Odaiba’s Statue of Liberty: A Photo Guide to the Tokyo Skyline

When you think of an iconic Tokyo photograph, what comes to mind? The Shibuya Scramble? Sensō-ji Temple? While those are classics, one viewpoint offers a stunning combination of the modern city: the futuristic Rainbow Bridge, the classic Tokyo Tower, and, surprisingly, the Statue of Liberty. That’s right—New York isn’t the only city with a Lady Liberty, and this version is a photographer’s dream.

Yes, Tokyo has its own Statue of Liberty in Odaiba. This replica is a unique photo opportunity. This lady has her own story, surroundings, and stunning views. It has something for sunset, evening, or broad daylight visits. Let’s explore it!

How to photograph the Statue of Liberty

The real magic of this location is the incredible layering of iconic landmarks. Your primary composition will likely feature the Statue of Liberty in the foreground, with the elegant Rainbow Bridge and the distant Tokyo Tower creating a stunning backdrop. This scene truly comes alive during sunset as the sky erupts in color. As evening descends, the city skyline begins to sparkle, offering a completely different but equally dramatic photographic opportunity. At night, the statue itself is illuminated, with its lights sometimes cycling through patriotic red, white, and blue, adding a dynamic element to your long-exposure shots.
One challenge is the statue’s modest size—at only 12.25 meters high, the massive bridge and skyline behind dwarf it. If you shoot from the lower walkway, you’ll look up, which makes it difficult to frame all three elements. To capture everything, you must find a spot with more distance (look below) or get creative with a wide-angle lens.

The best place to get pictures

My recommendation is to shoot from Aqua City Odaiba’s observation deck. This vantage point perfectly aligns the Statue of Liberty with the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, allowing you to frame all three landmarks in your composition. From here, you can also incorporate the people strolling along the boardwalk below to add a sense of scale and life to your shot.

For another option, look for the large ‘LOVE’ sculpture nearby. This spot is especially magical at night, so consider planning an evening visit—and don’t forget to bring a tripod for those crisp, long-exposure shots!

Sun position

Depending on the type of picture you want, the sun’s position can be important. It is close to or over Rainbow Bridge during the warmer months. In autumn and winter, it will be in the direction of the ocean, i.e., the left of the bridge.

Where is Tokyo’s Statue of Liberty?

Address: 1 Chome-4-2 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo

Here it is on a Google map:

You’ll find the statue on a waterfront pedestal in Daiba Seaside Park, directly across from the Aqua City Odaiba shopping mall.

Train access

Daiba Station on the Yurikamome Line.

Nearby photo spots

Gundam RX-0 Unicorn Statue (a massive battlesuit from the animation)
Hachitama Observatory (fantastic views of Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and the city skyline)
Rainbow Bridge (you can walk across it too)
Telecom Center (a building with an observatory)
Tokyo Big Sight (a massive conference/exhibit hall)

Why is the statue in Odaiba?

The story begins with a celebration of Franco-Japanese relations. France donated it for “French Year in Japan” in 1998. It stayed until January 1999, then it was taken away.

However, the statue was so popular with the public that a permanent replica was commissioned and installed in the same spot in 2000, where it has remained ever since.

Is Tokyo’s statue the same as New York’s?

No, the Odaiba one is different in a few respects, such as:

It stands on a platform at a beach.
It doesn’t face the water.
It is 1/7th the size of the New York statue.

Statue of Liberty FAQ

Is it free to see the Statue of Liberty in Odaiba?

Yes, viewing the statue from Daiba Seaside Park is completely free. It is located in a public area accessible 24/7.

What is the best time of day to photograph the statue?

For the most dramatic lighting, visit during sunset (“golden hour”) when the sun sets near the Rainbow Bridge. The evening (“blue hour”) is also stunning, as the statue, bridge, and city skyline are all illuminated.

How tall is the Statue of Liberty in Odaiba?

The replica stands at 12.25 meters (about 40 feet) tall, which is approximately 1/7th the size of the original statue in New York.

Can you go inside the statue?

No, unlike the New York version, the Odaiba statue is a solid replica and does not have an interior accessible to the public.

How do I get to the Odaiba Statue of Liberty by train?

The easiest way is to take the Yurikamome Line to Daiba Station. The statue is just a short walk from the station, located in Daiba Seaside Park.

Conclusion

Odaiba’s Statue of Liberty is far more than just a copy of the New York version. It stands on its own as a unique, powerful attraction. With the stunning city skyline, the graceful Rainbow Bridge, and the classic Tokyo Tower all aligned, it truly offers one of the most dynamic and iconic compositions in the entire city, making it every photographer’s dream destination.