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Tokyo Metropolitan Building

observation deckTokyofree viewskyscraperMt. Fuji

Photo: kanesue / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁, Tocho) has twin towers rising 243 meters, each with a free observation deck on the 45th floor. The observatories offer 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo — on clear days, Mt. Fuji is visible 100 kilometers west. The view encompasses Shinjuku's skyscrapers, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and the endless urban sprawl stretching to the horizon. The north tower is open until 23:00, making it Tokyo's best free night view.

The building itself is a Brutalist fortress designed by Kenzo Tange, completed 1990, and serves as Tokyo's government headquarters. The observation decks see far fewer tourists than Tokyo Tower or Skytree (both charge ¥1,000-3,000), making this a local secret for high-altitude Tokyo views. The sunset view facing west toward Mt. Fuji is especially coveted.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Varies by venue — confirm before visiting

Closed: North Tower: 2nd & 4th Monday | South Tower: 1st & 3rd Tuesday

Entrance Fee

Free

Best Season

Year-round (Winter mornings for Mt. Fuji views)

Visit Duration

1-2 hours

Getting There

Access Information

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Shinjuku-ku. Near Shinjuku Station West Exit or Tochomae Station (Oedo Line). Free admission. Security screening required.

Detailed Access & Timing

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Nearest Station

Tochomae Station (Oedo Line) - 1 min walk | Shinjuku Station West Exit - 10 min walk

Travel Time

From Tokyo Station: 25 min via JR | From Narita Airport: 90 min via Narita Express + JR

How to Get There

Train: Take Oedo Line to Tochomae Station (most convenient). Or JR/Metro to Shinjuku Station, exit West and walk 10 minutes through underground passage. Bus: Multiple buses from Shinjuku Station stop nearby. Taxi: 5 min from Shinjuku Station (¥800-1,000).

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (9:30-11 AM) for Mt. Fuji views with no crowds. Sunset time (45-60 min before dusk) for twilight views. Late night (after 9 PM) for illuminated cityscape with minimal visitors.

Crowd Avoidance Tips

Avoid weekends 11 AM-3 PM when tour groups arrive. Cherry blossom season (late March-early April) and autumn (November) see highest crowds. Security screening can take 15 min during peak times.

Parking Information

Limited paid parking: ¥300/30 min, max ¥2,400/day. Underground parking entrance on north side. Public transport strongly recommended.

Insider Guide

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**Optimal timing:** Arrive 45-60 minutes before sunset for prime viewing — the transition from day to dusk to night is spectacular. Sunset times vary seasonally: summer (19:00), spring/autumn (17:30), winter (16:30). Weekday mornings (9:30-11:00) are nearly empty for clear-day Mt. Fuji views. **Mt. Fuji visibility:** Fuji is visible 70-100 days per year, primarily winter (December-February, clearest air) and early mornings (before 10:00). Check live cameras (tokyo-panorama.com) before visiting. Even without Fuji, the Tokyo cityscape is impressive — the Shinjuku skyscraper cluster, Tokyo Skytree (10km east), and the Tokyo Bay area. **North vs. South Tower:** Both towers offer similar views from different orientations. North Tower (9:30-23:00) faces Tokyo Skytree and eastern Tokyo. South Tower (9:30-17:30) faces Tokyo Tower and southern Tokyo. North Tower is preferable for night views due to extended hours. Queues are rare except during peak tourist seasons (cherry blossom, autumn foliage). **Photography:** Bring a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for panoramic shots. Tripods are prohibited. The windows are tinted — adjust white balance in post-processing. For night photography, use fast shutter speed to avoid reflections from interior lighting. The observation deck has cafe and souvenir shop (overpriced but convenient).

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