Where can I find high, unobstructed night time views of Tokyo?
up vote
8
down vote
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As the title says, I'm looking for a place in the city that's open to the public at night and that's high enough to be able to see a big part of the city at night. Are there any hotels or accessible rooftops? I don't mind paying some sort of entrance fee (<30$ let's say) but free is obviously ideal.
The description sounds a little vague, but for example last time I was in Tokyo I went up the Metropolitan Government building and while that kind of view and elevation is what I'm looking for there were way too many people and the reflections from the windows made any photography tricky.
japan tokyo photography
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
As the title says, I'm looking for a place in the city that's open to the public at night and that's high enough to be able to see a big part of the city at night. Are there any hotels or accessible rooftops? I don't mind paying some sort of entrance fee (<30$ let's say) but free is obviously ideal.
The description sounds a little vague, but for example last time I was in Tokyo I went up the Metropolitan Government building and while that kind of view and elevation is what I'm looking for there were way too many people and the reflections from the windows made any photography tricky.
japan tokyo photography
2
"a big part of the city" Tokyo is not a city.
– fkraiem
Sep 16 '17 at 5:11
1
@fkraiem want to elaborate on that?
– silkroad
Sep 18 '17 at 13:26
4
@silkroad Technically it's not a city, it's a "metropolitan prefecture" but it is treated like a city in almost every other sense.
– Ambo100
Oct 15 '17 at 20:43
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
As the title says, I'm looking for a place in the city that's open to the public at night and that's high enough to be able to see a big part of the city at night. Are there any hotels or accessible rooftops? I don't mind paying some sort of entrance fee (<30$ let's say) but free is obviously ideal.
The description sounds a little vague, but for example last time I was in Tokyo I went up the Metropolitan Government building and while that kind of view and elevation is what I'm looking for there were way too many people and the reflections from the windows made any photography tricky.
japan tokyo photography
As the title says, I'm looking for a place in the city that's open to the public at night and that's high enough to be able to see a big part of the city at night. Are there any hotels or accessible rooftops? I don't mind paying some sort of entrance fee (<30$ let's say) but free is obviously ideal.
The description sounds a little vague, but for example last time I was in Tokyo I went up the Metropolitan Government building and while that kind of view and elevation is what I'm looking for there were way too many people and the reflections from the windows made any photography tricky.
japan tokyo photography
japan tokyo photography
edited Sep 15 '17 at 12:27
asked Sep 15 '17 at 12:19
silkroad
352218
352218
2
"a big part of the city" Tokyo is not a city.
– fkraiem
Sep 16 '17 at 5:11
1
@fkraiem want to elaborate on that?
– silkroad
Sep 18 '17 at 13:26
4
@silkroad Technically it's not a city, it's a "metropolitan prefecture" but it is treated like a city in almost every other sense.
– Ambo100
Oct 15 '17 at 20:43
add a comment |
2
"a big part of the city" Tokyo is not a city.
– fkraiem
Sep 16 '17 at 5:11
1
@fkraiem want to elaborate on that?
– silkroad
Sep 18 '17 at 13:26
4
@silkroad Technically it's not a city, it's a "metropolitan prefecture" but it is treated like a city in almost every other sense.
– Ambo100
Oct 15 '17 at 20:43
2
2
"a big part of the city" Tokyo is not a city.
– fkraiem
Sep 16 '17 at 5:11
"a big part of the city" Tokyo is not a city.
– fkraiem
Sep 16 '17 at 5:11
1
1
@fkraiem want to elaborate on that?
– silkroad
Sep 18 '17 at 13:26
@fkraiem want to elaborate on that?
– silkroad
Sep 18 '17 at 13:26
4
4
@silkroad Technically it's not a city, it's a "metropolitan prefecture" but it is treated like a city in almost every other sense.
– Ambo100
Oct 15 '17 at 20:43
@silkroad Technically it's not a city, it's a "metropolitan prefecture" but it is treated like a city in almost every other sense.
– Ambo100
Oct 15 '17 at 20:43
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills has open-air observation deck on the top.

It too has a view of the Tokyo Tower!
I can't find anything about their hours or even how to access the top, do I just show up and take the elevator? What time do they close?
– silkroad
Sep 15 '17 at 18:13
It has been a few years since I was there, but you can see sky deck access in the map: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/floor_map/52f/index.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:34
Hours: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/information/skydeck.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:35
Only problem is they dont allow tripods, even gorilla pod. Better to get some clip to stick camera to the rail.
– Rambalac
Sep 16 '17 at 11:17
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
Tokyo Sky Tree is taller than all of these, and the the observation platforms are darkened at night to facilitate the view. At 350-450 meters up, you are enclosed in floor-to-ceiling windows however, so I would recommend bringing a filter that minimizes reflections.
Sky Tree is open in the evening until 21:00. I think the only downside is it is not in a very delightful part of town. So between Sky Tree and a meal, that might be your whole evening.
Tickets cost 2000 - 4000 yen. http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/ticket/
When we were there there was a queue but for a very nominal extra price, we opted to be plucked out of the queue to go straight up.
I don't know why, but Sky Tree appears to be absent from tourist documentation completely.
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
You can walk the Rainbow bridge and get completely unobstructed views from there. See for example this video that displays this awesome view. Not a typical sky scraper-view, but a great view nonetheless.
Example still from that video of the view in daytime:

1
That video description says the opening hours are to 9pm April to October, then to 6pm other months - If that's still up to date it might be difficult or not possible to be the bridge in darkness in some months?
– user568458
Oct 16 '17 at 22:18
1
"darkness" in downtown Tokyo is relative; but, sunset at the summer solstice is still 7:00 PM. In November, it is 16:45 or earlier. sunrise-and-sunset.com/en/sun/japan/tokyo/2017/november
– Kent
Oct 18 '17 at 6:57
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Tokyo Tower comes to mind, of course. It's open from 9 am to 11 pm. Great view of Tokyo.
Nearby, the Prince Park Tower hotel has a bar, the Sky Lounge Stellar Garden (I think), which has a great view of Tokyo too.


It even has a view on Tokyo Tower :-)
1
From what I remember of Tokyo Tower, there's no outside platform, just the stairs (that have a chain-link fence over the pillars to prevent falls). As for the SkyLounge, at night it is very dark, and you can take reflection-less photos if you go right against the glass. They don't have outdoor areas, if I remember.
– user67108
Sep 15 '17 at 13:21
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
If your camera has a large enough zoom, the observation decks at Haneda are also a possibility. site link The picture about halfway down on the left with a Pikachu jet shows Sky Tree on the right, and the tip top of Tokyo Tower on the left.
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills has open-air observation deck on the top.

It too has a view of the Tokyo Tower!
I can't find anything about their hours or even how to access the top, do I just show up and take the elevator? What time do they close?
– silkroad
Sep 15 '17 at 18:13
It has been a few years since I was there, but you can see sky deck access in the map: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/floor_map/52f/index.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:34
Hours: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/information/skydeck.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:35
Only problem is they dont allow tripods, even gorilla pod. Better to get some clip to stick camera to the rail.
– Rambalac
Sep 16 '17 at 11:17
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills has open-air observation deck on the top.

It too has a view of the Tokyo Tower!
I can't find anything about their hours or even how to access the top, do I just show up and take the elevator? What time do they close?
– silkroad
Sep 15 '17 at 18:13
It has been a few years since I was there, but you can see sky deck access in the map: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/floor_map/52f/index.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:34
Hours: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/information/skydeck.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:35
Only problem is they dont allow tripods, even gorilla pod. Better to get some clip to stick camera to the rail.
– Rambalac
Sep 16 '17 at 11:17
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills has open-air observation deck on the top.

It too has a view of the Tokyo Tower!
Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills has open-air observation deck on the top.

It too has a view of the Tokyo Tower!
answered Sep 15 '17 at 13:03
user32382
6632611
6632611
I can't find anything about their hours or even how to access the top, do I just show up and take the elevator? What time do they close?
– silkroad
Sep 15 '17 at 18:13
It has been a few years since I was there, but you can see sky deck access in the map: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/floor_map/52f/index.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:34
Hours: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/information/skydeck.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:35
Only problem is they dont allow tripods, even gorilla pod. Better to get some clip to stick camera to the rail.
– Rambalac
Sep 16 '17 at 11:17
add a comment |
I can't find anything about their hours or even how to access the top, do I just show up and take the elevator? What time do they close?
– silkroad
Sep 15 '17 at 18:13
It has been a few years since I was there, but you can see sky deck access in the map: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/floor_map/52f/index.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:34
Hours: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/information/skydeck.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:35
Only problem is they dont allow tripods, even gorilla pod. Better to get some clip to stick camera to the rail.
– Rambalac
Sep 16 '17 at 11:17
I can't find anything about their hours or even how to access the top, do I just show up and take the elevator? What time do they close?
– silkroad
Sep 15 '17 at 18:13
I can't find anything about their hours or even how to access the top, do I just show up and take the elevator? What time do they close?
– silkroad
Sep 15 '17 at 18:13
It has been a few years since I was there, but you can see sky deck access in the map: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/floor_map/52f/index.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:34
It has been a few years since I was there, but you can see sky deck access in the map: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/floor_map/52f/index.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:34
Hours: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/information/skydeck.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:35
Hours: roppongihills.com/tcv/en/information/skydeck.html
– user32382
Sep 15 '17 at 18:35
Only problem is they dont allow tripods, even gorilla pod. Better to get some clip to stick camera to the rail.
– Rambalac
Sep 16 '17 at 11:17
Only problem is they dont allow tripods, even gorilla pod. Better to get some clip to stick camera to the rail.
– Rambalac
Sep 16 '17 at 11:17
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
Tokyo Sky Tree is taller than all of these, and the the observation platforms are darkened at night to facilitate the view. At 350-450 meters up, you are enclosed in floor-to-ceiling windows however, so I would recommend bringing a filter that minimizes reflections.
Sky Tree is open in the evening until 21:00. I think the only downside is it is not in a very delightful part of town. So between Sky Tree and a meal, that might be your whole evening.
Tickets cost 2000 - 4000 yen. http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/ticket/
When we were there there was a queue but for a very nominal extra price, we opted to be plucked out of the queue to go straight up.
I don't know why, but Sky Tree appears to be absent from tourist documentation completely.
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
Tokyo Sky Tree is taller than all of these, and the the observation platforms are darkened at night to facilitate the view. At 350-450 meters up, you are enclosed in floor-to-ceiling windows however, so I would recommend bringing a filter that minimizes reflections.
Sky Tree is open in the evening until 21:00. I think the only downside is it is not in a very delightful part of town. So between Sky Tree and a meal, that might be your whole evening.
Tickets cost 2000 - 4000 yen. http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/ticket/
When we were there there was a queue but for a very nominal extra price, we opted to be plucked out of the queue to go straight up.
I don't know why, but Sky Tree appears to be absent from tourist documentation completely.
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Tokyo Sky Tree is taller than all of these, and the the observation platforms are darkened at night to facilitate the view. At 350-450 meters up, you are enclosed in floor-to-ceiling windows however, so I would recommend bringing a filter that minimizes reflections.
Sky Tree is open in the evening until 21:00. I think the only downside is it is not in a very delightful part of town. So between Sky Tree and a meal, that might be your whole evening.
Tickets cost 2000 - 4000 yen. http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/ticket/
When we were there there was a queue but for a very nominal extra price, we opted to be plucked out of the queue to go straight up.
I don't know why, but Sky Tree appears to be absent from tourist documentation completely.
Tokyo Sky Tree is taller than all of these, and the the observation platforms are darkened at night to facilitate the view. At 350-450 meters up, you are enclosed in floor-to-ceiling windows however, so I would recommend bringing a filter that minimizes reflections.
Sky Tree is open in the evening until 21:00. I think the only downside is it is not in a very delightful part of town. So between Sky Tree and a meal, that might be your whole evening.
Tickets cost 2000 - 4000 yen. http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/ticket/
When we were there there was a queue but for a very nominal extra price, we opted to be plucked out of the queue to go straight up.
I don't know why, but Sky Tree appears to be absent from tourist documentation completely.
edited Oct 16 '17 at 21:44
answered Oct 16 '17 at 21:33
Douglas Held
664413
664413
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
You can walk the Rainbow bridge and get completely unobstructed views from there. See for example this video that displays this awesome view. Not a typical sky scraper-view, but a great view nonetheless.
Example still from that video of the view in daytime:

1
That video description says the opening hours are to 9pm April to October, then to 6pm other months - If that's still up to date it might be difficult or not possible to be the bridge in darkness in some months?
– user568458
Oct 16 '17 at 22:18
1
"darkness" in downtown Tokyo is relative; but, sunset at the summer solstice is still 7:00 PM. In November, it is 16:45 or earlier. sunrise-and-sunset.com/en/sun/japan/tokyo/2017/november
– Kent
Oct 18 '17 at 6:57
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
You can walk the Rainbow bridge and get completely unobstructed views from there. See for example this video that displays this awesome view. Not a typical sky scraper-view, but a great view nonetheless.
Example still from that video of the view in daytime:

1
That video description says the opening hours are to 9pm April to October, then to 6pm other months - If that's still up to date it might be difficult or not possible to be the bridge in darkness in some months?
– user568458
Oct 16 '17 at 22:18
1
"darkness" in downtown Tokyo is relative; but, sunset at the summer solstice is still 7:00 PM. In November, it is 16:45 or earlier. sunrise-and-sunset.com/en/sun/japan/tokyo/2017/november
– Kent
Oct 18 '17 at 6:57
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
You can walk the Rainbow bridge and get completely unobstructed views from there. See for example this video that displays this awesome view. Not a typical sky scraper-view, but a great view nonetheless.
Example still from that video of the view in daytime:

You can walk the Rainbow bridge and get completely unobstructed views from there. See for example this video that displays this awesome view. Not a typical sky scraper-view, but a great view nonetheless.
Example still from that video of the view in daytime:

edited Oct 16 '17 at 22:20
user568458
10.6k55377
10.6k55377
answered Oct 15 '17 at 20:30
Arve Systad
1313
1313
1
That video description says the opening hours are to 9pm April to October, then to 6pm other months - If that's still up to date it might be difficult or not possible to be the bridge in darkness in some months?
– user568458
Oct 16 '17 at 22:18
1
"darkness" in downtown Tokyo is relative; but, sunset at the summer solstice is still 7:00 PM. In November, it is 16:45 or earlier. sunrise-and-sunset.com/en/sun/japan/tokyo/2017/november
– Kent
Oct 18 '17 at 6:57
add a comment |
1
That video description says the opening hours are to 9pm April to October, then to 6pm other months - If that's still up to date it might be difficult or not possible to be the bridge in darkness in some months?
– user568458
Oct 16 '17 at 22:18
1
"darkness" in downtown Tokyo is relative; but, sunset at the summer solstice is still 7:00 PM. In November, it is 16:45 or earlier. sunrise-and-sunset.com/en/sun/japan/tokyo/2017/november
– Kent
Oct 18 '17 at 6:57
1
1
That video description says the opening hours are to 9pm April to October, then to 6pm other months - If that's still up to date it might be difficult or not possible to be the bridge in darkness in some months?
– user568458
Oct 16 '17 at 22:18
That video description says the opening hours are to 9pm April to October, then to 6pm other months - If that's still up to date it might be difficult or not possible to be the bridge in darkness in some months?
– user568458
Oct 16 '17 at 22:18
1
1
"darkness" in downtown Tokyo is relative; but, sunset at the summer solstice is still 7:00 PM. In November, it is 16:45 or earlier. sunrise-and-sunset.com/en/sun/japan/tokyo/2017/november
– Kent
Oct 18 '17 at 6:57
"darkness" in downtown Tokyo is relative; but, sunset at the summer solstice is still 7:00 PM. In November, it is 16:45 or earlier. sunrise-and-sunset.com/en/sun/japan/tokyo/2017/november
– Kent
Oct 18 '17 at 6:57
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Tokyo Tower comes to mind, of course. It's open from 9 am to 11 pm. Great view of Tokyo.
Nearby, the Prince Park Tower hotel has a bar, the Sky Lounge Stellar Garden (I think), which has a great view of Tokyo too.


It even has a view on Tokyo Tower :-)
1
From what I remember of Tokyo Tower, there's no outside platform, just the stairs (that have a chain-link fence over the pillars to prevent falls). As for the SkyLounge, at night it is very dark, and you can take reflection-less photos if you go right against the glass. They don't have outdoor areas, if I remember.
– user67108
Sep 15 '17 at 13:21
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Tokyo Tower comes to mind, of course. It's open from 9 am to 11 pm. Great view of Tokyo.
Nearby, the Prince Park Tower hotel has a bar, the Sky Lounge Stellar Garden (I think), which has a great view of Tokyo too.


It even has a view on Tokyo Tower :-)
1
From what I remember of Tokyo Tower, there's no outside platform, just the stairs (that have a chain-link fence over the pillars to prevent falls). As for the SkyLounge, at night it is very dark, and you can take reflection-less photos if you go right against the glass. They don't have outdoor areas, if I remember.
– user67108
Sep 15 '17 at 13:21
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Tokyo Tower comes to mind, of course. It's open from 9 am to 11 pm. Great view of Tokyo.
Nearby, the Prince Park Tower hotel has a bar, the Sky Lounge Stellar Garden (I think), which has a great view of Tokyo too.


It even has a view on Tokyo Tower :-)
Tokyo Tower comes to mind, of course. It's open from 9 am to 11 pm. Great view of Tokyo.
Nearby, the Prince Park Tower hotel has a bar, the Sky Lounge Stellar Garden (I think), which has a great view of Tokyo too.


It even has a view on Tokyo Tower :-)
edited Sep 16 '17 at 3:09
answered Sep 15 '17 at 12:37
user67108
1
From what I remember of Tokyo Tower, there's no outside platform, just the stairs (that have a chain-link fence over the pillars to prevent falls). As for the SkyLounge, at night it is very dark, and you can take reflection-less photos if you go right against the glass. They don't have outdoor areas, if I remember.
– user67108
Sep 15 '17 at 13:21
add a comment |
1
From what I remember of Tokyo Tower, there's no outside platform, just the stairs (that have a chain-link fence over the pillars to prevent falls). As for the SkyLounge, at night it is very dark, and you can take reflection-less photos if you go right against the glass. They don't have outdoor areas, if I remember.
– user67108
Sep 15 '17 at 13:21
1
1
From what I remember of Tokyo Tower, there's no outside platform, just the stairs (that have a chain-link fence over the pillars to prevent falls). As for the SkyLounge, at night it is very dark, and you can take reflection-less photos if you go right against the glass. They don't have outdoor areas, if I remember.
– user67108
Sep 15 '17 at 13:21
From what I remember of Tokyo Tower, there's no outside platform, just the stairs (that have a chain-link fence over the pillars to prevent falls). As for the SkyLounge, at night it is very dark, and you can take reflection-less photos if you go right against the glass. They don't have outdoor areas, if I remember.
– user67108
Sep 15 '17 at 13:21
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
If your camera has a large enough zoom, the observation decks at Haneda are also a possibility. site link The picture about halfway down on the left with a Pikachu jet shows Sky Tree on the right, and the tip top of Tokyo Tower on the left.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
If your camera has a large enough zoom, the observation decks at Haneda are also a possibility. site link The picture about halfway down on the left with a Pikachu jet shows Sky Tree on the right, and the tip top of Tokyo Tower on the left.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
If your camera has a large enough zoom, the observation decks at Haneda are also a possibility. site link The picture about halfway down on the left with a Pikachu jet shows Sky Tree on the right, and the tip top of Tokyo Tower on the left.
If your camera has a large enough zoom, the observation decks at Haneda are also a possibility. site link The picture about halfway down on the left with a Pikachu jet shows Sky Tree on the right, and the tip top of Tokyo Tower on the left.
answered Oct 18 '17 at 7:06
Kent
1,2381711
1,2381711
add a comment |
add a comment |
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2
"a big part of the city" Tokyo is not a city.
– fkraiem
Sep 16 '17 at 5:11
1
@fkraiem want to elaborate on that?
– silkroad
Sep 18 '17 at 13:26
4
@silkroad Technically it's not a city, it's a "metropolitan prefecture" but it is treated like a city in almost every other sense.
– Ambo100
Oct 15 '17 at 20:43