Top Instagram Worthy Spots in Shinjuku

Best Photography Spots in Shinjuku area, Tokyo

Looking for great photo spots in Tokyo? If you are into photography or simply love to take Instagram-Worthy photos, Tokyo will never let you down. Shinjuku is one of most popular neighbourhoods in Tokyo, and also there are numbers of spots recommended for photography. From retro Izakaya alleys to vivid neon lights, here are top 10 photography spots in Shinjuku area you shouldn’t miss!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.


1. Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho (思い出横丁) is a narrow street where numbers of small Izakaya (Japanese grastopub) are lined. Visitors can experience authentic Japanese style drink culture in this retro and smokey alley which also attracts photographers from all around the world today.

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2. Golden Gai

Along with Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai (新宿ゴールデン街) is also a popular drinking alley in Shinjuku area. Over 200 tiny and cozy bars line on the street with rustic shop displays and neon lights in the post-war atmosphere.

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3. Kabukicho

The biggest red light district in Japan, Kabukicho (歌舞伎町) is where hundreds of bars, Izakayas and nightlife entertainment facilities are located, and it’s famous for its flashy neon lights at night.

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4. Robot Restaurant/Samurai Restaurant

Robot Restaurant

One of most popular tourist spots in Tokyo, the one and only Robot Restaurant (ロボットレストラン) is located in Kabukicho area in Shinjuku. After initially closing down in 2021, Robot Restaurant has made a comeback and reopened its doors in the same spot in Shinjuku in 2023.

Currently, the Robot Restaurant has been actually closed due to technical issues and no reopening date has been announced. However, the venue is now open as “the Samurai Restaurant” showcasing an action-packed entertainment show with energetic dance, uptempo music and neon lights. If you wish to visit Robot Restaurant, the brand new Samurai Restaurant is a great alternative, offering an unique, vibrant and crazy entertainment in the heart of Tokyo!

<<Get 11% OFF Shinjuku Robot Restaurant/Samurai Restaurant Ticket here! >>

Review: Samurai Restaurant to Open in Shinjuku

5. 3D Cat Billboard

The mesmerizing 3D cat billboard in Shinjuku has recently made to a popular photo spot in Tokyo among tourists. The gigantic cat with super realistic movement can be found in front of the east exit of Shinjuku Station.

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iSRiphLYABtd8hNcA

6. Sanagi Shinjuku

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Sanagi Shinjuku (サナギ新宿) is a newly opened “under the train tracks” food court/event space at the southeast gate of Shinjuku Station. It instantly became a popular spot for its colourfully decorated interior.

Website: http://sanagi.tokyo/

7. Godzilla Head

The statue of Godzilla head lays on top of Shinjuku Gracery Hotel a.k.a. the Godzilla Hotel which is located in the heart of Shinjuku area. From some of rooms, guests can actually gaze Godzilla even closer.

<< Book “Hotel Gracery Shinjuku” at the best rate!! >>

Website: http://shinjuku.gracery.com/

8. LOVE

The LOVE sculpture is located in front of Shinjuku I-land Tower, and it has been a popular landmark as a photo spot and a meeting point in the city.

Map: https://goo.gl/C52WRX

9. Metropolitan Government Building

One of most popular spots to visit in Tokyo, chosen by multiple travel website including Tripadvisor. Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎) itself is a great photo object, but its “FREE” observation also offers amazing scenic view of Shinjuku and the neighbourhoods from top.

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10. MODE GAKUEN Cocoon Tower

Shinjuku Station’s west gate area has numbers of cool skyscrapers. The Cocoon Tower is a 204 m high 50 storied building dedicated as an educational facility for three schools: Tokyo Mode Gakuen (fashion vocational school), HAL Tokyo (special technology and design college), and Shuto Ikō (medical college).

Map: https://goo.gl/yZm8ym

11. Yasuyo Building

Yasuyo Building (安与ビル) is an unique shaped commercial building which stands next to the eastern gate of Shinjuku Station. It was built in 1969, and the famous long-established Japanese restaurant “Kakiden” is located on the 6th to 9th floors of the building.

Map: http://bit.ly/2w3DLjA


Not good at taking photos? Consider hiring a professional photographer to capture amazing moments that will serve as wonderful memories of your trip! ▶︎Book a Street Photoshoot By Night In Shinjuku

How did you enjoy my list of 10 instagram worthy spots in Shinjuku area, Tokyo?? The area is especially recommended to visit at night since all skyscrapers and streets with neon lights are illuminated colourfully! If you love photography, you may also enjoy reading these articles below!

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Written by

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have spend almost a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈