Photographing Azabudai Hills in 2026: Is the View Still Worth It?
Editor’s note: When the Azabudai Hills Observation Deck first opened in 2024, admission was free. This is no longer the case. The article has been updated to reflect this.
The Azabudai Hills observation deck might be a contender for having the best Tokyo views. Why? It’s a superb platform to photograph iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji. But it’s not without its quirks. Here’s my firsthand experience. I’ll give you tips on what to bring and what to expect from the newest addition to the city skyline.
The Azabudai Hills view: An experience guide
The observation deck has huge windows. They go from floor to ceiling. You can see so many Tokyo landmarks from the northeast to the southwest. It’s a roughly 180° view from thirty-three floors up. At first glance, it seems great. There are problems for photographers, though. You’ll need a wide-angle lens to get a panoramic view, but you should take a zoom lens to focus on points of interest.
Top subjects to photograph from Azabudai Hills
- Mount Fuji (the most famous mountain in Japan)
- Odaiba
- Rainbow Bridge (it joins Odaiba with the rest of Tokyo)
- Roppongi Hills (another skyscraper with an observation floor)
- Tokyo Tower
- Zojoji Temple (with historical ties to Tokugawa Shogunate)
4 critical challenges for photographers
- The glare can be terrible, depending on the time of day.
- No tripods allowed.
- The floor doesn’t give a full 360° view. You can’t see Shibuya or Shinjuku.
- No maps at the windows to identify landmarks.
My photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lenses:
- Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
- Fujifilm XF 55-200 mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
How to plan your visit (2026 guide)
Location & getting there
- Address: 1 Chome Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo
- Nearest Station: Kamiyacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya directly connects to the building. Use Exit 5.
- Here it is on Google Maps:
Hours & admission policy
Access to the observation deck is no longer free for the general public. To enter the Sky Lobby, you must be a customer of one of the following establishments located on the 33rd and 34th floors:
- Hills House, Dining 33: A high-end grand bistro produced by renowned French chef Kiyomi Mikuni
- Sky Room Cafe & Bar: A more casual option for drinks, coffee, and light snacks with great views.
- Dining 33 Pâtisserie à la Maison
General hours
Weekday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Holiday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For the most up-to-date information, consult the official Azabudai Hills website.
Azabudai Hills vs. Tokyo Tower: Which is better?
Did you notice how close Azabudai Hills is to Tokyo Tower? I’m sure the tower’s owners. They probably aren’t happy. It has a skyscraper next to it of roughly the same height.
Tokyo Tower is an iconic city landmark. It’s a bright spot in a city of grey. Instead of going there for views that will be partially blocked, go to Azabudai Hills to photograph it. That photo will be fantastic.
Is Azabudai Hills worth it?
Check out the Azabudai Hills observation deck. While it doesn’t offer a full 360° view, it provides what is arguably the most spectacular perspective of Tokyo Tower and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji. For photographers and tourists focused on these iconic landmarks, the view is unparalleled. I’ll be back there one day. The evening views should be fantastic.
