Capture the Skytree in a whole new way: Unveiling hidden photo spots

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin

 

One of the classic photo spots is looking back across the river from Azuma Bridge on the Asakusa side. The Skytree stands alongside the uniquely styled ASAHI Building (reportedly, the golden object on top resembling a cumulonimbus cloud represents beer foam), both facing each other from across the river. At the base of the building is a busy elevated highway, above it is the endless blue sky, and below flows the muddy, earth-toned Sumida River, dotted with various-sized boats coming and going. In spring, it becomes even more of a romantic and picturesque seasonal scene, framed by the pink cherry blossoms in Ushijima Park along the riverbank. Looking straight up at the Skytree from nearby, its white body glowing with a faint blue hue possesses an architectural beauty, while a short distance away, along the canal beside the Skytree, there are also distinctive and charming views to be found.

 

Transportation: Reachable directly from Exit 4 of Asakusa Station

Next to the Skytree lies a small canal, so taking a stroll along its well-maintained riverside promenade offers several picturesque bridge spots ideal for photography. To the west is Genmoribashi Bridge, located near a boat dock, a JR station, the sleek new Skytree, and speeding trains, where canal boats seem like reflections of the area’s old way of life — the scene is filled with the charm of old meeting new. To the east is Jikkengawa Bridge, which is famous for its angle that allows you to see the full reflection of the Skytree. The Skytree in the blue sky and its slender reflection on the narrow water surface create a delightful contrast, especially on clear days when the undisturbed water reflects a crisp, surreal image, almost like a three-dimensional totem emerging from the depths.

 

Transportation: About 3 minutes from Exit A4 of Honjo-Azumabashi Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, along Mitsume-dori.

The last recommended photo spot is one we discovered while wandering around the Skytree area — Yushima Tenman Shrine, nestled in a residential neighborhood and surrounded by several ancient ginkgo trees. The height of the Skytree just peeks out from behind the shrine’s torii gate, rising above the low-rise old apartments, as if guarding the shrine’s ancient memories.

 

Transportation: A 5-minute walk from Oshiage Station on the Toei Asakusa Line and?Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line

The permanent exhibition area of the Edo-Tokyo Museum is divided into an “Edo Zone” and a “Tokyo Zone,” displaying traditional Edo-period buildings and early modern Tokyo architecture respectively. Even the famous “Nihonbashi” bridge is recreated at a 1:1 scale, making you feel as though you’ve truly stepped into a town — it’s incredibly lifelike. In addition to the amazing structures, the museum also exhibits ukiyo-e prints, historical scrolls, and various historical materials. The exhibitions are changed about six times a year, offering great value for repeat visits.

 

Address: 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Phone: 03-3626-9974