Free Entries to its Observation Decks
Completed in 1991 and designed by architect, Kenzo Tange, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is often visited by tourists for its free observation decks which provide good panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond. Standing at 48 stories tall, the 243 meter tall building has two towers, and each houses an observatory at a height of 202 meters. It had been the tallest building in Tokyo until it was overtaken by the Midtown Tower in 2007. The towers and the surrounding buildings contain offices and the assembly hall of the metropolitan government of Tokyo. Visitors are therefore subjected to bag checks prior to boarding the elevators as part of the security measures.
360 Degree Panoramic View
Enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of Tokyo from the observatories on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building! Its two observation decks provide a sweeping view of the city and surroundings. The view from each tower differs slightly. On a clear day with favourable weather conditions, you can see Mount Fuji, the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Dome. However, the view at dusk or night time is more entertaining, as the lights make Tokyo even more beautiful to look at.
The observation decks have photographs above each window identifying the main sights, and multi-lingual audio guides are also available. They both have a cafe and the North Tower observatory has a souvenir shop. There are several shops on the observatory, especially in the North Tower. It is open until 11pm, so feel free to indulge in the breath-taking glittering night scenery of Tokyo.
Getting to the Observatory
At the 1st floor of the main building, there is an express elevator to each observatory. The observatories are located on 45th floor (height of around 202m). The elevator allows you to reach the 45th floor in just less than a minute! The main observatory of Tokyo Tower is 145m, and you need pay extra to go to special observatory. So the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building actually brings you to a higher point at a lower cost, in fact for free!
Information on the Observatories
North Tower
Tel. No: 03-3345-1250
Admission Hours: 9.30am – 11pm
The North Tower has a Tourist Information Centre on the ground floor, packed with useful guides to, and maps of, Tokyo in numerous languages including English.
South Tower
Tel. No: 03-5909-7945
Admission Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm (until 11pm when North Observatory is closed)
More Information
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Address: 2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku
Tel. No: 03-5321-1111
Official Website: http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/OFFICES/outline.htm
Admission Hours
- North Tower Observatory
Admission Hours: 9.30am – 11pm
Closing Days: 2nd and 4th Monday of every month (if the closing day falls on a holiday, then it will be closed the day after)
- South Tower Observatory
Admission Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm (until 11pm when North Observatory is closed)
Closing Days: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month (if the closing day falls on a holiday, then it will be closed the day after)
- Both Observatory Decks
Closing Days: December 29 and 31, and January 2 and 3, as well as on occasional building inspection days
Entry
- Free admission
- There is a security check before boarding the ground floor elevator
- Last admittance is 30 minutes before closing time
Access
- 10 mins walk from JR Shinjyuku Station South and West Entrance
- Tocho-mae Station on the Oedo Subway Line is located in the basement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building