What can you see from the observation decks?

The observation decks offer panoramic views of Tokyo, and on clear days, you can see Mount Fuji, the Tokyo Skytree, and the Meiji Shrine. The North Tower and South Tower both have observation decks, providing different perspectives of the city.

What are the opening hours for the observation decks?

The North Observation Deck is open from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM, while the South Observation Deck is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. These hours can vary, so it's recommended to check in advance.

How do you get to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building?

The building is accessible via the Tochomae Station on the Oedo Subway Line. It's also a short walk from Shinjuku Station, one of Tokyo's major railway stations.

Where is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building located?

It's located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and is a prominent feature of the city's skyline. The address is 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.

Can visitors go inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building?

Yes, visitors can enter the building and access the observation decks, which are open to the public free of charge.

Tokyo

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

4.5 (6357)City HallTourist AttractionLocal Government OfficeGovernment OfficeServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, often called "Tocho," is a striking landmark in Shinjuku. This towering structure, designed by the famous architect Kenzo Tange, serves as the headquarters for Tokyo’s government. Rising to 243 meters, it consists of two towers, each offering spectacular views of the city.

What makes Tocho special is its free observation decks on the 45th floor of both towers. From these decks, you can see iconic sights like Mount Fuji, Tokyo Skytree, and the bustling cityscape of Tokyo, all depending on the weather. It’s a fantastic spot for both tourists and locals to get a panoramic view of the sprawling metropolis without spending a yen.

The building’s unique design mimics the look of a computer chip, symbolizing Tokyo's tech-forward mindset. It’s not just about government work here; the building and its surrounding plaza are often lively with events and exhibitions, adding a vibrant touch to this official site.

Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM

Phone

+81 3-5321-1111

Website

www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp

The area

Address

2-chōme-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001, Japan

Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM

What other travelers are saying about Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Came here earlier on the day, pretty sparse crowd. Free view of the city, and if you’re lucky, you can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day. It can get a bit hot from the heating they blast off in the observatory deck. At night, you can admire the light show (also free!) from the park below. There’s also a tourist information center on the ground level with helpful staffs ready to assist you for any questions you might have. They do a free hire guided tour of the whole building every hour, if you’re interested in that.

Irfan Shuhaimi

Feb 9, 2026

Loved the light show that happens every 30 minutes. It was very mesmerizing and memorable. You can also go and see a free viewing deck. Has a gift shop with quality traditional goods and souvenirs. Can get a bit crowded at night, but definitely stop by here!

I visited the light show at the end of the year after going up to the observation deck, and honestly—wow. The projection mapping on the building is really impressive and very special at night. The show runs permanently from 17:30 to 21:30, with the frequency depending on the season. I went on a weekend, and there were lots of locals around enjoying the show, which gave it a really nice, lively atmosphere. Best part? It’s completely free, yet the quality is amazing. It’s an easy and fun stop in Shinjuku, especially if you’re already nearby in the evening. Definitely worth seeing if you’re in Tokyo.

Visited the observatory, amazing 360 degree view of all Tokyo. Fortunately the skies were clear and even got to see mt fuji. I just wish it was an open deck and not all closed, but well, there are other open decks in Tokyo but not free as this is. Later on, there was an audiovisual show on the face of the building for people to hag out and watch the show. Really nice!

A nice evening event is the light show at the government building, depends when you have time, but the weekend shows are more bigger and way more spectacular. We had godzilla, pacman, blue lock and many more. They also had sheets that you are not getting a cold, was really a nice experience.