Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
Looking for the best free observatory in Tokyo? The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers stunning city views from 243 meters high. Whether you’re chasing the glow of Mount Fuji at sunset or marveling at a record-breaking digital art projection, this iconic structure is a must-visit for photographers and travelers alike. Read on to find out more!
We’ll get to the digital art part later. Its two towers have observation decks on their 45th floors. The north has fewer points of interest and is often closed. Yes, you can see Mount Fuji and skyscrapers, but the view is primarily of residential areas. My advice is to skip it.
The southern one is best. It offers views of the central part of the city. At night, the cityscape comes alive with light. It’s like a scene from science fiction. Seriously, get your camera out and click away as there is so much to see. This is a great place for Japanese travel photography.
Photography at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
What can you see?
- Mt. Fuji (when the weather is fine)
- Roppongi Hills (with its Tokyo City View and Sky Deck)
- Shinjuku Gyoen
- Shinjuku Park Tower (houses the Park Hyatt that featured in Sofia Coppola’s movie, Lost in Translation)
- the skyscrapers of Nishi-Shinjuku
- Tokyo Bay
- Tokyo Dome
- Tokyo Tower (mostly obscured)
- Tokyo Skytree
- Yoyogi Park
This isn’t a comprehensive list. There are so many other things you can see from this fabulously free observatory. If you think I’ve made a serious omission, please tell me by writing it in the comments section.
Photographing problems
- It can get very 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 can serve almost as well. Be careful of people dropping their bags right next to your camera, though.
- Glare on the windows can be terrible. Unfortunately, you can’t use hoods.
- The wait for elevators on the ground floor can be long. I have had to wait up to 45 minutes on especially busy days.
Photo spots near the observatory
None of the following locations are more than 1.7 km away (in a straight line):
- Love (artwork) in Shinjuku
- Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower (a famous skyscraper)
- Shinjuku Eye
- Godzilla in Kabukicho
- Shinjuku Golden Gai (drinking street)
Where is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory?
Location: 2-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Here is a map:
Closest train/subway stations:
Shinjuku Station:
JR Lines
- Chuo Main Line (Limited Express)
- Chuo Line (Rapid)
- Chuo-Sōbu
- Saikyo
- Shonan-Shinjuku
- Yamanote
Private Lines
- Keio
- Keio New
- Odakyu Odawara
Metro Lines
- Oedo Line
- Toei Shinjuku
- Marunouchi
Tochomae Station:
- Oedo Line
Opening hours
South Observatory
- 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Closed on the first and third Tuesday every month (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a public holiday).
North Observatory
- 9:30-17:00
- 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 21:30.
Admission costs
Free
Do you like Yayoi Kusama?
There is a dot-covered piano in the South Observation Deck. She designed it. It’s free to use and very popular. Many highly skilled pianists play it.
It’s 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. Shows run nightly (unless canceled due to unforeseen circumstances). It’s become a new Tokyo tourist attraction.
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!
One bad thing is the loss of Tokyo Tower. You can hardly see it anymore due to other buildings in the way. That was a tremendous blow. Now the view seems strange to me. The march of city development is always onward and upward. It does not halt for us mere photographers.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a fantastic place 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 the view and projection mapping!
Rohan Gillett
Rohan lives in Tokyo's Suginami Ward with his wife and dog. He loves photography and okonomiyaki.
For more observatory articles, look at:
External related websites:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory (official website)
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