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Senso-ji Temple Area: A “Secret Spot”
Where You Can Shelter from the Rain and Include the Five-Story Pagoda in Your Shot
If it starts to rain, make smart use of the eaves under Senso-ji Temple’s large halls and gates. You can take beautiful portraits without getting yourself or your camera wet.
To the right after climbing the Main Hall stairs:
If you turn right after climbing the stairs, you can take beautiful photos with the Five-Story Pagoda in the background without getting wet. However, this space is very narrow, so please be considerate of those around you. It’s good manners to take turns and promptly yield the spot to the next person once you’re done taking photos.
Under the Hozōmon Gate:
The area under the Hozōmon Gate, where large paper lanterns are suspended, is another recommended spot that offers excellent shelter from the rain.
📸 Pro Tip:
On rainy days, the moisture in the air makes the color of Senso-ji’s iconic “red giant lanterns” appear deeper and more vivid than usual. You can capture photos with more beautiful contrast than on sunny days, so be sure to incorporate them prominently into your background.
Arcade Shopping Streets (Shotengai):
Take Retro Snaps While Staying Completely Dry
Right near Senso-ji Temple, there are many traditional shopping arcades—such as “Shin-Nakamise Street” and “Hisago Street”—that are completely covered by roofs.
Here, you don’t have to worry about the rain at all. With retro signs and shop lights serving as the backdrop, you can capture “emotional” street snaps that make you feel like you’ve blended right into everyday Japanese life.
We recommend enjoying street food like dango and menchikatsu while capturing natural smiles on camera.
Tips from a Pro! “Photography Hacks & Insider Tips” for Rainy Days in Asakusa
To help you enjoy rainy days 120% positively, I’ll share techniques you can use right away, along with some wonderful insights from clients who’ve actually joined me on photo shoots.
① Convenience Store “Clear Plastic Umbrellas” Are the Best Photography Gear
Clear plastic umbrellas are widely sold in Japan. In fact, they’re the perfect item for portrait photography. While black or colorful umbrellas cast dark shadows on faces, clear umbrellas let light pass through, illuminating faces brightly and beautifully.
② Aim for “Reflections” on the Ground
Asphalt and cobblestones wet by rain become like mirrors. Try framing your shot from a slightly low angle. The streetlights and shop neon signs in Asakusa reflect off the puddles, creating a magical world you could never capture on a sunny day.
③ Learn from Experienced Travelers! A Secret Trick Using “Plastic Shoe Covers”
When shooting on a rainy day, you’ll want to avoid getting your favorite shoes or rented tabi socks dirty, right?
I once had a client who prepared “waterproof plastic shoe covers” (available on Amazon and other sites) in advance. They wore the covers while walking to fully protect their feet, then quickly took them off just when they thought, “This is the spot to take a photo!” With this trick, you can capture perfect photos—right down to your feet—without getting your precious shoes dirty.
Conclusion: Rainy Asakusa Will Become a Special Memory Just for You
It’s a shame to stay cooped up in your hotel just because the weather is bad. Rainy-day Asakusa is less crowded, offering a special chance to have the serene, traditional beauty of Japan all to yourself. Grab your camera and be sure to head out into the streets.
“Even on a rainy day, we want a professional photographer to capture us looking our very best!”
If that’s what you’re thinking, please feel free to contact me about my photography services. By avoiding the crowds and using the best routes and techniques tailored to the weather, I’ll turn your precious memories of Japan into the perfect photo.
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.
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