I miss this Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower view
The Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower view was pretty memorable. Did you know it? It was in Nishi-Shinjuku. The building is iconic, but it became even more so at sunset. My regret about it was that I never got it perfect. I got close to it, but no cigar!
I wanted to capture a skyscraper. There are many in Tokyo, and any of them would have done. I didn’t have to look far. In the end, I chose Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower. I’ve photographed it a lot already. Many articles about it are on this blog. But this time, I found a new angle.
What was good about this view?
While I was researching this spot, I realized something. It offered a lot. There were other skyscrapers. And if you waited, the sunset could make it special. Plus you could even get light trails once the evening shadows deepened.
The light trails were amazing. Do you know the ramp that goes down to Shinjuku Station’s west exit? It is roughly oval, vaguely resembling a pair of glasses. What a great photo! Getting these two elements together made me happy.
I like this scene as it is beautiful, especially at sunset. But, in a long-exposure photo? It gets taken to another level. The light trails add more interest.
Where was this Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower view?
It was in the Odakyu Department Store. There was a fabulous spot on its eleventh floor. Put your camera into a hidden corner and no one would see it. But notice I said, “was.” It is closed for a couple of years, at least.
The store is undergoing renovations! I don’t know how much the interior will change. Please share any information if you know.
Conclusion
I have deep regret about this photo. It was the result of my first and only visit to Odakyu. I left disappointed. There were no clouds in the sky which made the scene look barren. The post-processing was lacking too.
Will I get another chance to photograph this Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower view? I don’t know because I don’t know what the building’s interior will be like when it reopens. Will that corner spot be there? We need to wait and see.
Anyway, we need to take photos as often as we can. We never know what will happen in the future. Conditions and circumstances change. Second chances don’t always happen. Leave comments and questions below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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External related websites:
- Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower (official website)