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Overlooking the cityscape of Tokyo from 202m high!
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, located in Shinjuku, is Tokyo’s centralized administration complex, comprised of three buildings: the First Main Office Building, the Second Main Office Building, and the Metropolitan Assembly Building. The First Main Office Building is home to a 45th floor Observation Deck, which is accessible by dedicated elevator on the 1st floor. In just 55 seconds the dedicated elevator will whisk you into the skies, to a height of 202 meters above ground and the sprawling view of Tokyo below.
The observation deck is divided into a north and south section, where you can take a full 360-degree lap around and feast your eyes on an unforgettable panorama of Tokyo. With Skytree in the northeast, Shinjuku Park Tower and Tokyo Opera City at your southwest, and at night a mesmerizing, glittering cityscape makes this spot recommended as a date spot as well.
To top it all off, the south observation deck is home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Memory Piano, available for anyone to play. It’s iconic yellow and black design was supervised by Yayoi Kusama, providing a pop of accent to the entire space.
The south observation deck also has a cafe space and a goods shop
The "Tokyo Metropolitan Government Memory Piano" is free for anyone to play.
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are there any multilingual pamphlets or guide signs available? (If yes, please inform us of the languages available.)
We have brochures in foreign languages (English, Chinese, Korean). In addition, 32 spots that can be viewed from the observation deck can be displayed in 15 foreign languages just by reading the QR code on the smartphone (TOKYO SKY GUIDE).
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
The free Wi-Fi service provided by Tokyo Metropolitan Government is available.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
Q
Are there any guides or people who can explain to foreigners in the observation deck?
Volunteers who can handle English, Chinese, and Korean are stationed from 10:00am to 3:00pm from Monday to Friday.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, located in Shinjuku, is a top free spot for panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline.
🏙️ Observation Deck Information (45th Floor)
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has a South Observation Deck and a North Observation Deck, both accessible by dedicated elevators from the 1st floor of the First Main Office Building.
Hours: Usually 9:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (last admission at 9:30 p.m.).
Note: The operating hours of the South and North Observation Decks may alternate, so it is recommended to check the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's official website or X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates before visiting.
View highlights: On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji, as well as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and the Shinjuku skyline.
Reservations and admission: Free admission and no reservation required. Bags must be inspected before entry.
🎨 Nighttime Only: Projection Mapping Show (TOKYO Night & Light)
The exterior of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building features the world's largest architectural projection mapping show, certified by Guinness World Records:
Showtimes: Begins every night at 6:00 p.m. (or 6:30 p.m., depending on the season), with a show every 30 minutes. Each show lasts about 15 minutes, and performances continue until 9:30 p.m.
Viewing location: Tomin Hiroba (Citizens' Plaza), directly in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Special shows: Limited-time themes, such as Godzilla or Pokémon, are often featured on weekends.
🍱 Hidden Experience: Staff Cafeteria (32nd Floor)
If you visit during the daytime on a weekday, I recommend eating at the staff cafeteria on the 32nd floor. The food is reasonably priced and the views are beautiful. General visitors can enter by registering on the 1st floor and receiving a temporary pass, giving them a glimpse into the daily lives of Japanese government employees.
TOKYO Night & Light at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is well worth visiting.
The architecture of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is really striking. You can recognize it from far away, and even before going up to the observation deck, just admiring the building from the outside is already worth seeing.
After getting tired from walking around Shinjuku, it was perfect to come up here to take a break and enjoy the view. For first-time visitors to Tokyo, it’s a nice beginner-friendly spot.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck feels like a bit of a hidden gem. There aren't too many tourists, so you don't have to wait long. The view is fantastic—perfect if you want to avoid the crowds.
