5 Secret Tokyo Spots for Photos Without the Crowds
We all love Tokyo’s Shinjuku and Shibuya until you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of tourists, trying to snap a photo without someone’s face in it. If you’re craving those cinematic, “just us” moments, here are five of my favorite lesser-known gems where the city slows down and the magic feels all yours.
The trick to skipping the crowds is go on weekdays and from the late mornings (after 10am) when the shops open.
1. Sangenjaya - Old School Vibes
A hidden nightlife district just two stops from Shibuya, Sangenjaya’s narrow lantern-lit alleys and tiny izakayas feel worlds apart from the chaos next door. It’s moody, intimate, and perfect for capturing Tokyo’s local charm after dark.
2. Yanaka Ginza – Tokyo’s Retro Soul
Image Courtesy of Trip Advisor
This charming old shopping street feels like a time capsule. From cat-shaped pastries to hand-painted shop signs, Yanaka Ginza is full of quirky corners and warm smiles from shopkeepers who’ve been here for decades.
3. Kichijoji - Laidback Ghibli Town
Image Courtesy of Kanpai Japan
Home to the beautiful Inokashira Park and a maze of boutique-lined backstreets, Kichijoji feels like a scene from a Studio Ghibli film — calm, charming, and full of little surprises. We can wander by the streets, then slip into lantern-lit Harmonica Yokocho alleys for atmospheric, intimate shots that feel straight out of a Ghibli movie.
4. Koenji- Tokyo’s Bohemian Town
Image Courtesy of Time Out
With its vintage shops, colorful murals, and quirky cafés, Koenji is bursting with personality. It’s the place for playful, eclectic photos that feel authentically Tokyo.
Pro tip: If you can, visit on a weekday morning. That’s when the city is completely uncrowded.
5. Jindaiji - Chofu’s quiet temple town
Image courtesy of Kanpai Japan
Nestled in the green suburbs of Chofu, Jindaiji feels like you’ve stepped into a small mountain town hours away from the city. The air smells faintly of freshly made soba, streams run along the cobbled paths, and the temple itself is framed by towering trees. It’s slow, serene, and perfect for timeless, earthy portraits.
Conclusion
So skip the mad chaos of Shinjuku and Shibuya. They’re hopelessly crowded, touristy, and your photos will have more strangers than scenery .
Tokyo’s magic lives in its quieter corners: lantern-lit alleys, mossy temples, and streets where time slows down.
Take the side streets, chase the hidden spots, and let the city surprise you!
