18 Selected Locations in Tokyo: A Guide to Maps, History, Nature, and the Best Times for Photography

Introduction to Instagram-Worthy Photos in Tokyo

In the Edo period, Edo Castle was built on the site where the current Imperial Palace stands. After the Meiji Restoration, Japan rapidly modernized, symbolized by the spread of railways nationwide starting from Tokyo Station. For easily capturing Instagram-worthy photos in Tokyo, the areas around the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, where you can experience history from Edo to modern times, are recommended.
On the other hand, Tokyo also has many inhabited remote islands. Izu Oshima’s grand volcanic landscapes, Kozushima’s crystal blue sea, the white sandy beaches of Niijima and Shikinejima, and the last unspoiled wilderness of Japan in the Ogasawara Islands’ Chichijima and Hahajima offer an abundance of unique photo opportunities.

Tokyo Station

Opened in 1914, Tokyo Station is located at the center of business districts such as Marunouchi, Otemachi, Yurakucho, Yaesu, Nihonbashi, and Kyobashi. It is a major hub connecting Japan nationwide, with many shinkansen lines such as the Tokaido, Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen starting from here. Approximately 3,000 trains arrive and depart daily, and the underground passages connect directly to nearby office buildings. The station building itself is also designated as an important cultural property due to its historical significance.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Tokyo Station

Imperial Palace

Located in front of Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace was once known as Edo Castle and was the residence of the shogun. Currently, the Emperor and the imperial family reside there, and parts of the grounds are open to the public, attracting many visitors to see the historical buildings and remains.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 15 minutes walk from Tokyo Station

Sanja Matsuri at Sensoji Temple

Asakusa is a popular area for foreign tourists to experience traditional Japanese culture. Especially the “Sanja Matsuri” held in May each year is a famous event that greatly energizes the area and attracts many visitors.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: May
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 5 minutes walk from Asakusa Station

Ume Matsuri at Yushima Tenmangu Shrine

Yushima Tenjin enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, attracting many students praying for success in exams during the exam season. The “Ume Matsuri” held from early February to early March features about 300 beautiful plum trees in full bloom, offering various events to enjoy.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Early February to early March
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 4 minutes walk from Yushima Station

Kanda Matsuri at Kanda Myojin Shrine

The Kanda Matsuri, held in mid-May biennially, is one of Japan’s three major festivals, along with Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri, and is very famous nationwide. During the festival, locals and tourists gather for traditional events and parades, bringing the area to life.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Mid-May
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 5 minutes walk from Ochanomizu Station

Izu Oshima

Izu Oshima is the largest island in the Izu Islands and the closest to Honshu. The island’s center features Mount Mihara, standing 758 meters high, with a crater that can be visited. The 1986 eruption produced a 16,000-meter-high plume and lava flow, leading to the evacuation of all residents.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Tokai Kisen

Toshima

Located about 144 km from Tokyo, Toshima is a small volcanic island with a conical shape, about 8 km in circumference, and a population of about 300. In winter, nearly 200,000 camellia flowers bloom, becoming a major attraction. Curious southern bottlenose dolphins also inhabit the waters around the island, allowing for dolphin swimming experiences.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Tokai Kisen

Niijima

Niijima is a convenient resort area, reachable in 2.5 hours by high-speed boat or 35 minutes by plane from Tokyo. It is popular for marine sports like surfing, diving, and fishing, with beautiful blue seas and sandy beaches. You can also enjoy hot springs and glass art experiences. The white sandy beaches originate from volcanic ash that fell during an eruption in 886.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Tokai Kisen

Shikinejima

Shikinejima is a small island about 160 km south of Tokyo, with a circumference of about 12 km. The island is surrounded by rich nature and has a ria coastline inhabited by many types of fish. With little elevation difference, it is small enough to walk around.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:Tokai Kisen

Kozushima

Kozushima is a beautiful small island about 180 km south of Tokyo. The island’s center is the 572-meter-high plateau-like Mount Tenjo, where flowers bloom year-round. The island is also known for its thriving fishing industry, offering fresh seafood.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Tokai Kisen

Chinanata Onsen

This onsen features unique terrain, with a stunning view of a rock formation split like with a cleaver. The hot spring water is rich in iron sulfide, with a high source temperature of 80 degrees, but it is mixed with seawater to a comfortable temperature. It is said to be effective for neuralgia and cold sensitivity, hence called “internal medicine bath.”

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Tokai Kisen

Miyakejima

Mount Oyama, standing 775 meters high, is an active volcano. In 2000, a large eruption covered the slopes with lava, eradicating the previously lush forest. Due to the ongoing risk of eruptions, the area around the summit is restricted.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Tokai Kisen

Mikurajima

Located about 190 km from Tokyo, Mikurajima is an island covered with beautiful primeval forests. It is especially famous for dolphin watching, where you can see wild dolphins year-round. However, the high waves often cause ship cancellations, so flexible travel plans are necessary.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:Tokai Kisen

Hachijojima

Hachijojima is 55 minutes by plane from Tokyo, offering a quick escape to a beautiful southern island. The island is adorned with palm trees and vibrant flowers, with local cuisine and sake to enjoy. As a former place of exile, the historical townscape is also worth exploring. The summit of Hachijo Fuji, resembling Mount Fuji, has a rare sunken crater offering a 360-degree panoramic view.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Tokai Kisen

Chichijima

The Ogasawara Islands feature unique terrain and beautiful marine landscapes, home to humpback whales, dolphins, green turtles, coral reefs, and tropical fish. Chichijima, the central island with about 2,000 residents, is the main hub for tourism, connected by the only regular sea route to the mainland.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Ogasawara Kaiun

Hahajima

Located about 50 km south of Chichijima, Hahajima has about 450 residents. The only transportation method is a ship from Chichijima, so visiting requires ample travel time.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Ogasawara Kaiun

Whale Watching in the Ogasawara Islands

The Ogasawara Islands are a paradise for whale watching. Humpback whales are commonly seen from December to May, while sperm whales are best observed from May to November. They can be spotted about 10 km offshore, with local tour companies offering half-day or full-day whale watching tours. If lucky, you might even see whales during the regular “Hahajima Maru” ferry trip between Chichijima and Hahajima.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Ogasawara Kaiun　

Farewell to Fishing Boats on Chichijima

The farewell to the “Ogasawara Maru” ferry is truly a sight to behold. People wave goodbye from the pier, with some even diving into the water as a send-off. The most spectacular part is the accompaniment of the ferry by sightseeing boats and fishing boats. Some people dive from the boats for a grand finale, creating a touching moment that makes many visitors want to return.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operational Days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Once every six days