Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tochomae) is the city hall of Tokyo, designed by Kenzo Tange in 1991 — twin 243m towers with free public observatories on the 45th floor of each. North tower opens later (22:00); South tower opens earlier in the morning. Same view, no ticket — Shinjuku-side’s answer to Tokyo Skytree and Mori Tower.

What to Expect

Both observatories sit on the 45th floor at 202m. The view rotates the same Shinjuku/west-Tokyo panorama: Yoyogi Park to the south, Shinjuku Gyoen east, Mt Fuji 100km southwest on clear winter days. Lifts run direct from the 1F lobby — security check is light, no booking, walk-in only.

The North tower has the better hours (open until 22:00 most days) and a small café/gift shop at the top. The South tower closes earlier (17:00) and rotates closure days. If both are open, take whichever has the shorter ground-floor queue.

Consider This Instead

For a higher and paid view that includes art, head to Mori Tower in Roppongi (¥2,000 includes Mori Art Museum), or Tokyo Skytree in Oshiage (¥2,400 for 350m, the best Mt Fuji-clear-day view in the city).

How to Get There

Tips

• North tower for evening, South tower for morning. Hours differ; pick by your slot.
• Closed 1st & 3rd Mon (South) / Tue (North). Check before you go; one tower is always open.
• Walk-in only, free. No tickets, no reservations, no commercialised photo ops.
• Combine with Shinjuku Gyoen. 15-minute walk south-east; gardens by day + Tochomae by sunset.

FAQ