Tokyo’s Best Observation Decks for Photographers: Where to Capture the Ultimate Skyline Shots

Tokyo is a paradise for photographers, and what better way to capture this sprawling megacity than from above? Whether you’re chasing golden hour cityscapes, neon-lit night shots, or a rare glimpse of Mount Fuji, Tokyo’s observation decks offer some of the best vantage points in the world.

At the right time of year, its possible from any of these vantage points to capture “Diamond Fuji”, a natural phenomenon where the sun aligns perfectly with the peak of Mount Fuji, creating a dazzling, diamond-like effect. This happens during sunrise or sunset, when the sun appears to rest on the summit, illuminating the mountain with a radiant glow. A Diamond Fuji is possible in Tokyo around mid-February and late October.

If you love shooting epic city views, most locations are not tripod friendly, but and let’s dive into the best Tokyo observation decks for photographers—plus some pro tips to help you nail the perfect shot! 📸✨

With any of these locations where you will be shooting through glass, a lens hood or in a pinch a black t-shirt, is highly recommended to block out reflections from the glass.

Tokyo Skytree – The King of Heights

📍 Location: Sumida🌆 Height: 634 meters (Japan’s tallest structure!)

🎟 Entry Fee: ¥2,100–¥3,400

🕒 Best Time to Visit: Sunset – Catch Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay in the same frame.

If you want to go big, you go Skytree. This record-breaking tower gives you a full 360° view of Tokyo and beyond. On a clear day, you’ll spot Mount Fuji chilling in the distance, and at night, the city lights stretch endlessly beneath you.

Photographer’s Take

✅ Best chance for Mount Fuji shots✅ Crystal-clear floor-to-ceiling glass views✅ Glass-floor panels for those daring perspective shots

📸 Photography Tip: Use a polarizing filter to cut through haze and boost contrast—especially when shooting Mount Fuji!

Roppongi Hills Mori Tower – The Tokyo Tower Money Shot

📍 Location: Roppongi

🌆 Height: 238 meters

🎟 Entry Fee: ¥1,800 (Indoor), ¥2,300 (Sky Deck)

🕒 Best Time to Visit: Night – Tokyo Tower shines brightest after dark

If you want that perfect postcard shot of Tokyo Tower, this is the spot. The Tokyo City View observation deck inside Mori Tower lines you up with Tokyo Tower in the center, giving you that classic skyline composition.

Photographer’s Take

✅ Best unobstructed shot of Tokyo Tower✅ Open-air Sky Deck for cleaner images✅ Less crowded than Skytree or Shibuya Sky

📸 Photography Tip: A telephoto lens (70mm-200mm) helps compress the skyline and make Tokyo Tower pop in your frame. A wide angle lens is recommended for capturing Tokyo Tower with the surrounding city scape.

Shibuya Sky – Tokyo’s Coolest Rooftop

📍 Location: Shibuya

🌆 Height: 229 meters

🎟 Entry Fee: ¥2,000

🕒 Best Time to Visit: Sunset – Watch the city lights flicker on

This one’s for the trendsetters! Shibuya Sky is Tokyo’s most Instagrammable observation deck, with an open-air rooftop, a direct view of the famous Shibuya Crossing, and zero glass barriers. That’s right—just pure sky, baby!

Photographer’s Take

✅ Best aerial shot of Shibuya Crossing✅ No glass = no annoying reflections✅ Lounge chairs for relaxed golden hour shooting

📸 Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the organized chaos of Shibuya Crossing from above. There are no bags allowed outside on the rooftop (there are free lockers inside) so its important to take the right setup for what you want to capture.

Azabudai Hills Sky Lobby – The New Kid on the Block

📍 Location: Minato

🌆 Height: 250 meters

🎟 Entry Fee: ¥500 cover charge + Minimum purchase at the 33rd floor cafe

🕒 Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to sunset

Azabudai Hills is Tokyo’s newest luxury skyscraper, and its Sky Lobby offers a stunning close-up of Tokyo Tower. It’s not as well-known as other observation decks, which means fewer crowds and more shooting freedom.

Photographer’s Take

✅ Best close-up of Tokyo Tower✅ Sophisticated & high-end atmosphere✅ More relaxed, fewer people blocking your shot

📸 Photography Tip: Visit at golden hour to capture Tokyo Tower glowing in the warm light.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – The Best Free View

📍 Location: Shinjuku

🌆 Height: 243 meters

🎟 Entry Fee: FREE!

🕒 Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon – Get that golden glow over the skyline

This Shinjuku landmark is Tokyo’s best budget-friendly observation deck. It offers insane panoramic views and, on a clear day, a glimpse of Mount Fuji!

Photographer’s Take

✅ Best free observation deck in Tokyo✅ Awesome Mount Fuji alignment✅ Less crowded than Skytree

📸 Photography Tip: Use a telephoto lens (100mm+) to zoom in and compress Mount Fuji into your skyline shot.

Bunkyo Civic Center – Tokyo’s Most Underrated View

📍 Location: Bunkyo

🌆 Height: 130 meters

🎟 Entry Fee: FREE!

🕒 Best Time to Visit: Sunset – Capture Mount Fuji’s silhouette

Tucked away from the usual tourist spots, Bunkyo Civic Center offers a framed perspective of Mount Fuji perfectly aligned with Shinjuku’s skyline. It’s a hidden gem for Fuji lovers!

Photographer’s Take

✅ Great Mount Fuji framing with the skyline✅ Fewer crowds, quieter shooting environment✅ Best at sunset for dramatic colors

📸 Photography Tip: A 100mm+ lens will bring Mount Fuji closer into the frame for that breathtaking shot.

Final Thoughts: Which Tokyo Observation Deck is Best for You?

🏆 Best all-around for cityscapes: Tokyo Skytree

🎆 Best Tokyo Tower views: Roppongi Hills & Azabudai Hills

📷 Most Instagrammable: Shibuya Sky

💸 Best free views: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building & Bunkyo Civic Center

No matter which one you choose, Tokyo’s skyline will leave you speechless (and with a full memory card). So, which deck are you heading to first? Drop a comment and let’s chat photography! 📸✨🏙