9 best nighttime city views in Tokyo

While this entertainment district in Shinjuku once had a questionable reputation, it's famous for hidden spots and rare gems that can't be found anywhere else in Tokyo. Kabukicho is full of restaurants, bars and karaoke joints, along with movie theatres and live music venues. For the perfect photo op, don't forget to stop by the flashy main entrance – the brightly lit street sign somehow stands out in the sea of neon surrounding it. 

Tokyo’s oldest and grandest temple is wildly busy during the day, but visiting after dark is usually far more rewarding: crowds are manageable, the mighty temple structures are lit up until 11pm, and the closed rolling doors of the 250m Nakamise-dori shopping street are straight out of an Ikuo Hirayama painting. For a great aerial view, head to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center across the road from Sensoji's main gate. The rooftop viewing deck is open till 10pm.

The tallest freestanding tower in the world is one of the capital's go-to tourist destinations and makes for a pretty great photo op. Tokyo Skytree is brightly lit up in the evenings, making it pretty hard to miss from several vantage points around the city. For a good photo, head across the Sumida River near Asakusa (Sensoji Nitenmon) Pier, where you can see the entire tower without having to crane your neck. 

Tokyo went into a frenzy when this state-of-the-art 3D billboard was unveiled a few years ago. The star of the billboard is a super realistic giant 3D cat, which makes regular appearances throughout the day. The larger-than-life feline sleeps, wakes up and stares down at passersby between ads – it’s a sight to behold. To see it, head to the Cross Shinjuku Vision building across from Shinjuku Station's east exit. It’s particularly striking after dark when the 3D effect really stands out against the night sky.

There are also some other 3D billboards around Tokyo which look pretty cool at night.

A frenzy no matter what time of day, Shibuya's famed crossing is no less busy once the sun sets. The sheer amount of light from the surrounding billboards and buildings almost make it feel like it's still afternoon, but you definitely get a nighttime vibe when you're fighting the crowd crossing the junction. For a better photo, catch the spectacle from the indoor connecting bridge between Shibuya Station and Shibuya Mark City.

The city's most famous bridge was built in 1993 over Tokyo Bay to connect Shibaura pier with Odaiba. During the day, riding the futuristic Yurikamome line acxross the bridge gives you great views of the city and the water. But in the evening, the bridge really lives up to its name when you see the entire arch lit with a fury of rainbow lights. The best place to snap some photos? Head over to Odaiba where both Daiba Park and Odaiba Kaihin-Koen offer excellent views of the sprawling bridge. 

Roppongi Hills is the perfect vantage point to catch the iconic Tokyo Tower. You'll find a few prime spots around the central terrace area just behind the giant Maman spider sculpture, or on the pedestrian bridge over Keyakizaka-dori. We suggest you head over in the evening to see the tower lit up in all its orange glory, framed on both sides by rows of buildings. A visit in winter is especially beautiful as the trees along Keyakizaka-dori are adorned with sparkling holiday illuminations. 

There’s no better place to admire one of the capital's historic icons. The original red brick station building has been looking particularly spiffy after an extensive restoration a few years back. A major spot for many travellers passing in and out of the city, the sprawling station is a sight to see during the evenings when its entire façade is lit up with warm lights. 

At first glance, Ginza might seem to be all boutiques and modern buildings, but since opening in 1889, the Kabukiza Theatre has remained a symbol of the shopping hub. Even today, it's still a shrine to kabuki (classic Japanese dance-drama). After an extensive renovation by Kengo Kuma, completed in 2013, the building is lit up beautifully after dark. Once you've got enough shots the exterior for the 'gram, venture inside and take in a kabuki show – performances held most days of the month.