For an unforgettable and, best of all, free panorama of Tokyo’s glittering cityscape, look no further than the Caretta Shiodome Sky View. Perched 200 meters above the ground on the 46th floor of the Dentsu Building.
This observation area provides a spectacular vantage point overlooking Tokyo Bay. It’s an ideal spot for anyone with a camera, offering especially magical views as the sun sets and the city lights begin to sparkle.
Sky View isn’t a conventional 360-degree observatory. But, it has a chic, lounge-like space with expansive windows framing the scenery.
The rest of the floor is home to restaurants and bars, making it a perfect prelude to a memorable dinner with a view. Adding to the experience is the thrilling elevator ride itself, which offers its own panoramic preview of the city as you ascend.
Top Tokyo landmarks for your lens
The viewing area, though intimate, offers an approximately 170-degree field of vision through its large, three-sectioned windows. From this perch, you can gaze upon several iconic Tokyo landmarks, including:
- Hamarikyu Gardens: A beautiful traditional Japanese garden that once served as a hunting ground for shoguns.
- Rainbow Bridge: Enjoy fantastic views of this famous bridge set against the Tokyo skyline.
- Odaiba: The futuristic entertainment island in Tokyo Bay.
- Toyosu Market: The successor to the famed Tsukiji Fish Market.
- Kachidoki Bridge: An impressive double-leaf bascule bridge on the Sumida River, which lights up at night. A lot of river traffic passes under it, as does Tsukiji Ohashi Bridge nearby.
It is important to note that the free viewing area faces Tokyo Bay. To see the city center, you can enjoy the view from the elevator or consider dining at one of the restaurants on the same floor that face that direction.
Tsukiji’s redevelopment impact
I stand by my statement: the view is incredible. However, a major Tokyo redevelopment directly below you does slightly mar the scenery. This area was once home to the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Currently, it’s mostly a patch of dirt, which isn’t exactly picturesque.
The redevelopment is a massive undertaking, estimated to cost approximately $6 billion USD. Some facilities are scheduled to open in 2029, with a full opening in the early 2030s.
It promises to be quite a project, with a sports stadium larger than Tokyo Dome slated as a major attraction. What will be the effect on the view? We can only guess.
Shooting tips for high floor glass
To make the most of your photo opportunities, keep these tips in mind:
- Beat the reflections: The large windows can cause reflections, especially after dark. Bringing a lens hood or a cloth to press your camera against the glass can help minimize this.
- Tripods are welcome: Unlike many observation decks, tripods are permitted here. Just be mindful not to obstruct the view for other visitors.
- To avoid the patch of dirt that was once the Tsukiji Fish Market which is under the windows, don’t point your camera at it.
Recommended lenses for Shiodome
Due to the Tsukiji redevelopment project, this is one place I won’t take a wide-angle lens. A medium zoom (such as a 70-200mm on a full-frame or the crop equivalent) should fulfill all your needs, allowing you to crop out the construction.
You can focus on architecture, bridges, and river traffic. For these photos, I had to settle for my RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM and crop, heavily in some cases.
Night cityscapes are awesome
Go around sunset or after. When the lights of yakatabune (dinner boats), ferries, Kachidoki, and Tsukiji bridges go on, the Sumida River transforms. The skyline will also be beautiful.
Visitor information
- Location: Caretta Shiodome 46F, 1−8−1 Higashishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo
- Getting there: The Caretta Shiodome is conveniently located and easily accessible from major train stations:
- Shiodome Station on the Yurikamome and Toei Oedo Lines.
- Shimbashi Station serves various JR lines (including the Yamanote Line) and subway lines. The building is connected to the station via a convenient underground passage.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: The observation space is generally accessible during the restaurants’ operating hours. They can extend until 11:00 p.m. or later, but it’s a good idea to check the official Caretta Shiodome website for the most current information.
- Here is Sky View on Google Maps:
Beyond Caretta Shiodome Sky View
The Caretta Shiodome complex offers more than just stunning views. It also houses the Ad Museum Tokyo, Japan’s only museum dedicated to advertising.
During the winter months, from November to February, the area comes alive with the magical Caretta Illumination. It’s a spectacular light and sound show that has become a beloved Tokyo tradition.
Is Caretta Shiodome Sky View worth it?
While the view isn’t a full 360 degrees, this is an exceptional attraction for photographers and travelers alike. Whether you are there for photography or the dining, Caretta Shiodome Sky View is a high-value stop on your Tokyo itinerary.
My photography gear for this photo shoot
- Camera body: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM