A Unique Rooftop View of Tokyo Skytree: Oshiage Station Plaza

As a massive, brightly lit structure, the Tokyo Skytree is a favorite subject for photographers, especially at night. While there are many popular vantage points, I discovered a fantastic and lesser-known location thanks to Instagram: the rooftop of the Oshiage Station Bicycle Plaza.

This surprisingly spacious deck offers plenty of room to set up, even with a tripod. From this close-up vantage point, the Skytree is immense, looking like an enormous fortress rising into the sky. In a way, it reminds me of a photo I once took in Akihabara.

Adding to the photographic potential, a train line runs adjacent to the plaza. With the right timing, you can incorporate the dynamic light trails from passing trains into your composition. If you’re new to this technique, our tutorial on capturing light trails covers all the essential camera settings and steps.

Planning your visit & photography tips

Location & hours

Address: 1 Chome-8 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo.
Directions: The plaza is roughly 100 meters northeast of Oshiage Station’s B3 exit.
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Here is the location on a Google map:

Photography Notes

Lenses: You’ll be very close to the Skytree, so a wide-angle lens is highly recommended. I used the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm for my shots.
Tripods: The deck is uncrowded, and the staff who occasionally visit don’t mind photographers using tripods.
My Photo Technique: The photo featured in this article was a long exposure taken with a Fujifilm X-T3 with a cable release on a tripod. Basic edits were made in Lightroom, with no Photoshop used. You can learn more in our beginner’s guide to long-exposure photography.

Location Photos

Conclusion

For a unique and dramatic perspective of the Tokyo Skytree, the Oshiage Station Bicycle Plaza is an excellent location. The combination of the tower’s immense scale and the potential for capturing train light trails makes it a rewarding spot for any photographer.

Where is your favorite spot for long-exposure photography? Tell us about it in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Oshiage Station Bicycle Plaza free to enter?

Yes, access to the rooftop plaza is free of charge during its opening hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What is the best time of day to photograph the Skytree from this spot?

The ‘blue hour,’ right after sunset, is an ideal time for any kind of Tokyo night photography. This spot allows you to capture both the glowing lights of the Skytree and the rich blue color of the twilight sky, as well as train light trails.

Do I need a tripod for this location?

Yes, a tripod with a cable release is highly recommended, especially if you plan to capture long-exposure shots of the Skytree or light trails from the nearby trains.