Tokyo Selfies with a Twist: 10 Quirky and Iconic Places
Tokyo isn't just a city — it’s a universe of neon lights, cultural mashups, serene shrines, and wild surprises. If you're tired of the same old travel photos, it’s time to zoom in on the places that make Tokyo truly unforgettable.
We’re not talking about the standard skyline shots. We’re talking Shibuya’s organized chaos, a sea of lucky cats, and glowing robot dancers that make your selfies as vibrant and unique as the city itself.
Whether you're a selfie savant or just looking to snap memories worth sharing, this list of quirky, beautiful, and wildly photogenic Tokyo selfie spots will send your feed into overdrive. Pack your phone, charge up that battery, and get ready to discover a Tokyo the tourists don’t always see — one iconic click at a time.
1. Shibuya Crossing – The Heartbeat of Tokyo
Welcome to the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. As waves of people stream across from all directions beneath the city’s electric signage, Shibuya Crossing is Tokyo’s ultimate urban jungle shot. For the best angle, head to the second-floor Starbucks in the Tsutaya building or book a table at the nearby Magnet by Shibuya109’s rooftop for that epic birds-eye view selfie.
📸 Pro Tip: For the perfect elevated shot, grab a window seat on the second floor of the Starbucks Tsutaya overlooking the crossing — it's one of the best free views in the city.
2. TeamLab Planets – Step Into Another Dimension
An immersive art experience like no other, teamLab Planets in Toyosu offers surreal, dream-like installations that seem plucked from another world. Walk through water, float in infinite reflections, and pose in digital gardens — this place redefines what it means to “take a selfie.”
📸 Pro Tip: Wear something light-colored to reflect the vibrant projections for stunning contrast.
3. Harajuku Takeshita Street – Colorful and Crazy
Looking for quirky? Takeshita Street in Harajuku delivers a wild riot of fashion, food, and kawaii culture. From rainbow cotton candy to cosplayers, this street is a selfie playground with nonstop action.
📸 Pro Tip: Find a bright mural or grab a unique crepe to hold in your shot for extra flair.
4. Odaiba Statue of Liberty – The Unexpected Icon
Yes, Tokyo has its own Statue of Liberty, and it stands proudly in Odaiba, overlooking Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay. This surprise selfie spot is a fun blend of cultures and offers a scenic waterfront background.
📸 Pro Tip: Head here in the evening when the bridge lights up and the city skyline glows behind you.
5. Shimokitazawa's Bohemian Backstreets
Dubbed Tokyo’s Brooklyn, Shimokitazawa is a cool tangle of vintage shops, quirky murals, and indie cafés. It’s a haven for creatives — and a dream for moody, artsy selfies.
📸 Selfie Vibe: A retro street shot with record stores and hand-painted signs in the background.
📍 How to get there: Take the Keio Inokashira Line to Shimokitazawa Station.
6. Ueno Zoo – Selfie with a Panda Superstar
You don’t have to travel to Sichuan for a panda selfie — just head to Ueno Zoo, home to Tokyo’s most beloved black-and-white celebrities. While you can’t hug them (sorry!), you can snap a dreamy selfie with them in the background while they munch bamboo like royalty.
📸 Selfie Vibe: Adorable, serene, and utterly iconic — bonus points if you catch them mid-snack or rolling around.
📍 Pro Tip: Go early when they’re most active. For a clear selfie, visit on a weekday and use portrait mode to blur out the crowds.
📍 Location: Inside Ueno Park – just a short stroll from Ueno Station.
7. Robot Restaurant Café – Tokyo's Neon-Fueled Cyber Circus
It’s part cabaret show, part laser explosion, part fever dream — and 100% selfie gold. The Robot Restaurant Café in Shinjuku is an over-the-top spectacle featuring robots, dancers, flashing lights, and pounding techno beats. While it’s temporarily rebranded as a café during show downtimes, the neon jungle aesthetic remains on full blast.
📸 Selfie Vibe: Cyberpunk meets disco rave — colorful, chaotic, and impossible to forget.
📍 Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance and sit near the front for the best photo ops.
📍 Location: Kabukicho, Shinjuku – 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station.
8. Omoide Yokocho – "Memory Lane" in Shinjuku
Literally “Memory Lane,” this narrow alleyway lined with lanterns and izakayas oozes post-war charm. It's smoky, gritty, and so atmospheric — especially after dark.
📸 Selfie Vibe: Noir film mood — grainy, moody, mysterious.
📍 Pro Tip: Go around 6–7 PM when the lanterns are lit and the smoke adds texture.
9. Daikanyama T-Site – Tokyo's Coolest Bookstore
More than a bookstore, Daikanyama T-Site is a design masterpiece surrounded by greenery, bicycles, and boutiques. The architecture and soft lighting make it a classy, intellectual selfie dream.
📸 Selfie Vibe: Sophisticated, like you just finished writing your first novel.
📍 How to get there: Daikanyama Station, 5-minute walk.
10. Gotokuji Temple – The Birthplace of Lucky Cats
Yes, a whole temple dedicated to maneki-neko (the beckoning cat)! Hundreds of white lucky cat statues are perched around the shrine grounds, creating an unforgettable selfie scene.
📸 Selfie Vibe: Whimsical and spiritual — surrounded by a sea of lucky cats.
📍 How to get there: Odakyu Line to Gotokuji Station, then a 10-minute walk.
From tiny Shiba Inus to full-sized panda royalty, from bohemian alleys to surreal light shows — Tokyo's best selfie spots go way beyond the typical tourist traps. These 10+ gems offer a deeper, more personal lens through which to experience Japan’s capital.
So skip the clichés, embrace the weird and wonderful, and remember: every alley, cafe, and corner could be your next unforgettable moment.
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