Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory Guide

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers two free observation decks located 202 meters above ground. Known locally as ‘Tocho,’ these twin towers provide 360-degree panoramic views of landmarks like Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji. Entry is completely free, making it the most popular budget-friendly alternative to paid observatories in the city.

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.

Why visit the TMG observatory?

1. Free entry
2. Amazing sunset and Tokyo night views
3. Fuji views
4. Digital art
5. 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.

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.

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 (a huge park)
4. the skyscrapers of Nishi-Shinjuku
5. Tokyo Bay
6. Tokyo Dome
7. Tokyo Gate Bridge (if you have good eyes!)
8. Tokyo Tower (mostly obscured)
9. Tokyo Skytree
10. Yoyogi Park (with Meiji Shrine)

Photography challenges & rules

1. The observation decks get crowded.
2. Tokyo Tower has almost disappeared! Over the last year, some new buildings have 3. gone up and decimated the view.
4. 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.
5. Glare from the windows can be terrible. Unfortunately, lens hoods are also banned.
6. The wait for elevators can be long. I’ve experienced 45 minutes on an especially busy day.

Photo spots near the observatory

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

– Love (artwork) in Shinjuku
– Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower (a famous skyscraper)
– Shinjuku Eye (a piece of 1960s artwork)
– Godzilla in Kabukicho
– Shinjuku Golden Gai (drinking street)
– Tokyu Kabukicho Tower (another observatory)

Plan your visit

Where are the observatories?

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 Google Maps:

Closest train/subway stations

1. Tochomae Station (Closest):
Toei Oedo Line (Direct access from the station)

2. 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 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 9:00. p.m.

Entry fees

None

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

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). It’s become a new Tokyo tourist attraction.

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.

A place for Tokyo sport

The Tokyo Marathon is held in March and the startline is in front of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. As it is an international event, the area will be crowded to the extreme, so plan accordingly.

Is TMG worth it?

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!

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!