[Updated 25 Oct 2019]
Delicious sushi, bright and busy neon-lit streets, ancient temples, and tranquil shrines. What's there not to love about Tokyo? With endless breathtaking views around every corner, it is a dream for all Instagram enthusiasts out there who would like to up their game and capture something different.
Credit: Giphy
Here are the awesome Instagram-worthy spots in Tokyo you never knew of before, to help you be a trendsetter and not a follower.
1. Mori Digital Art Museum
You've never seen a museum quite like the Mori Digital Art Museum. Transporting you to the wonders of digital art, step into the Universe of Water Particles on a Rock that mimics a cascading waterfall. You can also wander through the Crystal World to recreate our snapshot above!
#HHWT Tip: Since it's a hugely popular museum, we recommend purchasing the ticket in advance as it may sold out on the day of your visit.
Nearby halal food
Sojibo
Halal status: Halal-certified food, alcohol is served in establishment so dine at your own discretion
Cuisine: Japanese
Average price for main dishes: JPY700 -1,500
Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-11PM
Address: 6F, Diver City, 1-chōme-1-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tōkyō-to 135-0064, Japan
Contact: +81 3-5520-1310
2. Nihonbashi Bridge Kirin Statue
Nihonbashi Bridge is known as the starting place of all the roads in Japan. The Kirin Statue on the bridge is becoming more popular in recent years after it was featured in the Japanese movie "Kirin no Tsubasa”. This trendy area also features characteristics of both old and new Japan, making it an interesting stop for all.
Nearby halal food
Akasaka Saryo Ouka
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 12.45PM-3PM, 6PM-9PM (Closed on Sun)
Address: 2 Chome-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Contact: +81 3-5246-6547
CoCo Ichibanya
Halal status: Halal-certified (by Nippon Asia Halal Association)
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-10PM
Address:
Akihabara outlet: 1 Chome-6, 1F Kanda Matsunagachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0023
Contact: +81 3-6260-8667
3. Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon Temple)
Sensoji, or Asakusa Kannon Temple, is the oldest temple in Tokyo. Known for its popularity and vibrant colours, this temple receives a lot of visitors all year round. While the most iconic picture here might be of the giant red lantern at its front gate, try something new by snapping a photo from inside the temple itself instead. A 200m long shopping street, Nakamise, also lies between the temple's outer gate to the second gate and sells traditional Japanese foods and souvenirs year-round creating a warm and busy atmosphere.
Nearby halal food
Taizan Sakura
Halal status: Halal-certified
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: While we can’t find regular hours on the internet, one of our writers visited this place for lunch on Dec 2018. The restaurant seems to be open from lunchtime onwards, but do take note that some restaurants close in the mid-afternoon to restock and prep for the dinnertime crowd!
Address: 1 Chome-33-8 A1 building 1F, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Contact: +81 3-5811-1933
Sushiken
Halal status: Halal Certified (by Japan Halal Foundation)
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 11.30AM-4PM, 4PM-11.30PM, Sun; 11.30AM-3PM, 3PM-10PM
Address: 2 Chome-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Contact: +81 03-5246-6547
4. Toyosu Fish Market (formerly Tsukiji Fish Market)
The once famous fish auction and Inner Market at Tsukiji closed its doors and moved to Toyosu in October 2018. The Toyosu market still opens for a large tuna auction in the wee hours of the morning, and even has a dedicated observation area for visitors. For those who want to visit the original site, don't fret as there are still lots of seafood found at the Tsukiji Outer Market.
Nearby halal food
Gyu-Kaku
Halal status: Halal meat and seafood options available. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-3AM
Address:
Akasaka outlet: Akasaka 3 Chome-12-11, Central Akasaka Building 2nd floor, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Contact: +81 03-5545-5029
Akasaka Saryo Ouka
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 12.45PM-3PM, 6PM-9PM (Closed on Sun)
Address: 2 Chome-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Contact: +81 3-5246-6547
5. The Giant Ghibli Clock
Located in the Shiodome section of Tokyo, this giant clock at the Nittele Tower, where Nippon Television Headquarters is located. The clock was designed by Hayao Miyazaki where there were speculations saying that this aesthetic is linked to an anime classic. If you are interested to be mesmerised by the clock in action, be set and ready in front of the giant clock at noon, 3pm, 6pm and 8pm daily.
Nearby halal food
Gyu-Kaku
Halal status: Halal meat and seafood options available. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-3AM
Address:
Akasaka outlet: Akasaka 3 Chome-12-11, Central Akasaka Building 2nd floor, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Contact: +81 03-5545-5029
Akasaka Saryo Ouka
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 12.45PM-3PM, 6PM-9PM (Closed on Sun)
Address: 2 Chome-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Contact: +81 3-5246-6547
6. Jimbocho Book District
Credit: @ilyadesfois on Twitter
Jimbocho Book District is definitely a place not to be missed by any bookworm in the world. It houses thousands of books in several bookstores all within a street. It is amazing to walk past shelves lined with books along the street. It is definitely a unique sight for the Instagram update.
Nearby halal food
Akasaka Saryo Ouka
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 12.45PM-3PM, 6PM-9PM (Closed on Sun)
Address: 2 Chome-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Contact: +81 3-5246-6547
CoCo Ichibanya
Halal status: Halal-certified (by Nippon Asia Halal Association)
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-10PM
Address:
Akihabara outlet: 1 Chome-6, 1F Kanda Matsunagachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0023
Contact: +81 3-6260-8667
7. Soho Odaiba
Be mesmerised by the colourful doors of what would be boring offices. Visit the Odaiba Soho building in the evening where it would be a nicer view when the lights have been turned on.
Nearby halal food
Sumiyakiya
Halal status: Halal meats are available. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 5PM-10.30PM (Closed on Sun)
Address:
Roppongi outlet: Nishiazabu 3 Chome-20-16, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031, Japan
Contact: +81 03-3403-5397
Akasaka Saryo Ouka
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 12.45PM-3PM, 6PM-9PM (Closed on Sun)
Address: 2 Chome-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Contact: +81 3-5246-6547
8. Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel
Who would expect that an underground discharge channel would make it into one of the top few Instagram-worthy places in Tokyo? It is the world's largest underground floodwater diversion facility. It is used about 6-7 times a year where flood water is stored underground to minimise flood damages in the city. It is also a popular place for shooting commercials and movies. Do check out the 3 daily weekday tours they have but note that it is only conducted in Japanese.
Nearby halal food
Kappou Yama
Halal status: Halal-certified (by Japan Halal Foundation)
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 7PM-9PM (Closed on Sun)
Address: 3 Chome-15 Uemine, Chūō-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama, Tokyo 338-0014, Japan
Contact: +81 04-8711-4119
#HHWT Tip: Do note that the restaurant is open by reservations only
9. Owl Police Box
Known for their cuteness and quirkiness, there's always more ideas and creativity from the Japanese. The Owl Police Station is one of 7 in the whole of Japan. They are all unique in their own ways. This one here is located in the east exit of Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo. The shape of an owl is rather intentional as Ikebukuro is very often associated with owls.
Nearby halal food
Minokichi
Halal status: Minokichi is certified as a Muslim-friendly restaurant by the Kyoto Council for Sharia and Halal Affairs. Reservation for halal meals must be made 5 days before your day of visit.
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat; 11AM-11PM, Sun; 11AM-10PM
Address:
Ikebukuro outlet: Spice Ikebukuro Tobu 15F, 1 Chome-1-25, Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Contact: (+81) 03-3980-8855
10. Kaleidoscope Mirror at Tokyo Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
The Kaleidoscope mirror along the escalator in Harajuku is one not to be missed. The escalator leads to a lush terrace filled with trees and greenery for shoppers to relax and unwind. It is definitely a drastic change in atmosphere from a bustling fashion district to a quiet and peaceful hideout. While you are there, head to Takeshita Street which is just a short walk away. Takeshita Street is filled with kawaii (cute) fashion and sweet desserts. They are well known for their extravagant crepes and cotton candy.
Nearby halal food
Gyumon
Halal status: Halal meat available, but do note that alcohol is served in the establishment. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat; 12PM-4AM, Sun; 12PM-12AM
Address: 3 Chome-14-5 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Contact: +81 03-5469-2911
Menya Kaijin
Halal status: Seafood options available. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion. Also, do let the waiter know in advance that you do not want the chicken to be added!
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 11AM-3PM; 4.30PM-11.30PM, Sat; 11AM-11.30PM, Sun; 11AM-11PM
Address: 3-35-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Contact: +81 03-3356-5658
11. Nezu Shrine Tori Gate Entrance
Nezu Shrine near UENO Park is Tokyo's oldest and most attractive shrine. The whole architecture of the place stays true to the traditional Japanese culture. The best time to visit the shrine would be in spring when thousands of Azalea bushes bloom white and pink, but the bright shrine gates will be there year-round for you to look at too!
Nearby halal food
Ayam-YA Okachimachi
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Malaysia Halal Corporation)
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM
Address: 4 Chome-10-1 Taito, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan
Yakiniku Panga
Halal status: Halal-certified (by Japan Halal Foundation)
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 11:30AM-2PM, 5PM-10.30PM, Sun; 5PM-10PM
Address: 3 Chome-27-9 Taito, Taitō, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan
Contact: +81 3-3839-8929 or reserve via Hotpepper
There are many different things to explore in Tokyo besides the usual familiar backdrops. Be a trendsetter and start posing at these unique backdrops. It is time to up your Instagram game with all these Insta-worthy sights.