All Reviews of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck is located in central Shinjuku and offers views of Tokyo in different directions from the upper floors. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance to the west, Shinjuku Gyoen and the Yoyogi area to the south, the Shinjuku skyscrapers and central Tokyo to the east, and the Ikebukuro area to the north. During the day, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the bustling city, while after dusk, the city lights come on, revealing a completely different view of Tokyo at night.

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.

Besides Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Skytree, this is honestly one of the best spots to enjoy the night view in Tokyo.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observation deck is free to enter. You can really enjoy Tokyo's night view from here. I especially recommend going after it rains in winter when the air is clear! Weekday nights are also great. Since people in Tokyo work late, the city stays bright. Shoutout to everyone working hard out there!!

Highly recommend going at night! It's insanely cool!!!

The observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is free! The city view is just as good as anywhere else.