A Guide to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory

A sprawling cityscape in the foreground with a snow-capped Mount Fuji rising above a mountain range in the distance.
Mount Fuji is the southwest (taken with a 55-200 mm lens).

Discover Tokyo’s top free observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Offering stunning city views from 243 meters, it’s the perfect spot to witness Mount Fuji at sunset or experience the building’s transformation through record-breaking digital art projections. This iconic landmark is essential for any photographer or traveler. It is one of the best things to do in Shinjuku.

Table of Contents

Why visit the TMG observatory?

  • Free entry
  • Amazing sunset and Tokyo night views
  • Fuji views
  • Digital Art
  • Kusama Piano

North vs. South observatory

You can see Mt. Fuji from the North observatory, but its windows are oriented toward Tokyo’s suburban areas. A sea of houses will be in front of you.

A cityscape of Tokyo, with the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building prominent in the center against a backdrop of skyscrapers.

My advice is to skip the north tower. Head directly to the southern observatory is best. It offers the best views of the central city and Mt. Fuji. At night, the cityscape comes alive with light. It’s like a scene from science fiction. Get your camera out and click away, as there is much to see. This is a great place for Japanese travel photography. Just be prepared for crowded windows at sunset. Everyone wants to see Mt Fuji!

Photography at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

What to see from the observation deck

  1. Mt. Fuji (when the weather is fine)
  2. Roppongi Hills (with its Tokyo City View and Sky Deck)
  3. Shinjuku Gyoen
  4. Shinjuku Park Tower (houses the Park Hyatt that featured in Sofia Coppola’s movie, Lost in Translation)
  5. the skyscrapers of Nishi-Shinjuku
  6. Tokyo Bay
  7. Tokyo Dome
  8. Tokyo Tower (mostly obscured)
  9. Tokyo Skytree
  10. Yoyogi Park

This isn’t a comprehensive list. There are many other things you can see from this free observatory. If you think I’ve made an omission, write it in the comments section.

A high-angle, wide shot of the Shinjuku skyline in Tokyo, showcasing a dense cluster of modern skyscrapers and the city below.
Nishi-Shinjuku skyscrapers.

Photography challenges & rules

  • The observation decks can get crowded.
  • Tokyo Tower has almost disappeared!  Over the last year, some new buildings have gone up and decimated the view.
  • Tripods are not allowed. But the ledges along some windows serve almost as well. Be careful of people dropping their bags right next to your camera, though.
  • Glare from the windows can be terrible. Unfortunately, lens hoods are also banned.
  • The wait for elevators can be long. I’ve experienced 45 minutes on an especially busy day.
A sprawling cityscape of Tokyo on a cloudy day, with the iconic Tokyo Skytree prominent in the distance.
Tokyo Skytree is in the distance.

Photo spots near the observatory

None of the following locations is more than 1.7 km away:

A high-angle, sweeping view of the Tokyo cityscape, featuring the prominent Shinjuku Park Tower amid a dense urban landscape.
Shinjuku Park Tower (L) and Tokyo Opera City (R).

Plan your visit

Where is the building?

They are on the 45th floors of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building (東京都庁舎) towers.

Address: 2-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Here it is on a Google map:

Closest train/subway stations

  • Tochomae Station (Closest):
    • Toei Oedo Line (Direct access from the station)
  • Shinjuku Station (10-minute walk):
    • JR Lines: Yamanote, Chuo, Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku
    • Subway: Marunouchi Line, Toei Shinjuku Line
    • Private: Odakyu, Keio

Opening hours

South Observatory

  • 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Closed on the first and third Tuesday every month (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a public holiday).

North Observatory

  • 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Closed on the second and fourth Monday every month (or the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday).
  • On days when the South Observation Deck is closed, entry is possible until 9:30 p.m.

Entry fees

None

You can find the most current hours and information on the official Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building website.

A high-angle, wide shot of the Tokyo cityscape, with a dense cluster of skyscrapers and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

More than just a view

The world’s largest projection mapping canvas

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building made history on February 25, 2024. Its east facade became a canvas for digital art. Guinness World Records certified it as the largest projection-mapping show in the world. Shows run nightly (unless canceled due to unforeseen circumstances). 

Do you like dot-covered pianos?

A dot-covered piano is in the South Observation Deck. Yayoi Kusama, the famous Japanese artist, designed it. It’s free to use and popular. Join the line! Many highly skilled pianists play it.

Tokyo Skytree stands tall against a vibrant sunset sky, overlooking the sprawling cityscape.
Tokyo Skytree (taken with a 55-200 mm lens).

Conclusion

If I had to pick a time to photograph at Tocho, I’d choose sunset as its light makes the city beautiful. And, if the weather is good, you might luck out and get a fantastic view of Mount Fuji. But, be wary of the mountain’s magic. Some people focus on it and forget about everything else!

A low-angle night shot of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, illuminated in vibrant green, blue, and gold lights.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with projection mapping.

Don’t forget to stay for the Tokyo night views. They are also spectacular. This is the time for those Blade Runner views!

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is fantastic for photographers. I’m sure you’ll agree if you look at the images here or on the net. It is one of the best places to take your Japan travel pictures. And remember, it has also become a piece of digital art, so visit it at night to get both the view and the projection mapping!

Picture of Rohan Gillett
Rohan Gillett

Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5. The project will take more than one lifetime to complete.

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