Free observatory in Tokyo: Carrot Tower
Do you want a free observatory in Tokyo for photography? We know several. There is Shinjuku’s superb Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Tower Hall Funabori is in Edogawa Ward. Another is Sky View near Shinbashi Station. Well, here is one more for us, Carrot Tower with its Sky Carrot Observatory.
I give the Sky Carrot Observatory high marks. While it isn’t a true observatory, it works for photography. The views towards Shinjuku and Tokyo Tower are epic. You’ll leave with some great cityscape images. And if you are lucky, you can also get Mount Fuji provided the weather is good.
Why is it a great free observatory in Tokyo?
- The unobstructed view of Shinjuku. There are no big buildings between it and Carrot Tower.
- Tokyo Tower, Azabudai Hills, and Roppongi Hills are visible.
- Mount Fuji.
- You can get a good understanding of Tokyo’s layout. You’ll see that much of the city is very flat.
What’s not so good about it?
- To call it an observatory is a misnomer. It’s a cafe and restaurant with windows to give value to the guests.
- Some windows are small and narrow.
- You need to deal with reflections on the windows.
- Mount Fuji is a shy mountain. It’s often behind clouds.
- It’s 124 meters tall, a little more than Tower Hall Funabashi.
- To get there, you need to head out of the city area slightly. It’s southwest of Shibuya, about a five-minute train ride.
Where is Sky Carrot Observatory?
It is in Carrot Tower, a skyscraper in Sangenjaya.
The address is 4-1-1 Taishido, Setagaya City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train stations:
- Sangenjaya on the Tokyu Den-en-Toshi Line. This subway is a four-minute ride from Shibuya.
- Sangenjaya Station on the Tokyu Setagaya Line. It is located on Carrot Tower’s ground floor.
Opening hours
- 9:30 AM to 11 PM.
- It is closed on the second Wednesday of each month. The observatory also closes over the New Year’s holidays (December 31 and January 1).
Entry fees
None
Conclusion
Getting to Carrot Tower might be inconvenient for some. You won’t use well-known train lines tourists use. But it’s worth the effort. The views of Shinjuku and Tokyo Tower are great.
There is also Mount Fuji. There are no pics of it here. I’ll go again when the weather is good.
If you like cityscape photos, this place should be on your list. And best of all, you don’t need to spend any money to use it. It is a great free observatory in Tokyo. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Here are more Setagaya Ward articles:
External related websites:
- Sky Carrot Observation Lobby (official website)