A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan’s capital, offers a unique blend of analogue charm and vibrant modernity, perfect for photography enthusiasts. The city’s traditional neighborhoods, such as Asakusa with its historic temples and narrow alleyways, provide rich opportunities for capturing the essence of old Tokyo, while areas such as Ginza and Shinjuku capture the energy and modernity of the largest urban environment in the world.

One of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings, Shibuya Scramble Crossing offers a dynamic view of Tokyo’s urban energy. Ideal for capturing the hustle and bustle of the city’s most famous intersection. The Lomo LC-Wide is a good choice for wide, dynamic street photos. Photo by pollo305

21 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan

Shinjuku isn’t just one of Tokyo’s busiest and most iconic neighborhoods – it’s also a dream destination for camera lovers. Head to the west side of Shinjuku Station where you will see a ton of camera stores. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth exploring for the sheer scale and variety. Plus, the neon-lit streets at night are a perfect photo opportunity themselves – it’s like being inside a cyberpunk movie. Grab a pack of Lomography Color Negative ISO 800 to capture vivid, action-packed night scenes. Photo by pollo305

3-chōme-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan

Lomography+ is the official Lomography store located in Jimbo-cho, Tokyo. At Lomography+ you can shop all Lomography products including films, cameras and lenses.

Japan, 〒101-0052 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Ogawamachi, 3-chōme−16−１ Kyowa Kanda Bldg, 2階

The tallest structure in Japan offers panoramic views of the city, Tokyo Skytree provides excellent opportunities for cityscape and aerial shots, especially during sunset. Photo by takumia

1-chōme-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan

Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, home to luxury boutiques, sleek architecture, and neon lights. Perfect for capturing the sophistication and high-energy vibe of modern Tokyo. On weekends, the main street transforms into a pedestrian paradise – ideal for a photo walk. Load up with Lomography Color Negative ISO 400 for vivid colors. Photo by akio_nakai

Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Once part of the famous wholesale fish market, Tsukiji Outer Market is now a lively hub for street food, sushi stalls, and seafood skewers. You’ll also discover Japanese kitchenware, knives, and local snacks – ideal for browsing or picking up souvenirs. It’s a great spot for a casual foodie stroll, especially in the morning. Photo by bang810

Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4-chōme−16 および６丁目一部

Located in Ebisu, Tokyo Photographic Art Museum is dedicated to photography and moving images, showcasing works by both Japanese and international photographers through rotating exhibitions.

Japan, 〒153-0062 Tokyo, Meguro City, Mita, 1-chōme−13−３恵比寿ガーデンプレイス内

Asakusa & Sensoji Temple – A historic district with Tokyo’s oldest temple, traditional markets, and iconic red lanterns. Perfect for capturing the blend of old-world charm with modern Tokyo. The LomoApparat, with its ultra-wide 21 mm lens, is perfect for framing the full scene in one shot. Photo by hodachrome

2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Tokyo

We’ve curated a list of our favorite museums, art galleries and cultural landmarks in Tokyo to give you an exhaustive guide to the best creative hot-spots to visit on your trip.

Tokyo Photographic Art Museum – Ebisu
Located in Ebisu, this museum is dedicated to photography and moving images, showcasing works by both Japanese and international photographers through rotating exhibitions.

Mori Art Museum – Roppongi
A contemporary art museum in Roppongi Hills, featuring cutting-edge exhibitions from Japanese and international artists. It also offers stunning city views.

The National Museum of Western Art – Ueno
Located in Ueno Park, this museum houses a vast collection of European art, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Rodin. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Le Corbusier.

Tokyo National Museum – Ueno
Japan’s oldest and largest museum, featuring an extensive collection of traditional Japanese art, including samurai armor, ceramics, and ancient calligraphy.

Watari-Um: The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art – Omotesando
A compact but edgy museum that often highlights political, conceptual, and socially conscious contemporary art. The building itself is a cool architectural piece tucked into a quiet side street.

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT – Roppongi
A contemporary design museum in Roppongi, founded by renowned designer Issey Miyake. It focuses on innovative exhibitions related to modern design and architecture.

Ota Memorial Museum of Art – Harajuku
Dedicated to ukiyo-e woodblock prints, this peaceful museum is a treasure trove of works by masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige. It’s easy to miss but just steps from the bustle of Takeshita Street.

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Tokyo

The wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from the Lomography Community is simply unrivaled. In this section we share some of our community’s top-tips about the city of Tokyo. This includes their favorite locations for visiting and photographing and some invaluable tips on shooting in analogue. We will also showcase some of our most inspiring Tokyo-based LomoHomes and Partners.

Meiji Shrine – Harajuku
A peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo, combining lush greenery and traditional Shinto architecture. Great for tranquil nature shots and cultural photography.

Tokyo Skytree – Sumida
The tallest structure in Japan offers panoramic views of Tokyo, providing excellent opportunities for cityscape and aerial shots, especially during sunset.

Odaiba – Odaiba
A futuristic waterfront area with impressive landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge and replica Statue of Liberty, offering great shots of Tokyo Bay and innovative architecture.

Akihabara – Akihabara
Known as the center for tech, anime, and manga culture, this vibrant district is ideal for capturing Japan’s pop culture and futuristic electronics.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – Shinjuku
A serene garden offering a mix of Japanese, English, and French-style landscapes. Perfect for nature photography, particularly during cherry blossom season.

Ueno Park and Zoo – Ueno
A vast public park home to museums, temples, and the Ueno Zoo. It’s a great spot for capturing nature, wildlife, and cultural landmarks, especially during spring with cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Harajuku Takeshita Street – Harajuku
A bustling, colorful street known for its unique fashion and youthful culture. Perfect for capturing the eclectic mix of street style and vibrant energy.

Anything missing?

Got a favorite photo gallery, hidden photo spot or local tip we haven’t covered in this city guide? Help us make this the best analogue travel companion! Send your suggestions to travel@lomography.com and we’ll take a look.

Explore Stunning Photos from This City Amongst 17+ Million of Photos Uploaded

Tips from Lomography Magazine

A Quiet Glimpse of Tokyo, by @n_u_m_b_f_a_c_e
written by shhquiet on 2021-01-11

Community member @n_u_m_b_f_a_c_e takes us on a neon-lit stroll in Tokyo, from blue hour and beyond.
19 67
Around The World In Analogue: Kabukicho, Shinjuku
written by shhquiet on 2022-04-03 #around-the-world

On a snowy day, one Lomographer took his camera out for a photo walk around Shinjuku.
12 44
A Tokyo Story with Marek Majewski
written by cielsan on 2020-09-13 #culture

Join Marek Majewski's monthly analogue coverage of the Tokyo Metropolitan as the worldwide pandemic continues.
22
Raufan Turns Everyday Scenes into a Color-Shifted World with the Lomo LC-Wide and LomoChrome Film
2025-02-06 #gear #people

Raufan is an Indonesia-born photographer and digital product designer based in Tokyo. He recently tested out our Lomo LC-Wide and LomoChrome film, as well as the LomoGraflok Instant Back. Check out his results!
16
Making a Moment: Akio’s Halloween Street Portrait on Instant Film
written by alexgray on 2024-10-15 #people #places #making-a-moment

In recent years Lomographer @akio_nakai has made a tradition of photographing the stunning Halloween costumes of partygoers in Shibuya, Tokyo. Today he shares one of his all-time favorite photos from his Halloween collection.
3 12
The Lomo LC-A+ in 2000s Japan by Natsumi Hayashi
written by rocket_fries0036 on 2023-01-26 #gear #culture #people

Owning multiple LC-As since 2004, Natsumi Hayashi brings us an intimate look at Japan during the 2000s.
13
The Art of Multiple Exposures with the Lomo LC-Wide By Mak Takano
written by rocket_fries0036 on 2024-08-28 #gear #people #places

In this interview Japanese Lomographer Mak Takano showcases his skill for Multiple Exposures with his beloved Lomo LC-Wide!
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Lomography Partners: monogram of Tokyo, Japan
written by cheeo on 2023-03-31 #people #places #partners

Lomography has film partners all over the world and this time we present to you monogram from Tokyo, Japan.
10
Street Photography is All About "Walking Around": An Interview With 5ickdude
written by kota_97 on 2023-03-20 #culture #people #places

Street photography is all about "walking around." In this interview Yoshimi Nakayama, AKA 5ickdude, tells us about his film photography journey on the streets of Tokyo and shares the philosophy behind his unique style.
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@au8uststory's Tokyo Street Photography with Lomography Film
written by sylvann on 2023-04-19 #people #places

In this article we view the dynamic streets of Tokyo through community member and Tokyo native Kosuke's (@au8uststory) photos taken with Lomography film stocks.
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Past Photography Events & Exhibitions

Sakura LomoWalk 2025

A Lomography Hang Out
2025-04-12 · Tokyo, Japan

LomoWalk around Lomography+ in Tokyo! Maybe a bit late for cherry blossoms, but we will provide a free roll of LomoChome film (of your choice) and dev&scan with rental cameras.
More Info
LomoApparat×モノクロワークショップ

A Lomography Hang Out
2024-06-23 · Tokyo, Japan

Lomography Japan will be hosting a workshop at our official store, Lomography+, featuring the LomoApparat and Berlin Kino 400 film. The workshop’s theme is “Golden Rules” and “Monochrome.” After a one-hour LomoWalk with the LomoApparat, the staff will then develop the films and create contact prints for you to take home. Additionally, attendees will receive a limited store discount as a complimentary gift.
More Info
Lomography+ Relocation

A Lomography Hang Out
2023-02-01 – 2023-04-30 · Tokyo, Japan

Our Lomography+ store in Tokyo, Japan recently moved from our old location in Akihabara to Jimbo-cho. During the renovation period, check out our pre-opening hours and stay tuned for our official opening. With over 20 years of Lomographic history in Japan, we are very excited to welcome you in our brand new store!
More Info
Pocket Memories Exhibition Lomography+

A Lomography Hang Out
2022-07-26 – 2022-08-12 · Tokyo, Japan

Come see the work of talented Japanese photographers using the miniature 110 format to create portraits.
More Info
Self-Development & Scanning Workshop Lomography+

A Lomography Hang Out
2022-04-23 · Tokyo, Japan

Learn all about developing your own B&W films and scanning your own negatives in this workshop, held in the Lomography+ store Tokyo! Each participant will receive a roll of Lady Grey B&W 400 iso 35 mm and a DigitaLIZA Max.
More Info
Same Same Same But Different

A Lomography Hang Out
2021-05-01 – 2021-05-09 · Tokyo, Japan

Gallery TReC1and2 invites you to their collaborative project wherein you’ll be asked to shoot three photographs with the Simple Use Reloadable Film Camera, before passing the camera to another person. Photographs will also be collected for a new zine and displayed in multiple venues. It’s an opportunity to embrace the unpredictability and surprises of film photography. Head to Lomography+ in Tokyo, Japan from May 1 to May 9 to join!
More Info

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