#MyTokyo: See it through social media eyes

In a series called #MyTokyo that aired on CNN International, four well-known Instagrammers introduce Tokyo to the world.

From food to architecture, scenery to special landmarks, their special perspectives bring the landmarks and popular districts of Tokyo to life in a whole new way.

The featured Instagrammers include Yuma Yamashita, Laylah, Yoshiro Ishii and Charly Sabas. But we didn’t stop there. We also asked social media followers to share their own photos and insights on Japan’s capital.

Here are a few of our favorite submissions of destinations all around Tokyo:

#MYTokyo is: Incredible urban views

Instagrammer Haruka Nuga shared this colorful pic of Tokyo Tower from Roppongi Hills, a central Tokyo building complex filled with apartments, offices, restaurants, museums, shops and observation deck.

Roppongi is also a fantastic place to capture views of Tokyo’s dramatic skyline at night, as proven by this shot shared by Instagrammer Suwandicphoto.

Even CNN’s Tokyo correspondent Will Ripley got in on the #MyTokyo action, sharing this stunning shot of Tokyo Tower snapped from Minato ward.

Twitter user Norman Pelerinage appears to agree with Ripley’s choice of shooting locations.

He too singled out Minato for its awesome views, adding that it’s an ideal place for a romantic date.

Perhaps Tokyo’s most famous unintentional tourist hotspot, the Shibuya scramble crossing is located in front of Shibuya station, a major shopping and nightlife district.

For bird’s eye views of the busy intersection, Twitter user Jim Wilson recommends heading to the top of Mark City Building.

Back on ground level, Twitter user H shared this image taken while walking across the north side of Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge.

The suspension bridge has become an incredibly popular spot for photographers looking for wide views of the Tokyo skyline.

It’s 798-meters long and stretches from Shibaura Pier to the Odaiba waterfront development in Minato.

The bridge’s walkway, which is 1.7 kilometers long, is open from 9 a.m to 9 p.m. in April to October, from 10 a.m. in the winter months.

#MYTokyo is: Spiritual and natural beauty

Of course Tokyo isn’t just skyscrapers and lights. The city’s shrines, temples and parks are excellent photography subjects too.

These tori gates at Hie Shrine in central Tokyo were snapped by Instagrammer foremmayoung_.

The Buddhist Senso-ji, as shared here by Twitter users 100 Travel Stories and Kotolan, is Tokyo’s oldest temple. It’s located in Asakusa district.

Cherry blossom (sakura) season, which usually takes place in mid-March, is among the best times to visit Tokyo if you can swing it.

Instagrammer Happy Nomad, along with Twitter users Natasha Kassirova and Katherine Unmuth, shared these photos of the blossoms in full bloom.

#MYTokyo is: Historic architecture

Instagrammer T. Aloha Ishizaka reminds us it’s still possible to find pockets of old Tokyo with this lovely shot taken in Ueno Sakuragi Atari.

The small community space is made up of renovated houses built in the 1930s.

There’s a beer hall, bakery and several small shops.

If you’re traveling outside of Tokyo, chances are you’ll be passing through this historic building shared by Instagrammer Caseyhu_ – Tokyo Station.

In 2014, the station celebrated its 100th birthday. The inside is just as marvelous as the out. This photo of Tokyo Station’s ceiling was shared by Instagrammer marletds.

Read more about its remarkable history here: 100 years of trains, tourism and secret tunnels.

#MYTokyo is: Awesome food

Naturally, our social followers offered plenty of tributes to Tokyo’s incredible food scene.

Abrooklyntraveler says Tsuta, in Toshima, serves the best ramen she’s ever had.

No surprise there though, given last year it became the world’s first Michelin starred ramen shop. Want to give it a taste?

Blogger Ramen Adventures has a nice post on how to get in to Tsuta.

This bowl of fresh salmon, taken at Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji Fish Market, was shared by Instagrammer Littlemsmuffet.

Whoever thought a slab of octopus could look so beautiful? A foodie, that’s who.

Instagrammer Doctor.jd shared this delicious photo he took at Tsukiji.

Most of us have been inside or at least seen photos of Tsukiji. But have you ever checked it out from above? We love the new perspective Instagrammer Surftohorizon offers in this aerial photo of the facility.

For that non-traditional, high-tech sushi experience, Twitter user Andrew Tsao recommends Genki.

First, diners order their dishes on a tablet.

It then comes rushing to the table on a track, sitting atop a little car shaped like a Shinkansen bullet train.

But nothing’s as wild as Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant, singled out by Twitter user Fabien Clerc.

It’s a sci-fi cabaret club where big robots meet ninjas meet dancers in sparkly bikinis.

Flooded with neon lights, mirrors and golden seashell-shaped armchairs, the restaurant in the Kabukicho area of Shinjuku cost JPY10 billion (or $10 million) to construct.

Meanwhile, one Twitter user had this to offer about the crazy Robot Restaurant:

Duly noted, sir.

#MYTokyo is: Nightlife

Doesn’t get more literal than this. Shibuya’s Nonbei Yokocho – a.k.a. Drunkard’s Alley – is filled with bars and restaurants.

Shared by Instagrammer Happynomad_

Over in fashionable Ebisu you’ll find Ebisu Yokocho – a fantastic strip of watering holes that was seemingly made for bar hopping, as seen in this image by Instagrammer Meagankpearl

#MyTokyo is: Street style

There’s a reason countless artists and fashion designers cite Tokyo as a constant source of inspiration for their designs.

It’s arguably the world leader when it comes to street style – thus a street photographer’s dream destination, too.

Photos here provided by Twitter users Ben McKechnie, Lara and Brian ケビン.

And last but certainly not least, we bring you the people watching capital of the world – Harajuku.

It’s where Japan’s youth subcultures gather on Sundays to see and be seen.

In addition to boutique cafes and shops aside, Harajuku is also home to Laforet fashion mall: a mecca for Gothic Lolitas and Gyaruo boys as well as other avant garde fashionistas.

We think this photo by Marlet Salazar captures its beauty quite nicely.

This story was originally published in August 2016.