Tokyo › Tokyo photo guides › An old Tokyo photo walk
Published November 15, 2026
“Shitamachi” means the old downtown neighborhoods of Tokyo that keep their traditional street life. Instead of towers and landmarks you get wooden shops, narrow lanes, slopes and shrines. The pace is slow and the mood is everyday, perfect if you like retro, film-style photos.
Yanaka Ginza + Nezu Shrine
Yanaka Ginza is a short shopping street. Coming from Nippori, the Yuyake Dandan steps at its entrance are a great spot for backlit late-afternoon shots. The street and surrounding lanes are perfect for walking shots. Head south to Nezu Shrine, where the vermilion gate and rows of torii suit more formal portraits.
- Best time: late afternoon (Yuyake Dandan); Nezu Shrine in azalea season, April–May
- Package: Standard (60 min)
- Location guide: Yanaka Ginza + Nezu Shrine
Shibamata Taishakuten + approach
Shibamata, in eastern Tokyo, is the setting of the film series “Otoko wa Tsurai yo” (Tora-san). The approach from Shibamata Station to Taishakuten is lined with wooden shopfronts and dango shops, perfect for Showa-style street shots, and Taishakuten’s Nitenmon Gate and detailed wood carvings photograph beautifully.
- Best time: morning to early afternoon, when the shops are open
- Package: Standard (60 min)
- Location guide: Shibamata Taishakuten + approach
Street shooting tips
- Muted, slightly retro outfits blend best with the old streets
- Lots of everyday moments: walking, shopping, window-gazing
- Don’t block shop entrances or customers; ask before shooting inside a shop
- Keep your voice down in residential lanes
Shared with our clients' permission. The photos are retouched.
Tokyo sessions: Solo portrait, Kimono session, Packages
FAQ
Can we do Yanaka and Shibamata in one session?
They’re quite far apart, so we suggest doing them separately; one area per session is more relaxed.
Is shitamachi good for kimono photos?
Yes. The old streets of Yanaka and Shibamata suit kimono well; see Tokyo kimono session.