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This is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Each of the two towers has an observation deck.
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If skyscrapers are you thing, you’ll love the view...
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Looking out over Tokyo,
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This is my photo of a photo that hang on the wall of the observation deck...apparently Mt. Fuji looks like this from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - if you’re lucky enough to be there on a clear day! If not, the you can always resort to taking a photo of the photo!
Overview & Quick Tips
Seven skyscrapers/towers in Tokyo offer 360 degree, public viewing decks, but the only the Government Metropolitan has no admission fee. Visiting here is one of the best things you can do for free in Tokyo. On a clear day, it is possible to see all the way to Mt.Fuji - but you’ll need a powerful zoom lens to fill the frame.Detailed information
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government building is a ten minute walk from Tokyo Metro Nishi-shinjuku Station. The building has two towers, each with a separate viewing decks. They are located on the 45th floors, at height of 202 meters. You’ll need to take separate elevators up and down to visit both observatories. Each provides a slightly different view, so be sure to visit both. Only the north observatory is open at night. Unfortunately tripods aren’t allowed so you’ll have use a wide aperture and crank up the ISO if you want to shoot after dark.
The interior of the observatory is brightly lit which creates reflections on the windows, so shoot with your camera right up against the glass window panels to minimise the amount to window glass in front of your lens. Try using a polarising filter to reduce reflections.
The observatories have a restaurant, souvenir and snacks shop, and panels that help locate various landmarks around Tokyo.
Contact Details
- Address: Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Opening Times
- The following information may change but I believe it is still accurate.
OPEN: South Observation Deck: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (until 10:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month)
North Observation Deck: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m
CLOSED: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (South Observation Deck), 2nd and 4th Monday of each month (North Observation Deck). If there is a national holiday on one of those days, the observation desk will open on that day, but will be closed the following day.
Best Times of day to visit
- Best time of day: Any
- Alternative time: Any
Time Required
- 1 hour 30 minutes