Tokyo’s electric playground of Shinjuku offers countless photo opportunities for the savvy Instagrammer. From towering landmarks to hidden cultural gems, we’ve curated the ultimate list of free spots that will elevate your social media game. Whether you’re chasing neon lights or serene urban sanctuaries, these locations deliver maximum aesthetic impact with zero cost.
Kabukicho Godzilla
Commemorating the iconic monster’s 60th anniversary, the massive Godzilla head erupts from the 8th floor terrace of the Shinjuku Toho Building, which opened in April 2015. Measuring an impressive 12 meters tall and positioned approximately 40 meters above ground level, this fierce sculpture matches the exact dimensions of the original Godzilla from the first film. The Toho Building complex houses restaurants, entertainment shops, the Toho Cinemas Shinjuku, and a hotel from the 8th floor upward, establishing itself as Kabukicho’s most distinctive landmark.
Location: 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo (Theater district of Kabukicho)
Hanazono Shrine
Nestled in the heart of metropolitan Tokyo, Hanazono Shrine serves as a tranquil urban oasis and spiritual sanctuary. Established before Tokugawa Ieyasu founded Edo in 1603, it has long been revered as the guardian shrine of Shinjuku. The shrine’s main hall and multiple vermilion torii gates create striking visual compositions perfect for social media. The layered gates evoke the famous thousand torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, offering similar photogenic opportunities right in central Tokyo!
Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line, or 7-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station (East Exit)
Phone: 03-3209-5265
Kabukicho Gate
Begin your exploration at Shinjuku’s most iconic locale—Kabukicho. The imposing gateway arch and neon lights extending into the distance create visually rich, high-impact photography opportunities. By night, the illuminated storefronts pulsate with energy, capturing the district’s vibrant essence. By contrast, mornings and afternoons reveal a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere, making this location fascinating regardless of when you visit.
Address: 1-23 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Nearest Station: 1-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station (South Exit)
Pro tip: Take your shots quickly to avoid inconveniencing pedestrians and traffic. Using tripods is not recommended in this busy area.
LOVE Sculpture
Standing boldly along the walkway near Shinjuku Island Tower, the large LOVE sculpture practically demands to be your next photo backdrop. This iconic installation is located near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which offers a free observation deck 200 meters above ground—perfect for combining both attractions in one visit.
Golden Gai
This atmospheric network of wooden buildings dating back to the immediate post-war era packs roughly 280 tiny bars into a 6,500 square meter area. Golden Gai preserves the authentic Showa era ambiance of 40-50 years ago, creating a time capsule of mid-20th century Tokyo.
While each individual establishment makes for compelling photography, be aware that the local business association may charge a “portrait rights fee” of ¥3,000-10,000 if caught taking photos inside Golden Gai. It’s advisable to capture the area from a distance or simply enjoy exploring without extensive photography. The district itself offers a fascinating stroll regardless.
Location: Eastern side of the theater district where the Godzilla head is located, near 1-chome Kabukicho, Shinjuku
Nearest Station: 1-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit E1)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
As the defining landmark of Shinjuku’s west side, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers free observation decks on the 45th floor, 202 meters above ground, providing panoramic views of Tokyo. A café occupies the center of the observation area. With both north and south observation decks available, the south deck remains open later, making it ideal for nighttime cityscape photography.
During a spring 2025 lunchtime visit, the elevator queue stretched over 200 meters, with foreign tourists comprising more than 90% of visitors. Consider avoiding the lunch rush for a more comfortable experience. On clear days, you can spot Yokohama Landmark Tower, Mount Tsukuba, and even the magnificent Mount Fuji.
Address: 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1)
Access: Directly outside Tochomae Station (Exit A4) on the Toei Oedo Line, or approximately 10 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station’s West Exit
Shinjuku 3D Giant Cat
Joining Godzilla as one of Shinjuku’s most recognizable symbols, the “Shinjuku East Exit Cat” debuted in 2021. This optical illusion 3D video content features a large calico cat that awakens in the morning, sleeps at night, and periodically meows, swishes its tail, and twitches its ears. Appearing multiple times throughout the day, the cat creates the impression of actually living in the building with its lifelike presence.The giant cat appears between 7:00 AM and 1:00 AM. Showings occur every hour at the 00, 15, 30, and 45 minute marks.
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