In mid-March 2020, I visited the Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal to take long-exposure photographs of Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge. Upon arrival, I saw there were no dramatic clouds in the sky, forcing a change of plans. Here are my final shots from that location.
Farewell to a Tokyo landmark
For those unfamiliar, the Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal served as a gateway for vessels visiting the Port of Tokyo. Sadly, the original structure is now a memory, having closed its doors in February 2022.
However, a new Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal replaced it in 2025 to service small and mid-sized cruise ships.
Rainbow Bridge & Tokyo Tower views
For photographers, the terminal was a treasure. It offered two prime vantage points: one towards the majestic Rainbow Bridge and the other capturing the iconic Tokyo Tower. A courtyard in front of the terminal, featuring a modern art piece within a pool, was the spot for photographers to set up their gear.
On the evening of my visit, with the sun setting at 5:49 p.m., I found myself shooting between then and 6:24 p.m. That meant I was shooting at the tail end of golden hour and during blue hour.
The minimal cloud cover, while not ideal for my initial concept, presented a different opportunity. A slightly overcast sky might have added a touch more drama, but I was determined to make the most of the clear conditions.
Using HDR & long exposures
This led me to experiment with both High-Dynamic Range (HDR) and long-exposure techniques. They were distinct in their methods. HDR blends multiple exposures, and long exposure utilizes a slower shutter speed.
At the time, I felt HDR would create some captivating images. But in 2026, I feel that technique is something I luckily left behind. To be honest, it looks a little tacky. But I included it here to show a view that is now long gone.
The end of a Tokyo era
The demolition of the Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal marked the end of an era. It was a long walk from Kachidoki Station through Tokyo Olympic Village, but the reward was always a spectacular view of the Rainbow Bridge.
It’s a pity the terminal is gone, but it was replaced by something new which I am keen to explore. That article will be here some time in the future.
My photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T2
- Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR