Bunkyo Civic Center in Photos
The Bunkyo Civic Center is one of my favorite free observatories in Tokyo. It looks like a flying saucer (at least half of one) has landed on a building. And considering that it is only twenty-five floors up, the views are excellent. I’ve been there many, many times and love it. You get great cityscape photos from it.
If I’m not mistaken, most photographers go there for two views. One is the Shinjuku skyline. The other is Tokyo Skytree. Both are fantastic.
The Shinjuku views are good during the day. You can see its skyscrapers and even Mount Fuji, weather permitting. But it is the sunsets that can be incredible. With the sun behind the buildings, the sight can be magnificent. On fine days a line of photographers will be at the windows.
Tokyo Skytree is to the east, offering good opportunities for photography. During the day, it looks impressive, towering above everything else in the area. But, at night, it is spectacular – like a lighthouse in an ocean of lights.
Walking around the viewing deck reveals much. Among the sights are Ikebukuro, Tokyo University’s famous clock tower, and Koishikawa-Korakuen. Sadly, a new building close to the observatory blocks the views to the north.
Another thing is that the observatory is spacious. You won’t bump into people. And it has bar tables, chairs, and drink machines. If you need a rest, you can do that!
At Bunkyo Civic Center, you’ll learn something interesting about the city. Most of the buildings are relatively low. Skyscrapers cluster in specific areas; they aren’t everywhere. Shinjuku is one, as is Ikebukuro, but between them are none. And then, from Ikebukuro across to Akihabara, there are hardly any again. Tokyo seems to be flat in many places!
The Center has small problems. Most of Tokyo’s major tourist sites are far away. A train ride is required for your next destination. Only Tokyo Dome, with its amusement park and Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, are nearby.
The other is that the observatory has only a 330⁰ view. That is due to a restaurant at the back of the floor. And you also need to enter it if you want to see Tokyo Tower. For a 360⁰ view, you need to go somewhere else.
What can you photograph from Bunkyo Civic Center Observatory?
- Ikebukuro
- Mount Fuji
- Shinjuku skyline (including Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building)
- Tokyo Skytree
- Tokyo Tower (if you enter the restaurant)
Photography tips
- Most of the windows have ledges. Place your camera on them for long-exposure photography. That is useful as monopods and tripods are banned.
- The windows are large and angled out, allowing a good downwards view.
- Before sunset, it is possible to find some great shadows on the buildings.
Where is the Bunkyo Civic Center Observation Deck?
Address: 1-16-21 Kasuga, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Here is it on a Google map:
Closest train stations:
- Koraku on the Marunouchi Metro Line (Exit 4a and 5)
- And Namboku Lines (Exit 5). This will put you within a one-minute walk of the observatory.
- Kasuga on the Mita and Oedo Lines.
- JR Suidoubashi on the Sobu line. This one is about a ten-minute walk to the observatory.
Opening hours
- 9 am to 8:30 pm.
- It is closed for the New Year holidays (December 29-January 3) and the 3rd Sunday in May.
Admission costs
None
Conclusion
Bunkyo Civic Center observatory is great for cityscape photographs. It isn’t perfect, but it comes close. And it is rarely crowded. Photographers should enjoy it, especially at sunset. And remember, it is free!
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and okonomiyaki. His camera will capture the entire city one day.
Do you want to see more observatories? Check these out:
External related websites:
- Bunkyo Civic Center Observation Deck (official website)
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