The Most Photogenic Building in Tokyo
Why Tokyo Tower?
Tokyo Tower is the Eiffel Tower look-alike communications tower that looms over Shiba Park and Zojoji temple in the heart of Tokyo. It is a major tourist spot for those that are seeking a more retro alternative to the tallest building in Tokyo – the Sky Tree. Is Tokyo Tower orange or is it faded red? No one will ever know (but it is repainted in that inconspicuous shade every 5 years, which takes around 1 year to finish).
Where is the best view for Tokyo Tower?
The best view for Tokyo Tower is Shiba Park, located in Minato-ku and right before Tokyo Tower. Most people go straight up to the viewing platform inside Tokyo Tower, but the best place to enjoy Tokyo Tower in my opinion is taking in the view of the tower itself. So if you’re looking for the best locations for taking photos of Tokyo Tower, read on!
Where can I take good pictures of Tokyo Tower?
The best photo spots to capture Tokyo Tower depends on what aesthetic you like, how far away from Tokyo Tower you want to be, and how long you want to wait to take a photo. In this post I’ll share my favourite locations in the area, what to expect when you get there, some photo examples I took, along with their Google Map locations so you can take the best photos of Tokyo Tower.
What You Will Find here:
If you’re looking for Instagrammable spots to visit you’ll find the most beautiful views of Tokyo Tower here – along with the exact locations for photos. That way you can’t go wrong! I’m always adding more of the best locations for photos of Tokyo Tower here so keep an eye out for updates. These are the perfect spots to take photos for your gram. If you’re coming to Japan, you have to get a photo of Tokyo Tower.
You can also use the photos as reference photos for drawing. OR you could even live draw at these beautiful locations. So grab your sketch book and head out to Tokyo Tower!
Best places to book your trip to Tokyo
💙 Book a hotel with Booking.com (this is my favourite website to book hotels for Tokyo)
💙 Get an e-sim for your trip with Airalo
💙 Book experiences with Viator.com
💙 Book experiences with GetYourGuide.com
💙 Book a car with Rentalcars.com (have you thought of a road trip around Japan?)
💙 Book lounge access for your airport with Priority Pass (I’m an airport lounge girlie)
View of Tokyo Tower on Zojoji Road
Why This Spot Is So Amazing For Photos:
If you’re looking for the best locations for taking photos of Tokyo Tower this road is probably my favourite spot. The space allows for the perfect composition and framing and there are so many things you can do with the space! Plus – its right next to Zojoji Temple which is a must see!
What To Watch Out For:
The road is closed during the weekends which means its much easier to get that perfect view and angle. Just bear in mind that it is busier on the weekends. If you’re interested in seeing people taking photos of their dogs and babies in cute poses with a Tokyo Tower backdrop – this is where its at.
Where To Find The Perfect Tokyo Tower Views:
View of Tokyo Tower at Minatokutachishiba Park
Why This Spot Is So Amazing For Photos:
This spot is perfect for picnics and there are many walkways up and around the area too for exploring. The main entrance is where you will find a small garden that has beautiful blooming roses during May.
What To Watch Out For:
This is a must see during May. That is when the rose archways give the perfect framing for Tokyo Tower. If you’re not here in May it is still a great romantic night time picnic and take in views of Tokyo Tower. This spot is also really popular with expat families so you are sure to see families enjoying picnics during the weekend.
Where To Find The Perfect Tokyo Tower Views:
View of Tokyo Tower at Onarimon Station
Why This Spot Is So Amazing For Photos:
This spot is right by the entrance to the subway station Onarimon Station. If you’re going to have a look at Tokyo Tower and you don’t mind walking, I recommend using this station. Getting to Tokyo Tower from here is easy as you can use Tokyo Tower as your beacon. There is a pathway that leads straight to it that is often used for wedding photos.
What To Watch Out For:
Just keep in mind that during December this spot is taken over by the Hibiya Christmas Market which is the biggest Christmas market in Tokyo. It means the walkway is lined with little Christmas stalls and leads to a beer hall featuring a tower of Nutcracker dolls. The background illumination of Tokyo Tower makes it all a little bit more magical! Recently this area has been hit with a ‘no photos’ sign, saying that you need to apply in advance to take photos there.
2024 update: this area is no longer cordoned off so you can take photos 💖
Where To Find The Perfect Tokyo Tower Views:
View of Tokyo Tower at the Tokyo Tower Staircase Photograph Spot
Why This Spot Is So Amazing For Photos:
This is probably the most popular Tokyo Tower photo you’ll see on Instagram. It is actually taken from a stairway that leads to a private carpark! I know – real glamorous. This is why you can’t believe everything you see on Instagram! There is a sign on the door that leads to the carpark that says keep out so make sure you respect the rules of the property.
What To Watch Out For:
This spot is usually busy on the weekends and at night and might require you to wait your turn. However, because of COVID these spots are usually totally dead right now. It will be just you and the cars.
2024 update: this spot is back to being super popular now, so make sure you get here early as people will form a line to take photos by 10am. Make sure you’re respectful and wait your turn.
Where To Find The Perfect Tokyo Tower Views:
View of Tokyo Tower at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Why This Spot Is So Amazing For Photos:
This is about as close as you’ll get to Tokyo Tower views. This hotel is called The Prince Park Tower. It is a looming tower across the road from Tokyo Tower that gives stunning views of Tokyo Tower and beyond. It is a high end hotel (complete with jacuzzi bath!) and the rooms feature expansive windows for optimal viewing. Staying the night here is a must-do for night time and morning views of the tower.
What To Watch Out For:
Make sure you book a room with Tokyo Tower views. For special occasions and festive seasons you’ll see the Tokyo Tower light up in colourful lights.
Where To Find The Perfect View for a photo:
This best way is to book a room is to go to Booking.com and make sure you pick the room that says “With Tokyo Tower View”. I highly recommend Booking because they make it really clear when you’re booking the room what kind of view you will get.
View of Tokyo Tower at Prince Shiba Park
Why This Spot Is So Amazing For Photos:
This is a popular date spot for couples to come together and have a picnic – especially at night. As the location is elevated this spot is great for taking photos of the whole of Tokyo Tower. There is a small flower garden that has a rose archway and lots of cherry trees (sakura).
What To Watch Out For:
If you come during cherry blossom season in April you can see them here. It is the perfect quite spot to picnic and you can use the B1 bathrooms at Tokyo Tower Prince Hotel. There is also a cafe in there.
Where To Find The Perfect Tokyo Tower Views:
View of Tokyo Tower at Rooftop Bar Andaz
Why This Spot Is So Amazing For Photos:
Rooftop bar at Andaz is one of the best rooftop bars in Tokyo and it has some of the greatest views you will find. Here you’ll be able to get uninterrupted views of Tokyo Tower.
What To Watch Out For:
Rooftop bar at Andaz is located in Toranomon Hills which is a sky scraper complex with lots of shops and goodies. Japan loves seasonal events, so make sure you check what events are on before you go. Make sure you book in advance so you don’t miss out. I went during cherry blossom season, where they had a cherry blossom themed event on serving sakura cocktails, champagne, and canapés.
Where To Find The Perfect Tokyo Tower Views:
View of Tokyo Tower at Momiji Waterfall
Why This Spot Is So Amazing For Photos:
Momiji Waterfall (もみじの滝) is located in the Autumn Maple Leaves Valley (もみじ). It is located right before the walk up the slope toward the Tokyo Tower. This was built in 2020, so it is a relatively new spot.
What To Watch Out For:
When you go to the Momiji Waterfall at Tokyo Tower, if you look up between the momiji trees you will see Tokyo Tower!
Where To Find The Perfect Tokyo Tower Views:
VERDICT
The best locations for photos of Tokyo Tower are totally worth a visit!
This is my personal fav location in Tokyo, so yes! I hope this list helped you find the perfect spot to take beautiful photos of Tokyo Tower. If you make it to any of the best locations for taking photos of Tokyo Tower. And if you have managed to make it this far, then let me tell you there is more locations I can recommend! They are best visited in Autumn/Fall and you can find it here at The Best Locations for Amazing Autumn Photos in Tokyo.
did this article about views of tokyo tower speak to you?
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