The Sky Hop Bus is a moving photography platform. However, shooting from a moving vehicle is tricky. Here are the best spots and tips to nail the shot.
1. The "Tokyo Tower Up-Close" (Blue Course)
- The Shot: As the bus curves around the base of the tower.
- Where to sit: Right side of the bus.
- Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the whole tower from the base up.
2. Rainbow Bridge Crossing (Blue Course)
- The Shot: The skyline of Tokyo seen through the cables of the bridge.
- Where to sit: Left side (heading to Odaiba) or Right side (returning).
- Tip: High shutter speed (1/1000 or faster). It’s windy and bumpy, and the bridge cables move past fast!
3. The Imperial Palace Moat (Red Course)
- The Shot: The Niju-bashi bridge and the stone walls with reflections in the water.
- Where to sit: Left side.
- Tip: Best on a calm morning for smooth reflections.
4. Akihabara Electric Town (Red Course)
- The Shot: The dense layering of colorful signs and anime billboards.
- Where to sit: Either side is good, but Left often gets closer to the big "Radio Kaikan" sign.
- Tip: Zoom in. Compress the perspective to make the signs look even more chaotic and dense.
5. The Ginza 4-Chome Intersection
- The Shot: The Wako Clock Tower and the Mitsukoshi Lion.
- Where to sit: Left side usually gives the best angle of the Wako building when turning.
General Settings for Bus Photography
- Mode: Shutter Priority (Tv or S).
- Speed: Minimum 1/500s (day), 1/125s (night - risky but necessary).
- Strap: Always wear your camera strap. One bump and your camera could go flying!