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Hakozaki Junction has deservedly been called a giant octopus. With huge, sprawling ramps that look like tentacles, it’s easy to imagine a Kraken-like creature has landed in the middle of Tokyo. However you look at it, this incredible feat of engineering is a beloved subject for long-exposure photographers.
Why photograph the Kraken?
At night, the true drama of Hakozaki Junction unfolds. As cars, trucks, and buses rush through this huge interchange, they leave immense and dramatic light trails in their wake, the perfect subject for your camera.
It’s a polarizing location; people tend to either love it or hate it, and many don’t see the attraction. And I won’t blame you if you move on to something else. No problem and no hard feelings.
But for those of us who love big engineering, anything involving this much concrete is a point of interest. The light trails are just the icing on the cake.
How to photograph Hakozaki Junction
- As far as I know, there is only one main camera position, located directly in front of the 7-Eleven store. It allows you to capture all of the junction’s ramps.
- To convey the drama and details, get your camera as low as possible. Mini-tripods are perfect for this.
- Because the ramps are so massive, a wide-angle lens is necessary not only to fit everything in the frame but also to create impressively long light trails. I used the Fujinon XF 10-24 mm F4 R OIS.
- If you don’t know how to take this type of photo, look at our guide [How to Take Long-Exposure Photographs: A Beginner’s Guide].
- You’ll want to shoot at night to capture the light trails. The area is surprisingly well-lit, which can make achieving slow shutter speeds difficult. Using a neutral density (ND) filter is key to getting the long, smooth light trails you want.
Common photography challenges
- Locals have told me that this spot is famous among engineering lovers and can occasionally get crowded with other photographers.
- There is a railing on the corner, so place your tripod carefully to ensure it doesn’t enter your frame.
- Rubbish and small rocks can get on the road, so be careful of any flying debris.
Where is Hakozaki Junction?
It is near Suitengumae Station. Leave via Exit 2; the 7-Eleven will be on your right, and the camera position will be in front of you. Here it is on Google Maps:
Camera position area
Is the kraken worth it?
If you love light trails, engineering, and concrete, Hakozaki Junction is for you. It’s also a great spot for anyone who enjoys photographing giant octopi or krakens.
Photographer’s note
I took this photo with a Fujifilm X-T3 in 2022. These days, I use Canon EOS R5 and will retake this shot one day. I’m looking forward to comparing the two images side-by-side.
External sites about Hakozaki Junction
The Urban Legacy (Yoshihiko Wada’s beautiful photos of Hakozaki Junction and others in Tokyo and Osaka)
