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Wednesday, February 11, 2026
1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo, Japan
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Best Tokyo Skytree Photo Spots – Day & Night

Find the most photogenic spots for Skytree: Azumabashi, Sumida Park, rooftops, and observatory angles with gear and settings advice.

1/25/2026
15 min read
Skytree reflected in the Sumida River at night

From classic bridge frames to mirror-like river reflections, these are the angles that deliver. Bring a microfiber cloth and a dark hoodie — glass is everywhere.

Night reflection

Top Locations (Day & Night)

  1. Azumabashi Bridge – red rails, wide river, tower centered.
  2. Jukkenbashi Bridge – tighter framing at night. Jukkenbashi
  3. Sumida Park – seasonal colors; cherry blossoms in spring. Sumida Park
  4. Oshiage rooftops – lines and patterns.
  5. Street-level leading lines – alleys looking up. Bottom-up view
  6. Tembo Deck – blue hour panoramas.

60-Minute Photo Route

Start: Sumida Park (golden hour)  
→ Azumabashi (sunset)  
→ Jukkenbashi (blue hour long exposures)  
Finish: Deck interiors (night grid)

Gear & Setup

  • Phone with night mode or camera with fast prime (f/1.8–2.8).
  • Small rubber lens hood (for glass shots).
  • Mini tripod or wrist strap; 2-second timer.

Lens Choices

Situation Lens Why
River reflections 24–35mm Wider frame, stable lines
Street-leading lines 24–50mm Perspective with minimal distortion
Deck skyline 24–70mm Versatility through changing light
Fuji chase 70–135mm Compresses skyline with Mt. Fuji

Anti-Glare Tricks

  • Wear a dark hoodie; press against glass to kill reflections.
  • Cup the lens with your hand/hood to block ambient light.
  • Kill nearby screen brightness and watch out for neon signage.

Long exposure on bridges: stabilize on the rail, use a 2s timer; mind pedestrians and cyclists.

Exposure Recipes

Blue hour cityscape: ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/10s  
Night skyline (handheld): ISO 1600, f/2.8, 1/60s  
River reflection (tripod): ISO 100, f/8, 10–20s

Composition Playbook

  • Use rails/paths as leading lines to anchor the tower.
  • Frame-within-a-frame using alleys or overhangs.
  • Embrace negative space for minimalist night shots.
Legal & Etiquette

Tripods may be restricted in some areas; follow staff guidance and keep foot traffic moving. Do not block stairwells or crowd flow.

About the Author

Tokyo Travel Expert

Tokyo Travel Expert

I built this Skytree guide to keep your visit simple, spacious, and full of small, helpful tips — from transport to timing to where to linger for the best light.

Tags

Photography
Night
Bridges
Parks

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