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Hachitama Observatory photography guide
Are you looking for a unique spot to capture Tokyo’s stunning skyline? Hachitama Observatory has great views of the bay, Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and more! It has a quiet deck, vibrant sunsets, and iconic landmarks. That makes it a dream location for photographers seeking a fresh perspective on the city. Are you ready to explore the city’s skyline like never before? By the way, this is all atop a TV station!
Rainbow Bridge dominates the view. I love how it stretches over the water, joining the Shinagawa area of Tokyo to Odaiba. Whether it be day or night, it looks fantastic. To see the best, go during the colder months. At sunset, the view is magnificent.
The observatory has a few quirks, but most photographers will be able to deal with them. But best of all, the deck is rarely crowded. Well, that has been my experience. It is a great Tokyo photo spot.
What can you photograph from Hachitama Observatory?
- Hamarikyu Gardens
- Haneda airport
- Mount Fuji (just the summit area)
- Odaiba shoreline and islands
- Rainbow Bridge
- Shinagawa port area
- Tokyo Skytree
- Tokyo Tower
Photography tips for the observatory
- As with most other observatories in Tokyo, you can’t use tripods or monopods. Stabilization for cameras (i.e. IBIS) would be helpful when the sky darkens.
- In the evening, the interior lights come on, so reflections in the room come off the windows. But, you can’t use lens hoods or cloth to block them.
- There are towers on either side of the deck, posing problems. This will be very clear when you want to photograph Tokyo Skytree.
- It closes at 6 PM, so you must time your visits to enjoy sunset or night views during the warmer months. The sun goes down around 7 PM during the longest parts of the year.
- The view from the observatory is 270°, so you can’t see in every direction.
Other photo spots near the Hachitama Observatory
- Gundam Unicorn RX-0 Statue
- Rainbow Bridge
- Statue of Liberty
- Telecom Center Observatory
Where is Hachitama Observatory?
Address: 2-4-8 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
Odaiba-kaihinkōen on the Yurikamome Line.
Opening hours:
- 10 AM to 6 PM with final admission at 5:30
- Closed on Mondays. If it is a public holiday and will be open and closed the following day.
Admission costs:
¥800
Which is better, Hachitama or Telecom Center?
Telecom Center is another Odaiba observatory, and it is not too far away. I enjoy both, but the perspectives they offer are very different. Please check out both articles to compare. You can draw your own answer.
Conclusion
There is a lot to see from Hachitama. But with Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower so prominent, I’m sure that is what will interest most people. In the early evening and when the weather is clear, that view is stunning (remember closing time is 5 pm!).
If you go there for that one shot, it’ll be one of the best cityscape photographs of Tokyo ever. Please leave questions and comments below.
External related websites:
- Hachitama Observatory (official website)