capital and a portrait experience that is more relaxed than other urban locations near the city center.
- Shibuya - For sure, the Shibuya ward is one of Tokyo's most vibrant and busy districts. Generally packed with locals and tourists alike, portraits sessions in Shibuya have something for everyone. From the iconic Shibuya Crossing to the newly opened Shibuya Scramble Square, those wanting to capture metropolitan madness will love this pulsating district.
- Shinjuku - Much like Shibuya, Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's most popular wards. Home of the world's busiest train station, Shinjuku would lead anyone to believe that Tokyo is a city that never sleeps. From tiny local bars found in Golden Gai to views from the Metropolitan Building, each corner of the ward has a distinct character. For clients wanting to have an extended urban session, Shinjuku will not disappoint.
- Shimokitazawa - Referred to by locals as Shimokita, this neighborhood is a hub for hip youth culture. Intersected by the Keio Inokashira and Odakyu train lines, Shimokitazawa has an underlying current not found anywhere else in Tokyo. With colorful facades and interesting architecture, a lazy afternoon in Shimokitazawa is the perfect choice for a casual portrait session.
- Akihabara - Accessed directly by the Chuo-Sobu line, Akihabara is one of Tokyo's most popular destinations. As Japan's primary center for otaku culture, Akihabara is a buzzing district filled with electronics, anime shops, and an endless supply of arcades. Any session in Akihabara is best enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening as the neon lights soak the streets. Clients wanting to experience Akihabara with Tabo Photography should be prepared to play video games during their session.
- Odiaba - Many consider Tokyo to be a city solely comprised of metro bustle. But the real character of Tokyo can only be understood by gaining an overview of the various types of districts the city has to offer. Odaiba is an amazing example of a new and different side of Tokyo. Accessed by the famous Rainbow Bridge, the massive artificial island offers a different perspective of Tokyo as seen from the bay. From beach walks at Seaside Park to views of Mt. Fuji from the Daikanransha ferris wheel, Odaiba's interesting architecture, calm streets, and views offer plenty of opportunities for stunning portrait photography sessions.
- Kagurazaka - Known by locals as Little France, Kagurazaka is full of fusion bistros, coffee shops, and cheese stores. But the neighborhood has a deeper history hidden in its side streets. From beautiful temples to cobblestones alleyways, wooden facades to the small houses where Tokyo's remaining geisha still practice their time-honored traditions, Kagurazaka needs to experienced to be believed.
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Traditional Portrait Locations In Tokyo
Tokyo is more than a blade-runner-mecca. It is also a cultural capital, filled with a multitude of spaces that reflect both modern and ancient tradition. For those wanting to experience a tranquil, more spiritual Japan, a portrait session in one of Tokyo's many traditional environments will fit the bill. During your session we will respectfully navigate temples and shrine complexes, making timeless images in those sacred spaces. Some of my favorite locations for portrait sessions in traditional environments are:
- Meiji Jingu - At the edge of Harajuku sits Meiji Shrine, a complex that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his beloved wife, Empress Shōken. While the shrine does not contain the Emperor's grave, the massive torii gates and shrine complex inspire awe in all who visit. Surrounded by lush forests and private gardens, portrait sessions at Meiji are easily paired with alternate locations for extended portrait sessions.
- Zozoji Temple - Characterized by its deep crimson facade, Zozoji Temple is one of the most important Buddhist sanctuaries in all of the city. With the Tokyo Tower looming over the enclave's exterior, portrait shoots at Zozojo show the juxtaposition of both traditional and modern Japan.
- Nezu Shrine - Whether strolling through the shrine during May when the azaleas are in full blown or peaking through the orange torii gates and shrine complex during autumn, the Nezu shrine is a perfect choice for individuals, couples, or families who only have a short amount of time to spare.
- Kanda Myojin Shrine - Just a stone's throw from the blitz of Akihabara we find Kanda Myojin Shrine. Located in Chiyoda, the Shinto shrine dates back 1,27o years and has been painstakingly been rebuilt several times. Locally known by technophiles who wish to have their electronics blessed, Kanda Myojin is a tranquil and quirky background for portrait sessions.
- Jindaiji Temple - Jindai Temple is the second oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Uncrowded and quiet, Jindaiji is the epitome of a traditional portrait location and is the perfect place for those wishing to have a calm experience in a traditional Japanese location. With impressive architecture and few visitors, the complex is one of the most underrated portrait locations in the city.
- Sensoji Temple - Without a doubt, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo's most iconic Buddhist site. Located in Asakusa, the temple is generally swarmed with both locals and tourists. Yet, Sensoji can be easily navigated if you know the area. With Tabo Photography, Sensoji portrait sessions are carefully crafted so that your experience is relaxed and yields an amazing set of images.
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