Unique Locations in Tokyo for Photos For The Gram

Locations in Tokyo for photos that you’ve never heard of

Tokyo is an influencer’s dream. Everything – from cafés to temples makes an effort to draw you in through an unique aesthetic and an array of seasonal events. From temples and shrines to restaurants and bars, this post covers five unique locations in Tokyo where you can hang out, enjoy the atmosphere, get some more insight into Japanese culture, as well as snap some cool photos.

Planning a trip to Tokyo?

Tokyo has so much to see and do. You can experience a lot of Japanese culture while marvelling at how a megacity like Tokyo manages to stay clean and organised. Although the winters are cold and snow is uncommon, Autumn season is very popular as the leaves in late November to early December cover Tokyo in a gorgeous red and orange. Summer is not as popular as it gets quite warm and humid, whereas Spring is the most popular season due to the cherry blossoms.

To learn more about sakura (cherry blossom) season you can find The Best Spots To Enjoy Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) In Tokyo. If Autumn is more your vibe then you can find The Best Locations For Amazing Autumn Photos In Tokyo. I hope this helps you during your trip. Now on with the unique locations in Tokyo…

Peach Temple, Takanawa

Who wouldn’t want to go to a peach temple?! This unique location in Tokyo checks all the boxes if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience while in Tokyo. Not only is it a short walk from Shirokane-Takanawa Station (Mita Line and Namboku Line) and Sengakuji Station (Asakusa Line and Keikyū Main Line) but it also gives you some insights into places of worship in Japan.

I actually just happened to stumbled past this hidden gem one day while walking around my neighbourhood where I lived in Tokyo. It is called Genshōji Temple and it is a Buddhist temple in Takanawa, Minato City. You can take photos at the front of the peach temple, but remember to be considerate of the locals coming to visit.

Where To Find Genshōji Temple:

Location: 〒108-0074 東京都港区高輪１丁目２３−28

Website: None

Train Cafe, Kanda

This train cafe is one of the most unique experiences you will find in Tokyo! In between two active train lines, you will find a glass restaurant called Platinum Fish Café. Platinum Fish Café is literally a glass house, so you can watch the trains passing by you on both sides. There is a terrace that makes for great photos while you watch the trains fly by. You will find this train cafe on the 2nd floor of the gentrified Maach E-Cute (マーチエキュート) shopping centre.

Platinum Fish Café offers curries, cocktails, and a kids’ menu, although I can’t recommend their food as I did not see any vegan options, but they do have a range of cute looking (but average tasting) cocktails. Food wise, the menu of this train cafe keeps to the travel theme by featuring produce selected from various areas across the country.

Where To Find Platinum fish Café:

Location: 〒101-0041 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Sudacho, 1 Chome−２５−4 マーチエキュート神田万世橋 2F

Website: Platinum Fish Cafe (Note: It does not seem to work at the time of writing this blog post, but the shop is still open).
Open: 11am – 11pm / 6 days a week (Sunday is open 11am – 9pm)

Red Torii Staircase, Nagatachō

Hie Shrine is a Shinto shrine with an immaculate garden, that holds several big festivals throughout the year. Apart from the gorgeous shrine, there are red torii gates that line the staircase at the back of the shrine, and if you go early enough in the morning you can have them all for yourself. You get the aesthetics of Kyoto’s Fushimi-Inari without having to do any dreaded exercise. Basically – a win-win! The shrine is wheelchair accessible (there is a lift and elevator on the main street) but the red torii staircase at the back is not.

During late April and early May, the shrine also comes alive with wisteria. To learn more about this unique location in Tokyo, you can find more information here: Authentic Tokyo Experience: Wisteria At The Stunning Hie Shrine.

Where To Find Hie Shrine:

Location: 2 Chome-10-5 Nagatachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0014

Website: Hie Jinja

Open: 6am – 5pm / 7 days a week

Izakaya Under the Train Tracks, Yurakucho

This is the ultimate location for salaryman spotting, as they flock here after working their long hours in nearby Ginza. Under the train tracks of Yurakucho you will find this unique location in Tokyo has major Showa retro grungy vibes that represent the izakaya (Japanese pub) culture. An izakaya (居酒屋 ) is a Japanese style bar that serves food and drinks, mostly nomi-hōdai (all you can drink) and tabe-hōdai (all you can eat). The prices for this service vary but the rules are always the same. Basically, you sit down, order drinks and food, and share with your group, usually for a 2-3 hour period.

Yurakucho features a collection of hole-in-the-wall eateries under a railway such as outdoor yakiniku (BBQ) restaurants. The rattling Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku Line train overhead adds to the atmosphere. This location is the best for getting right into the Tokyo lifestyle.

Although it is a little cold during winter, the hustle and bustle will keep you warm. 

Where To Find Yurakucho Izakayas:

Location: 2 Chome-1-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0006, Japan (From Yurakucho station towards Shimbashi station)

Website: Yokocho (this is one of the main series of bars, but there are lots of them!)

Open: lunchtime until late

Mirrored Staircase, Omotesando

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando is right in the heart of Omotesando – just a few steps away from Harajuku. The popular multi-level shopping plaza is usually bustling with visitors seeking international brands and rooftop views of Omotesando. The entrance itself is worth the visit as it is surrounded with angled mirrors. The reflections can create some unique photo opportunities.

This shopping plaza is located just across the street from the metro and a few minutes walk from the popular Harajuku shopping street Takeshita Dori. Even if you are not a big fan of fashion, Tokyu Plaza Omotesando is worth a visit to admire the unusual architecture. The rooftop terrace is also a great space to visit. With plenty of outside seating, you can enjoy the views of the city with a Starbucks.

Where To Find Tokyu Plaza, Omotesando:

Location: 4 Chome-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Website: Tokyu Plaza

Open: 11am – 8pm / 7 days a week