Shibuya Scramble Square Makes the Best Light Trails
Shibuya Scramble Square is one of the most famous buildings in Tokyo. Atop it is an outdoor observatory named Shibuya Sky. The views of the legendary crossing below are incredible, and I can vouch for that. I’ve been up there a few times. But if you want a unique angle away from the crowds, there’s a nearby pedestrian bridge that offers a stunning vantage point for long-exposure photography.
This guide will show you the exact location and camera settings to capture this photo. To do it, we’ll be applying the core techniques from our beginner’s guide to long-exposure photography.
Why did I take it from the pedestrian bridge?
- It’s awesome for night or long-exposure photography.
- Thanks to the building’s observatory, it’s an iconic Shibuya location.
- It is wide, so you don’t need to worry about people getting past you.
- Few photographers use it. I’ve seen more people there taking selfies than long exposures.
- The traffic is great. Meiji-Dori is a major road in Tokyo. You are guaranteed to have many cars, motorbikes, trucks, and buses pass under you. They make a beeline towards Shibuya Scramble Square or away from it! Great light trails are there for the taking!
Finding the location
Where is this location?
I took it from a pedestrian bridge along Meiji-Dori Road. Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station
Use Shibuya, which is served by:
- Saikyō/Shōnan–Shinjuku Lines
- Yamanote Line
- Keio Inokashira Line
- Tōyoko Line – through service with Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
- Ginza Metro Line
- Hanzōmon Metro Line – through service with Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line
Gear and camera settings
Photo gear
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lenses: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
- Accessories: L-bracket, cable release, and tripod
How did I take this shot?
This is not one photo; it was created from a stack of six images.
Camera settings:
- Shutter speed: 6 seconds to get long light trails
- F/11 to obtain a maximum depth of field
- ISO 200 to keep photographic noise to a minimum
- Of course, you need to choose your own settings.
Don’t do what I did
If I had to honestly critique my photo, I must admit it’s too dark. My failure was starting too late. I took this photo after the end of blue hour, so there was no ambient light. If I had taken it a little after sunset, the buildings would have looked so much better with some light illuminating them. When I have time, I’ll return to this location for a new version.
Post-Processing the shot
My Adobe Lightroom process:
- I made the basic adjustments to what I felt was good.
- Added the Eterna Film Simulation.
- Used the brush tool to add more exposure to the road.
- Selected Shibuya Scramble Square (omitting the video screen), then increased its exposure and clarity.
Why should you shoot this place?
- The building, with its rooftop, is iconic.
- It’s perfect for light trail photography.
- The station is a short walk away. And because Shibuya is on the Yamanote Line, you can get to your next location in Tokyo easily.
- It’s an easy introduction to Tokyo night photography.
What to shoot next
- Harajuku – the fabulous shopping street filled with many iconic buildings.
- Center Gai (センター街) – this famous shopping street is ripe for street photography.
- Shibuya Hikarie has an observation window on the 11th floor. It’s free, but a little far from the crossing. Take a long zoom lens.
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing – one of the most legendary photo spots in the area, if not the whole of Tokyo.
Conclusion
Shibuya Scramble Square is a solid subject by itself. But add the traffic underneath it’s perfect for light trails and long exposures. If you’re in the area, you should take time to photograph.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5 these days. The project will take more than one lifetime to complete.
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External related websites
- Shibuya Sky (Official website)