Hidden Photo Gems in Shibuya – A Tokyo Session with a Couple from Singapore

boztsutomu
Jul 14
3 min read

pre wedding photo in the middle of shibuya

We recently had the pleasure of spending a full day photographing a couple from Singapore who came to Japan to celebrate their love story.

The day started with a formal shoot in a serene Japanese garden, followed by a kimono session in the historic streets of Asakusa.

And to wrap it all up, they changed into a more casual outfit and headed to one of Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods: Shibuya.

Shibuya: More Than Just the Famous Crossing

When people think of Shibuya, they usually picture the world-famous scramble crossing. And yes—it’s an iconic spot for a reason. But there’s so much more to discover in this energetic neighborhood.

What makes Shibuya truly special is the mix of chaos and charm, where neon signs, narrow alleys, and unexpected art come together. It’s a place where you can find beauty not just in the landmarks, but in the small, surprising details—if you know where to look.

Starting the Adventure with a Message:

love each other?

The first stop after dropping the couple off was a simple but powerful piece of street art—“love each other?” displayed on the side of a building. This piece is part of a typographic art series found across Tokyo. Designed to spark conversation and reflection on relationships and society, it felt like a perfect fit for our couple, who have been together for years and are now getting married.

We spent some time capturing different angles with this sign, letting its message speak alongside their story.

Shibuya engagement photo with night neons

A White Line and an Unexpected Moment

Just a short walk from there, we stumbled across a strikingly clean white centerline running down the middle of a quiet street. It might seem like a small detail, but the way it caught the afternoon light made for an unexpectedly beautiful composition—so of course, we had to stop and take a few portraits.

The Crossing from a New Angle

Before diving into the chaos of the scramble crossing, we took a moment to observe it from a quieter perspective—on a pedestrian overpass just minutes away. From there, you get a full view of the intersection and the buzzing energy of the crowd, without the rush.

By this time, the couple had changed into their final outfit: something casual and relaxed, which blended perfectly with the urban surroundings.

Getting the Perfect Shot at the Scramble Crossing

Most visitors want that must-have shot standing in the middle of Shibuya Crossing—but here’s the truth: it’s harder than it looks. The time between red and green lights has been getting shorter in recent years, and the crowds are always thick.

That means you often need several takes—and a bit of patience—to get that one perfect frame. Just photographing this part alone can easily take an hour. But for those willing to embrace the challenge, the results are absolutely worth it.

Wrapping Up in a Place That Feels Like Old Tokyo: Nonbei Yokocho

To finish the day, we headed to Nonbei Yokocho—which translates to “Drunkard’s Alley.” Located just a few steps from the crossing, it feels like stepping back 50 years into a completely different Shibuya.

This narrow alley is lined with old wooden bars, tiny izakayas glowing with red lanterns, and a nostalgic vibe that’s rare to find in modern Tokyo. Here, we took the final shots of the day—peaceful, a little playful, and full of character.