Observe Tokyo from the center of the city
A short walk from Tochomae Station, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government No. 1 Building, home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Less famous than its cousins Tokyo Tower and TOKYO SKYTREE, the building's twin towers each have an observatory located at the whopping height of 202 meters. Better yet, they're completely free to visit.
Tips
- Stunning views of Tokyo, from Tokyo Bay to Mt. Fuji
- Enjoy the cafe in the South Observatory
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government No. 1 Building's upper floors are split across two towers, a north tower and a south tower. Each has an observatory on the 45th floor. The South Observatory is a good spot for the nighttime view which can be entered until 9:30 pm (must be vacated by 10:00 pm) and also has a cafe.
From the Observatory, you can see Tokyo landmarks such as TOKYO SKYTREE, Tokyo Bay, and sometimes as far as Mt. Fuji. Around the edge of the Observatory, photographic panels point out significant places that can be seen from there.
The best views can be had in the early morning in autumn and winter, as the air is cooler and less hazy.
In the Observatory is a gift shop selling Tokyo souvenirs, making the towers the perfect destination if you've only got time to visit one place in Tokyo and need to prove you've been there.
On certain days you may find a fair which introduces local areas and their produce on the 1st floor of the building. If you're lucky enough for the fair to be on while you're there, make sure to head down to sample produce from the more regional parts of Japan.