Tokyo Tower is the symbol of the Japanese capital. You have probably often seen photos of Tokyo's cityscape at night with the beautiful orange lights of the tower, but have you ever wondered where those photos taken from?
This time we will introduce a great panaroma photo spot from where you can see famous landmarks such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, shinkansen, Odaiba, and the Rainbow Bridge: the World Trade Center Building Observatory, and five reasons to visit.
1: Superb view of Tokyo Tower!
Among night scenery photo spots in Tokyo, the World Trade Center Building which is close to Tokyo Tower is especially famous. You get a clear view of the whole tower from the building's observatory. It is also a rare location from where you can see both Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower.
The World Trade Center Building Observatory is 152m above the ground and was selected as one of the best night scenery vantage points by New Japan's Top 3 Night Scenery Views and 100 Night Scenery Views Selection organized by the Night Scenery Club.
2: Must go viewing spot for trainspotters!
The observatory has a perimeter of about 200m, so you can see the streets of Tokyo with many railway lines running through the area such as the shinkansen tracks, the monorail to Haneda Airport, the Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku and Tokaido Lines.
It is a unique experience to be able to see the monorail's track switch from above. Besides, if you are lucky, the rare appearance of Doctor Yellow (the yellow-coloured test train) on the shinkansen line can be seen from the observatory.
3: The view across to Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge
The building's observatory is a hallway circling the building, so you can enjoy taking photos of the scenery on all different sides by day or night. So as well as Tokyo Tower, you can have an expansive view of Odaiba and Rainbow Bridge in the Rinkai area.
4: Relaxing atmosphere with great music!
There is plenty of seating for two and sofas in the observatory. One of the most notable features is the music. The genre changes with the time of day: classical in the morning, Latin music in the afternoon, and jazz from 6pm onwards. You can relax with the gentle background music at any time.
5: Tripods are allowed
Most observatories prohibit the use of tripods, but the World Trade Center Building Observatory allows them for the convenience of photographers.
However, remember to avoid contact between your lens and the windows as it may damage the glass's special protective coating.
This is a little-known good photography spot which is less crowded, so you can have plenty of time to sit on a sofa while enjoying the scenery of Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and Odaiba.
This observatory is set to be closed on March 31st 2021 to be replaced with a new high-rise building. Visit it before it is gone!
Information
- Name: World Trade Center Building Observatory
- Address: Tokyo, Minato City, Hamamatsuchō, 2 Chome−4−1, World Trade Center Bldg., 40F（※Entrance：1F・B1F ）
- Opening hour: 10.00am - 8.30pm (Last admission: 8.00pm) ※ Hours may be extended during summer and Christmas season
- Admission rates:
- Discount rate for observatory:
Adult - 620 yen ⇒ 500 yen, Middle School Student - 360 yen ⇒ 250 yen,
Primary School Student - 360 yen ⇒ 200 yen, Children: 260 yen ⇒ 150 yen - Eligibility for discount:
Print out the introduction page from the observatory's homepage - Access:
JR (Yamanote Line/Keihin-Tohoku Line/Monorail): directly adjoined to Hamamatsu-cho Station
Toei Subway (Asakusa Line/Oedo Line) Immediately at B3 Exit of Daimon Station
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