Tower Hall Funabori is Tokyo’s short observatory

Are you looking for a fresh perspective on Tokyo’s skyline? Tower Hall Funabori, a hidden gem in the city’s eastern Edogawa Ward, offers sweeping views that are refreshingly different from other observatories. At just 115 meters, it might not soar above the clouds like Skytree, but it delivers unique photo opportunities. The glittering Shinjuku skyscrapers are in the west and Mount Fuji will be majestic on a clear day. Ready to escape the crowds and capture Tokyo in a new light?

As it is in the city’s east, the bulk of Tokyo is in the west. All the exciting views are in that direction. An impressive lineup awaits your camera!
I have to say one thing. Tokyo Skytree is close to Funabori, so it’ll be right before you. But, if the weather is fine, Mount Fuji might grab some of that attention. It might be small in the distance, but it is important in Japan. When the snow-capped mountain appears above the city, it looks majestic.

Under you, two rivers, the enormous Ara and the smaller Naka meander from the northwest. They flow next to each other, separated by a narrow divide with an elevated freeway. The added benefit is they provide a welcome break in the endless sea of houses and other buildings in the area.
To the south are Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Bay. Across the water are Chiba and the Boso Peninsula. It isn’t the most exciting area.

The east has Makuhari Messe and the Kasai area. Once again, it is a sea of houses punctuated by the occasional cluster of larger buildings. It is bland until it lights up at night. That is when it shines.

In the north is lonely Mt. Tsukuba in Ibaraki prefecture. I have to be honest and say the north is the dullest. It is a sea of monotonous urbanity. There is nothing here to keep people interested other than to wonder at the size of Tokyo.
What to photograph from Tower Hall Funabori
- Disneyland/Sea
- The Ferris Wheel at Kasai Rinkai Park
- Mount Fuji
- Mount Tsukuba
- Rainbow Bridge
- Shinjuku skyscrapers
- Tokyo Skytree
- Tokyo Tower
Photography tips
- You need to deal with window glare.
- Space is limited (ten people inside feels crowded).
- If you don’t have a tripod, there is a ledge around the windows to place your camera for long exposures.
- If you have a tripod, go to the reception on the 5th floor and fill out the application form to get a photo permit. By doing this, you’ll be able to use the photographer’s deck below the public one. It is free to use with permission. If you don’t speak Japanese, don’t worry, the office people are friendly.
- Most subjects will be several kilometers away, so you might need longer lenses.
- Even though Tower Hall is a minor observatory in Tokyo, it can be crowded on public holidays and Sunday afternoons. I’ve seen lines of people from the entrance back to the elevators. That is about 20 meters!
Other photo spots in the area
If I ever find anything, I’ll let you know.

Where is Tower Hall Funabori?
Address: 4-1-1 Funabori, Edogawa City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
Funabori on the Toei Shinjuku Line.
Opening hours:
9 AM to 9:30 PM
Admission Costs:
None

Conclusion
Most photographers’ attention will be to the west. That is where the most interesting scenes are, especially at sunset and night. And the perspective it gives on the sights of Tokyo is unique.

I doubt Tower Hall Funabori will ever be a threat to Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower. But it does offer a different perspective of the city, which most people will appreciate. Leave questions and comments below.
Here are observatory articles: