We’d like to take a family photo in a truly Japanese location to commemorate our trip to Japan. What are some recommended places that capture the essence of Tokyo, offer both traditional and modern elements, are relatively uncrowded, and can be visited in under an hour?
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Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple
Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower are only a 5-minute walk apart, making this an ideal area to efficiently photograph both the iconic red tower that instantly signals you’ve been to Tokyo and traditional Japanese architecture at the same time.
As of June 2026, the entrance gate is under construction (scheduled for completion in 2032), but there are no problems photographing Tokyo Tower and the main buildings of Zojoji Temple. Furthermore, because Zojoji Temple has a large area, it’s a very rare location where you can take a variety of photos, not just photos of Tokyo Tower in the background.
Photos that can be taken in the Tokyo Tower area
●Tokyo Tower and the grassy plaza
●Greenery and flowers in the park
●Cherry blossoms and Tokyo Tower in spring
Photos that can be taken in the Zojoji Temple area
●Both traditional and modern buildings
●Traditional architecture only
●Tokyo Tower and traditional architecture
●Cherry blossoms, Zojoji Temple, and Tokyo Tower
Points to note in each area
Together with Tokyo Tower
●If you want to take a photo with Tokyo Tower in the background, it’s recommended to shoot from a location away from the tower.
This is because if you go directly beneath the tower, you’re limited to shooting from below, which reduces your freedom of composition.
●Taking photos from a distance, such as from Prince Shiba Park, the Onarimon A5 exit of Shiba Park, or from Zojoji Temple, provides a good balance.
When taking photos directly beneath Tokyo Tower, the camera angle is limited to close to the ground in order to capture both the tower and a person simultaneously.
Few women, in particular, would likely prefer to be photographed from a low angle.
●Prince Shiba Park is often used for wedding photo shoots by the adjacent hotel, by children from a nearby kindergarten, and by many tourists who want to take photos with Tokyo Tower in the background.
Please be considerate of others when taking photos.
Together with traditional architecture
●Zojoji Temple is a sacred place. Please enjoy your visit quietly, being mindful of your surroundings by not speaking loudly, not soiling the pillars or walls with your feet, and there is a rule that you should not walk in the very center of the temple grounds, as it is considered the path for the Buddha.
●From the grand staircase in front of the main hall of Zojoji Temple, you can capture both the traditional architecture of the main hall and Tokyo Tower in the same photo.
●If you go around to the back of the main hall, you can go up the stairs and take photos with Tokyo Tower in the background.
Flexibility for Travel Plans
If you’re looking to take family photos in the Tokyo area, we can discuss dates and locations. Please feel free to contact us by email if you have any questions.
Looking for location ideas?
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