Sight guide · Tokyo · Japan
Visiting Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories
Kenzo Tange's twin-towered city hall has free observation rooms 202 metres up on the 45th floor, looking over Shinjuku's skyscrapers and, on clear winter days, Mount Fuji.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Kakidai, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories is a viewpoint in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Allow 45 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Viewpoint
- Area
- Shinjuku
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, views, after dark and architecture
- Best months
- October–December
About Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories
Kenzo Tange's twin-towered city hall has free observation rooms 202 metres up on the 45th floor, looking over Shinjuku's skyscrapers and, on clear winter days, Mount Fuji. After dark, projection-mapping shows play across the building's façade.
Tip: Go on a clear winter morning for the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji, and check which tower's observatory is open that day.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 45 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Shinjuku, skyscrapers, neon alleys and one of the world's busiest railway stations.
Best time to visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- October: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, busy crowds.
- December: 12°C (54°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- November: 17°C (63°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, busy crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-October the sun sets at about 17:06 local time (calculated for Tokyo).
When to visit Tokyo has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Tokyo itinerary visits Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories on day 3, together with Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Golden Gai and Odaiba.
- No. 19 of the 20 sights in our Tokyo things-to-do list.
- Day 3 of the 4-day plan.
- Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
- Day 5 of the 7-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Tokyo.
Near Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories
Also in Shinjuku, so you can walk between them:
- Golden Gai — 1–2 hours, low cost
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden — 1.5–2 hours, low cost
If you like Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories
- Senso-ji Temple — Asakusa, 1–2 hours
- Shibuya Crossing — Shibuya, 30 minutes
- Tokyo Skytree — Oshiage, 1.5–2 hours
- Tokyo Tower — Shiba, 1 hour
Staying near Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories
Stay in Shinjuku ($$$) to walk here: skyscrapers, neon alleys and one of the world's busiest railway stations. All areas to stay in Tokyo.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories?
Plan 45 minutes. With Golden Gai nearby, it fits a half-day in Shinjuku.
+Is Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories?
October–December for the most comfortable weather. Go on a clear winter morning for the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji, and check which tower's observatory is open that day.
+Do I need to book Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.