I get a lot of clients wanting that urban Tokyo look when discussing where they want to be photographed. We’ll go through a list of potential locations. Some neighborhoods are too young, while others are too fanciful. But there are a few locations that really strike the cord of current global and sophisticated with a touch of nature that are deemed the best places in Tokyo to capture a professional yet authentic look!
Here is a ranked list of my favorite options for an executive headshot session.
Roppongi Hills & Midtown Tokyo
While many areas might be known for shopping in Roppongi, I actually find some of the locations between the famous Roppongi Keyakizaka Street and the Rose Garden at the back of Roppongi Hills to be some of my favorite places to shoot in Roppongi. These places are ideal for many clients who want to focus on the urban Aesthetics of the area. For some of my clients who prefer the more natural aspects of the area, Hinokicho Park, near Roppongi Midtown, or the National Art Center are great options.
Your Office, Home or Co-working Space
Many clients want to reinforce their brand identity, and the office setting would be the most authentic to that brand. Whether it’s a high-rise, familiar landscapes in the Skyline views, or a sophisticated coworking space, capturing headshots in a professional work environment adds relevance to your brand. There are some caveats, as some shared spaces might require permission from building managers before anyone can photograph in what might be deemed a recognizable space.
Don’t count your home out! I love visiting people’s homes or places where they feel most comfortable to capture their authentic look. The woman pictured above was photographed in her home! Leave all the coordinating and set design to your photographer, and we can create a space that makes your space look versatile or an honest representation of your brand.
Do keep in mind that for some who rent their offices inside a shared space or a building, it would be wise to ask the community or building managers where you can and can not shoot, as there will most likely be restrictions for locations outside your office space. The same goes for lobby spaces in residential tower mansions.
Otemachi Office Area
You don’t have to go too far from my number one pick for this area. Otamachi is just as professional, with corporate towers and contemporary architecture. Many of my clients in the law industry appreciate the short commute from their offices when we have a photo shoot! A walk around the Otemachi buildings and architecture provides a nice variety of backgrounds that complement your clothing and the message you or your company are trying to convey. I personally enjoy shooting around the Four Seasons Hotel area. The blocks surrounding the building are spacious and have a modern aesthetic.
Hibiya Park
Given its convenient location between Shimbashi, Kasumigaseki, and Yurakucho areas (not to mention the amazing view of Tokyo Tower), Hibiya Park does a phenomenal job of balancing both a natural and urban Tokyo look. This park is very versatile for those who might lean more towards a nature feel than a metropolitan feel for their headshots or branding sessions. This park is highly versatile for family and couples sessions as well. I’d highly recommend this location for those who want to combine nature, traditional Japan, and urban cityscapes in their branding.
Tokyo International Forum
I absolutely love shooting at this location. This stunning piece of architecture is a classic among business professionals. The combination of their wide glass wall, steel, and natural lighting creates a very natural yet modern aesthetic that enhances the authenticity and clarity of headshots. The best part about shooting here is that it’s open to anyone who wishes to photograph inside. If clients want to have both an indoor and an outdoor set of images for their branding, this is a very convenient location, as the Marunouchi area is the next block over! There’s no permit required for this location, which is one of the main reasons I LOVE photographing clients here!
Marunouchi Business District
This is the financial Heartland of Tokyo. Marunouchi is the epitome of professionalism and skill. Filled with skyscrapers, clean and Polished stone walkways, and some of the most luxurious hotels, this district is a sophisticated Urban setting that is perfect for some of the high-level Executives I’ve photographed. The clean lines and modern architecture make me feel like I’m almost in a global location such as New York City.
I love starting clients at Marunouchi Brick Square, then snaking our way through the arches of the Mitsubishi Headquarters building to the brick walls of the Ichigokan Museum. By that point, we work our way down the Marunouchi Naka-dori Street to our last location, Gyoko-dori.
In closing, many clients have a general idea of what message they would like to convey when deciding the session’s location. Are you hoping to communicate internationalism and authority with high-rise corporate backgrounds? Or perhaps warmth and approachability with a garden or park in the background? We can absolutely discuss these possibilities at our consultation.
If you are unsure where to start, your photographer can help you choose the best location. If you’re looking for an executive headshot that elevates your brand, let’s find the perfect location in Tokyo together.
