Makoto Shinkai’s blockbuster “Weathering with You” features the Docomo Tower (NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building) as an impressively symbolic structure that has become a sacred site visited by many fans. This article comprehensively covers information about the Docomo Tower, including details of scenes from the film, photography spots for pilgrimage to sacred sites, access methods, and nearby attractions.
Docomo Tower (NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building)
Basic Building Information
The NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building is a 240-meter-tall skyscraper located in Yoyogi, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. Completed in 1996, it was designed by Kenzo Tange. Known affectionately as “Docomo Tower” for its distinctive appearance, it is an important structure that forms Tokyo’s skyline as a landmark of the Shinjuku sub-center.
This 27-story above-ground, 3-story underground building serves as NTT Docomo’s headquarters while also functioning as a clock tower. At night, it is illuminated, and its beautiful appearance can be seen from afar.
Architectural Features and Appeal
The most distinctive feature of Docomo Tower is its unique silhouette. Its slender, tower-like shape possesses an elegance reminiscent of a clock tower, standing out prominently among surrounding buildings. Granite is used on the exterior walls, creating a sense of luxury and solidity.
Large clocks are installed on all four sides of the top, with a diameter reaching 15 meters. These clocks function as a symbol conveying the time in the Shinjuku area and are beloved by many people.
Docomo Tower’s Appearances in “Weathering with You”
Important Role in the Film
In “Weathering with You,” the Docomo Tower appears multiple times as a structure symbolizing Tokyo as the story’s setting. Within Makoto Shinkai’s characteristic beautiful background depictions, this building is portrayed as a representative of Tokyo’s urban landscape.
From scenes where the protagonist Hodaka overlooks Tokyo’s cityscape, to scenes of daily life spent with Hina, and through to the story’s climax, the Docomo Tower constantly radiates presence against Tokyo’s sky. Particularly in scenes of Tokyo’s continuing rain, this tower’s appearance becomes an important element symbolizing the work’s atmosphere.
Details of Memorable Scenes
Particularly impressive in the film is a scene showing an aerial view of the Shinjuku cityscape. The Docomo Tower displays a unique presence among Shinjuku sub-center buildings, beautifully depicted beneath a sky with breaks of sunlight.
In night scenes, the illuminated Docomo Tower creates a fantastical atmosphere. Through Makoto Shinkai’s delicate light expression, it is depicted more beautifully and romantically than the actual building.
In rainy scenes, the tower’s clock is shown continuing to tick amid a rain-soaked city, functioning as a symbol of the film’s themes of “time” and “weather.”
Sacred Site Pilgrimage: Photography Spots for Docomo Tower
Optimal Photography Point ①: Around Shinjuku Station South Exit
The area heading toward Yoyogi from Shinjuku Station’s south exit is an excellent spot for photographing the Docomo Tower. It’s approximately a 5-minute walk from the station with good access.
The view from Shinjuku Southern Terrace in particular is magnificent, allowing you to capture the entire Docomo Tower. To recreate movie scenes, shooting from a slightly distant position with a telephoto lens will result in photos closer to the composition within the film.
Early morning hours are recommended because backlighting is less likely and clearer photos are possible. Also, during golden hour in the evening, the sky’s color and the tower’s silhouette create beautiful contrast.
Optimal Photography Point ②: Around Yoyogi Park
From the northern area of Yoyogi Park, you can photograph the Docomo Tower together with greenery. The contrast between urban buildings and nature is ideal for expressing “Weathering with You’s” worldview.
Shooting from an open area within the park allows you to position trees in the foreground while capturing the Docomo Tower in the background, resulting in photos with depth. Particularly during the fresh green season or autumn foliage, you can capture photos rich in seasonal feeling.
Optimal Photography Point ③: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
From the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck (free admission), you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Shinjuku sub-center including the Docomo Tower. Shooting from a high vantage point allows you to recreate the aerial view of Tokyo depicted in the film.
This is especially recommended for night photography, and the sight of the illuminated Docomo Tower and surrounding buildings creating a tapestry of light is spectacular. Note that tripod use may be restricted, so advance confirmation is necessary.
Optimal Photography Point ④: Around Meiji Shrine Outer Garden
From the ginkgo tree-lined avenue area of the Meiji Shrine Outer Garden, you can also capture the Docomo Tower as a distant view. During autumn when the ginkgos turn golden yellow, the combination of the tree-lined avenue and the Docomo Tower makes for extremely beautiful photography.
To recreate the film’s atmosphere, visiting on cloudy or rainy days is also worthwhile. You can experience the rainy Tokyo that is the worldview of “Weathering with You” while enjoying your sacred site pilgrimage.
Precautions and Manners for Photography
When photographing during sacred site pilgrimage, keep the following points in mind:
- No unauthorized entry onto private property: Photograph from public roads and public spaces only
- Do not obstruct pedestrian traffic: Photograph in locations that don’t inconvenience other pedestrians
- Consideration when using tripods: During crowded times, refrain from tripod use and use hand-held shooting instead
- Early morning and late-night photography: In residential areas, be considerate of noise and don’t disturb nearby residents
- Always take trash with you: Don’t forget environmental consideration to keep the sacred site beautiful
Access Information
Access by Train
Access to Docomo Tower is extremely convenient. The nearest stations are as follows:
JR Lines
- Approximately 5 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station (South Exit)
- Approximately 3 minutes walk from Yoyogi Station
Toei Subway
- Approximately 5 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station on the Oedo Line
- Approximately 7 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station on the Shinjuku Line
Tokyo Metro
- Approximately 6 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Line
Private Railways
- Approximately 5 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station (South Exit) on the Odakyu Line
- Approximately 7 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station on the Keio Line
Walking Route Details
When heading from Shinjuku Station South Exit:
- Exit from Shinjuku Station South Exit ticket gate
- Head toward Shinjuku Southern Terrace
- Cross the pedestrian bridge toward the Yoyogi area
- Continue straight and the Docomo Tower will come into view
When heading from Yoyogi Station:
- Exit from Yoyogi Station West Exit
- Proceed toward Shinjuku along the railway
- Arrive at Docomo Tower in approximately 3 minutes
Car Access and Parking Information
The Docomo Tower has no general visitor parking. If visiting by car, you’ll need to use nearby coin parking lots.
There are multiple paid parking lots around Shinjuku Station South Exit, but rates are relatively high (approximately 300-400 yen per 30 minutes). For extended stays during sacred site pilgrimage, use of public transportation is recommended.
“Weathering with You” Sacred Sites Around Docomo Tower
Sacred Spots in the Shinjuku Area
When visiting Docomo Tower, be sure to visit other “Weathering with You” sacred sites within walking distance.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen, which appears in important scenes of the film, is approximately 15 minutes walk from Docomo Tower. The vast garden displays beautiful seasonal changes and allows you to experience the film’s worldview.
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park, located west of Docomo Tower, is also known as a location appearing in the film. As an oasis in the city, it’s ideal for strolling and resting.
Around Shinjuku Station
The crowds and streetscapes around Shinjuku Station are also important settings in the film. The station interior and surrounding buildings represent the scenery Hodaka first witnessed upon arriving in Tokyo.
Recommended Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Route
Recommended half-day route:
- Morning: Shinjuku Station South Exit Meeting Point (9:00)
- Docomo Tower Photography (9:30-10:30)
- Yoyogi Park Stroll (11:00-12:00)
- Lunch: Shinjuku Area (12:00-13:00)
- Shinjuku Gyoen (13:30-15:30)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck (16:00-17:00)
- Night Scene Photography: Docomo Tower (18:00-19:00)
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy
Spring (March-May)
Spring features beautiful fresh greenery, and during cherry blossom season, you can enjoy flower viewing at Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen while doing sacred site pilgrimage. Photos of the Docomo Tower combined with cherry blossoms are a charm unique to this season.
With mild temperatures, this season is ideal for strolling. However, cherry blossom season is crowded, so early morning visits are recommended.
Summer (June-August)
The rainy season, which is the setting for “Weathering with You,” is the season where you can most deeply experience the film’s atmosphere. Rain-soaked Tokyo’s cityscape and the Docomo Tower represent the film’s worldview itself.
When shooting in rain, don’t forget waterproofing measures for your camera. Using rain droplet-focused photography techniques can result in photos that resemble scenes from the movie.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn brings clear air, and there are many days when the Docomo Tower can be seen clearly. The ginkgo tree-lined avenue of the Meiji Shrine Outer Garden turning golden from mid to late November is a particularly beautiful time for photography.
Golden hour at dusk, combined with autumn’s transparent atmosphere, creates a fantastical feeling.
Winter (December-February)
Winter is when the air is most transparent, and the Docomo Tower’s outline appears sharp. Night illumination is even more beautiful, and during the Christmas season, the surroundings are adorned with illuminations.
While cold weather precautions are essential, the contrast between clear winter skies and the Docomo Tower is exceptional.
History and Cultural Significance of Docomo Tower
Background of Construction
The NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building was planned as an architectural work symbolizing the development of the telecommunications industry in the 1990s. Designed by Kenzo Tange, a leading Japanese architect, the building reflects his architectural philosophy.
Since its completion in 1996, this building has become an essential part of Tokyo’s skyline as a new landmark of the Shinjuku sub-center.
Position in Pop Culture
Even before “Weathering with You,” the Docomo Tower had appeared in various films, dramas, and anime works. Its distinctive exterior is frequently used in works set in Tokyo as a structure symbolizing “the city.”
Through its appearance in Makoto Shinkai’s work, the Docomo Tower has acquired new cultural significance. It has gained value as an anime sacred site and has also become a tourist destination visited by fans from home and abroad.
Photography Techniques and Recommended Settings
Daytime Photography
Clear Weather
- Aperture: F8-F11 (for sharp depiction)
- Shutter Speed: 1/250 second or faster (to prevent camera shake)
- ISO: 100-200 (to suppress noise)
- White Balance: Sunlight or auto
Overcast/Rainy Weather
- Aperture: F5.6-F8
- Shutter Speed: 1/125 second or faster
- ISO: 400-800 (to compensate for insufficient light)
- White Balance: Cloudy mode
Night Scene Photography
Illumination Photography
- Aperture: F8-F16 (to achieve light trails)
- Shutter Speed: 1-10 seconds (tripod essential)
- ISO: 100-400
- White Balance: Fluorescent light or manual adjustment
Hand-held Night Photography
- Aperture: F2.8-F4 (use bright lens)
- Shutter Speed: 1/60 second or faster
- ISO: 1600-3200
- Image Stabilization: ON
Composition Points
Rule of Thirds Application
Positioning the Docomo Tower on the rule of thirds line creates well-balanced composition. Making the sky proportion larger allows for sky expression characteristic of “Weathering with You.”
Foreground Usage
Positioning trees or buildings in the foreground creates photos with depth. Particularly when shooting from Yoyogi Park, including greenery in the foreground is effective.
Vertical Composition Usage
Taking advantage of the tower’s vertically elongated silhouette, vertical composition is recommended. This allows you to capture the tower’s full view while also capturing the sky’s expression.
Nearby Recommended Facilities
Restaurants
Around Shinjuku Southern Terrace
Near Docomo Tower, Shinjuku Southern Terrace has numerous cafes and restaurants. It’s ideal for resting during sacred site pilgrimage, and some establishments have terrace seating where you can enjoy meals while viewing the Docomo Tower.
Yoyogi Area
Around Yoyogi Station, calm atmosphere cafes and set meal restaurants are scattered. Many are beloved by locals and offer reasonably priced meals.
Rest Spots
Shinjuku Southern Terrace
Outdoor benches and terraces are available, and you can rest for free. It’s a place where you can relax while viewing the Docomo Tower.
Yoyogi Park
With vast grassy areas, you can rest with a picnic feel on clear days. Vending machines and restrooms are fully equipped.
To Enjoy “Weathering with You’s” Worldview More Deeply
Film Preview and Review
Before visiting the Docomo Tower, it’s recommended to rewatch the film. Confirming which scenes feature the tower and how it’s depicted will amplify the emotional impact at the actual location.
Special features on Blu-ray and DVD releases sometimes include the process of background art creation, allowing you to understand Makoto Shinkai’s dedication to filmmaking.
Related Books
The official visual guide and art book for “Weathering with You” contain detailed explanations of background art including the Docomo Tower. Comparing actual locations with film depictions allows you to understand the depth of animation production.
The novel version of “Weathering with You” provides more detailed descriptions of characters’ emotions and backgrounds not depicted in the film, deepening your understanding of the work.
Event Information
Regular Illuminations
The Docomo Tower undergoes various illuminations depending on the season and events. During Christmas season and year-end holidays, special lighting effects may be applied, revealing an appearance different from usual.
“Weathering with You” Related Events
Events related to the film are sometimes held in the Shinjuku area during release anniversaries or commemorative occasions. Checking official websites and SNS for information might allow you to experience something special.
Conclusion: The Appeal of Docomo Tower Sacred Site Pilgrimage
The Docomo Tower (NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building) appearing in “Weathering with You” has become a place remaining in the hearts of many fans as a symbol of the beautiful Tokyo depicted by Makoto Shinkai.
Its excellent access, well-developed surrounding facilities, and atmosphere allowing you to experience the film’s worldview make it an ideal sacred site pilgrimage destination. The Docomo Tower, displaying different expressions depending on season and time of day, offers new discoveries with each visit.
Try capturing your own “Weathering with You” world in photographs while recalling film scenes. Whether on rainy days or sunny days, Tokyo’s beautiful appearance awaits.
May your sacred site pilgrimage at the Docomo Tower become an opportunity to love “Weathering with You” more deeply and a chance to discover the city of Tokyo’s new charm.
Remember to follow photography manners and considerate conduct toward surroundings as you create wonderful memories of your sacred site pilgrimage.
