A Photographer’s Guide to Nishi-Shinjuku Junction’s Light Trails

Nishi-Shinjuku Junction light trails
Nishi-Shinjuku Junction.

Nishi-Shinjuku Junction is a giant octopus. That is what it looks like with many ramps and columns for its legs and body. It’s an incredible piece of engineering. With heavy traffic providing the light trails, it is perfect for long-exposure photographs. As a bonus, the Tokyo Opera City Tower provides a stunning background!

Under the concrete, many cars, buses, and motorbikes make their way. Their lights are like laser beams at night. It is very futuristic. It is reminiscent of a scene from Blade Runner or Ghost in the Shell.

Photography tips for the Nishi-Shinjuku Junction

  • The position for this shot is in front of Yoshinoya. From that position, the traffic coming towards you will create beautiful light trails in your photograph.
  • For the best light trails, wait for trucks and buses as they have cab roof lights.
  • A low tripod is the best for this photo. That changes the angle of the light trails, making them look very high. Forced perspective will make Tokyo Opera City appear even larger in the background.
  • A wide-angle lens is needed for this shot. Mine was the Fujinon XF 10-24 mm F4 R OIS.
  • If you are unsure how to create this style of photograph, read my [How to Take Long-Exposure Photographs: A Beginner’s Guide] before diving into the settings below.

Best Camera Settings for Long Exposure Light Trails

  • Mode: Manual (M)
  • ISO: 100 or 200 (as low as it goes to minimize noise)
  • Aperture: Start with an aperture of f/8 to f/11, as this range will keep most of the scene sharp. To create a ‘starburst’ effect on the streetlights, use f/14 or higher.
  • Shutter Speed: 10 to 30 seconds. The longer the shutter is open, the longer the light trails from the traffic will be. Experiment to see what works best!

Common challenges and how to solve them

  • Even though you’re behind the guardrail on the corner, it’s not an easy photograph due to the many elements involved (e.g., uneven surface, the massive engineering in front of you, trying to fit the skyscraper into the frame, etc).  Move your tripod around to find the exact best position.
  • Foot and bicycle traffic is heavy, so be patient.

Finding the Nishi-Shinjuku Junction photo spot

It is near Hatsudai Station. Leave via the North Exit or Number 2. Yoshinoya is only a short walk away, across the road.

Here it is on Google Maps:

These photos give an idea of the area:

Nishi-Shinjuku Yoshinoya
Put your camera on that corner in front of the Yoshinoya shop.
Nishi-Shinjuku Junction
Nishi-Shinjuku Junction daylight view.

Conclusion

Nishi-Shinjuku Junction is fantastic for Tokyo night photography, especially if you like light trails, engineering, and concrete. Best of all, you’re in Shinjuku, meaning iconic spots like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Omoide Yokocho are a short walk away for your next shot.

Where is your favorite Shinjuku photo spot? Share it in the comments below.

Picture of Rohan Gillett
Rohan Gillett

Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.

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