Senso-ji and Asakusa at dawn

Senso-ji in Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest temple, and by mid-morning its approach is one of the busiest places in the city. Before eight it is a different place: the shutters along Nakamise-dori are still down, the giant red lantern under the Kaminarimon hangs over an almost empty street, and the Hozomon gate and the five-storey pagoda take the first warm light.

For portraits, the long approach gives depth with a gate behind, and the pagoda photographs well from beside the main hall. Many couples come in rented kimono, which suits the setting — Asakusa has plenty of rental shops, so check their opening time against a dawn slot.

The grounds are a place of worship: keep the steps of the main hall clear, and expect shoots with tripods or large setups to need permission. Your photographer will know the current rules.