Pictures and taking photographs are an important part of traveling. It allows you to capture a moment that felt special, and collect memories that you can look back on, even for years after the moment ends. There are always those conventional places where you want to capture the scene, landscape, or monument, and then there are those places aren't the most conventional places but places that trend through word of mouth. This list comprises some of the most popular, famous, and/or trending places to take photographs in Japan, and the story behind these popular photography places. There are so many special viewpoints and landmarks that make Japan so spectacular, and it's hard to narrow it down to the top places for photography, but here are a few of some amazing spots in no particular order.

1.) Tokyo Shibuya Crossing

This place alone is well-known for the vast amount of people that cross this famous crossing everyday. Although a scene of chaos, many people are surprised and enthralled by it. There are multiple crosswalks that go off at once, resulting in a large amount of people crossing from all different locations. To someone that is not used to it, it can seem hectic and confusing, but it is also the epitome of Tokyo. People can get a great photo from a nearby building, and some take one from the center of it all, but that's not recommended for safety purposes. It's a great place to get a photo to truly capture the essence of Tokyo.

2.) Yahiko Shrine

Yahiko Shrine is a place that consistently gets positive reviews for being a beautiful and peaceful place. Yahiko Shrine is located in Niigata and is surrounded by trees and nature. People who can enjoy taking photos of the shrine that contrasts beautifully with the scenery behind it. It is almost like capturing serenity into a single photo.

3.) Glover Garden

Glover Garden is located in Nagasaki, Japan and is an open air museum. Museums always bring interesting photo taking opportunities, but what makes Glover Garden so special is that Glover Garden is surrounded by a gorgeous view of Nagasaki and its port. There are traditional Western style homes that were built by British merchants, including one of Japan's oldest Western-style wooden homes, and beautiful gardens and flower patches that make this place a gorgeous place to take photos. One of the more secret things that people try to get a photo of, is the heart-shaped stone that is hidden amongst other stones. They say if you find two, it's good luck, but just finding one is special enough to warrant getting a photo of the stone. Many people go to find the stone and make a wish for love, and this is one of those less conventional things to get a photgraph of. There are other heart shaped stones founds within Nagasaki, so keep a look out. Finding them could mean good luck...or eternal love!

4.) Battleship Island

Battleship Island isn't the best known spot in Japan, but who wouldn't want to capture a photo of a deserted island and its remains. Battleship Island, also known as Hashima Island or Gunkanjima is an island located about 9 miles off the city of Nagasaki. It was once an island used for underwater coal mining, but now lays abandones with concrete buildings that are falling apart. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and just fairly recently in 2009, opened itself up to toursits, but only through sightseeing boat trips. This island presents itself as a great place for a photo opportunity due to the complex history that it holds, as well as the fascinating and haunting image that only an abandoned island can hold.

5.) Barrels of Sake at Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine located in Shibuya, Tokyo is a popular place for people to visit. Not only does it have history and reflect old Japanese culture, but the wooden look and surrounding trees also make it a beautiful place. However, a truly interesting and unique place for photography are the barrels of sake located on the grounds of the Meiji Shrine. The barrels create a colorful wall and is known as kazaridaru, used for decorative purposes. Sake brewers donate these barrels to the shrine, and the sake then is used for ceremonies and various festivals.

6.) Harajuku

Harajuku in Tokyo is a popular place for tourists and photographers due to the colorful scene that it provides. Harajuku always tends to be crowded, with people of all sorts of eccentricities, fashion tastes, and styles walking around. There are also many different and unique shops and restaurants to capture with your lens.  Many people take photographs just to capture the all the different facets of modern Japanese subcultures and style, and get a perspective of modern Japanese culture.

7.) Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market in Kyoto is also a place to capture a perspective of Japanese culture. Instead of fashion and style like Harajuku, Nishiki Market encapsulates the essence of Japanese cuisine, food, and ingredients. The area can seem chaotic due to the crowds of people, but that is one of the aspect that makes the place such an interesting and wonderful place to snap. Every moment and stall poses an unique and memorable photo opportunity.

8.) Any place during Spring

Now when we say any place during spring, we're actually talking about anywhere where cherry blossoms are blooming. Cherry blossoms are a big deal in Japan, and you can find them blooming in many different places once they come to season. In our Golden Route Spring Tour or Japan Essence (if you go during the spring), you'll be treated to some beautiful views of cherry blossoms while you observe some of Japan's most famous landmarks. Whether you're shooting a photography session of yourself or of the landscapes, the cherry blossoms just make everything feel more whimsical. 

Just as a side note, the same things can be said about Japan during autumn. When the fall foliage begins, the colors are spectacular and just something that many have captured through a picture.