The 17 most Instagrammable places in Tokyo

Hello, kitties! This peculiar spot deep in Setagaya is known as the cat temple – and rightfully so, as it’s littered with thousands of arm-waving lucky cats in all sizes across the temple compound. Gotokuji is said to be the birthplace of the famed maneki neko (beckoning cat), those charming little kitties that supposedly bring good luck and happiness.

While you’re there… Stop by café Mahorodo Sogetsu for a cup of matcha green tea and a traditional wagashi sweet. 

For one of the most stunning views of Tokyo, head to the 360° open-air observation deck at the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. Shibuya Sky is approximately 230 metres above ground and is the highest point in the district of Shibuya. The ‘Sky Edge’, a corner where you can look down at the cityscape below without any obstruction, is a particularly good IG spot that provides a panoramic view of the city.

While you're there... Make a reservation at The Roof, Shibuya Sky's dazzling rooftop bar. It's open for a limited time until January 9 2023 and you can take in the sunset as well as Tokyo's jaw-dropping skyline at night. 

A frenzy of mirrors that looks like the inside of a kaleidoscope, this trippy mall entrance in the heart of Harajuku has become quite the popular photo op, tripping snappers out with its unique puzzle of reflections. Be aware: you might have to queue for your turn here.

While you’re there… Head on up to the sixth floor as the building is also home to a serene rooftop garden next to a Starbucks. Grab a coffee and enjoy the views.

While teamLab Borderless is now closed, teamLab Planets in Toyosu is definitely worth a visit. Another popular stop on Tokyo's tourist trail, the teamLab digital art museum is filled with endless Instagrammable spots. The 10,000sqm space showcases nine installations including a massive room of twinkling lights and a newer garden space filled with fresh flowers. 

While you’re there… Stop by teamLab's very own vegan ramen restaurant located right in the museum. It's another Instagrammable spot, so just make sure your camera eats first.

Not only a great place for food and drinks, this network of narrow alleyways hidden off the main streets of Shinjuku is also a popular spot for photographers looking to capture that iconic shot of Tokyo nightlife. What’s the appeal? Maybe it’s the mix of customers hustling through after work, or the lanterns gently glowing outside the restaurants. Either way, it makes for that perfect, quintessentially Tokyo city photo.

While you’re there… Head on over to Shinjuku's popular Golden Gai for a second (or third) round of drinks.

Although the towering gates of Meiji Jingu are a great draw, another special sight inside the spacious grounds are the rows upon rows of kazaridaru (decorative sake barrels) lining the walkway. So why are there so many? Every year, the barrels are donated by sake brewers from all over Japan and offered to the shrine deities at Meiji Jingu.

While you’re there… The entrance to Meiji Jingu is actually just a few minutes' walk from Harajuku's iconic Takeshita-dori. Knock them both off your list in one visit. 

One of Tokyo’s oldest neighbourhoods, Asakusa is a feast for the eyes and your Instagram feed. There are many photogenic scenes to be shot here, including Sensoji Temple with Tokyo Skytree looming in the background, and the nostalgic side streets filled with old-school charm. For an aerial shot of the temple surrounded, head up to the rooftop observation deck at the tourist information centre across the junction.

While you’re there… Fuel up at the Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku. The shop specialises in rice balls with all sorts of classic fillings like ume plum and salmon flakes. 

Shibuya’s famed crossing may be an obvious spot, but it shouldn’t be missed. Whether you’re in the thick of it walking through the masses or capturing the view from above the action, the scramble is always a mesmerising sight. Just don’t get trampled trying to get that perfect shot.

While you’re there… A great spot to catch the action is from the rooftop restaurant Shibuya Class at Magnet 109. The Korean barbecue joint is set up on the observatory terrace where you can watch the busy maze below over samgyeopsal and bottles of soju.

Polka dots reign supreme at the world's first museum dedicated entirely to contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. The space hosts two exhibitions annually, focusing on Kusama's entire repertoire, including pumpkins, phallic sculptures and, yes, those legendary polka dots.

While photos are limited to certain areas of the museum, you can snap photos at the rooftop space that usually features a large installation, as well as the mirrored elevator and washrooms that are covered floor to ceiling in polka dots. Mirror selfies, sorted.

While you're there... Take a short stroll to the Sumida River, which is a popular sakura spot in the spring. Check out Hotel Chinzanso's beautiful garden for even more seasonal foliage. 

Good old Tokyo Tower is the perfect spot to start your Instagram journey, as there’s nothing more iconic in the capital than this glowing orange mast. Whether you’re around the tower during the day or night, up close or from afar, there’s nothing that says Tokyo quite like our very own Eiffel Tower replica.

While you’re there… Settle in for a cocktail at the 33rd-floor Sky Lounge Stellar Garden (pictured) in The Prince Park Tower hotel across the road. Come for the winning views, stay for the drinks. 

The largest red-light district in Japan, Kabukicho makes the perfect evening photo op, especially when you take in the flashing lights over the iconic street entrance and the hordes of vibrant store signages. Home to numerous restaurants and the giant Godzilla head towering above Toho Cinemas Shinjuku, Kabukicho is one stop you’ll want to add to your Insta-feed.

While you’re there… Settle in for a singing session at one of the many karaoke parlours in the area, and then walk over for a nightcap at Golden Gai.  

The city's most famous bridge was built in 1993 over Tokyo Bay and is shaped like a rainbow, obviously. The 798-metre long bridge connects Shibaura Pier with the Odaiba waterfront and makes for a stunning shot whether lit up in the evening or under a sunny blue sky.

While you’re there… Make a pit stop at Toyosu Market for some early morning sushi or a glimpse at the famed tuna auction. You can also get a decent shot of the bridge from the rooftop garden on the Intermediate Wholesale Market Building. 

Located in Sekiguchi, this towering church was designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Inside, the cathedral is just as stunning as the exterior, with floor to ceiling, industrial-style stone walls that go as far as the eye can see. You can't take photos inside the church but the facade is just as Insta-perfect.

While you’re there… Make this place a stop on your tour through Tokyo via the historical Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line), the only streetcar left in Tokyo. To get to the cathedral, get off at Waseda Station.

There’s no better spot to capture sprawling views of the city than up on the roof of Roppongi Hills. Offering spectacular vistas of Tokyo, it also lets you admire most of the city’s iconic sights, including Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree and even Mt Fuji (on super clear days).

While you’re there… For more artistic inspiration, stop by the National Art Center for the latest art exhibitions. The edgy building makes a good photo op, too. 

Nothing says zen quite like the peaceful surroundings of this beautiful Japanese garden. The park represents 88 miniature scenes from famous Japanese poems and features a central pond as well as a pretty little teahouse. Catch the weeping cherry blossoms in spring and the stunning foliage in autumn for the best photo opportunities.

While you’re there… Go a few stations over and get off at Nishi-Nippori Station to explore the charming neighbourhood of Yanaka. It's home to ancient temples, excellent udon, shaved ice parlours and more. 

This street next to Roppongi Hills is one of the few places in the city where you’ll get an unobstructed glimpse of Tokyo Tower. Head on over to the mall and snap some shots from the elevated outdoor area. Better yet, find the bridge that crosses over Keyakizaka-dori for a winning view of the tower and the cherry trees lining the street – they are all lit during the holiday season.

While you’re there… Enjoy brunch at Bricolage Bread & Co; it's located right on Keyakizaka-dori. They've got a great selection of open-faced sandwiches, coffee from Fuglen Coffee Roasters, and a bakery where you can take away excellent baked goods. 

While this gorgeous space is technically not in Tokyo, you can reach Saitama's Kadokawa Culture Museum in just over an hour from central Tokyo. Being part of the multifaceted Tokorozawa Sakura Town complex, the 40-metre tall Kadokawa Culture Museum was designed by Japanese starchitect Kengo Kuma, and houses a library, cafés and a Grand Gallery. Arguably the most stunning space is the 'bookshelf theatre' that features 8m-high shelves holding a whopping 50,000 books.

While you're there... Drop by one of the other libraries in the complex, which is filled with 25,000 books published by Kadokawa, including an impressive selection of manga and young adult novels.