Sunshine 60 observatory Tenbo Park in Photos

Tokyo Tower behind Tokyo buildings
Tokyo Tower lights up the dark.

Atop one of Tokyo’s oldest skyscrapers, Sunshine 60, is Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbo Park.  At two hundred and fifty meters above the ground, it offers a 360⁰ view of the city. I enjoy it even with its quirks. Photographers should enjoy it.

The views from its windows are panoramic. In the east is Tokyo Skytree. To the south are Shinjuku and Shibuya. To the north and west lie suburban Tokyo (and Saitama prefecture). Everything seems far off. It gives you a good idea of the layout of the city.

Nishi-Shinjuku skyscrapers
Nishi-Shinjuku skyscrapers at sunset.

If a visitor looks down, there is little under Sunshine 60 to identify with the naked eye. Okay, I’m sure they could pick out the station! Ikebukuro lacks landmarks. There are few you could call genuinely famous or recognizable. It looks like a concrete maze.

In the east is Tokyo Skytree, which looks small since it is so far away. Even Shinjuku and Shinjuku are at least 5 kilometers away. The clusters of skyscrapers are like monoliths on a vast plain. There is nothing in the gaps.

Ikebukuro station department stores
Ikebukuro station department stores are in that concrete jungle.

Observatories like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are in built-up areas. They have more big buildings around them. You get in them, and from their decks, you can recognize things in the cityscape. Stuff is right in front of your face. Sunshine City is not like that; it is in its own world. The perspective is different.

Unfortunately, when I went for this visit, clouds covered the southwest. They completely obscured Mount Fuji! I’ll be praying for better conditions next time I go.

Tokyo Skytree towers over Tokyo buildings
Tokyo Skytree is easy to spot.

If you need a break, Tully’s Coffee is on the same floor. There are also some attractions for kids. I only go for photography, so I can’t offer any useful opinions about them.

What to photograph from Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbo Park?

  • Mt. Fuji (to the southwest)
  • Mt. Tsukuba (the north)
  • suburban areas of Saitama prefecture and Tokyo
  • Tokyo city skyline
  • Tokyo Skytree
  • Tokyo Tower

Observatory Photography Tips

  • Ikebukuro doesn’t have many large buildings in the area, so the views are unimpeded.
  • The view of Mount Fuji is weather-dependent.
  • Sunshine City is an old building built in 1978. So the design of the windows isn’t optimal for photography. Some of them are small and restrict views. Others have a massive gap between you and the glass.
  • Take a lens hood for that problematic window glare.
  • I like long lenses for this place. They allow you to zoom in on things, near or far. You can shoot Mount Fuji or that person on the street.

Photo spots near Sunshine 60

  • Gokokuji (temple)
  • Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan (a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed school)
  • Rikugien (a garden near Komagome station, just within walking distance)
  • Glasses Museum

Where is Tembo Park Sunshine 60 Observatory?

  • Address: 60F Sunshine 60 Bldg, 3−1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo
  • Here it is on a Google map:

Closest train stations:

  • Higashi-Ikebukuro (use Exits 6 and 7)
  • Ikebukuro/ Seibu-Ikebukuro (use East Exit 35)

Entry fees

You can buy tickets at the counter on the day, but purchasing them online is best. Check the website for the latest information and pricing (link below).

Opening hours

11 am to 9 pm (with last admission at 8 pm).

Conclusion

Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbo Park is quite good. Even though it fails to make it into my top five, I like it. Here are my reasons why:

  • It is on the Yamanote line. 
  • Entry isn’t expensive. 
  • It is in the far northwest of the city, so it offers a different perspective of the city.

This observatory might be old, but it has a lot of positive points. If you are a visitor to Tokyo, Ikebukuro is a major train station, so there are many places to stay nearby which is a bonus. It would be a good idea to include it in your itinerary.

Picture of Rohan Gillett
Rohan Gillett

Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.

Check out these other Tokyo observatories:

External related websites:

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