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Tokyo Metropolitan Building

FamousEveryone goes here. We cover what the guidebooks skip: when it is quiet, and what is worth your time next door.

Researched and written by Hinato

observation deckTokyofree viewskyscraperMt. Fuji

Photo: kanesue / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0) · original

What sets Tokyo Metropolitan Building apart from other natural sites in Tokyo is how much depends on conditions outside anyone's control.

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.

Our angle on Tokyo Metropolitan Building

Nobody else is going here

Everyone within a mile of Tokyo Metropolitan Building is going to Tokyo Metropolitan Building. Here are 4 places within 20km of it that almost nobody writes about — straight-line distances from our own catalogue, not travel times.

Plan your visit

Time to allow

1-2 hours

Hours

Varies by venue — confirm before visiting

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

Best time to visit

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

Entry fee

Free

Getting there

Directions

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

Access in depth

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.

What to bring

**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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