Tokyo often resembles Coruscant from the Star Wars universe because of its vast urban sprawl and dense architecture. Photographers can capture this sci-fi aesthetic best from the I-Link Tower in Chiba. The 45th-floor viewing deck offers a perfect perspective of the city’s endless concrete, steel, and glass horizon.
Coruscant? Does Tokyo look like the planet from the Star Wars universe? I think so. Of course, they are not the same, but they share some similarities. Yes, I’m just having a little fun in this article.
Tokyo is a city. Coruscant is a planet. There is a massive difference between them, I know! But get above the ground. Then you can see the concrete and steel that seem to stretch out forever in every direction.
The feeling is strong at night. When the streets darken and the lights come on, I get that sci-fi feeling. It’s strong when the clouds are dark and gloomy.
I know one is a smaller version of the other, but there are many similarities. There are so many huge buildings and towers. Tokyo goes forever, just like Coruscant. Can’t you see it?
At times, I can easily imagine scenes from Star Wars. I see Tie fighters and X-wings racing through skyscraper-lined streets. They dart in and out of the canyons made of tall buildings. Laser beams sear the air.
One day, Tokyo might be the setting for one of the movies. It could happen. Well, it gave some inspiration to Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner.
The I-Link Tower view of Coruscant
You want to know the perfect place? It’s I-Link Tower in Chiba Prefecture. It’s a one-minute walk from Ichikawa Station. Go to the 45th floor. It’s not an observatory, but it is a viewing deck. From there, Tokyo will be revealed in all its glory. Go during golden and blue hours. As the lights go on in the concrete, steel, and glass mass below, you will think you are on Coruscant.
Tokyo landmarks visible from the 45th floor
From the observation deck, the entire Tokyo skyline sprawls before you. You can easily pick out the iconic Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower. On a good day, you can even see Mount Fuji and catch a glimpse of the magic happening at Tokyo Disneyland.
Why photographers love I-Link Tower
I-Link Tower is an excellent place for panoramic views of Tokyo. Local photographers love it. Luckily, the observation deck is rarely crowded. I can only attribute that to it being in Chiba, far from central Tokyo.
But whenever I go there, the weather is usually cloudy. And that explains why there is no Mount Fuji here. One day, in autumn or winter, I’ll go when the skies are clearer and photograph the famous mountain.
Where is I-Link Tower?
- Address: 1-10-1 Ichikawaminami, Ichikawa, Chiba
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Entry costs: Free
- Here is the tower on Google Maps:
Is Tokyo Coruscant?
Anyway, do you think I’m right about Tokyo looking like Coruscant? Or am I completely and utterly wrong? Or is there another choice? Might Blade Runner be closer to the mark? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
I did eventually return to capture that photo of Mount Fuji behind Tokyo. Those photos will be put up soon. To help plan your visit, consult the official I-Link Tower website.
My photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lenses:
- Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8
- Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8
- Fujifilm XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Date of photos: I took them at I-Link Tower on two separate occasions: 1) November 11, 2020, and 2) September 4, 2022.
