Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory

Snow-capped Mount Fuji rises above a mountain range and the Tokyo urban landscape on a cloud day
Mount Fuji is visible to the southwest. This photo was taken on the Fujinon XF55-200mm at 134mm.

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 see Mount Fuji at sunset or experience the building’s transformation through digital art projections.

This iconic landmark, known as Tocho by the locals, is a must-visit for any photographer or traveler. It is one of the best things to do in Shinjuku.

The NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building clock tower and Japan National Stadium in the Tokyo cityscape at sunset.
The NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building is closest to the camera on the left and Japan National Stadium is in the middle.
Tokyo Skytree rises above the urban skyline against a pink twilight sky at dusk.
To the north of the observatory is Tokyo Skytree.

Why visit Tocho?

There are so many reasons why you should visit the building. This is what you get?

  • Free entry
  • Amazing sunset and Tokyo night views
  • An unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji
  • Digital art (though this needs to be seen from the outside and at night)
  • Kusama piano
The Tokyo cityscape and high-rise buildings lit by late afternoon sunlight.
Roppongi Hills is in the middle.

Choosing the best observation deck

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 to the southern observatory. 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.

People relaxing and picnicking on green lawns at Shinjuku Central Park in Tokyo.
People enjoying Chuo Park which is just under the observatory.

The observatory is a great place for Japanese travel photography. Just be prepared for crowded windows at sunset. Everyone wants to see Mt Fuji!

Photography at the observatory

What you can see from the deck

  • Mt. Fuji (when the weather is fine)
  • Roppongi Hills (with its Tokyo City View and Sky Deck)
  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
  • the skyscrapers of Nishi-Shinjuku
  • Tokyo Bay
  • Tokyo Dome
  • Tokyo Gate Bridge (if you have good eyes!)
  • Tokyo Tower (mostly obscured)
  • Tokyo Skytree
  • Yoyogi Park (with Meiji Shrine)

This isn’t a comprehensive list. There are many other things you can see from this free observatory. If you think I’ve omitted something worthy, tell me in the comments section.

Shooting shadows from the Tocho

In the late afternoons leading up to golden hour look below the building. You are sure to find many interesting shadows.

A person casts a long shadow across the paved Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building plaza in the late afternoon.
In the late afternoon, you can even capture interesting shadows under the building.

Photography challenges & rules

  • The observation decks 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.

Photo spots near the observatory

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

Shinjuku Park Tower and Tokyo Opera City Tower dominate Shinjuku’s western skyline.
Shinjuku Park Tower and Tokyo Opera City dominate Shinjuku’s west.

More than just the Tokyo view

World’s biggest 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). Named “Tokyo Night & Light” it’s become a new Tokyo tourist attraction.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building illuminated by green projection mapping display at night.
Tocho lit up during “Tokyo Night & Light”.

Yayoi Kusama piano

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 Marathon start line

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.

Nishi-Shinjuku skyscrapers including Sompo Japan Building and Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower.
Nishi-Shinjuku’s skyscrapers include the Keio Plaza Hotel and Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower

Visitor information

  • Location:
    • 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
  • 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 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
  • Security check: This is simple. Guards will ask to look inside any bags. Unfortunately, on busy days this might make waiting times for the elevators thirty minutes or even longer.
  • For the most current hours and information, consult the official Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building website.
  • Here it is on a Google map:

Is this the best free place to see Tokyo?

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!

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.

Shinjuku high-rise office buildings look towards Yoyogi Park.

But be wary of the mountain’s magic. Some people focus on it and forget about everything else!

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