5 Photogenic Superb-View Spots in Tokyo: Recommended Instagrammable Natural Scenery

When you think of Tokyo, the image of a big city is strong, but in fact breathtaking natural superb views are dotted about. This time, we carefully select and introduce 5 photogenic spots that will without a doubt keep the "Likes" coming on Instagram!

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1. Mt. Takao: A Fantastical Performance of Sea of Clouds and Autumn Leaves

Mt. Takao, at an altitude of 599m, is a sacred place of photogenic appeal with outstanding access from within the city. In the autumn-leaf season (mid- to late November), a gradation of fiery red, orange, and yellow dyes the whole mountain. Visit early in the morning, and if you're lucky, a sea of clouds spreads out, and you may shoot a photo as if floating in the sky.

• Best time of day: Right after sunrise (the 6 to 7 a.m. hour)
• Shooting angle: Aiming wide-angle from the summit observatory toward the Oku-Takao direction gives depth and is recommended
• Access: About 90 minutes by cable car or on foot from Keio Line "Takaosanguchi Station"

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2. Lake Okutama: An Emerald-Green Lake with Beautiful Mirror Reflections

The surface of Lake Okutama reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror on a fine-weather morning. Especially in the fresh-greenery season (around May), the contrast of emerald green and blue sky is overwhelming. The stillness unique to a dam lake produces an extraordinary worldview.

• Best time of day: Early morning with no wind (the 7 to 9 a.m. hour)
• Shooting angle: The whole lake surface in horizontal composition from the embankment of the Ogochi Dam. Taking in the blue of the sky in vertical composition is good too
• Access: About 15 minutes by Nishi-Tokyo Bus from JR Ome Line "Okutama Station," get off at "Okutama-ko"

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3. Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome: Greenery-Filled Jungle-Style Photogenic Appeal

Just like the tropics while in the city! The tropical plants spreading in the glass-walled greenhouse create the finest photogenic space with a green bokeh feel. In the morning when light shines in, the transmitted light through the leaves is beautiful, truly an "Instagrammable" atmosphere.

• Best time of day: 10 a.m. to noon (the time when light shines in softly)
• Shooting angle: Treating large leaves as a frame and shooting people raises the photogenic level!
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from Rinkai Line "Shin-Kiba Station"

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4. Todoroki Valley: A Hidden-Region Spot Lurking in the Heart of the City

Todoroki Valley, known as the only valley within the 23 wards, is a mysterious space woven from a tunnel of greenery and a clear stream. Moss-covered rocks and dappled sunlight create a fantastical atmosphere, with such a sense of another world that you can't help but exclaim "This is Tokyo?" The lush green during the rainy season is also exceptional.

• Best time of day: Morning (around 10 to 11 a.m., when light shines into the valley)
• Shooting angle: Capturing the water surface and greenery together from a low angle from the promenade along the stream gives depth
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Tokyu Oimachi Line "Todoroki Station"

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5. Hama-rikyu Gardens: A One-of-a-Kind Contrast of High-Rises × Japanese Garden

The combination of the city skyline reflected in the tidal pond and the charming Japanese garden is a Tokyo-like superb view you can shoot only here. February when rape blossoms bloom and March to April for cherry blossoms are especially rich in color, and you can mass-produce Instagrammable photos!

• Best time of day: Evening (around 4 to 5 p.m.), the time when golden light warmly wraps the garden
• Shooting angle: A composition with the high-rises in the background from the lakeshore is full of Tokyo-ness and recommended
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line "Shiodome Station"

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Tokyo's nature spots greatly increase the probability of meeting a superb view the earlier you get up to visit. By all means, take your camera and head out to search for your very own shot!

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(Camera) Recommended hashtags for social media posts

`#TokyoSuperbView` `#TokyoPhotogenic` `#InstagrammableTokyo` `#tokyo_photography` `#MtTakao` `#LakeOkutama` `#TodorokiValley` `#HamaRikyu` `#TokyoNature` `#tokyonature` `#JapanSuperbView` `#WeekendTrip` `#GirlsTripTokyo` `#TabitabiJAPAN`