Photo Spot · Asakusa

Skytree & Asahi Flame from Azuma-bashi 吾妻橋からのスカイツリーとアサヒビール本社

From the Asakusa end of the red Azuma Bridge you get Tokyo's most famous odd couple, Philippe Starck's golden 'flame' and the beer-glass Asahi tower, with Tokyo Skytree soaring behind and water buses passing below.

About

Azuma-bashi, the red steel arch bridge a minute from Kaminarimon, is where most visitors first see Skytree, and it is still the best all-in-one Asakusa frame. Across the Sumida stand the Asahi Beer Hall, crowned by Philippe Starck's golden Flamme d'Or (1989), and the amber-glass Asahi headquarters, designed to look like a mug of beer with a foam top. Skytree rises behind them. Stand at the west (Asakusa) end of the bridge or on the riverside terrace just south of it for the classic composition, then wait for the Tokyo Cruise water buses, including the spaceship-like Hotaluna and Emeraldas, to slide under the bridge. At night Skytree's illumination and the lit bridge make it a good long-exposure scene.

Highlights

• Golden Flamme d'Or and beer-mug Asahi tower in one frame with Skytree
• Red-painted 1931 arch bridge in the foreground
• Water buses and yakatabune passing beneath
• Skytree illumination reflected in the Sumida at night
• Two minutes from Kaminarimon

Tips

• Golden hour light hits the buildings from the west, making the gold flame glow.
• The riverside terrace south of the bridge on the Asakusa side has railings to brace on for night exposures.
• A 24-70 mm covers everything; 70-200 mm compresses the flame against Skytree.
• Check the Tokyo Cruise timetable to catch a futuristic Matsumoto Leiji-designed boat passing.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Asakusa Station · Coin Lockers (Tobu Ekimise & Ginza Line)Luggage Storage · 110 m away
• Kamiya BarBars & Nightlife · 120 m away
• Tokyo Cruise (Asakusa Pier)Activities & Experiences · 120 m away
• Kimono Rental VASARA Asakusa SumidagawaActivities & Experiences · 130 m away
• Asakusa Culture Tourist Information CenterTourist Info · 180 m away
• Asahi Beer Hall and Golden FlameLandmark & Tower · 180 m away
• TOBU Tourist Information Center AsakusaTourist Info · 180 m away
• Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center Observation TerraceRooftops & Sky Gardens · 190 m away