Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories are popular completely free observation decks in Tokyo, open from 9:30 to 22:00 every day, from where tourists can enjoy Tokyo Skyline. The observation decks offer a clear view of Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Mt Fuji, Tokyo Dome City, Meiji Shrine, and Yoyogi Park.
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Location:
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories are on the 45 floors of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, located in Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, and only a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station.
However, you can use the Oedo Subway Line, located in the basement of the building. It’s also easy to access from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which takes only a 3-minute walk.
Observatory Decks:
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is A 243-meter tall building with two towers, and each tower contains an observatory at 202 meters on 45 floors.
The two observatory decks are divided into north and south, such as
- the north observatory
- the south observatory
Main Building No. 1 has two separate Observatory Elevators from the first floor to access two observatories, one for the north observatory and another for the south observatory.
A famous Japanese architect, Kenzo Tange, designed this great city building, including the surrounding that offers breathtaking day and night views of Tokyo.
Incredible Tokyo Skyline Views:
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories are famous to tourists for enjoying Tokyo Skyline. It’s one of the best popular places to enjoy the color of Tokyo at night.
You can enjoy good views of some of the famous landmarks such as Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Dome City, and Mount Fuji from the observatories in favorable weather conditions.
a)Northeast direction:
As soon as you land on the 45 floors and turn left, look far straight, and you’ll see Tokyo Skytree. You can take some fantastic shots of the Tokyo Skytree.
The best time to get a better shot is in the morning and afternoon when the sun reflection is less on the observation desk’s windows. But if you’re good at photography, a clear sky will give you a great chance to achieve great photos.
b) Southeast direction:
Tokyo Tower is in the Southeast direction of the observatories. Sometimes, it’s hard to recognize the tower.
However, if you look carefully and you’ll find it. But in the evening, you can figure out Tokyo Tower quickly and take fabulous shots of Tokyo Tower with its lightning.
During Christmas, when there is illumination, the scene looks wonderful.
c) Southwest direction:
Visitors can enjoy Shinjuku Park Tower and Tokyo Opera City in the Southwest direction from the observation decks.
The direction offers amazing views in the afternoon when the sunshine reflects on Tokyo Opera City.
d) West direction:
The west direction is the most popular direction among visitors of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories. Many tourists stand a long time looking far away in the western direction every day.
Do you know why?
It’s a perfect place to see Mt Fuji.
Cafe & souvenirs Store:
Each observatory contains a cafe and a souvenir shop in the middle. So you can get several famous Japanese snacks and drinks like coffee and tea.
Besides, you’ll get good souvenirs for your family members and friends. Some of the goods are tourism related, like caps and hats.
At the same time, you will also get free guidebooks about Tokyo and Japan as soon as you land on the 45 floors. Look to your left and find a guidebook on the self.
But you can take a guidebook from the Tourist Information Center from the first floor, next to the observatory lifts.
Surroundings:
The towers and the surrounding buildings are offices and the Tokyo metropolitan government’s related assembly hall. There is a bag check before boarding the elevators for security purposes.
Besides, one of the top-rated hotel Park Hyatt Tokyo (book here), is next to it. At the same time, you can easily access Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, Shinjuku Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho, and Shinjuku Red Light District from the Tokyo Metropolitan Building.
For your information, there is a QR Code on the observatory decks. You can scan it on your iPhone, and you’ll find all the necessary information, including the surroundings of the building. So remember to use this QR Code.
Important Note:
Many tourists face direction problems in government building areas. Google Maps and networks sometimes disturb. So, if you face such issues, come up from underground or go out from the government building boundary, and your networks and google maps will work.
Every time I go, I find someone facing such a problem. You may face it regardless of where you’re from, whether from Hong Kong, the United States, or Japan.
Best season to visit:
The best season to visit is on a sunny day. However, Tokyo’s weather is stable in winter and autumn compared to other seasons. So, you have an excellent chance to view Mt Fuji if you visit in the best season.
Moreover, from the observation decks, people come to enjoy autumn leaves in autumn and Cherry Blossoms in winter. These two seasons attract thousands of visitors every month.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening hours:
The South Observatory is from 9:30 to 17:00
The North Observatory is closed because it’s now being used as a vaccination center. It will be reopened when vaccination in the Tokyo virus situation becomes normal in the near future.
Closed: First and third Tuesday (every month)
If the listed day above falls on a holiday, the observation decks will be open on holiday but closed the next day.
Access:
Nearest Station: Ocho-mae Station
(Tokyo Metro Subway Oedo Line)
Ocho-mae Station is the nearest station, located in the basement. Besides, there’s an underground passage from the west exit of JR Shinjuku Station, and it takes a 10-minute walk.
Address:
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No-1, 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Official Website:
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