The Best Spot for Tokyo Skytree & Mt. Fuji Photos
For photographers on the hunt for a unique perspective of the Tokyo Skytree, a hidden gem lies just outside the city center. In Chiba Prefecture, right next to Ichikawa Station, the I-Link Tower offers a stunning rooftop observation deck with a view that sets it apart from the rest. It’s a favorite of local photographers.
Why the view is unbeatable: Tokyo Skytree & Mt. Fuji
The panoramic view of the city includes Tokyo Skytree. But Mount Fuji is also there! On a fine day, it’s incredible. It’s the place for “only in Japan” photos.
However, capturing the perfect shot from I-Link Tower is highly dependent on the weather. Because it’s a significant trip for me, I haven’t been able to document it in all conditions, particularly during the summer months.
For me, the view is reminiscent of the planet-wide capital of the Empire from the movie Star Wars. The concrete and towers stretch out forever. I talk about this more in [Does Tokyo Look Like Coruscant?].
Tips for shooting from the I-Link Town Tower
- Since the skyline is distant, a powerful zoom lens is essential to capture details of landmarks like the Skytree.
- Be warned: the afternoon glare from the observation deck windows can be intense. A lens hood is a must, and a polarizing filter or a lens skirt (a portable curtain) can be a lifesaver.
- There are indoor windows on the 45th floor. I don’t recommend shooting there as the glare is horrendous.
- Golden hour (the hour before sunset) is the perfect time to shoot there. The light levels of the sky and city should be roughly the same, making for perfect photos.
- Tripods are allowed on the third Friday and Saturday of every month from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
(1/500 sec at f/5.6, ISO 800)
Plan your visit
- Location: I-Link Town Tower Observatory is in Chiba Prefecture, right next to Ichikawa Station. From Shinjuku, it is about a thirty-three-minute train ride on the Sobu line.
- Observation Deck: The deck is on the 45th floor of “The Towers West” building.
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (observation deck open until 9 p.m.)
- Closed on the first Monday of every month (or the following weekday if it falls on a public holiday) and New Year holidays (12/29 – 1/3). It’s always a good idea to check the official I-Link Town Tower website for the latest hours and any temporary closures.
- Here is the tower on Google Maps:
Observation deck
My photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lenses:
- Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
- Fujifilm XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Is I-Link Town Tower worth visiting?
I-Link Town Tower is an excellent place for panoramic views of Tokyo. Local photographers love it, and luckily, the observation deck is rarely crowded. That’s a benefit of it being in Chiba, away from the typical tourist trails. If you are looking for a new Tokyo Skytree photo spot, this might be the place to go. And as a bonus, you get Mount Fuji!
Lenses with a wide zoom range, like the Fujifilm 100-400mm, are a great choice for this location. They allow you to capture both wider cityscapes and tight telephoto shots of iconic landmarks without moving a step. Just remember to bring something to fight that glare!
Have you photographed from I-Link Town Tower? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Date of photos: Thursday, January 12, 2023
