My Favorites

My Tokyo Guide

See something interesting? Click on the heart button in the article to add a page from this site to My Favorites.

Main content starts here.

Updated: October 6, 2023

Tokyo Metropolitan Government No.1 Building 東京都庁

2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

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.

How to Get There

  • Tochomae StationOedo LineExit A41 min on foot

Contact

Your current location:

Opening Hours

  • 9:30-22:00
    MondaysTuesdaysWednesdaysThursdaysFridaysSaturdaysSundaysHolidays

    *Last entry 30 minutes before closing
  • Closing days: New Year's holidays
    South Observatory: Closed on the first and third Tues. of the month, and during statutory inspections of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
    North Observatory: Currently closed (please see the website for details.)

Price

CashVisaJCBMasterCardAlipay

Free

Facility Info

  • JapaneseEnglishMandarin ChineseCantoneseKorean
  • JapaneseEnglishChinese (simplified)Chinese (traditional)Korean
  • Disabled parkingAutomatic doorsHandrailsWheelchair rampEscalatorElevatorMulti-purpose toiletOstomate restroomsToilet with handrailsDiaper changing facilitiesBaby chair/high chairFolding bed for adultsWheelchair loanBreast feeding roomAccessible communication formats

For updated information on opening hours, closings, prices, and more, please check the official website or ask the facility directly.