Movie & TV Filming Locations in Tokyo, Japan

1. Shibuya Crossing

This famous intersection, with its mass of people crossing from all directions, is an iconic Tokyo sight. It has appeared in many movies as a symbol of the city's energy.

Crowd Density: Often jam-packed, especially during peak hours, which could affect filming.
Lighting: Bright advertisements and massive screens provide intense lighting, beneficial for night shoots.
Sound Environment: Street noise and bustling atmosphere can pose audio challenges.
Permits: Filming requires proper permission from local authorities due to its heavy traffic.
Accessibility: Easily accessible by public transportation, especially the Shibuya Station.

2. Tokyo Tower

Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, this iconic red-and-white structure offers impressive views of the cityscape.

Height Restrictions: Limited space and height can limit certain filming angles.
Visibility: Offers clear views of Tokyo but subject to weather conditions.
Tourism: Popular tourist spot, so managing crowds can be a challenge.
Permits: Requires authorization for filming, especially for drones or extensive equipment.
Lighting: Tower is beautifully lit at night, offering great visual appeal.

3. Tsukiji Outer Market

Known for its seafood, this bustling market is a vibrant place full of life and colors, perfect for food-related scenes.

Market Hours: Filming is best early in the morning during market hours.
Space Constraints: Narrow alleys may limit equipment and crew movement.
Noise Levels: Busy and loud, capturing clean audio should be planned carefully.
Permits: Necessary to secure permissions, especially for extensive filming.
Local Businesses: Coordination needed with vendors and shop owners.

4. Meiji Shrine

A stunning shrine surrounded by a forested area in the middle of the city, providing a serene and traditional setting.

Noise Restrictions: Quiet respectful environment requires careful consideration for noise.
Cultural Sensitivity: Filming must respect the religious and cultural significance of the site.
Permits: Obtaining permits is mandatory, as it's a historical location.
Accessibility: Well-connected but involves a walk through wooded trails.
Lighting: Natural light filters through the trees, creating a peaceful ambiance.

5. Akihabara

Known as the technology and anime hub, Akihabara offers a vibrant setting with bright neon lights and themed shops.

Neon Lighting: Offers unique and colorful lighting opportunities, best at night.
Crowd Management: Densely populated, making crowd control essential for filming.
Cultural Vibrancy: Captures the essence of Tokyo’s tech and anime culture.
Permits: Requires filming permissions due to its high commercial presence.
Sound Environment: Noisy atmosphere with gaming arcades and electronic stores.

6. Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Tokyo’s oldest temple, known for its imposing Thunder Gate and bustling Nakamise Street leading up to the temple.

Historical Significance: Ensures accurate representation and preservation of its cultural heritage.
Tourist Crowds: Carefully manage filming during high tourist traffic hours.
Lighting: Offers dramatic traditional architecture, best shot in natural daylight.
Permits: Permission needed, especially for commercial purposes.
Sound: Busy but quieter within temple grounds compared to Nakamise Street.

7. Odaiba

A futuristic artificial island in Tokyo Bay known for its modern buildings and entertainment complexes.

Modern Architecture: Provides a futuristic urban backdrop for modern-themed scenes.
Weather Conditions: Being surrounded by water can make it windy and unpredictable.
Tourist Attractions: Popular entertainment complexes require coordination to minimize disruptions.
Authorities: Permissions are necessary when filming in public spaces or around attractions.
Transport Links: Accessible by various transport options, including monorail and ferries.

8. Ueno Park

Famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, Ueno Park is a popular spot for outdoor scenes with its abundant greenery and open spaces.

Seasonality: Cherry blossom season offers peak photogenic opportunities.
Space Availability: Large areas are available, but planning is key during peak seasons.
Permits: Necessary for filming, particularly with large crews.
Accessibility: Well-located with several nearby train stations.
Public Usage: Being a public park, filming might have to be coordinated around events and public use.

9. Ginza

Tokyo’s upscale shopping district known for its opulent storefronts and luxury brands.

Luxury Aesthetic: Offers a backdrop of high-end elegance, ideal for fashion-related projects.
Crowd Control: Bustling with shoppers, especially on weekends.
Traffic Patterns: Street closures and traffic patterns can affect filming schedules.
Permits: Requires specific permissions due to private properties.
Lighting: Brightly lit storefronts enhance night-time filming opportunities.

10. Nakamise Shopping Street

A bustling street leading to Senso-ji Temple with traditional shops and food stalls.

Tradition and Culture: Rich with culture, offers vibrant shots of local life.
Shop Coordination: Requires consideration of business hours and shopkeepers.
Foot Traffic: Frequently crowded, necessitating strategies for filming during quieter periods.
Lighting: Natural light is best due to the lack of artificial lighting.
Permits: Necessary to obtain to avoid disruption to vendors and visitors.

11. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

A large park combining traditional Japanese, English, and French garden styles.

Scenic Beauty: Offers diverse scenery for various backdrop needs.
Space: Ample space for setting up large equipment and crew.
Seasonal Appeal: Blossoms and seasonal foliage provide visual variety throughout the year.
Permits: Required to film professionally within the grounds.
Accessibility: Centrally located with multiple entry points.

12. Tokyo Skytree

The tallest structure in Japan, offering panoramic views of Tokyo and serving as a prominent modern icon.

Height and Views: Offers cityscape views but subject to weather conditions blocking visibility.
Tourist Frequency: High tourist traffic can require careful scheduling.
Lighting: Colorful LED lighting provides dynamic visual appeal at night.
Permits: Required for filming in and around the structure.
Airspace Restrictions: Limits on drones and aerial equipment due to height.

13. Piss Alley (Omoide Yokocho)

A narrow alley of tiny bars and eateries, capturing the post-war Tokyo atmosphere.

Narrow Space: Tight shooting conditions suitable for small crews.
Traditional Charm: Offers an authentic old-world Tokyo feel.
Noise Levels: Bustling atmosphere requires careful sound management.
Permits: Collaboration with multiple small business owners for access.
Lighting: Dimly lit, providing atmospheric nighttime shots.

14. Rainbow Bridge

A suspension bridge connecting Odaiba to the center of Tokyo, known for its colorful lighting.

Bridge Architecture: Modern and sleek, suitable for dynamic action scenes.
Traffic Flow: Busy vehicular traffic requires careful planning for filming.
Permits: Strict regulations for shooting on and around the bridge.
Lighting: Rainbow-colored lights offer unique visual effects.
Weather Impact: Subject to weather changes which may affect schedules.

15. Yoyogi Park

Adjacent to Meiji Shrine, a large urban park known for gatherings and open-air events.

Open Spaces: Provides large, versatile areas ideal for different scene setups.
Event Scheduling: Filming should consider event calendars to avoid clashes.
Natural Light: Excellent natural lighting most of the day.
Permits: Necessary for legal filming in the park.
Accessibility: Centrally located and easily reached by public transport.

16. Tokyo Station

Known for its red brick facade, this historical train station is pivotal in Tokyo's transport network.

Architectural Appeal: Offers a blend of historic and contemporary design.
Busy Hub: One of Japan’s busiest stations; schedule careful filming times.
Permits: Strict permissions needed due to high security and traffic.
Lighting: Well-lit interiors and exteriors suitable for various shots.
Accessibility: Central location provides easy access for crew and equipment.

17. Roppongi Hills

A high-class development area offering modern urban scenery and impressive views of Tokyo Tower.

Modern Facilities: Ideal for corporate and upscale setting needs.
Commercial Area: Requires permissions relating to private property.
Security Measures: High security may necessitate adherence to strict regulations.
Lighting: Well-lit with modern designs enhancing night scenes.
Public Spaces: Coordination needed for public areas within the complex.

18. Sumida Aquarium

Located within the Tokyo Skytree Town, this aquarium offers a glimpse into marine life elegantly displayed.

Dim Lighting: Unique low-light conditions enhance oceanic scenes.
Visitor Traffic: Planning needed around peak visiting times.
Permits: Required from the facility for shoot access.
Sound Environment: Indoor acoustics could complicate audio recording.
Marine Life Protection: Ensuring all activities comply with species protection rules.

19. Ameya-Yokocho Market

A lively market street near Ueno Park, known for its bustling atmosphere and variety of goods.

Market Buzz: Offers dynamic and diverse market scenes.
Shop Interaction: Requires coordination with shop owners and vendors.
Permits: Essential for formal filming activities.
Lighting: Natural daylight is best as typical street lighting is minimal.
Crowd Dynamics: Managing foot traffic and crowd scenes requires planning.

20. Zojoji Temple

A historic temple located near Tokyo Tower, with striking structures that contrast the modern tower backdrop.

Cultural Heritage: Provides a rich historical context for storytelling.
Proximity to Tokyo Tower: Offers a unique blend of historical and modern visuals.
Permits: Required for filming to protect cultural integrity.
Quiet Environment: Suitable for serene, reflective scenes.
Seasonal Beauty: Different seasons provide varied backdrops within temple grounds.