Hot night photography in Shibuya

people walking under Astro Boy painting on Shibuya tunnel
The famous Astro Boy artwork (now removed).

I hadn’t done any night photography in Shibuya for a long time. Thanks to the pandemic, I have avoided it for the past two years. But, I figured it was time to get back in the swing of things. And it was raining, but that was okay. I really wanted to shoot there, especially around the crossing.

My plan for the night soon went astray. The weather forecast said cold and wet. I dressed in jeans and a light jacket. Upon arrival, I discovered it was damp and warm. I overheated. The jacket ended up on my shoulder quickly.

The stay was brief, but I should have expected that anyway. With the rain, there weren’t many people around. The only crowded areas were Shibuya Crossing and 109. But I also went up to Tower Record to photograph Astro Boy.

people waiting at Shibuya Scramble Crossing at night
People waiting at Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

The French artist, Invader painted him in 2014. He was high up above a tunnel. Unfortunately, the piece of art is now gone. But do you know Astro Boy also has some murals in Takadanobaba? They are far more extensive and cover a whole wall. You should see them if you have the time.

cars and neon lights on Shibuya street on wet night

Anyway, the rain in Shibuya wasn’t heavy. It was more of a constant drizzle. For most of the night, I had to juggle the camera in one hand and my umbrella in the other. Whenever I wanted to take a photo, I couldn’t find any cover.

people in Shibuya alley at night

I used two lenses for the night. One was the Fujifilm 16-55 mm. It is weather-resistant. I didn’t have any problems with it, as I expected.

people crossing wet Shibuya Crossing

The other lens I used wasn’t weather-resistant. It was the longer 55-200 mm. I was a little worried about taking it with me. But, it performed very well. Of course, it got a little wet, but it had no problems.

many people on Shibuya Scramble Crossing at night in rain
Shibuya Crossing in the rain.

My visit was brief, but that is okay. I had so many places to go, but the area was so large. It was impossible to photograph everywhere in one night. I always need an excuse to photograph in Shibuya.

Next time, I’d like to see what is around Yamashita Park. Its redevelopment finished some years ago, and I still haven’t seen it! I also need to explore Centa Gai. That is a place I have never visited much. Night photography in Shibuya is endless. There is so much to see.

people crossing Shibuya Scramble Crossing with Shibuya 109 behind

If my work schedule isn’t loaded next week, I’ll go again. Hopefully, the weather forecast will be more accurate. I don’t mind the heat, but I don’t like it when wearing jeans! Anyway, if you have questions or comments, leave them below.

2 people on Shibuya Scramble Crossing in rain at night

What camera gear did I use for this night photography in Shibuya article?

Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3

Fujifilm Lenses:

  • XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR 
  • XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

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