Top 10 most famous check-in spots in Tokyo

When we think of Japan, most of us probably first think of Tokyo, one of the most populous and developed urban areas in the world. This city also embodies a rich blend of Japan's cultural values, seamlessly combining both modern and ancient elements.

There are so many entertainment venues in this city that will interest you, and it is difficult to see them all within 1-2 days. So, to save time on your trip, today let's explore the 10 most famous check-in places in Tokyo (in my opinion)!

1. Ochanomizu Station (御茶ノ水駅)

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oU4TAGgz41TCx4Kt9

The first location will be a train station that has recently become very popular on social media, appearing in the Anime movie “Suzume no Tojimari”.

What makes this train station special is that you can see three trains coming from three different directions, all in the same frame. It’s truly a fascinating and unique sight.

This angle is from the Hijiri-bashi bridge near the station. It requires a bit of patience and luck to capture this perfect moment, making it even more rewarding when you do.

I took this photo at 07:36'.

I took this photo at 9:05′. Good luck to everyone hunting for great photos here 😛

2. Odaiba artificial island.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FesUgwPtx5ZkCWYY7

Odaiba is an artificial island in Tokyo, located about 20km or 25 minutes by train from central Shinjuku (with the nearest station being Tokyo Teleport Station). It is a high-tech entertainment hub, offering many spots for entertainment, shopping, and photography. Let’s explore some of the famous photography areas here!

• Statue of Liberty – Statue of Liberty.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ju6pwdir2n75ayuu8

This is one of the three official Statues of Liberty worldwide (the other two are in France and the US), built in 2000. It’s an essential check-in spot for tourists visiting Tokyo.

You can stand on the bridge and capture photos with the statue, just like this:

Or like this =)))

Just kidding, it's like this.

• Rainbow Bridge Observatory

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/N4LQDDGhEGYZxYYL7

This bridge connects the central mainland of Tokyo with the artificial island of Odaiba. Due to its curved shape and the vibrant lighting at night, it resembles a rainbow, creating a stunning view.

• Unicorn Gundam Statue

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7kU6nxjkk6cAZ8h47

This is a giant 1:1 scale Gundam model, replicating the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam, located outside the DiverCity Tokyo shopping center. You can also enjoy shopping and have lunch here before stepping out to take photos with this impressive model.

Another unique feature of this Gundam model is that it lights up and transforms at four special times throughout the day: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00, making it even more captivating to witness.

However, the Gundam show that impressed me the most was the one at Yokohama Gundam Factory. Here, Gundam can move, move, transform and show the controller inside, extremely attractive. See more articles about the Gundam show in Yokohama HERE .

However, the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam model is equally majestic, with meticulous attention to detail, and is also an essential spot for check-in photos in Odaiba.

• Fuji Television Network (Fuji Television Network)

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Aqzbqd5dG4kwcTsX7

A building with very unique architecture, and if you have some extra time, it’s worth visiting to explore its intriguing design.

3. Harajuku Fashion Street.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pE1zoFgsyhWC2RzJ6

Harajuku is one of Tokyo's four busiest streets (along with Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza). It’s a vibrant fashion hub, filled with clothing stores offering unique styles. You’ll also see many people cosplaying characters from Japanese movies, adding to the lively atmosphere of the area.

4. Cafe Reissue

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5puG72uZxYJT225T7

This is a must-visit café when you’re in Harajuku. It’s an art café tucked away in a small alley near Takeshita Fashion Street, offering a unique and artistic atmosphere.

The shop can create 3D images of famous Japanese cartoon characters or any 2D images you desire. All you need to do is show the image you want to be made to the staff, and they will skillfully draw it for you on an artistic coffee cup.

Since the restaurant’s space is limited, it can only accommodate a certain number of customers at a time. You’ll need to take a number and wait outside until it’s your turn.

A little tip for you: when you visit Harajuku, grab a number at the café first, then take a stroll and shop around Takeshita Street. When you return, you can head straight into the café without having to wait in line.

Some videos I shot at the shop:

Not only does it have a beautiful appearance, but the coffee also tastes absolutely wonderful, making it a perfect experience.

5. Shibuya street.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oUfnfNVKDqTGQ3Xe9

The next street in the four largest streets of Tokyo. This street is considered one of the iconic images of Tokyo as well as Japan. It has appeared many times in Hollywood movies, the most famous of which is the legendary drift in “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”.

Let's go through some famous check-in spots in Shibuya.

• Hachiko Memorial Statue (Hachikō Memorial Statue)

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/k9pLF5X426WhEgNW7

The statue commemorating Japan's famous loyal dog, Hachiko, is located right outside Shibuya Station, drawing many visitors who come to check-in and take photos.

• Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jM6NqTebgDio6d9u9

This is the location featured in the short film I attached above, a true symbol of Tokyo. This intersection is considered the busiest crossing in the world, with up to 3,000 people crossing at once. Let’s watch a time-lapse video I shot at this iconic intersection:

Next, I’ll show you two spots where you can easily shoot videos like this!

+ Starbucks Coffee Shibuya

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2YLjS1eujdfpc9M39

The advantage of this spot is that you can film quite close to the 4th intersection, allowing for the clearest and most dynamic shots.

The downside is that it can be very difficult to get a seat here, as there are almost always a lot of people waiting in line for the chance to enjoy this beautiful view.

+ Mag's Park Rooftop Shibuya Crossing (Shibuya 109)

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oYzhKh8v1sLXPYrW6

A restaurant/café located on the rooftop of the Shibuya 109 building, which is also the spot where I shot the time-lapse video above.

The advantage of this spot is that the space is quite spacious and less well-known than the Starbucks Coffee above, meaning it’s not too crowded. This makes it easier to find a good spot to film and take photos of the Shibuya 4 intersection.

The downside of the restaurant is that the space is outdoors with no roof, making it a bit inconvenient when it's sunny or rainy.

• Shibuya Sky Building.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eCEMqB7mNJSWYVia9

The 360-degree observatory, located on the rooftop of the Shibuya Scramble Square building, offers a stunning view of the entire city and, on clear days, Mount Fuji in the distance.

If you want to catch the sunset at the observatory, it's best to book tickets on the website about 1-2 weeks in advance, as this popular spot tends to sell out quickly.

Shibuya Sky ticket purchase homepage link: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/ticket/

Here, I also had the chance to experience the elevator ride to the 47th floor for the first time, with stunning lighting effects inside. Make sure to have your camera ready before entering the elevator to capture the mesmerizing lights!

6. Shinjuku.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yWyjRF9qiDbeWEoLA

The next iconic street in Tokyo is home to the world's busiest train station – Shinjuku Station (recorded in the Guinness Book of Records in 2007 for serving 3.6 million people in one day).

Walking around Shinjuku Station can easily take hours, not to mention the incredibly vast underground system, which can make it easy for even long-time Tokyo residents to get lost.

Let’s explore some beautiful photography spots on this bustling street!

• Omoide Yokochō

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6k44RPLWX4hQdyxt6

This is a renowned little alley in Shinjuku, home to traditional Japanese-style pubs that capture the essence of local culture.

The alley is always filled with the smoky aroma of grilled dishes, creating an incredibly enticing atmosphere.

The contrast between the classic style of the alley and the modernity of Shinjuku makes it so special, and also attracts many photographers to "work" here.

• Kabukicho

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GeDzF9tB8AZBM2QJ7

Many people have likely heard of this street, even if they haven’t been to Japan. Kabukicho is one of the top ten largest red-light districts in the world.

In stark contrast to the quiet daytime, the street comes alive at night, bustling with numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, and even adult shops, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Additionally, there’s a popular check-in spot: a life-sized Godzilla model standing next to the Toho cinema, attracting many visitors for a photo opportunity.

• Cross Space Shinjuku (Giant 3D billboard)

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1oThscn2bKNUpxX8

The last spot in Shinjuku I want to introduce is the massive 3D billboard located right in front of Shinjuku Station, a striking landmark in the area.

The large 3D billboard is incredibly realistic, often featuring an adorable calico cat in various charming scenes.

7. Sensoji Temple.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JQWfxd6s1FmPsBiGA

Leaving behind the modern cities, we arrive at an incredibly ancient place with a rich history. Completed in 645, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple and is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

In my opinion, the best time to visit Sensoji Temple is after 5:00 p.m., when all the lanterns are lit, including the massive lantern in front of Kaminarimon. This creates a truly beautiful scene, perfect for photography.

Additionally, I’ll show you how to capture stunning panoramic photos of the temple from above with ease.

Go to the “Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center” building opposite the temple and go up to the 8th floor (free), open 9am-8pm.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HZs2o7JdZw1cn2jR7

There’s also a café on the 8th floor where you can sit, relax, and enjoy a view of Sensoji Temple from above. In front of the café, there are steps that lead down to a perfect photo spot, with small windows allowing camera users to easily extend their lenses for a clear shot.

And here is my result:

8. Tokyo Skytree.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AoN43X94Czq8dn3r6

Tokyo is home to a complex of broadcasting towers, restaurants, and observatories. The tower stands at 634 meters, making it the tallest tower in the world when it was completed in 2011.

You can buy tickets online to visit the tower and go up to the observation deck to see the city from above here: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/ticket/individual/

Alternatively, you can take a stroll through Sumida Park, located opposite the tower, and capture beautiful photos, especially during cherry blossom season.

Sumida Park address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z3fMBU2rqbULVfUz6

9. Tokyo tower.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F4wSzZa36huT1sRW6

Another iconic communication tower and observatory in Tokyo, inspired by France's Eiffel Tower, is painted in the distinctive white and red colors. Standing at 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is Japan's second tallest structure.

Near Tokyo Tower there is a “secret area” where you can take pictures of the entire tower very easily.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/V16W6v57cEez7rwg7

This is the terraced area of a nearby parking lot, but due to its incredible view, it has become a popular spot where many people come, often lining up to capture the perfect shot of Tokyo Tower.

10. Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MMCXt9WxiSn6g4dm9

The Imperial Palace is an incredibly vast area, encompassing buildings, palaces, private residences of the imperial family, and also serving as the residence of the Japanese Emperor.

These are, in my opinion, the top 10 most interesting places to visit and take photos in Tokyo. If you know of other beautiful spots in Tokyo, feel free to comment below and share with everyone. Thank you for reading until the end of the article!

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