I was able to take these Tokyo Photos on two occasions – one visit in late 2012, one in early 2013. What might sound weird at first: Both times I’ve only been in Tokyo for one day! Alitalia had an error fare in their booking system that allowed flights from Europe to Tokyo for just 80 Euros, but with the limit to stay only for a maximum of 24 hours. Kind of crazy to visit Tokyo for ONE day TWICE – gotta love flying to do that.
Both times I flew from Munich via Rome or Milan to Tokyo. Great chance to catch some Pizza and Espresso in these beautiful cities! Once I arrived in Tokyo, I took the Narita Express line to Shibuya the first time. I only had my iPhone with me, so no Tokyo Photos from this visit. After Shibuya and the famous crossing I headed for Ginza and its vibrant shopping opportunities. After some food and souvenir shopping I headed home again. At the second trip, I took another train line from the airport to Asakusa Station. Over there, I checked out the Senso-Ji Temple and took some classic Tokyo Photos. After strolling around the area and the market, I took the Tokyo subway to Oshiage, and headed up the second-tallest building in the world: Tokyo Skytree Tower. The view from the tower was fantastic and gave awesome opportunities to take panorama Tokyo Photos. Afterwards I headed back home and have to say: It was worth it for even just one day each time!
Hans’ Tips for your own trip to Tokyo:
1. A great Travel Sketchbook highlighting Tokyo by foot!
2. The ultimate Travel Map for Tokyo
3. Tokyo Drift – Great Movie to get in the mood for Tokyo
Best Tokyo Photos Spots
- If you want the best panorama view of the city skyline, there are three options for you which are all great on their own way! Tokyo Skytree Tower is the highest structure in the city and one of the highest buildings in the world. Going up the elevator is an experience by itself, and taking Tokyo photos from above is breathtaking. You can also check out the older Tokyo Tower that offers a view from a very different part of Tokyo, which is also great – especially considering the awesome architecture of it. Another great choice is the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, where you can get access for the museum and the tower at the same time. Especially during the evening, the views are breathtaking. So are the Tokyo photos you can take there!
- One of the best Tokyo Photos stops is Shibuya crossing of course. To get a good photo, you need to get as high up as possible naturally, which can be quite difficult. One choice is Starbucks which is located on the first floor across the train station. You will have to get a coffee first though (which isn’t that bad) and hope for a spot at the window. You can also go up to the lobby of the Excel Hotel on the 19th floor which is the highest point, but not as easy to access (don’t annoy the staff please). The best option in my opinion is located directly inside the subway station when you exit the Asakusa line. It is located near a cafe and you can get a great view out of the window!
- For all you tech geeks out there wanting to take awesome Tokyo photos, you need to check out Akihabara! It is the tech, gaming, anime and nerd paradise in Tokyo, so go ahead and take some photographs there during day and (or) night!
