Photo Spot · Ariake

Tokyo Big Sight 東京ビッグサイト（東京国際展示場）

Four inverted pyramids balanced on slender legs above the bay, plus a giant saw sculpture biting into the ground, make Japan's biggest convention centre a surreal architecture shoot.

About

Tokyo Big Sight opened in 1996 as Japan's largest exhibition venue and is famous for its Conference Tower: four upside-down pyramids clad in titanium, perched on narrow supports so they appear to float. In front stands Claes Oldenburg's Saw, Sawing, a 15 m red-handled saw cutting into the plaza. Photographers come for the strong geometry: shoot up between the pyramids from the plaza, line them up symmetrically from the main approach from Tokyo Big Sight Station, or frame them with the saw. When there is no event the plaza is near empty; during Comiket or big expos the crowds become the subject.

Highlights

• Four inverted pyramids appearing to float above the plaza
• Claes Oldenburg's giant Saw, Sawing sculpture
• Strong symmetry from the main approach walkway
• Reflections on the wet plaza after rain
• Crowds and cosplay during major events like Comiket

Tips

• Use 14-24 mm and shoot up from beneath the pyramids for the floating effect.
• Check the event calendar: an empty plaza on non-event days is ideal for clean architecture shots.
• Commercial or large-tripod shoots need permission; casual handheld shooting outside is fine.
• Combine with the Odaiba waterfront and Ariake's Tokyo Garden Terrace.

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

Nearby

• Tokyo Big Sight · Coin LockersLuggage Storage · 80 m away
• Symbol Promenade ParkPark · 320 m away
• Tokyo Water Science MuseumMuseum · 500 m away
• Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention ParkPark · 530 m away
• Coin Lockers · Kokusai-tenjijo Station (Tokyo Big Sight)Luggage Storage · 550 m away
• Ariake Tennis no Mori ParkPark · 730 m away
• Yume no Ohashi BridgeBridge · 790 m away
• SMALL WORLDS TOKYOMuseum · 970 m away