A Final Sunset at Harumi: A Photographer’s Farewell

In mid-March 2020, I made a trip to the Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal with the intention of capturing some long-exposure photographs. Upon arrival, the sky wasn’t filled with the dramatic clouds I had hoped for, forcing a change of plans. Nevertheless, I believe I managed to capture some compelling images of this iconic location.

A nostalgic farewell to a Tokyo landmark

For those unfamiliar, the Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal served as a gateway for vessels visiting the Port of Tokyo. Sadly, the original structure is now a memory, having closed its doors in February 2022. However, a new Harumi Cruise Terminal is set to reopen in June 2025, ready to welcome small and medium-sized passenger ships.

Capturing the view: Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower

For photographers, the terminal was a treasure. It offered two prime vantage points: one towards the majestic Rainbow Bridge and the other capturing the iconic Tokyo Tower. A courtyard in front of the terminal, featuring a modern art piece within a pool, was a popular spot for photographers to set up their gear. Still, many other perspectives awaited exploration.

On the evening of my visit, with the sun setting at 5:49 p.m., I found myself shooting between then and 6:24 p.m. The minimal cloud cover, while not ideal for my initial concept, presented a different opportunity. A slightly overcast sky might have added a touch more drama, but I was determined to make the most of the clear conditions.

Adapting to the light: HDR and long exposure

This led me to experiment with both High-Dynamic Range (HDR) and long-exposure techniques. They were distinct in their methods. HDR blends multiple exposures and long exposure utilizes a slower shutter speed. I felt the combination would create a captivating series of images. I leave it to you to be the judge of whether they complement each other.

The end of an era

The demolition of the Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal marks the end of an era. It was a long walk from Kachikoki Station through the site of the Tokyo Olympic Village, but the reward was always a spectacular view of the Rainbow Bridge, under the warm glow of a beautiful sunset. While this particular view may be a thing of the past, progress continues to reshape the city.