The Reflection Game: Shooting Shibuya's Glass
Why I shoot reflections in Shibuya and not at the crossing
Shibuya Crossing is truly a marvellous place. One that I honestly never get tired of, but also one I seldom shoot. I take a few moments each time I am in Shibuya to admire it, but then turn my back in search of people. I actually only shoot the crossing on workshops; the participants are always so excited to shoot there, and I oblige.
What I love the most about Shibuya is frenetic energy, not the touristy oh my god energy, but that sense you have a finger on the pulse of the city. That feeling is strongest around the many Shibuya Station exits. This is where I look for reflective surfaces to shoot off.
Shibuya Crossing phone booth
Phone booth reflections
Most people walk right past the double-wide phone booth at the Hachiko exit of Shibuya Station in front of the crossing. I stop by here quite often to shoot. The station itself is under construction, changing the background considerably each visit.
It is possible to shoot through the phone booth, as in the image above, or between the two phone booths, as in the one below. I love the multiple reflections of people, but there is something about having the phone receiver in frame that I love.
Depending on the time of day and the state of construction, multiple layers of context can be found here. Use a polarizer to fine-tune exactly what you want in your frame.
Vending Machine Reflections
There is a row of vending machines off to the side of what was once Shibuya Station. I use the machines' surfaces to capture people passing by. I place the lens right up against it, in search of interesting compositions.
My favourite spot has a pillar with reflective panels. This provides a unique opportunity to capture reflections as well as the subject reflected. This place has high foot traffic, with a wide variety of people passing by. Capturing two or more people in a single frame makes for a very good image. Juxtaposing two different people, for example, old and young, can elevate the image into something truly spectacular.
Shibuya Station reflections
Shibuya Crossing Stairwell Glass
The Shibuya Crossing is great the first few times, but after 20 years of crossing it, it has become a little tired. That being said, each corner has either an elevator shaft or a glass stairwell. This is an ideal place to find a perfect reflection.
I prefer the elevator shaft, as people can see you through the glass, which helps to provide a more genuine response in their facial expression. When they can’t see you until the last moment, the result is mostly images of shock and surprise. Though also genuine, it doesn’t seem to fit the location; hurried, busy or happy faces dominate the landscape here.
Shibuya reflection
The streets never look the same way twice. I’m curious—how does this side of Tokyo hit you? Drop a comment below.
I live on flat whites and shutter clicks. If you’ve found value in these shots, toss a coffee my way to keep the sensor humming.
For those who want to skip the tourist traps and shoot the real Tokyo, my calendar is open for workshops. Explore the Masterclass here or email me at jeff@tokyoforgeries.com.
See you in the shadows."
Tokyo Forgeries is an evolving archive of Tokyo street photography and vintage-lens deep dives. We spend 30 days in every ward, using mid-century brass and glass to capture the city’s soul. This is a roadmap for the active pursuit of craft—documented through the geography of Tokyo and the character of its light.
