A question that I am often asked is my approach to taking photos of people or inside stores in Japan.

One thing that I can say is that one should always ask permission if I get a portrait or if I am inside a store. One of the things I noticed in various reviews on Yelp! or Trip Advisor is how people went to establishment and were taking photos and were told not too and felt the Japanese staff were rude to them.

Most places are cool with photos taken, some are not and when it comes to approach, one has to remember that there could be things that are lost in translation.

For those of us who learn Japanese, we learn that there are politeness levels on which words to use in Japanese that are respectful and not rude. In Japan, they learn words but they are not told about politeness levels in the way one expresses “no”. How it comes out may seem rude by how its said, it gets misinterpreted that the person is being super rude.

Unless one works for a major corporation where translation and communication for business is important and the person went through training on how to communicate effectively, a lot of Japanese learn from school or through TV and movies, which is not always the best case, but one shouldn’t be too hurt, just know it’s one of those differences between cultures.

Another thing that you’ll notice is that some places will allow for cameras for photos but if you pull out a DSLR or even a point-and-shoot, they may say no to those. Only smartphones are allowed.

And sometimes, I get special instructions. You can shoot the model but you can’t shoot the logos or certain things around the stage area.

For photographers taking photos for publications (may it be portrait or concert footage), having photographed many Japanese entertainers and have dealt with Japanese companies when it comes to photography.

I’ve also learned that some may ask permission for you to send photos and they be allowed to make the choices of which photos can be used and can’t be used. They want the best photo for their artist and sometimes, you can take over a hundred photos and they’ll just choose three that can be used (due to time, they don’t look through everything). This is quite common. And for Japanese business relations, it’s best to follow those rules, as not following them, you may not work with them ever again. So, please keep that in mind.

At art museums, most can be quite restrictive and do not allow it. Sometimes, you’ll find a few that are cool with it and have signs like above that will let you know it’s all good! But definitely check the museums website for photography rules.

And last, even if you are in a place which allows for photography, if a celebrity arrives for a signing, being shot on camera for television or doing a guerilla live and you see staff suddenly telling you, no photos or video. This is also quite common. Especially at music stores in Shibuya, heavy foodie areas or areas like Diver City in Odaiba.

But 95% of the time, for your trip, you will be able to get the shot that you want as long as you ask permission. Also, make sure to look for signs in front of an establishment to know if photographs are welcomed or not (especially at a museum).

And last, if you want to take a photo of someone, please don’t hold them up. Take a quick photo, you can ask them for one more but this is not a photo shoot, so please appreciate their time and their willingness of giving you an opportunity to take a photo.

Important words to know in Japanese for taking photos

If you are wanting to take photos of someone or the inside of a store:

すみません、写真を撮ってもいいですか (sumimasen, shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?) – Excuse me, may I take a picture?

Pronunciation: soo-mi-ma-sen, sha-sheen o toe-te mo-ee des-ka?

Now what if you want to take video, you can just substitute the “Shashin” for “video” (pronounce it as: bee-de-yo)

This is probably the main thing you are going to say! That’s all that’s needed, they understand and it’s all good!

Now what if you are taking a photo of someone but you want to get another pose?

あなたは別のポーズを行うことができます (Anata wa betsu no pōzu o okonau koto ga dekimasu ka?) – Can you please do another pose?

Pronunciation: a-na-ta wa bet-su no po-zu o oko-now ko-to ga de-ki-mas ka?

And you want to do another photo, just say “もう一度言ってください」(mou ichido kudasai) – Please one more time

Pronunciation: mo-ichi-do koo-da-sai

Now what if you want to take a picture with the person? Then you say this:

すみません、一緒に写真を撮ってもいいですか (sumimasen, isshouni shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?) – Excuse me, can we take a picture together?

Pronunciation: soo-mi-ma-sen, ee-show-nee sha-sheen o toe-te mo-ee des-ka?

Now, here is an example of me asking me an employee if I can take a photo

Not a good example, but here is when I was in Hakone and asking the person inside if I can take photos inside the Eva store. I should of added shashin to video (photos and video):

Last but not least, as mentioned 95% of the time, you will get the shot. Inside stores, that percentage drops as many stores don’t allow it but some do, so no hurt in asking. But if you ask to take someone’s photo, just be mindful. You don’t want to do it when they are eating and definitely don’t want to assume you can. Be cool, courteous and ask permission.

But overall, I hope this guide helps!

Q&A

What was the most strict place you have experienced in try to take a photo?

For me, the two that stands out in my head is A Bathing Ape in Harajuku and BEAMS in Marunouchi. So strict that after I asked, employees followed my movements after. Even when I was outside of the store. A Bathing Ape is a popular store but it’s also a store that gets a lot of the comments of “rude employees” after one tried to take a photo. I asked beforehand, so I’m good. But when you see people come in, you see many travelers trying to take photos.

As for BEAMS, BEAMS stores in Shin-Marunouchi and Shibuya were open for me to take photos inside the store but one of them and that is the BEAMS HOUSE store in Marunouchi were strict to say no photography allowed.

Where did you get the most “No’s” when it comes to asking to take someone’s photos?

Parties. Especially where there are many travelers. Some people are very shy or have a low self-esteem and some are just not comfortable for whatever reason. So, always ask permission! No random photos or video.

What is your favorite place to shoot photos?

I guess it depends for what. For Tokyo in general, I love taking photos at the World Trade Center and seeing the whole city. For fall leaves, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden at the end of November or first week of December. But to be truthful, wherever I’m at, I try to keep a close eye and enjoy the experience.

What advice do you have for photographers who want to take photos in Japan?

I used to take my lenses and my DSLR’s to Japan, I no longer do it anymore. In Japan, you walk a lot, you go up stairs a lot. Lugging around nearly 10-20 pounds of equipment on your back and then your regular bag to store things that you may have purchased or so is not fun. Leaving the camera bag and heavy equipment behind was the best decision I made and learning to utilize my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 and Canon Powershot G7X has been the greatest.

Granted, I do like my DSLR photos better and taking my 500mm lens or having the option to focus without getting the protective netting around the stadium during a baseball game.

The DSLR gives your more freedom in that aspect, but seriously…the convenience of not having to carry heavy camera equipment makes a huge difference especially when you need the stamina to walk many miles.

I will never do it again!

And the last advice, purchase and bring numerous flash cards U3, Type10 for your trip!