Tokyo Night Visuals

See the capital under the cover of darkness

Ignatius Koh Apr 23, 2018 - 2 min read

Usually I like to warm up before taking photos at night because I'm less used to night conditions

Odaiba's Tokyo Bay view offers the best metropolis view in my opinion

Akihabara is one of the best places to establish a night photo series with its garish signs

In the back alleys of Akihabara, soft lighting can be used to draw attention

The only time you can catch Meiji Shrine after dark is probably New Year's Eve, when people head there for their prayers

Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku is popular for foodies, and is a haven for photographers due to the eclectic mix of people, lights, and smoke

Only two weeks for this every year but the Chidorigafuchi moat at the Imperial Palace will give you amazing photo opportunities

A different angle of the Shibuya crossing — why squeeze at Starbucks when you can have this instead?

Sensoji Temple at Asakusa is much quieter at night and shows off a more regal sight compared to the crowded day view

Silhouettes or shadows are my favourite kinds of photos and I'm always on the lookout for such opportunities

Much has been said about Tokyo's night scene — it is a gold mine for photographers. However, more often than not, night photography is a little difficult for those without a DSLR and a tripod. But with increasingly powerful phone cameras, taking great photos of your favourite places at night is now possible.

This photo story brings you to Tokyo's best attractions at night, and perhaps you might find yourself heading out after dinner to search for your money shot. Forget the token photos of Tokyo Tower; from the bright lights of Shibuya, to the quiet alleys of Yurakucho, there are gems to be found in plain sight.

Looking for the perfect shot at night can be daunting, with more finesse needed at times, but that shouldn't stop you. What you need is only a stable pair of hands and you're pretty much good to go.

For a more in depth article on night photography, head here to see how to compose better pictures and make the right choices with the lack of natural lighting.

Things to Do in Tokyo

Ignatius Koh @ignatius.koh

I'm Ignatius Koh, a third-year undergraduate at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. I have a keen interest in journalism - most particularly in sports and human interest stories. I do a little photography on the ...