Japan is one of the most photogenic countries in the world.
From the moment you touch down, your phone (or camera) is going to be glued to your hand. If I can promise anything, it’s that! Make sure you’ve got extra batteries, portable chargers – because (trust me) you’ll need them!
In terms of what you’ll be capturing along the way… think ancient temples, neon cityscapes, cosy ramen bars, tropical beaches, stunning countryside… Literally japan has a bit of everything.
Every corner seems designed for a perfect shot. Even on rainy days in Tokyo, the city took on this insane charming vibe (good job the iphone is semi-waterproof hey?). It’s such a visual country, and capturing beautiful imagery, is almost part and parcel of the experience travelling there.
So, whether you’re heading to Tokyo, Kyoto, or exploring beyond (I really recommend Fukuoka!) here are some photo ideas to inspire your next trip, to make sure you capture all those must-have shots during your time away.
Iconic Temples & Shrines
Start with the classics. Japanese temples and shrines are located in every town and city – and they all have their own unique charm and appeal.
Capture the vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, or frame Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) reflected perfectly in its pond. Or, discover some of the smaller shrines, hidden down backstreets in charming little neighbourhoods (these were always beautiful backdrops for a photo).
Some of my favourite shrines were the less toursity ones, so don’t be afraid to go off-book with this. And (as one last tip) if you want truly photogenic shots, waking up early is worth it for the empty shrines and peaceful vibes.
Seasonal Blossoms & Leaves
Japan’s seasons are world-famous, with each one offering something different and unique to enjoy. Make the most of them in your photos, by grabbing the unique oportunities available at the specific time of year!
- Spring: Cherry blossoms at Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background.
- Summer: Sunflowers and festivals. My favourite is Yamakasa Festival in Hakata, Fukuoka! Or spend the day on one of Japan’s beautiful beaches.
- Autumn: Maple leaves at Eikando Temple or Nikko.
- Winter: Snowy thatched roofs in Shirakawa-go or Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
Neon Night Shots
Japan does nighttime city scapes in the best way. Bright, colourful, overwhelming – you name it. I found that my favourite night time shots were in Osaka, and Tokyo- but most of the big cities will have these crazy neon skylines to photograph and enjoy.
If I was to give you some advice for capturing this kind of content – rain is the secret ingredient. A wet, reflective floor will suddenly double your light and colour – and make your shots look even more birght and alive. Just look at the middle shot below.
Streetscapes & Hidden Alleys
Japan’s streets are endlessly photogenic, and I found this category of photography idea in Japan my favourite for seeking out and capturing.
There was just something so magical about wandering these little streets, all decorated, with ramen bars tucked away, and people crowded inside. These kind of places feel like true exploration, so I loved to capture that curiosity in my photos when possible, by always having a subject at it’s heart.
Having someone in the shot ‘the explorer’ (whether it’s yourself or someone else) really puts you in the mindset of them, and you feel like you’re exploring right there with them.
Markets & Food Shots
Take photos that make you hungry. Japan is one of the most ‘foodie’ countries in the world (you’ll try plate after plate of tasty food during your trip!). Making food the star of the photograph was something that became second nature because I wanted to remember every dish!
Get a steaming bowl of ramen with rising curls of broth steam, colourful sushi platters, or street food like takoyaki. In Tokyo, Tsukiji’s outer market, or Nishiki Market in Kyoto are perfect for food photography. But any dish in any restaurant always deserves a photograph! Especially in japan.
Quirky Details
Look for the unexpected. Capsule hotels, vending machines in the middle of nowhere, kawaii manhole covers, or even train station mascots make for fun, memorable photos.
Japan is full of details like this, so just keep your eyes open for them. These are often the cutest photos and the most memorable ones!
Nature & Scenic Landscapes
Balance the urban shots with some nature. I didn’t have quite as much time for the nature side of things as I hoped – but still managed to capture some amazing shots of greenery (rather than urban landscapes!).
If you don’t have hikes planned, most cities have traditional Japanese gardens which are truly beautiful, and feel like such a welcome break from the rush of the cities. They’re also stunning locations to photograph because they are so aesthetically pleasing and perfectly designed.
Don’t forget to put yourself in the frame!
This is such a simple photography tip for Japan, but kind of an obvious one. Don’t forget to take selfies and put yourself into those memories. It’ll mean so much more to you in 10-20 years, when you look back at yourself in all these places. Having yourself in the shots is such an important thing for me, and should be for you too!
One of the best things I bought for the trip was actually a magnetic (magsafe for my iphone) tripod. It was easy to set up, easy to connect my phone, and meant that I got some seriously gorgeous photos when I was solo travelling through Japan.
A Few Final Thoughts
The best part about photographing Japan is that you never run out of inspiration.
Between the traditions, the beauty, and the everyday details, your camera roll will be overflowing. The key is to slow down, notice the small things, and capture the feeling of being there — not just the view.
