A Photographer’s Guide to Carrot Tower

Tired of the crowds at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building? Looking for a unique, free view of the city? Let me introduce you to a local favorite: ‘Sky Carrot Observation Lobby,’ in Sangenjaya’s Carrot Tower. It offers an incredible perspective on Shinjuku and Tokyo Tower that many tourists miss. It’s more of a lounge and restaurant space with public viewing windows than a formal observatory.

A unique photographic perspective

What makes the Sky Carrot deck special isn’t just its height, but its strategic location. From the 26th floor, you get two primary panoramic views: one facing east towards the city center and one west towards Mount Fuji.

From the east-facing windows, the entire Tokyo skyline opens up. Shinjuku’s skyscraper district, located about 7 kilometers away, forms the centerpiece. You can identify major landmarks, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo Tower, and Azabudai Hills. Further in the distance, you can even spot the Tokyo Skytree. This vantage point allows you to capture the vastness of the city in a way that’s impossible from closer observatories.

The west-facing view offers a different, but equally stunning, perspective. On a clear day, especially in the crisp air of autumn and winter, you have a chance of seeing the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji beyond the sprawling Setagaya suburbs. This remains a personal quest for me, as the mountain has been shy on my visits, but the potential for a legendary photo is undeniable.

Tips for shooting at Carrot Tower

Shooting from any observation deck has its challenges, but with a little preparation, you can get fantastic results here:

Managing Reflections: The windows are the biggest challenge. To minimize reflections, press your lens as close to the glass as possible. Using a rubber lens hood can create a perfect seal. A polarizing filter can also reduce glare, especially during the day.
Tripods Are Allowed: This is a huge advantage! Unlike many other observatories in Tokyo, tripods are generally permitted here. This makes it a fantastic spot for sunset, twilight, or night photography, allowing for sharp, low-ISO long exposures.
Best Time to Go: Aim for a weekday afternoon to scout your spot. The real magic happens during the “blue hour,” the period just after sunset when the city lights begin to glow against a deep blue sky. For the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji, a clear winter morning is your best bet.
Lens Choice: A versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm) is perfect for framing the skyline. A telephoto lens (70-200mm or more) will be useful for compressing the distance and getting detailed shots of Shinjuku’s skyscrapers or Tokyo Tower.

Explore Sangenjaya: More photo ops nearby

Gotokuji Temple (home of the beckoning cats is easily accessible from Sangenjaya Station via the Tokyu Setagaya Line to Miyanosaka Station)
King Kong (a huge gorilla model with a girl resting in its palm above a convenience store, a 10-minute walk away)

Plan your visit

Where is Sky Carrot Observatory?

It’s on the 26th floor of 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 station

Sangenjaya Station on the Tokyu Den-en-Toshi Line. This subway is a four-minute ride from Shibuya.
Sangenjaya Station on the Tokyu Setagaya Line. It’s located on Carrot Tower’s ground floor.

Opening hours

9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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

For the most up-to-date information, consult the official Carrot Tower website.

Important note on view access

The main viewing area for the Shinjuku skyline is part of a restaurant/cafe space. This space is sometimes booked for private events, making the windows inaccessible to the public. If your primary goal is the Shinjuku view, it’s wise to call ahead or have a backup plan.

Conclusion

Only a short ride from Shibuya on a local train line, Carrot Tower rewards photographers with views that are unique and uncrowded. The ability to use a tripod and capture the expanse of the Tokyo cityscape, from Shinjuku to a potential glimpse of Mount Fuji, makes this a must-visit location. Forget long queues and jostling for space. Sky Carrot Observation Deck is one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets for capturing stunning, free urban landscapes.