Best Tokyo Skytree Photography Spots: Capture Trains & Yakatabune

Best Photography Locations Around Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree isn’t just impressive from its observation decks—the area surrounding Japan’s tallest tower offers exceptional photography opportunities. This guide reveals the best nearby spots to photograph Tokyo Skytree with trains and yakatabune (traditional Japanese roofed boats) in the frame, creating uniquely compelling images that blend modern infrastructure with traditional river life.

Between Azumabashi Bridge and Tobu Isesaki Line Tracks

This location offers a perfect view of trains on the Tobu Skytree Line passing in front of Tokyo Skytree—a famous combination of modern urban elements. During the right moments, yakatabune boats cruising on the Sumida River can also be captured, creating a unique photo with all three subjects: Skytree, train, and traditional boat.

Photography Tips

• Best time: Early morning or late afternoon when trains are frequent and lighting is optimal
• Composition: Frame the shot to include the train tracks in the foreground with Skytree rising behind
• Timing: Watch for yakatabune boats passing through—they’re most common during evening dining cruises

Kototoibashi Bridge

From here you get an unobstructed view of Tokyo Skytree framed by the river and passing boats including yakatabune. The bridge sidewalk also lets you capture slow shutter shots of passing cars with the tower in the background, adding dynamic light trails.

Photography Tips

• Night photography: Use slow shutter speeds (2-5 seconds) to create light trails from vehicles
• Boat timing: Yakatabune boats are illuminated at night, creating beautiful reflections on the river
• Stability: Bring a small tripod or stabilize your camera on the bridge railing

Makurabashi Bridge near TOKYO Mizumachi

This small bridge is located over the Kitajukken River right by the Tobu Skytree Line and TOKYO Mizumachi commercial area. It provides great perspectives to shoot both trains and the Skytree reflected in the river surface.

Photography Tips

• Reflections: Visit on calm days for clear water reflections of both the tower and passing trains
• Multiple angles: The compact bridge allows you to shoot from different positions quickly
• Commercial area: TOKYO Mizumachi offers cafes where you can wait between shots

Sumida River Walk near Asakusa

The river walkway along the Sumida River is a vantage point where you can look across to view the Skytree with yakatabune boats gliding beneath the bridges, especially in spring with cherry blossoms blooming along the banks.

Photography Tips

• Cherry blossom season: Late March to early April offers stunning foreground elements
• River cruise timing: Yakatabune boats run regularly during lunch and dinner hours
• Walking distance: This connects conveniently to Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple for a full day of photography

Yakatabune River Cruises: Photography from the Water

Taking a yakatabune cruise on the Sumida River itself offers an exceptional opportunity to photograph Tokyo Skytree from the water against the backdrop of traditional boats. These cruises pass under iconic bridges, providing iconic photos of the towering modern landmark alongside historic Edo-style boats.

Experience Details

• Cruise types: Lunch and dinner cruises available
• Duration: Typically 2-3 hours
• Photography advantage: Unique water-level perspectives impossible to get from land
• Booking: Reserve in advance, especially during cherry blossom season

Eitai Bridge: Yakatabune Light Trails at Night

At night, Eitai Bridge is known as an excellent spot to capture yakatabune light trails as the boats cruise by with their distinct lighting, alongside nighttime views of the city and partial views of the Skytree.

Photography Tips

• Equipment: Bring a tripod for long exposures (10-30 seconds)
• Timing: Evening hours (7 PM - 9 PM) when yakatabune activity peaks
• Settings: Use f/8-f/11 aperture for sharp light trails, ISO 100-200
• Composition: Position yourself to capture the illuminated boats’ paths with city lights in the background

Best Times for Photography Around Tokyo Skytree

Golden Hour (Sunrise & Sunset)

• Sunrise: 5:30-7:00 AM (summer), 6:30-8:00 AM (winter)
• Sunset: 4:30-6:00 PM (winter), 6:30-7:30 PM (summer)
• Advantage: Warm, golden light enhances the tower and surrounding buildings

Blue Hour (Twilight)

• Timing: 30-40 minutes after sunset
• Advantage: Balance between ambient light and Skytree’s illumination
• Best for: Capturing both the illuminated tower and city details

Night Photography

• Peak time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Advantage: Full Skytree illumination with yakatabune boat lights
• Special events: Check Skytree’s lighting schedule for special color displays

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (March-May)

• Cherry blossoms: Late March to early April along Sumida River
• Weather: Generally clear with moderate temperatures
• Crowds: Heavy during sakura season—arrive early

Summer (June-August)

• Visibility: Can be hazy; best shots in early morning
• Yakatabune: Peak season for dinner cruises
• Weather: Watch for afternoon thunderstorms

Autumn (September-November)

• Clear skies: Excellent visibility, especially after typhoon season
• Fall colors: Some foliage along riverbanks
• Comfortable: Ideal temperatures for extended photography sessions

Winter (December-February)

• Crystal clear: Best visibility for crisp, long-distance shots
• Sunset timing: Early sunsets (around 4:30 PM) allow golden hour photography without late nights
• Mount Fuji: Higher chance of seeing Mount Fuji from observation deck vantage points

Combining Photography with Your Visit

To maximize your Tokyo Skytree experience:

1. Start with street-level photography at the bridges and river walks
2. Visit the observation decks for aerial perspectives
3. Book a yakatabune cruise for unique water-level shots
4. Return at night for illumination and light trail photography

This comprehensive approach captures Tokyo Skytree from every angle, creating a diverse portfolio that showcases both the iconic tower and the vibrant area surrounding it.

Equipment Recommendations

Essential Gear

• Wide-angle lens: 16-35mm for architectural shots and including foreground elements
• Standard zoom: 24-70mm for versatile compositions
• Tripod: Essential for night photography and long exposures
• Remote shutter: Prevents camera shake during long exposures

Optional Gear

• Telephoto lens: 70-200mm for compressed perspectives of trains and Skytree
• Polarizing filter: Reduces glare from water and enhances sky colors
• ND filter: Enables long exposures during daylight hours

Final Recommendations

For photographers visiting Tokyo Skytree:

• Best overall location: Azumabashi Bridge area for train + Skytree combinations
• Best for yakatabune: Kototoibashi Bridge and Sumida River Walk
• Best for night photography: Eitai Bridge for light trails
• Best unique perspective: Take a yakatabune cruise for water-level shots
• Best season: Winter (December-February) for clarity, or spring (late March-April) for cherry blossoms

These locations combine modern infrastructure, traditional river life, and iconic landmarks for uniquely compelling photographs around Tokyo Skytree. Whether you’re capturing the interplay of trains and tower or the graceful movement of yakatabune boats, these spots offer exceptional opportunities to document one of Tokyo’s most photogenic areas.

Ready to experience Tokyo Skytree from above? Book your observation deck tickets in advance to explore the area from both ground level and the sky!