Tokyo · Shinjuku / Nishi-ShinjukuNo.258★★★Open in map →
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
— the city's best free panorama
Two observation decks at 202 m on the 45th floor of the Shinjuku city hall tower, open free of charge to anyone, with views stretching on clear days from Mount Fuji to Tokyo Skytree.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1 — Tocho in Japanese shorthand — is the main tower of the Tokyo city government, designed by architect Kenzo Tange and completed in 1991. Its two towers rise to 243 metres, and both house public observation decks at the 45th floor, at an elevation of 202 metres. Entry is completely free. On a clear day the panorama stretches to Mount Fuji to the west, Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower in the east, and the Boso Peninsula across the bay. Volunteer guides offer information in several languages. The north and south decks alternate partial closures: the south observatory stays open until 22:00 most evenings, while the north closes earlier at 17:30 on most days, staying open until 22:00 only on days when the south is closed.
Background & history
The building was completed in 1991 to a design by Kenzo Tange, one of the most influential Japanese architects of the 20th century. Tange drew on the form of a Gothic cathedral, splitting the main tower into two sub-towers at around the 33rd floor. The building replaced the former city government offices in Yurakucho. For a period after its completion it was the tallest building in Tokyo.
What to look for — in walking order
- South Observatory (45th floor)
- open most days 9:30–22:00; faces south toward Tokyo Tower and Shinjuku skyline; closed 1st and 3rd Tuesday
- North Observatory (45th floor)
- open 9:30–17:30 most days; open until 22:00 on days the south deck is closed; closed 2nd and 4th Monday
- Mount Fuji view to the west
- visible on clear days, most reliably December–February from early morning
- Observation deck cafe and gift shop
- small cafe and souvenir counter on the 45th floor, no extra charge to enter
How to enjoy it
Come on a clear winter morning — December through February gives the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji to the west. The deck opens at 9:30, so arriving soon after opening means clean air, low crowds, and the best light. For evening views, the south observatory stays open until 22:00 most nights (last entry 21:30). Entry is always free; no tickets, no queues to buy anything.
How to actually get there
- Shinjuku Station → Tochomae Station (Toei Oedo Line, 1 stop, ~2 min).
- Tochomae Station → Observatory Elevator, 1F of Building No.1 (walk through the grounds, ~5 min).
- Take the dedicated elevator to the 45th floor (about 55 m). North and South observation rooms both offer free entry; no ticket required. Open until 23:00 (last entry 22:30), closed some Mondays.
- Toei Oedo Line to Tochomae Station
- From Shinjuku Station, take the Toei Oedo Line (E line) one stop to Tochomae Station (E28, ~2 min). Exit directly into the Metropolitan Government Building complex. The observation elevator is on the 1st floor of Building No.1. Total from Shinjuku: ~10 min including the walk.
- Return to Tochomae or walk to Shinjuku
- From the building exit, either take the Oedo Line from Tochomae Station back one stop to Shinjuku, or walk east about 10 minutes to Shinjuku Station (all lines). This is central Tokyo — trains run until after midnight.
Before you go
- Cash
- Entry to the observation decks is free. IC cards (Suica / PASMO) accepted on the Toei Oedo Line.
- Closing days
- South Observatory: 9:30–22:00 (last entry 21:30), closed 1st and 3rd Tuesday. North Observatory: 9:30–17:30 (last entry 17:00) most days; open until 22:00 on days the south deck is closed; closed 2nd and 4th Monday. Both close Dec 29–Jan 3 (except Jan 1). Always check the official schedule as closure days can shift when they fall on public holidays.
- Another way
- A 10-minute walk west from Shinjuku Station's west exit (B1 underground exit toward Nishi-Shinjuku) also reaches the building without taking the metro.
- After you get off
- Tochomae Station (Toei Oedo Line) exits directly into the Metropolitan Government Building grounds; follow signs for Building No.1 and the observatory elevator on the 1st floor.