A Photographer’s Guide to Tokyo, Japan

Your curated record of Tokyo Photography Locations

Tokyo is Japan’s shiny shining star; a metropolis of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, Japanese delicacies (yum!) and a tradition that’s a magical mix of quirky and quaint. When it involves Tokyo images areas you’re spoilt for alternative and discovering a photograph spot that tickles your fancy is as simple as saying ichi, ni, san…

You can’t depart Tokyo feeling the identical as if you arrived. A go to will overwhelm and excite with innovation, shock with characters and deal with with fascinating edible creations.

For photographers, Tokyo is a metropolis that allows you to {photograph} road scenes, landscapes, cultural portraits and ornate particulars. A go to to Tokyo along with your digital camera is sort of a unending experience, there’s a photograph alternative round each nook and also you’ll depart with a full reminiscence card of photos! Photo spots in Tokyo are present in all instructions regardless of which one you resolve to discover first.

This Tokyo information lists a set of my favorite images areas all through Tokyo. After visiting eight occasions I’ve explored numerous town however there’s additionally a lot extra to see that’s hidden throughout the alleys and surrounding districts that sooner or later I’ll get to see too.

From Asakusa to Shibuya, Shinjuku and all of the picture spots in between, I hope this information will deal with you properly when exploring Tokyo along with your digital camera and please let me know within the feedback in the event you’ve received any questions on your journey!

Where to search out the perfect Tokyo picture spots?

As with all of my guides, scroll to the underside to discover a summarised record of the areas and map noting precisely the place every images location is to get you began. You can open the map in Google Maps and take it with you throughout your travels to maximise the time you spend taking pictures! If you’ve solely received sooner or later in Tokyo, make a remark of which areas are near your resort or seize a subway move and zoom across the metropolis making an attempt to go to as many as attainable.

To use this information, proceed shopping to search out some pattern photos, location info and suggestions for the perfect time to go to and nice angles to seize at every Tokyo picture spot… have enjoyable!

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A Photographer’s Guide to Tokyo –

#1 Asakusa

Historic, photogenic and crammed with previous world appeal, Asakusa is my favorite district of Tokyo. Streets right here nonetheless present indicators of the Edo interval from the 1600-1800s with quiet alleys and low-rise buildings. At the centre of the district is Sensō–ji Temple, one of many highlights of any journey to Tokyo. Scroll beneath to learn extra about Sensō–ji Temple and a few of its picture spots.

Throughout Asakusa you’ll discover coated streets like Shin-Nakamise the place store fronts make for attention-grabbing pictures and small eating places and tea homes with conventional gardens squeezed between extra trendy buildings. Personally, my favorite scene is within the early hours of the morning when the shops are literally closed. Many have painted their doorways with lovely Japanese characters and conventional scenes, a sight that images fantastically as folks move on bicycles on their technique to work.

You’ll discover an incredible mixture of historical and trendy tradition seen in Asakusa, in the event you occur to be within the space at evening, you should definitely pop by Hoppy Dori, a road the place you’ll be able to eat exterior in a collection of small izakaya eating places serving the whole lot from sukiyaki to sushi.

Best For: Capturing road scenes and evident pockets of the Edo interval.

Best Time to Visit: If you’re photographing the close by Sensō–ji Temple, it’s all the time greatest to go to both within the early hours of the morning (dawn), or after darkish to make sure there’s much less crowds.

Best View: In addition to the road scenes, rise up excessive on the Asakusa Cultural Centre. Head as much as the 8^th ground for wonderful views over the world and alongside the photogenic Nakamise buying road in the direction of Senso-ji temple. Entry is free!

#2 Sensō–ji Temple

The Sensō–ji temple advanced is open 24hrs which means you’ll be able to go to and {photograph} everytime you like. Entry to the primary corridor is simply attainable throughout daylight nevertheless the grounds are value a go to alone offering plenty of potential compositions to seize the pagoda and temple buildings. Capture the solar rising over the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) on the finish of Nakamise Street, solar stars from the balcony of the primary corridor within the morning, or lengthy exposures of shifting crowds at nightfall or the blue hour constrasting in opposition to the putting purple temple. Another good spot is beneath the Hōzōmon or “Treasure House Gate” the place you will have traces main in the direction of the primary corridor and might {photograph} the

Read extra – ‘Photographing Sensō–ji Temple at Sunrise’

Best For: Iconic temple images and dawn.

Best Time to Visit: Because the grounds are open 24hrs, you’ll be able to go to everytime you like. Just be aware that in the course of the day it could actually get very, very busy right here and might be wall to wall folks. Sunrise and nightfall/twilight are the perfect for images.

Best View: Stand on the balcony of the primary corridor and {photograph} again over the entire utilizing the lanterns to border your picture.

#3 Harajuku

Where the phrase vibrant is an understatement and loopy has no limits. Harajuku is like getting into Willy Wonka’s thoughts; it’s quirky, cultural and so fabulous. Head straight for Takeshita Street to expertise all of the extraordinary fashions, flavours and traits that are compacted right into a small alley that in itself, makes an incredible scene to seize.

Harajuku isn’t nearly all issues excessive although, within the again streets you’ll really discover some actually peaceable residential areas. There’s little pockets crammed with parks, playgrounds and boutique shops however I discovered the structure to be essentially the most spectacular factor. Houses designed with a full glass frontage of all sizes and styles makes for an attention-grabbing wander and also you’ll discover numerous little companies, most with cute signage which are additionally picture worthy.

This space can also be dwelling to Omotesando Avenue, a trendy road typically in comparison with the Champs Elysee of Paris with it’s leafy, tree-lined look and high-end malls. Venture down the streets to the north of the avenue and that is the place you’ll uncover the structure I used to be mentioning above.

Best For: Anything and the whole lot, Harajuku is the place you’ll be able to anticipate the surprising.

Best Time to Visit: Rather than avoiding the crowds, I feel the crowds really assist to create the environment right here so purpose to go to after 11am.

Best View: When arriving through Harajuku Station head for Takeshita Street and on the entrance there’s an incredible vantage level to seize the hive of pleasure. Also Tokyu Plaza which is positioned on Omotesando Avenue has a really futuristic and photogenic escalator at it’s entrance…so photogenic it’s possible you’ll must get in line to take your pictures right here.

Read extra – “Cultural Portraits – How to Photograph People While Travelling“

#4 Meiji Jingu Shrine

Located throughout the dense forested great thing about Harajuku and Shibuya beside Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine is a should see when visiting Tokyo. The shrine repeatedly hosts conventional Japanese weddings and ceremonies making it a incredible location to seize portraits and scenes that showcase the Japanese customs and in addition clothes.

The entrance to Meiji Shrine is a protracted tree lined avenue with an enormous torii gate which makes for a gorgeous picture. You’ll additionally discover all the fascinating particulars discovered inside a Shinto Shrine such because the Temizuya (entrance fountain), worship halls, Ema (small picket charms used to make prayers and desires) and ornate picket options.

Best For: Cultural portraits and plush surroundings

Best time to Visit: Early morning offers much less crowds and a relaxing environment for images.

Best View: From the doorway trying down the forested avenue is a superb view, in any other case, enterprise into the primary space and cross your fingers there’s a marriage happening…it’ll be the spotlight of your journey!

#5 Yoyogi Park

If you occur to be in Tokyo on a Sunday, you should definitely take a stroll by way of Yoyogi Park. This is the place cosplay costumes come out to play and the place locals come to stroll their canines…in prams, additionally in costume. It actually is the perfect. Groups just like the Rockabilly Dancers are there most weekends performing however in any other case it’s simply an open house of 134 acreas the place folks can come to calm down whether or not meaning having a picnic lunch or dressing up as an alternate character.

In November and early December the autumn colors flip the park right into a panorama photographers wonderland and are available April, the cherry blossoms do the identical.

Grab a picnic and sit within the park to {photograph} all of the festivities and faces, to not point out the background which is equally lovely.

Best For: Photographing cosplay costumes and landscapes.

Best Time to Visit: Sundays round lunch time.

Best View: The southern finish of Yoyogi Park tends to be the place most individuals hang around in the event you’re after portraits. Otherwise enterprise by way of the park to search out your personal little excellent spot. There’s plenty of ponds, fountains and forests to discover.

#6 Tokyu Plaza Ginza rooftop

Ginza is thought for its glamourous malls however hiding on prime of 1 is a perfect location for capturing metropolis scenes and road crossings. We all know the Shibuya Crossing however in the event you head to the 12^th ground of the Tokyu Plaza Ginza (solely opened in 2016) you’ll discover probably the greatest views within the metropolis. Access is free, merely head for the elevator and press ‘R’ for rooftop.

Down beneath is a crossing that in the event you wait lengthy sufficient, you’ll be able to seize cool pictures of the pedestrians as they cross in all instructions, or of vibrant automobiles whizzing previous.

Best For: Street scenes + metropolis views

Best Time to Visit: Sunset from the rooftop is fairly spectacular and also will mean you can simply blur the movement of visitors beneath for a extra inventive picture.

Best View: Right within the nook of the rooftop in the event you look straight down you’ll be within the excellent place to {photograph} the pedestrian crossing beneath.

Read extra – “Photographing Street Scenes with a 50mm lens“

#7 Shibuya Crossing

Possibly the most well-liked images location in Tokyo, the Shibuya Crossing sees anyplace as much as 2,500 folks cross at anybody change of lights…that’s a LOT of individuals! What makes this scene are the buildings looming round in all instructions and the lights of Shibuya which when visiting after darkish, actually flip this crossing into one thing particular.

Be certain to cross the road a couple of occasions to take in the expertise then discover some distinctive angles to seize the craziness that ensues as soon as pedestrians cross the road.

Also simply exterior of Shibuya Crossing is the well-known Hatchiko Statue…whereas it’ll be completely surrounded by folks, it’s value a peek as a result of the story behind the statue is so cute! Especially in the event you’re a canine lover like me!

It’s an incredible location to check out some sluggish shutter pictures, I personally shoot with the tremendous secure Olympus OM-D E-M1 MKII which has 5 axis stabilisation which means I can shoot hand-held in low gentle circumstances. If your digital camera is rather less secure, search for a railing or pole to lean in opposition to to help your self.

Best For: Photographing probably the most iconic scenes of Tokyo + lengthy exposures (learn ‘Setting the Scene’ for settings suggestions)

Best Time to Visit: Dusk and early night is when this crossing actually shines. Having sufficient gentle within the sky however darkness down on the bottom will create a vibrant shot with loads of motion. Around peak hour additionally means extra folks which provides to the environment!

Best View: Crossing View within the Magnet by 109 buildings is model new and presents the proper view over the Shibuya Scramble. Entry is 300yen (test for present pricing, as there’s been occasions I’ve visited when it’s free entry). Otherwise, you’ll discover a Starbucks positioned reverse Shibuya Station the place you simply want to purchase a espresso to achieve entry to the second ground views however these might be very arduous to return by with lots of people making an attempt to get a window seat. Alternatively, e book your self a room on the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu to achieve entry to the 25^th ground viewing space. You pays a 1000 yen price to get a singular picture of your self with the crossing beneath…may very well be a enjoyable possibility!

#8 Tsukiji Fish Market (Outer Market)

Popular for it’s early morning tuna auctions, the internal market is now closed because it’s being relocated. However, the outer public market continues to be open and really lively, in truth, it presents all of the atmospheric scenes you’d anticipate to see in a bustling fish market.

Wander the tiny alleys the place sushi stalls serve the freshest fish in Tokyo, you can’t solely eat your manner across the market however {photograph} your manner round capturing the bustling scenes, produce and signage.

Be aware that this can be a public market so all the time ask earlier than taking a photograph and don’t get in folks’s faces whereas they’re buying fish. You’ll discover some stalls have indicators saying ‘no photos’, others welcome them.

Best For: Sushi, sushi and extra sushi. Atmospheric market scenes in the course of the lunch rush.

Best Time to Visit: The outer market is simply open from roughly 5am till 1-2pm each day (differs between eating places/stalls). I all the time recommend arriving round 10am and staying till 12:30pm to keep away from getting in the way in which as they pack up.

#9 Hama-rikyu Gardens

A tranquil oasis the place the beautiful options of a Japanese backyard are on show on a grand scale. Wander by way of the Hama-rikyu Gardens to {photograph} a 300yr previous pine tree, flower beds, cherry blossoms in season and conventional tea homes that sit beside a lake.

Offering the best place to wander after a morning photographing the close by Tsukiji Market, the gardens give panorama photographers an incredible alternative to seize the contract between trendy skyscrapers and a lush haven.

The tea home positioned on the centre of the gardens presents an opportunity to expertise a conventional tea ceremony. You can get pleasure from views over the lake when you sip on macha tea and nibble one of many conventional sweets supplied as a part of the expertise.

Best For: Landscape images + conventional tea ceremony

Best Time to Visit: If you’re hoping to {photograph} cherry blossoms it will rely on the season however April is usually the perfect time. Otherwise, you’ll be able to go to the gardens in the midst of the day to seize the distinction between blue skies and plush inexperienced gardens.

Best View: Opposite the tea home are a collection of bridges over the small lake, this presents an incredible vantage level to {photograph} the scene pictured beneath.

#10 Odaiba

It’s a tech and gaming lovers paradise and in addition an incredible spot for individuals who love an excellent store. However, when it comes to images, Odaiba Island presents beautiful panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline. Rainbow Bridge which connects town to the island is a putting topic to compose alongside the waters of Tokyo Bay with views attainable all alongside the waterfront in entrance of Odaiba’s many complexes.

Between the Statue of Liberty (sure, there’s one right here) and Odaiba Jetty are plenty of small seashore areas that mean you can get proper up near the shoreline to {photograph} the skyline of Tokyo within the distance.

Best For: Scenic pictures of the Tokyo Skyline

Best Time to Visit: Sunset is completely lovely from Odaiba!

Best View: Arriving to Odaiba is greatest by ferry which you are able to do from the Hama-riyku Gardens positioned throughout the bay. Once on the island, enterprise alongside the waterfront to search out your personal spot to compose town skyline and Rainbow Bridge. Just in entrance of the Statue of Liberty is slightly rocky seashore which can be utilized for lengthy exposures as small waves crash in opposition to the shore.

#11 Tokyo Dome + Koishikawa Korakuen

Now this might sound an odd inclusion right into a images information however let me guarantee you, it’s probably the greatest cultural experiences to {photograph} the Japanese love of baseball. If you’ll be able to time your journey to line up with a baseball recreation at Tokyo Dome you received’t be disenchanted!

By the way in which, it’s not really concerning the recreation, it’s concerning the crowd. During a baseball recreation there are whole marching bands within the stands with their devices going all out to cheer on their workforce as dancers run up and down the aisles in colourful costumes. The phrases ‘gambate’ might be chanted a lot that you just’ll depart with it caught in your head for days nevertheless it’s all value it only for the cultural expertise.

Surrounding Tokyo Dome are literally some lovely areas too together with the Koishikawa Korakuen which produces vibrant autumn scenes to {photograph} in late November – early December and cherry blossoms in April. The surrounding wall of the backyard on the southern finish is a superb web site to {photograph} too, particularly in the event you’ve received time to attend for a passing bike owner.

Best For: Lively sport scenes + gardens

Best Time to Visit: Baseball season in Japan is often held between March and October. Check the Tokyo Dome (https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/en/tourists/dome/) web site for present occasions + tickets.

#12 Shinjuku Photography Locations

Surround your self with neon lights as you discover the dazzling district of Shinjuku by evening. Streets are lit up by each color possible glowing in all instructions creating a perfect setting to seize lengthy exposures of the crowds motion.

Arriving at Shinjuku Station, head north-east in the direction of the Kabukicho (purple gentle) district. Here you’ll discover standard websites such because the Godzilla head which peeks over from the Shibuya Gracery Hotel and the Robot Café the place you’ll be able to eat and get overwhelmed by among the wackiest and loudest leisure ever.

Within Shinjuku there are a selection of small alleys providing an perception into previous Tokyo, the place cosy bars and izakaya can serve only some folks at a time. Head for Omoide Yokocho (aka Memory Lane and Piss Alley) to {photograph} a tiny lantern lined alley of Izakaya eating places…simply be weary that in the event you’re taking pictures, you’re most likely in the way in which as a result of this alley is actually, actually small. Snap shortly and also you’ll be positive but additionally be respectful of others privateness in the event that they don’t wish to be included in your picture.

Golden Gai is one other should see location throughout the Shinjuku district. Here you’ll discover a maze of over 200 tiny bars every becoming anyplace from 2 – 10 folks at a time. Labelled as one in every of Tokyo’s tiniest consuming dens, the world is positioned inside a metropolis block and consists of six alleys, every dwarfed by the encircling sky scrapers. Venture right here after darkish to see it come to life and discover one of many few remaining areas that survived Tokyo’s turbulent previous.

Best For: City lights, neon indicators and scenes after darkish.

Best time to Visit: From sundown it’s a good time to discover as this area gears up for an additional evening of leisure.

Best View: For road scenes you’ll be able to’t beat Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho however in the event you’re after these neon lights and visitors pictures, head for the primary road of Yasukuni Dori and stand within the centre (attainable at numerous crossings in plenty of sections).

#13 Tokyo Skytree

This mega construction stands at a whopping 634m excessive making it seen from most of Tokyo on a transparent day and from the highest, you’ll be able to mainly see your complete metropolis and additional afield. It is nevertheless fairly the vacationer attraction so anticipate to not have the view to your self! I discovered the view to be very spectacular nevertheless as a result of it’s so excessive, the whole lot beneath seems tiny so it’s not nice for composing pictures.

Instead, I like the view from beneath and framing the Skytree from locations round Asakusa to mix trendy structure with older components of Tokyo.

Best For: A panoramic view of Tokyo

Best Time to Visit: I’d recommend opening time to keep away from crowds of simply earlier than closing to see town glowing beneath.

Best View: As talked about above, I really desire photographing the Skytree from afar, slightly than being inside it.

Other Tokyo Photo Spots to think about

Roppongi Hills – nice for metropolis views on the 54^th ground of Mori Tower

Akihabara – a avid gamers paradise, suppose arcades, neon lights + know-how in every single place

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace – wander by way of manicured gardens and see views of the Imperial Palace.

The SOHO Odaiba – An architectural rainbow, ideally suited for insta worthy pictures!

Tokyo Tower – Looking slightly just like the Eiffel Tower however painted a putting purple and white color, Tokyo Tower in my view is greatest composed inside your pictures slightly than being at or on it. Nearby Shiba Park presents an incredible view of the tower or stand in Sakurada-dori Street to compose the construction with town scene throughout.

Tokyo Photography Locations – A Quick Summary

• Sensō-ji
• Asakusa District + Cultural Central Observation Deck
• Tokyo Skytree
• Takeshita Street
• Omotesando Avenue
• Harajuku
• Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Yoyogi Park
• Tokyu Plaza Harajuku (entrance escalator)
• Shibuya Crossing
• Golden Gai
• Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
  
• Kabukicho + Shinjuku
• Magnet by 109 (Crossing View)
• Shibuya Crossing
• Tokyu Plaza Ginza Rooftop
• Hama-rikyu Gardens
• Tsukiji Outer Market
• Odaiba + Rainbow Bridge
• Koishikawa Korakuen
• Tokyo Dome

MAP: Tokyo Photo Spots

See beneath for a map of the areas talked about all through this information. You can open this map in Google Maps to take with you whereas exploring Tokyo!

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Travelling round Tokyo

A photogenic expertise in itself, utilizing Tokyo’s intensive public transport system is one of the simplest ways to discover town. The Tokyo metro is tremendous environment friendly with trains arriving to every station each jiffy which means you will get to most locations actually simply.

In phrases of journey occasions, from Asakusa to Shibuya it’s roughly 45mins by metro which works to indicate how huge this metropolis is. Travelling by public transport in Japan although is like no the place else, it’s clear, individuals are well mannered and respectful of each other and it all the time runs on time.

If you’re staying a couple of days, seize a Tokyo Subway Ticket which supplies you limitless entry to the metro inside a sure interval. You should purchase 24 hours for 800 yen, 48 hours for 1200 yen or 72 hours for 1500 yen.

One Day in Tokyo?

Try to base your self someplace central to the images areas that entice you most! Somewhere like Shibuya or Shinjuku is comparatively central in the event you’d like to go to the Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku and Shinjuku’s neon lights.

If historical past is extra your factor, base your self at Asakusa for dawn at Senso-ji, day journey to Tsukiji Fish Market for lunch then pop throughout to Shibuya Crossing for sundown and Shinjuku for evening wanderings…you’ll be able to actually accomplish that a lot in simply sooner or later in Tokyo!

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The Best Day Trips from Tokyo

I all the time like to discover not solely in every single place inside a metropolis, however among the extra scenic locations round a metropolis.

From Tokyo you’ll be able to discover the next locations simply by prepare –

Mt Fuji + Fuji Five Lakes – Hiking Mt Fuji, Landscape images.

Lake Kawaguchi – Mt Fuji views + The Chureito Pagoda

Hakone – Natural environment, an incredible view of Mt Fuji and conventional Ryokans + scorching springs.

Nikko – Hot springs, waterfalls + lush mountain landscapes throughout the Nikko National Park

Kamakura – The Great Buddha of Kotokuin

Chichibu – Photograph the Shibazakura in spring (pink moss) at Hitsujiyama Park

Izu Peninsula – Coastal scorching spring resorts

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Using a JR Pass in Tokyo

If you’re staying in Japan for a couple of days or perhaps weeks and exploring among the different areas like Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, a JR Pass could also be a beneficial ticket to buy earlier than you arrive.

Travelling with a JR Pass means that you can leap on any JR line with out reservation making it a seamless expertise to get from one locations to a different. While in Tokyo, the JR Pass is feasible to make use of on the JR Yamanote Line which is a round route across the metropolis stopping at main stations resembling Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station, Shinagawa Station, Ueno Station and Yurakucho Station.

It’s greatest to order a JR Pass at the least 3 weeks earlier than departing on your journey. Learn extra about exploring Japan by rail with the Japan Rail Pass on Rail Europe’s web site: www.railplus.com.au/japan-by-rail/

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Where to Stay in Tokyo?

Before arriving to Tokyo, ask your self what you wish to {photograph} most. If you’re eager to see town lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku, search for a resort in these areas. Otherwise, I like to base myself in Asakusa the place you’ll be able to stroll to Senso-ji Temple for dawn and are inside easy accessibility of transport to locations like Ginza and Shibuya (45mins).

Alternatively, someplace round Tokyo Station or Ginza can have you positioned proper within the center so it’s to not far in any route…there’s additionally some lovely motels positioned on this space!

Take a peek at these districts for centrally positioned motels in Tokyo –

Shinjuku Hotels – greatest for neon lights, Robot Restaurant and easy accessibility to close by Harajuku and Shibuya. The station is the busiest on the earth so is a superb base for day journeys out of Tokyo too.

Asakusa Hotels – a quieter space of Tokyo however dwelling to Tokyo’s oldest shrine Senso-ji, accesible through the Ginza Line to Shibuya.

Shibuya Hotels – base your self proper within the thick of the perfect outlets, cafes and close to essentially the most well-known road crossing in Tokyo, the Shibuya Crossing. Easy entry to most areas of Tokyo from Shibuya Station.

If you’re seeking to mix a conventional ryokan expertise with some luxurious I’ve simply the place for you…HOSHINOYA Tokyo. It’s not solely ideally positioned however presents visitors intimate experiences with tea ceremonies, sake tasting and conventional Japanese acrobatics and tumbling generally known as Grand Kagura performances.

My Recommendation for someplace actually particular: Hoshinoya Tokyo –

Like stepping again into the edo interval the place sliding doorways result in hidden passages and light-weight oak meets tatami. The Hoshinoya Tokyo is the type of place that fuels inventive ambition, the place you possibly can pen a novel and by no means run out of concepts.
Every factor of design has been thought by way of. From the welcome space to the home windows, bathtub and day beds. It’s a real cocoon of conventional Japanese luxurious the place the trendy world surrounds an utter haven of rest. I’ll be sharing a Visual Hotel Review of this Tokyo resort quickly however within the meantime, right here’s slightly peek on the magic that lies inside this architectural masterpiece.

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Have you been to Tokyo and have a favorite images location not talked about on this information? Share it with the world within the feedback beneath!

Or…are you heading to Kyoto in your travels? Read my information to ‘The Best Photography Locations in Kyoto“

 

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