"100 Views of Tokyo Tower": A Complete Guide to Recommended Photo Spots, from Classic Landmarks to Stunning Illuminated Views
Tokyo Tower can be seen from various locations throughout Minato Ward. As I walk through areas where you can see the 333-meter-tall red tower, I often see tourists taking photos of the scenery or snapping souvenir shots with their smartphones in hand. Tokyo Tower is also one of the most frequently photographed subjects in the “Minato Ward Tourism Photo Contest,” held annually by the Minato Ward Tourism Association. In this post, titled “100 Views of Tokyo Tower,” I’d like to introduce some recommended photo spots, featuring a mix of daytime and nighttime views!
First, check out the photo spots around Tokyo Tower!
鉄道を使って東京タワーへ行く場合には、JRの浜松町駅、東京メトロ日比谷線の神谷町駅、三田線の御成門駅と芝公園駅、都営地下鉄大江戸線の赤羽橋駅、浅草線の大門駅の6駅からのアクセスが便利です。いずれも駅を出てすぐ、あるいは少し歩いたところで東京タワーのシンボリックな勇姿が見えてきます。まずは、このあたりの撮影ポイントから見ていきましょう。
最寄駅である赤羽橋駅からは、赤羽橋口を地上に出た瞬間、すぐそばに赤いタワーがドーン！ 突然表れるタワーに、誰もが感動する瞬間です。東京タワーはここより少し高い丘の上に立っているため、タワーがそそり立つ姿を見上げる視点で望めるのが、このポイントの魅力です。
最寄駅である赤羽橋駅からは、赤羽橋口を地上に出た瞬間、すぐそばに赤いタワーがドーン！ 突然表れるタワーに、誰もが感動する瞬間です。東京タワーはここより少し高い丘の上に立っているため、タワーがそそり立つ姿を見上げる視点で望めるのが、このポイントの魅力です。
Next, on the way from Akabanebashi Station to Tokyo Tower, the stairs leading to an underground parking garage located halfway up the slope along Momijidani are a famous photo spot. The view of the tower framed between the walls of the staircase is incredibly popular as an “Instagrammable” spot where you can pose like a model and take a commemorative photo.
And we got as close as possible to Tokyo Tower♪
Continue up the hill until you reach the base of Tokyo Tower. Taking striking photos of the tower soaring up from its “base” is an experience you can only have here. Just be careful not to strain your back from looking up at it for too long (lol).
You can also capture a view like this, with the Tokyo Tower perfectly framed in the shot, from “Nagai-zaka,” the slope located between Akabanebashi Station and Kamiyacho Station.
"Shiba Park," which has plenty of great photo spots
Next, we head to “Shiba Park,” which lies right at the foot of Tokyo Tower. If you’re using Onarimon Station, Shiba Park Station, Akabanebashi Station, or Daimon Station, you’ll pass through Shiba Park on your way to Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower is visible from all over the vast grounds of Shiba Park. Among these spots, the two most popular photo spots are Area 4, where the children’s playground is located, and Minato City-managed Shiba Park.
Minato City's Shiba Park is known for its charming view of the Tokyo Tower, which stands perfectly framed against the backdrop of the lawn. It's a popular spot for picnics and is also highly recommended for taking commemorative photos with family and friends.
Meanwhile, Shiba Park Lot 4, located right outside Exit A6 of Onarimon Station, is a great spot for night views, offering a lovely combination of the tree-lined avenue with streetlights and the Tokyo Tower. Furthermore, every December, the “Christmas Garden” is held, featuring a Christmas market reminiscent of those in Germany itself. The scenery is transformed into a festive Christmas atmosphere (as of September 2022, the 2022 event is yet to be confirmed).
"Zojo-ji Temple," with Tokyo Tower towering in the background
At Zojo-ji Temple—the family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns, also located within Shiba Park—you can take photos that capture the main hall (Daiden) alongside the Tokyo Tower.
Normally, the park is closed to the public at night, but during the “Washi Candle Night” event held every year on Tanabata, you can enjoy this magical scene for one night only.
The road running north of Zojo-ji Temple is also a hidden gem where Tokyo Tower stands beautifully right in front of you along the straight stretch of road.
Mita, Roppongi, Odaiba, Shinagawa… “Scenes Featuring the Tokyo Tower” from Various Locations in Minato Ward
If you want to capture a panoramic view that includes Tokyo Tower, we recommend visiting the “Sky Deck” on the rooftop of the Mori Tower at Roppongi Hills. From a height of 238 meters above ground, you can enjoy a breathtaking view overlooking the entire city center. Among the sights is a spectacular view of Tokyo Tower standing side by side with the skyscraper currently under construction in Toranomon.
In addition, on “Roppongi Keyakizaka” in Roppongi Hills, the tree-lined avenue is illuminated every year from mid-November through Christmas. The view of the illuminations combined with Tokyo Tower offers a special experience unique to this season.
A recommended photo spot in Shinagawa is “Shinagawa Season Terrace.” This location, which has been used as a filming location for numerous TV dramas and movies, offers a view of the Tokyo Tower reflected in the waterway at night.
And from Odaiba, you can see the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower—Minato Ward’s two most iconic landmarks—standing side by side. Of course, you can also take photos of the Tokyo Tower against the backdrop of the Takeshiba and Shibaura cityscapes from the Rainbow Bridge’s pedestrian walkway.
[Bonus] Unique Tokyo Towers: The "Cramped Tower," the "Reflective Tower," the "Half Tower," and more
The second is the “Cramped Tower,” which, sandwiched between the buildings in the foreground, gives the impression that it’s smaller than it actually is.
The third is the “Reflection Tower,” which is reflected in the surrounding buildings.
Fourth, there are the “Twin Towers,” where the tower reflected in the building stands side by side with the actual tower.