I’ve come up with a guide for photographers wanting a unique shot of Tokyo Tower at night. While the classic views are popular, finding a lesser-known angle is a real prize.
For a different perspective, especially for Tokyo Tower night photography, try Shiba Park. You can do something special there with a long exposure.
What makes this spot special is a path lined with classic lampposts. At night, these lights create a powerful leading line, guiding the viewer’s eye directly to the brilliantly lit tower.
This picture-perfect composition spot remains surprisingly uncrowded. Here is what you need to know with the exact location and the camera settings needed to capture this iconic shot.
Tokyo Tower night photography: Camera settings & gear
To capture this view, you’ll need the right gear and settings. The process relies on the core principles from our [How to Take Long-Exposure Photographs]. Here is my setup for the photos in this article.
My photo gear for this photo
- A tripod to keep the camera stable during long exposures.
- A cable release to keep my hands off the shutter button.
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lens: Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 lens.
My camera settings for this shot
- Aperture: Use a small aperture (a higher f-stop number, like f/11 or f/16). This creates the beautiful “starburst” effect you see on the lampposts and the tower’s lights.
- Shutter speed: For my photos, I varied this from 9 seconds up to 41 seconds.
- ISO: I kept this at base levels to keep noise to a minimum.
These settings might work for you, but they might not depend upon what you want your image to look like. At the minimum, they should give you a rough baseline of what to work with. Make adjustments as you see fit.
Post-Processing
The images received only basic adjustments in Lightroom.
Location & access: Onarimon Station entrance
- The location is in the heart of the city, yet feels like an unexplored spot.
- Location: Shiba Park
- Closest train station: Onarimon Station (Mita Line)
- Exit: A6
- Here is a map to guide you:
Location shots
Nearby bonus shots: Zojoji temple & Tokugawa history
While you’re in the park, don’t miss the other photo opportunities. The famous Zojoji Temple, with its deep historical ties to the Tokugawa Shoguns, offers dramatic views with the tower in the background.
In the spring, the park’s plum blossom grove is a favorite for flower photographers. Of course, you’ll need to do this one during the day.
Tokyo Tower night photography FAQ
The verdict: Why Shiba Park is a must-visit
Shiba Park is, without a doubt, a great photo spot for Tokyo Tower, offering a unique and artistic composition that many people don’t know. It’s a fantastic place for photographers looking to move beyond the typical postcard shots.
Have you photographed Tokyo Tower from this spot? Share your experience or ask any questions in the comments below