Shibuya Scramble Square: The long-exposure guide
Shibuya Scramble Square is one of the most famous buildings in Tokyo. It has an outdoor observatory atop it named Shibuya Sky. The views are incredible and I can vouch for them. I’ve been up there a few times. Well, I don’t have photos of that here, but I have photos of the building itself. There is a spot nearby for it that is great for long-exposure photography.
What was my photo gear for this photo?
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lenses: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
- Accessories: L-bracket, cable release and tripod
Where did I photograph Shibuya Scramble Square?
I took it from a pedestrian bridge along Meiji-dori (Meiji street/road). Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
Shibuya which is served by the:
- 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
Why did I take it from the pedestrian bridge?
- It’s awesome for night or long-exposure photography.
- Thanks to the observatory on top of the building, it’s an iconic place in Shibuya.
- 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 lots of cars, motorbikes, trucks, and buses pass under you. So many vehicles making a beeline towards Shibuya Scramble Square or away from it! Great light trails are there for the taking!
Did I edit this Shibuya Scramble Square photo?
Yes, I did. This was 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?
- There is a famous observatory on the skyscraper. Its views of Shibuya Crossing below are spectacular. The place is iconic. Well, if it’s not already, it will be soon.
- It’s in Shibuya. There is more in the area to photograph.
- It’s easy to photograph.
- The station is a short walk away. And because Shibuya is on the Yamanote Line, getting to your next location in Tokyo is easy.
Conclusion
Shibuya Scramble Square is a solid building by itself. But add the traffic underneath it is perfect for light trails and long exposures. If you are in the area you should take time to photograph it one day.
Anyway, I hope you like this picture. If you have questions or comments about it, I’d love to hear them. And if you post your pictures of it on Instagram, please use the hashtag #tokyoinpics so I’ll see them.

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:
- Shibuya Sky (Official website)
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