Seaside Top Observatory: The best Tokyo sunset views
Seaside Top was a popular observatory in Tokyo. The views it offered customers were fantastic. Unfortunately, it was now closed and has been demolished. I have republished the article for the sake of posterity.
Seaside Top Observatory is famous for its spectacular evening and night-time views. They could be the best in the city. Yes, I’m confident when I say that! If you like this type of photography, you need to go there. It is brilliant.
If you go, look to the west. A stone’s throw away is Tokyo Tower. Toranomon’s skyscrapers are a little further. The view is breathtaking at sunset and early evening when the city lights come on. If you can get good weather, you won’t want to leave those big, panoramic windows that look to the northwest. Without a doubt, this is the best view of the tower from anywhere in Tokyo.
Then turn your head to the north a little, and you’ll find Marunouchi and Tokyo Skytree. In a short arc, you’ll capture some popular places. There is a lot to see in a small area.
You don’t get the full west view. Unfortunately, two buildings are there. That is a pity, but one of them is a replacement for the World Trade Center! So, while we lose this observatory, we will gain a new one. Every cloud has a silver lining!
By the way, if you are a train lover, there is something there for you too. On the east side is Hamamatsucho station. It’s a stop for the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines. You can also see Shinkansens (bullet trains) and a monorail too! The only other observatory in Tokyo that has something similar that I know of is Hokutopia.
This observatory shows you don’t need to be miles up in the sky to get a good view. It is only 152 meters high, but that is more than enough. I love it.
Things to photograph from Seaside Top Observatory
- Tokyo skyline
- Hama Rikyu Gardens
- Kyu-Shiba-Rikyu Gardens
- Rainbow Bridge
- Tokyo Bay
- Tokyo Skytree
- Tokyo Tower
- Zojoji temple
Photography tips
- No tripods are allowed (but monopods are).
- You can’t use the tables or ledges to rest cameras for long-exposure photographs.
- There are lots of interior lights, so there will be glare.
Where was Seaside Top Observatory?
It was in the World Trade Center next to Hamamatsucho station on the Yamanote Line.
Opening hours
Permanently closed.
Conclusion
At Seaside Top observatory, you’ll likely spend most of your time taking pictures of Tokyo Tower. That is okay because the view is outstanding. And entry is cheap, only ¥620!! If you are on a budget, you can enjoy a top-notch nighttime view without putting a hole in your wallet. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
More observatory articles:
