Tokyo Tower
Hi Travelers, this is Kumi. I'm now planning to publish a Kindle book on Tokyo photo locations. In this book, a traveler/photographer, Cat, asks questions to a guide/photographer, Kumi.
C: Cat - traveler/photographer
K: Kumi - guide/photographer
* * * * * * * * *
C: Is Tokyo Tower the one that looks like the Eifel Tower?
K: Yes. It has been the symbol of Tokyo for more than 60 years even though it was destroyed by Godzilla a couple of times.
C: Hahaha. I think I've watched that scene somewhere. What's your favorite spot to shoot Tokyo Tower?
K: If you want to make people say "Wow," this may be it. This is one of my favorites.
C: Wow! Where did you take this from?
K: This is near Onarimon station. Here is the exact location. The closest exit is A6.
K: The day view isn't so attractive.
C: Hahaha. I totally agree. Where do you recommend to take the day view?
K: You could walk south to visit Zojo-ji Temple for this unique view.
C: The temple and the tower. This is interesting. Can I visit there any time?
K: It opens from 9am to 5pm.
C: OK.
K: If you keep walking down to the south, you should come to this open area. This is near Memorial Park in Shiba Park. This is very close to Shibakoen station.
K: It's only a 10-minute walk from Onarimon station to Shibakoen station.
C: I bet it would take hours if you often stop and take photos.
K: That's right.
K: Until the end of August 2020, you could also visit the WTCB Observatory called "Seaside Top." It’s about a 10 to 15 minute walk from Shiba Park. Oh, you can download the discount coupon from here.
C: Only 500 yen for this view? This is great!
K: Yes. If you wish to shoot Tokyo Tower itself, I would say this is the best place.
C: Why is it until August 2020?
K: The building will be reconstructed and is scheduled to re-open in 2027.
C: Are there any different directions to shoot from?
K: You could go to Akabane-bashi station and go out from the Akabane-bashi exit, then you'll see this.
K: You could try long exposure at night.
C: Stunning!! Is this from a sidewalk?
K: Um... I was standing on the median strip.
https://www.suncalc.org/#/35.6547,139.7452,17/2020.03.20/12:00/1/3
C: It looks very narrow. Isn't that dangerous?
K: Well, I wouldn't recommend it. Hahaha. Also, there is this similar spot near Mita station.
https://www.suncalc.org/#/35.648,139.7446,17/2020.03.20/12:00/1/3
C: Wow!
K: If you do this, you should be very careful about your bag, coat, or scarf because cars could be driving very close to you.
C: Is there a safer spot where I could enjoy long exposure?
K: Keyaki-zaka by Roppongi Hills is nice especially during the Christmas season.
https://www.suncalc.org/#/35.6592,139.7299,18/2020.03.20/12:00/1/3
C: Cool!
K: There is an overpass where people can enjoy shooting.
C: Is Akabane-bashi station the closest to the tower?
K: You could also use Kamiyacho station but Akabane-bashi is closer.
C: Do you recommend going up to the observation deck?
K: Well, it's hard to tell. This is like the Empire State Building which has a long history and was featured in a lot of films so for some people, going up to the deck is something.
C: How much is the admission fee?
K: Just like Tokyo Skytree, they have two different decks. Please check out this website.
https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/price/en.html
C: 1,200 yen to the Main Deck but 3,000 yen to the Top Deck???
K: It will be 2,800 yen if you buy a ticket online.
C: Why is it so expensive?
K: Top Deck Tour is a bit like an entertainment show.
C: How's the shooting condition?
K: You're not allowed to bring in a tripod. You have to leave it before coming up to this floor.
C: Do you think I can use a mini pod?
K: There is a place to attach it. You could probably do it secretly. However, when I went up there, I didn't know about long exposure...
K: I could have taken better photos.
C: Do you wish to go up there again?
K: If it's free.
C: Hahahahaha!
C: How's the lower deck?
K: You can use a tripod and there are things like tables there that you can place your camera on.
C: So you prefer the lower deck?
K: Umm... Not really because some buildings are higher than the Main Deck so it doesn't look so special.
C: So you don't recommend Tokyo Tower?
K: If you are to shoot a typical night view of Tokyo, I wouldn't because you cannot capture the symbol of Tokyo
C: True.
K: However, the Tokyo Tower's website is very useful. It tells you how the tower will be illuminated each day.
https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/lightup/en.php
C: That's good to know!
