Statue of Liberty A Photographer’s Dream
Did you know Tokyo has its own Statue of Liberty? With Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower as its backdrops, this iconic replica is a unique photo opportunity. It’s not just a miniature version of New York’s famous lady. This one has its own story, surroundings, and stunning views. It has something for sunset, evening, or broad daylight visits. Let’s explore it!
Everyone knows the famous statue in New York. Are they the same? 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.
- A raised walkway is in front of the statue.
Why does Tokyo have a Statue of Liberty?
That is a valid question. The reason is simple. France donated it to celebrate “French Year in Japan” in 1998. It stayed until about January 1999. Then it was taken away.
But it was so popular it soon returned to Odaiba. That happened in 2000 and has been there ever since. So it has been in the same spot twice!
How to photograph the statue?
- Behind the statue are two iconic Tokyo structures, Rainbow Bridge AND Tokyo Tower. The view is magnificent, especially at sunset. Nighttime is also great when everything lights up. You have many choices with composition.
- At night, the lights on the statue change color. They turn red, blue, and white.
- The interesting thing about it is its size, only 12.25 meters high. But, if you photo it from the walkway, you’ll look up at the statue. That is something to keep in mind. You will need some space to include the bridge and tower. Or be creative.
Where is the best place to get your picture?
My recommendation is the Aqua City Odaiba deck. Here’s why:
- Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower are behind the statue. All three can easily enter your composition.
- People will be on the boardwalk, which adds more interest.
- You might want to think about a night photo. Take a tripod.
- There is also a big love sign which can give you some options.
Sun position
Depending on the type of picture you want, the sun’s position can be important. It will be close to or over Rainbow Bridge during the warmer months. In the later/early part of the year, 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:
The statue is on a pedestal over the road from Aqua City Odaiba.
Closest train Station:
Daiba on the Yurikamome Line.
Conclusion
The Statue of Liberty is not high on my list of things to photograph as I’ve seen it many times. Still, I can understand why it is a popular Tokyo photo spot. The view is superb, and Odaiba has so many things to do. You can have a good day there.
So if you want an iconic “Tokyo” picture, this is one of the many places I recommend. The statue with its background, is pretty incredible. And as it is in Odaiba, there is much to explore.
The Yurikamome line stations are also near. That makes getting there from Shinbashi (i.e., Yamanote line access to the rest of the city) easy. It is a great place to spend some time. Of course, you might want to head to Rainbow Bridge and walk over it!
And lastly, I got a pleasant surprise when I took these pictures. The Statue of Liberty had gotten a wash! She looked very clean. And the fencing around it has gone, which means you can take selfies in front of her again!
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and okonomiyaki. His camera will photograph the entire city one day.
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2 thoughts on “Statue of Liberty A Photographer’s Dream”
The statue of liberty is actually a dude named Helios?
Haha, I have no idea. You should google that one!